Alexis Morgan is a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to reading more by this author! I loved this book

Abby finds herself on another volunteer charity project. This time she is helping with the Founder's Day race along with Gil, co-owner of a local motorcycle repair shop. She ends up being the one to ride along the trail to make sure no runners are left behind, and unfortunately she finds one. Rather than just being injured, he is dead. The runner is a city council member who has more than his share of enemies. He had a very public fight with one shortly before his death - Gil's brother Gary. Abby sets out to help prove his innocence. Abby must be southern because she offers everyone plenty of food no matter what the occasion. This book can be read on its own, but it is best enjoyed if you read the previous books for the backstory.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Death by the Finish Line, the fifth Abby McCree mystery, is a fun, engaging addition to the charming Washington based series featuring overcommitted volunteer Abby.

Abby McCree finds herself once again in charge of a local event – this time a 5k run taking place during the town’s Founder’s Day Celebration. Her co-coordinator and unexpected friend is Gil, owner of a motorcycle shop whose experience in the military has trained him to be conscientious and organized. Everything goes well until a member of the city council, James DiSalvo, is found dead just off the race route. Unfortunately, Gil’s brother Gary becomes the prime suspect since he was seen arguing with the councilman shortly before the race. Abby is convinced that Gary is innocent and sets out to find the real killer despite everyone’s orders to stay out of it.

I enjoy this series. The mysteries are always well plotted and executed, but it is the characters that keep me coming back for more. Abby is an intelligent sleuth who genuinely cares about those around her. Tripp is a favorite, and their relationship continues here with a “will they/won’t they” slow burn. As a dog lover, Abby’s dog Zeke is always a highlight…I just love him. I appreciate Abby’s and Police Chief Gage’s friendship. Even though she often puts her nose where it does not belong, much to Gage’s displeasure, their relationship always survives. Readers first meet in the previous book in the series, and it is nice to get to know him better within these pages. The mystery of DiSalvo’s death is engaging, and, as Abby quickly discovers, there are several suspects and motives. Even with sufficient clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout the tale, I mistakenly discounted the killer until late in the book.

Death by the Finish Line is an appealing comfort read. Recommended to any cozy mystery reader.

In Alexis Morgan’’s Death by the Finish Line, the 5th installment in the Abby McCree cozy mystery series, this cozy mystery had excitement, danger, and twisted turns to keep you in suspense. It all started for Abby McCree, when she teamed up with Gil Pratt, a local biker, to coordinate the Snowberry Creek Founder’s Day Salmon Scoot race. Everything went smoothly until a dead body was found by the finish line. That’s when she called in the police to retrieve the body and later learned his name was identified as James DiSalvo. The main suspect was Gil’s brother Gary and arrested for his murder. But to help her friend prove his brother’s innocence, she did some shopping in Di Salvo’s background without sticking her head into it. To make things worse, his estranged daughter arrived on the scene and making a fuss about her father’s house. At this time, Abby’s uncertain about her feelings with her friend Tripp Blackston, who wanted to take their relationship to the next level. As Abby dug closer to the truth, danger lurked over her head and boomed ahead for her. When she thought she had figured it out, the real culprit revealed itself to her when she fought for her life to see justice service.

This intriguing cozy mystery had me hooked from the first page to keep on reading further. I cared for Abby and how she’d gotten herself into another pickle. I loved how she cared about her family and the other residents in Snowberry Creek. I also have found Tripp ambitious to keep up with his studies in college and to help keep Abby out of trouble. Zeke was adorable and a true devoted pet by herself. The location of Snowberry Creek, Washington, was enchanted and charming to picture a small town in Northwestern Washington State with idyllic scenic settings by the river. The theme of the story is not to hold a grudge on someone when your anger is boiling hot.

This fascinating cozy will captivate you into a great mystery in one or two settings. I couldn’t find anything fault to nitpick on. I rated this book, four out of five stars for no reason. If you love great cozy capers to keep you in suspense with non-stop action, plenty of non-stop drama and a hint of romance, Death by the Finish Line is the book for you. This cozy is recommended for all mystery and cozy lovers who enjoy a good read to try out a new series and a new author to follow.

I have read most of the books in this series and enjoyed all of them. It was fun to re-visit these characters and also solve a mystery at the same time.

Death by the Finish Line is book five in the An Abby McCree Mystery series by Alexis Morgan.
This easy to read Cozy has everything. The main characters are likable and relatable, There is humor, a touch of romance, friendship, family and plenty of twists and turns that have your guessing to the very end. You may even want to fix a tuna noodle casserole.
I was given an ARC by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

This is the 5th in this series. Abby McCree is once again helping out with a town event and this time it is the Founders day celebration and the annual 5k run. This time motorcycle repair shop owner Gil Pratt is her co-chair and it has gone remarkably well. The day of the race starts off well but she witness’s Gil’s brother Gary in a heated argument with another man who turns out to be a town council member James DiSalvo. As the race is just about over Abby does a final check of the course and is flagged down by a couple of people who say someone is hurt down a ravine. Abby has once again found a dead body. Tripp Blackston is not too happy but it is not like Abby goes out of her way to find trouble. It turns out the deceased is council member DiSalvo and it appears to be murder. Gary Pratt is arrested and Abby is concerned about Gil as he has now become a friend. Gage Logan and Tripp of course don’t want Abby to get involved in the investigation. Abby is so well intentioned and really did try and stay out of it but she just happens to be in the wrong place at the right time several times over. This is a good engaging mystery with great characters. Love Abby and hope to see her and Tripp figure out what their relationship really is. This will keep you guessing and reading late into the night. Looking forward to the next in the series!

This was a fantastic read! The mystery was so so good and I love the new friendship Abby and Gil have struck up. The dynamic between Abby and her friends in the town is entertaining and there's enough humor thrown in to make for an absolutely delightful read. Loved this book and love the series overall.

Princess Fuzzypants here: When she first started working on the charity race with Gil, the owner of a bike shop, she thought he was a scary guy. Working closely to make the event successful, a friendship developed so when a bully is murdered off the route of the run, and Gil’s brother Gary is arrested, Abby is drawn into the investigation. Abby is nothing if not a loyal friend and she supports Gil through this trying time. Even though Gary argued with the deceased just before the race, she does not believe him guilty. Nor does Tripp or her friend, the chief of police, in spite of the evidence to the contrary.

The dead man was obnoxious and mean so there were lots of people who did not like him. He even shunned his own daughter because she did not marry the “appropriate” man. Sifting through all the people with a beef against him opens up several possible suspects. And by the time Abby figures out whodunnit, the reader may have accepted and rejected several of the candidates. Part of my suspicions were borne out but I was flummoxed in the end. It is kind of fun when the reader tries to figure out the killer and motive and gets fooled.

One of the things I like best about this series is the relationships of a spate of quirky and fallible characters who learn to trust and treasure each other. Abby is a great heroine who is smart and sassy but also has a big heart which brings some unusual types together. But if she was my friend and she baked like she does in the book, I would not be able to move. Glad it is just fiction. Five purrs and two paws up.

No matter how hard she tries Abby just can’t seem to stay out of murder investigations. Abby is a great protagonist she is relatable, smart, and caring. The mystery is full of twists and turns to keep you guess who the murderer is and why the did it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

I've read this entire series by Alexis Morgan, and absolutely loved it! This 5th book in the series did not disappoint. Unlike most cozy mysteries (which I absolutely love), it's not super obvious who the culprit is. So you have the suspense of an intense mystery with the laid-back fuzzy, cheeriness of other cozy mysteries. I do recommend reading the series in order to follow the character development. I've really come to love these characters, and I can't wait for book #6!

I love this series, mostly because I really enjoy Abby and Tripp and I also adore Abby's dog, but this book wasn't my favorite. I still enjoyed it but the mystery wasn't my favorite and I feel like Abby needs to just embrace running events instead of always dodging and complaining. Maybe start an event business. I feel like that would make more sense for her character. Overall it was still a good read and I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.

What an excellent cozy!! Though this is the 5th book in the Abby McCree series is, I hadn't read any books in this series before reading this one. I loved it so much I'm planning to immediately go back and read the earlier books. Thoroughly enjoyable with an interesting plot and likeable characters.

Abby and biker, Gil, organize the town's running race and, as the title indicates, there's a dead body near the finish line. While the characters seem to eat something on every page (OK, maybe every other page) they manage to progress on solving the mystery.

Highly recommended for cozy fans!!

Death by the Finish Line

by Alexis Morgan

Abby has an unlikely partner, Gil, as she chairs the committee that is organizing Snowberry Creek’s Founder’s Day charity run. Gil is a die-hard biker who runs a motorcycle maintenance shop with his brother Gary. Gil, a veteran, has a rough exterior, but Abby discovers in him excellent organizational skills developed during his time in the military and a surprisingly soft side.

Abby and Gil plan the run down to the last detail and recruit a group of capable volunteers. What they didn’t count on was a murder along the way and charges filed against Gary. This is not the first murder Abby is too close to since she moved to Snowberry Creek. With urgings from her boyfriend Tripp and the police chief Gage, Abby tries hard to stay out of the investigation, but Gary needs help and clues keep coming her way.

The plot of Death by the Finish Line is complex with lots of complications. Abby is a likable main character. She and Tripp are trying to work out just what their relationship is and if the “L” word should be a part of it. The romance, however, is only a sideline and does not cloud the mystery aspects. Abby’s lovable mastiff mix Zeke plays a big role in the story and in Abby’s life.

For most of the book, it would be hard to predict who the criminal is, but as the plot churns quickly towards a denouement, the reader becomes aware of the perpetrator, but not the motive. Abby is somewhat naive as she focuses on helping people, and the reader will surely be screaming “No, Abby, don’t do it! Watch out.” Finally beginning to sense danger, Abby makes a smart move as the plot reaches its climax. In the aftermath, Abby is surprised with a personal, non-romantic, decision that will leave you smiling. For the cozy mystery reader, Death at the Finish Line is another satisfying trip to Snowberry Creek where life should be slow-paced and uneventful, but rarely is.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: # 5 in the Abby McCree Mystery Series, but can be read as a standalone.

Publication: December 28, 2021—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

“The mayor’s assistant is a lovely woman, so warm and friendly. At the same time, she has an absolutely terrifying ability to convince someone that they want nothing more in life than to help organize a charity run.”

She’d barely been able to dress herself at this hour, but Tripp was clean shaven, his dark hair neatly combed, and his dark eyes sparkled with good humor. He looked irritatingly chirpy, but then he was a morning person. Lucky for him, he had other redeeming characteristics to make up for that one serious shortcoming.

Tripp insisted that Zeke’s loyalty could be bought with two treats and a pat on the head, but that wasn’t always true. While there weren’t many people the big dog didn’t like, the few exceptions had all turned out to be bad news.

This was a solid, entertaining read with interesting characters and, oh, yes, a cool dog. Main character Abby isn't the one who finds the body but that doesn't stop her from being involved in the investigation, even as she tries to stay out of Gage's way and investigation. Yet, despite a tremendous amount of time baking and serving up food to, well, anyone who crosses her path, her curiosity won't allow her to completely let go. Although this is the fifth book in the Abby McCree Mystery series, it worked nicely as a stand-alone. That said, as a new reader to the series, I couldn't quite wrap my brains around the complicated relationship she has with Tripp, who seems to be a former government agent of some sort, or even Gage, the local police detective. I definitely enjoyed getting a look into Gage's relationship with his daughter, who feels protective toward him while understanding the responsibilities of his job. Doesn't mean she has to like it, however. He's good at it, though, and that is emphasized throughout. That is a nice change from some cozy mysteries where the local police and main character are set up as adversaries.

Bottom line, I had no clue who did it until Abby knew. What makes a father basically disown his own daughter? What is Zeke the dog's role in the conclusion? Would you have been clever enough to leave a clue behind like Abby did for her hoped for rescuers? Will Gil get Abby on the back of his motorcycle? Will the townspeople be shocked if he does? What is going on between Tripp and Abby? And what job will the mayor volunteer Abby for next? How will that turn out? Like me, you're just going to have to read this book to find out. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure for Abby and her intriguing circle of friends, not to mention to see how many treats big dog Zeke can bum off of them next time.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for the ARC and for introducing me to a new-to-me series.

Death by the Finish Line by Alexis Morgan is the 5th book in the Abby McCree Mystery series, and another great addition. I really loved this book/series and can't wait for the next book. Abby McCree moved to Snowberry Creek, after inheriting her Aunt Sybil home. Abby also inherited a tenant Tripp, who helps her around the property and their romance seems to grow in every book. This book is very well written full of great characters, and a well thought out plot. When I started this book, it kept me reading page after page. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book and the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another good addition to this excellent series. entertaining and compelling.
Solid mystery, fleshed out and likeable characters, a well crafted plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The plot of the book was such a great page turner. The plot of the book was very well written. I truly cannot wait to read another wonderful book from this author. This was a truly great book.

Genre: Cozy mystery
I read book 4 in an Abby McCree Mystery series and really enjoyed it. This book didn't flow as well for me.
Synopsis: Abby has been roped into helping with a race on Founder's Day. Her partner is someone she would normally shy away from, Gil. Gil has a motorcycle repair and customization shop, but he was in the military and has great organizational skills. He and Abby make a great team. Everything seems to be going fine on race day until there are a few stragglers who are not accounted for. One man in the race is found dead in the woods. The main suspect is Gary, Gil's brother. Abby doesn't believe Gary killed DiSalvo, but she tries to stay out of the investigation....mostly.
Likes: the characters - Abby, Tripp, Gil, Gage and other supporting characters. I like the setting in small town Washington. I like Zeke, the big goofy dog. I like that Abby loves to bake and cook.
Cons to this book in the series: there was a lot of time spent telling Abby to stay out of the investigation and out of trouble. Tripp and Gage weren't above intimidation. I don't care for that dynamic. Abby tried to hard to stay safe and her biggest failing seems to be caring too much for people she gets to know.

The ending to the book was interesting. I had considered those that turned out to be responsible but I couldn't tell for sure what their motive would be. I liked that part. The way Abby feels she has to offer cookies to the police as an apology for inadvertently getting involved in the ending (can't give away more because I don't want to spoil it) bothers me a little as well. Overall, I liked the book but felt like Abby was a bit of a door mat at some points. I would guess it's a tough balance to find for the author because Abby seems like a genuinely nice person, but she gets pushed around by the men around her.

Death by the Finish Line is an excellent cozy mystery. It is the fifth Abby McCree Mystery by Alexis Morgan. Each book develops the characters a little more revealing their uniqueness and quirkiness. Abby may have been somewhat railroaded in the beginning of the series to take on the many volunteer positions that she has but it is evident that she does enjoy them. Almost as much as she enjoys solving a mystery. She definitely enjoys making sure that an innocent member of the Pacific Northwest small town of Snowberry Creek finds justice. That means she is on the lookout for the real culprit putting herself in danger.

This is a fun read where there is a true solution and a guilty party stopped. There is danger but not gore. I have enjoyed this series and particularly Death by the Finish Line. It has the right amount of small town charm showing us all you can’t judge a person or a character by how they look. Abby learns that early as she works with Gil Pratt. Of course, she has other members of the community and her tenant Tripp Blackston around to help her sort out this murder mystery by the end of the book.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.