This is the start of a new series titled "The Deadly Deadline Mystery" series. Winter Snow is a new obituary writer in Connecticut who is asked by an older woman to write her obituary by Friday. Winter is not sure why there is a rush, but she agrees, and then is sad to discover that the woman has fallen down her stairs and has died...before Friday. Was it an accident or murder? The story is a bit slow-paced in parts, and a bit confusing in sections with lots of characters. I do like the character of Winter Snow, although not the name, so I will read the next book in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC.

Review of The Last Word by Gerri Lewis

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Gerri Lewis' The Last Word is a charming and intriguing cozy mystery that stands out in its genre. The premise alone is enough to spark curiosity: an obituary writer, Winter Snow, becomes entangled in a murder investigation after a client, who requests her own obituary, dies unexpectedly. It’s an unusual job for an amateur sleuth, and the mix of quirky characters, small-town charm, and dark twists make it an enjoyable read.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot is a breath of fresh air in the cozy mystery genre. Winter Snow, with her unique profession, brings a distinct perspective to the investigation, offering a refreshing change from the typical detective or amateur sleuth. The murder mystery itself is well-paced, and the twists keep things interesting, though it does take a little while to fully ramp up. The unveiling of the killer felt satisfying, though not overly complex—this is a cozy mystery, after all, so readers can expect a solid but not mind-bending mystery.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Winter is a likable and relatable protagonist. Her job as an obituary writer adds depth to her character, as she’s someone who deals with the stories of others’ lives, yet is still figuring out her own. The supporting characters, particularly the ones in the small town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, add to the charm of the book. While some characters could use a bit more depth, they all serve to create a colorful backdrop to the mystery. The budding romance adds a nice touch but doesn’t overwhelm the story—it's a nice, slow-burn element that doesn’t distract from the main plot.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Lewis’ writing is engaging and accessible. She does an excellent job of weaving descriptions of Ridgefield and its quirky residents into the narrative, making the setting feel like an essential part of the story. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing is steady, with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. The writing doesn’t try to be too flashy, which works well for this type of cozy mystery.

Romance: ★★★☆☆
The romance in The Last Word is understated, but it fits well within the context of the story. Winter’s relationship with the potential love interest is slow and natural, which is a pleasant change from forced or rushed romantic subplots. While it's not the focus of the book, the hints of romance offer a nice side element that adds depth to Winter's character.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★☆☆
While The Last Word is certainly a cozy mystery, it doesn't have the high-octane thrills that some mystery fans may crave. Instead, it offers a more laid-back kind of suspense. The mystery unfolds at a comfortable pace, with Winter slowly uncovering clues. It’s not edge-of-your-seat material, but it’s certainly satisfying for fans who prefer a more relaxing mystery-solving experience.

Overall: ★★★★☆
The Last Word is a delightful mystery with a unique premise that sets it apart from other cozy mysteries. The small-town atmosphere, quirky characters, and Winter’s perspective as an obituary writer make for a fun, engaging read. The romance, while secondary, is sweet, and the mystery itself is satisfying without being overly complicated. It’s a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries who are looking for a book with charm and intrigue. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery, The Last Word will be right up your alley.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A solid and engaging read, The Last Word is a charming cozy mystery that offers a fresh take on the genre. While it may not have the intense suspense of other mysteries, its likable characters and intriguing premise will keep readers coming back for more.

Thank you, NetGalley, Publishers, and Gerri Lewis for gifting me a copy of The Last Word in exchange for my honest opinion.

4/5 stars

Winter Snow is an obituary writer who is living in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She gets a call one morning from Mrs. Roth Arlington, who requires an obituary by Friday. Who might the obituary be for you ask? Herself. Why does one of the most influential residents want her obituary written, and by Friday of all days? When Winter finds her at the bottom of her staircase she begins to wonder if Mrs. Arlington might have known that her demise was coming. Winter, with the help of new detective Kip, will have to solve the case before she is arrested for murder!

The plot was wonderful to read, in each chapter you learned something new about Mrs. Arlington and it helped keep the story suspenseful and interesting. Also as someone who lives in Connecticut, it was interesting to learn about and read aspects of a part I was only familiar with in name.

I wasn't wowed throughout the first few chapters. It didn't grab my attention immediately, but once we met Ms. Arlington and the mystery started unfolding, I couldn't put it down. I found who the murderer suspects was predictable, but the plot was so intricate, that I didn't find that to be a bad thing.

I also have so many questions about Winter and her family. During the 5th chapter she brought up her sister, Summer, who passed away, we do not find out how in this book. Then she talks about her sister in Florida, it threw me for a loop and I had to go back and reread it to figure it out.

I am excited to continue reading this series as more books are published!

A great first in series by a new to me author. I appreciated the unique profession of the main character and enjoyed solving the murder along side her and other interesting characters. I'm hoping to read more books by this author.

The Last Word by Gerri Lewis is a gripping and cleverly crafted cozy mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story centers on quirky bookshop owner and amateur detective, Emma, who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when a local author is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Lewis skillfully weaves a suspenseful plot with intriguing twists, endearing characters, and a charming setting. The book’s rich dialogue and engaging narrative make it a standout in the genre. If you love a well-crafted mystery with a dash of literary flair and a strong, relatable heroine, The Last Word is an absolute must-read!

I love a good cozy mystery! One that incorporates all of my favorite topics (i.e. genealogy, bookstores, libraries, cooking, painting, inn keeping, animals, etc.), throwing in some action-suspense, a who-done-it, interesting characters, and a plot that keeps me guessing, then you’ve got me hooked. I will say, I am one of those people who like to read a series from the beginning, but I often find you don’t have to… either way I highly recommend reading The Last Word by Gerri Lewis.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.*

I love the fact that Winter is an obituary writer even though I am not sure that could really be a thing. The supporting characters are fun, and I am looking forward to seeing how things develop. The mystery had a twist that I didn't see coming. Overall a very enjoyable read.

STAR RATING: 3 AND A HALF STARS

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I initially was drawn to it simply because of the cover and the fact that Winter was an obituary writer. The premise itself was interesting enough and I'm glad I received a copy of it.

Winter and her group of friends and family were so sweet, especially her uncle, and it was so fun to read about them. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series and cannot wait for more of Winter and Officer Kip, whose relationship made me melt. Kip was so sweet, even when he was frustrated with her.

The mystery itself was interesting and kept me guessing how everything was going to play out, except for Tom who's 180 attitude towards Winter felt very obvious and whiplash inducing.

Overall, it was a cute book with an interesting mystery, and a great first introduction to a series!

I am excited to see where this series goes. I felt really invested in the town and loved the idea of the main character writing obituaries (especially the ones for people still living!)


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is a great first in a new series. I really enjoyed it. It flows well and the characters are nicely developed. Winter Snow is an obituatiry writter in a small town if Ridgefield, Connecticut, 45 minutes away from NYC. Winter is contacted by a very wealthy octogenerian philanthropist asks Winter to write her obituary, with a deadline of 3 days. Winter is perplexed by the urgency and when she mets with Mrs. Arlington, her suspcions grow.

Ridgefield is under a hurricane warning and Winter is also prepping for a power outage. On a whim, she invites Mrs. Arlington to her house to weather the storm, but Mrs. Arlington refuses. Winter is worried about her, and drives out to the house to check on it, only to find Mrs. Arlington at the bottom of the stairs.

There are some great characters- Kip Michaels is the cop helping investigate the case. Richard is Winter's uncle and always there to help out and Winter's neighbor, Horace, Winter's neighbor.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

An engaging cozy mystery and a great start to a new series. I loved the cozy atmosphere and the well developed characters…Some plot twists were easy to anticipate but the overall journey compensates for it.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This first book in the Deadly Deadlines cozy series has an interesting premise, a sleuth who is an obituary writer. There's also plenty of interesting characters with potential for future books.

The plot seemed a bit convoluted but, nonetheless, this was an excellent series debut which holds great promise. I'm hoping for many more Deadly Deadlines books in the future.

I was pleasantly surprised with this debut effort from Lewis. I had no idea making a living by writing obituaries was even a thing. Winter is an amateur sleuth who feels compelled to solve the death of a client. She is a bit too bold in that she often breaks the law, such as hiding evidence. There are a number of good support characters, including some quirky ones.

Lewis' writing style is clear and a pleasure to read. The murder plot was a little complex and took lots of explaining at the end. There was a little suspense near the end too.

I generally liked this cozy mystery and will be watching for more from Lewis.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Book Review: "The Last Word" by Gerri Lewis

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gerri Lewis makes a captivating debut in the cozy mystery genre with "The Last Word," the first installment in the "Deadly Deadlines" series. Set in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the story follows obituary writer Winter Snow as she uncovers a tangled web of secrets after a neighbor's untimely demise.

Winter Snow's character is compelling, providing a fresh perspective on amateur sleuthing. Her determination to seek justice for Mrs. Arlington, coupled with the quirky ensemble cast including her foodie Uncle Richard and wise neighbor Horace, adds depth to the narrative. The incorporation of Diva, the Great Pyrenees puppy, not only tugs at the heartstrings but also brings a delightful element to the story.

Lewis weaves a well-crafted mystery with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged from start to finish. While some aspects of the plot may be predictable, the journey towards uncovering the truth is where the true enjoyment lies. The author's writing style is fluid and engaging, making for a fast-paced read that is hard to put down.

One of the things I particularly enjoy about "The Last Word" is the picturesque setting of Ridgefield, which adds charm and atmosphere to the story. Lewis paints a vivid backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience, transporting readers into the heart of the mystery.

Overall, "The Last Word" is a promising start to a new series that promises more thrilling adventures with Winter Snow. Gerri Lewis showcases her talent for crafting engaging mysteries and endearing characters, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to entertain and delight.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I really enjoyed this new cozy series by Gerri Lewis. I wanted to read it based on the title and cover alone. I wasn't expecting the main character working as an obituary writer. Thought that was interesting and new. The characters were great and I loved the setting. I liked the cop duo angle. Definitely can't wait to read the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a review copy.

Winter Snow is an obituary writer in this new cozy mystery series. I will admit that the name threw me off from the very beginning. I liked the Connecticut town and most of the characters we meet, but Winter makes too many mistakes while trying to solve this crime and that really bothered me. Overall not a bad cozy, but I’m not sure if I will continue the series.

I think I have found my new favorite cozy mystery series. I mean what's not to love about an obituary writer by day and a mystery solver by night. I didn't think I would like this series when I started reading it, but I ended up loving it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Finally a cozy mystery heroine with a job you don't see every day. Obit writer.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Loved this cute and sweet cozy mystery that I found entertaining and compelling. Solid mystery, likeable characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is a super cute and fun cozy mystery that has all the right elements. As the first book in a new series, readers will enjoy getting to know the characters and solving this mystery.

Winter Snow's name is not the only unusual thing about he. Winter writes obituaries for the local newspaper in Ridgefield, Connecticut. When Winter's editor tells her that Leocadia Arlington wants her to write her obituary, while she is still alive, Winter is intrigued with the wealthy woman's request. Little does she know that someone may be writing her obituary unless she solves a mystery with layers of secrets and death!

At first, I wasn't sure about the book, but now I'm hooked! Winter is so kind and gives dignity and life to all the obituaries she writes. Winter is curious and is determined to find the truth. The characters were relatable and quirky. I can't wait for the next book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.