This one was a good first installment of a series! I read a lot of cozy mysteries and this one was unique because the main character and sleuth is an obituary writer, which was pretty intriguing!
Our story starts with Winter when an elderly woman calls her and requests Winter to write her obituary before Friday however, at the time of making this request the woman was very alive! So when Winter goes to Mrs. Arlington's estate she finds her at the bottom of the stairs.
Winter is then in the middle of a murder investigation!
Winter then starts investigating because she does not trust one of the cops, Tom, because he is intent on creating a case against her trying to prove she murdered Mrs. Arlington! So with the twist and the turns she slowly starts unraveling all the secrets that were meant to be hidden!
This series started off with a bang! I loved Winter's family and friends and the story was original and I loved that! I'm really excited and look forward to the next installment of this series! Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the extraordinary opportunity to read and review this one!

This is an entertaining first in series, with a likeable protagonist who has a unique career choice and a catchy name, Winter Snow. There has to be a story there, but if so, it is not included in this first outing. Not to worry because there is plenty to uncover., from backstories to a complex mystery that keeps the reader engaged. I did figure out the culprit before all was revealed, but there was so much going on that it did not detract from my enjoyment. The characters are well developed, and I want to get to know them better. Full disclosure, while reading the first few chapters, I considered not finishing. The problem is typical of a first in series, especially those in beautiful and interesting settings. There was too much description and not enough dialogue, but just be patient. Soon, there is intelligent and appealing dialogue, and it flows from there. I look forward to Winter and company's next outing.

A new series which introduces Winter Snow, an obituary writer by profession. I guess that must be a real job because someone obviously writes them!

This book started out really well, nicely written and with some good characters. The plot was very involved and featured a lot of people and almost any of them could have been the murderer. One did stand out above the rest but you have to wait right to the end to see if he really did it or not.

This was an entertaining read but the end let it down a little for me with too many pages devoted to revealing every circuitous moment of the plot. I was waiting to see whether Winter and the romantic interest were going to get together. Did they? You will need to read the book to find out.

There was a lot I liked about this series. I like Winter's close relationship with her uncle and her friend Scoop's ability to find out all kinds of information. I have a serious weakness for Great Pyrenees and I love books involving digging into someone's past. Winter's profession of writing obituaries is an interesting one and works well for amateur sleuthing. The mystery itself was an interesting one that did make me guess a bit and I enjoyed Winter's investigation.

That said I found the pacing on this one a bit slow. I understand that there's a decent amount of world building that needs to be done in the first book in the series but this skirted the line into tedious at times. I felt a bit like I was being told what Winter was doing instead of following along with her.

I like the premise and the characters enough to pick up the next book in the series and I'm just hoping the pacing there will be a bit faster.

When the elderly Lottie Arlington contacted obituary writer Winter Snow (who had a sister, Summer Snow - what were their parents thinking?!) and asked her to write her obituary by the following Friday, Winter was bemused. She wrote obituaries for deceased people, not those still alive. But Lottie was adamant, so Winter went to see her, asking her usual questions, still wondering about the deadline. Ridgefield, Connecticut was where she ran her business, and her job kept her busy, her interest in people and their pasts always coming to the fore. When Winter received another call from a distressed wife after her husband had passed the day before, she had no idea of the connection, and what was ahead of her.

When Winter visited Lottie's home with a few more questions, she couldn't make herself heard. Entering the house, she was horrified to discover Lottie at the base of the stairs, but with a faint pulse. When Officer Kip Michaels and his partner Tom Bellini arrived, Tom was suspicious of Winter, and was sure Lottie's fall was her fault. Winter knew Lottie was writing a revealing memoir, but it had vanished. What was going on in that Lottie predicted something would happen to her? And why had her home been ransacked?

The Last Word is the 1st in the Deadly Deadlines Mystery series by debut author Gerri Lewis and was an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed. It started slowly but it wasn't long before the pace picked up, turning it into a gritty, intense and heart stopping race against time. I enjoyed the characters, and particularly liked Diva, Lottie's Great Pyrenees puppy, who had a clue he was trying to tell Winter about! A fun, entertaining cosy mystery, and one I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Word is a cozy mystery by Gerri Lewis with a rather unique approach, the main character is a writer of obituaries.

I found the beginning of this mystery quite interesting, a woman hires Winter to write her obituary, but it must be written within a few days, because the woman is expecting to die, even though she isn't sick. Why is she so convinced that death is near, and when she actually does end up dead, was foul play involved or not?

This was a really good mystery, it kept me guessing throughout the book. I did guess some of the outcome rather early on, but not everything turned out as I expected it to.

As expected for a cozy mystery, there is quite a large cast of characters in this small town, all the better provide red herrings for both Winter and the reader.

Winter's new puppy, Diva, provided some cute moments…I still wonder if Winter knew what she was in for with the Great Pyrenees. I'm kind of hoping this turns into a series so that I can see how Diva grows, and if Winter's relationship with Kip develops further.

In all, this was a great, quick read that kept my attention, and kept me wondering who the bad guy was, and I would recommend it to any lover of cozy mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

THE LAST WORD was a little slow to get going, and overall felt a little slower paced than most of the cozy mysteries that I usually read. However, it also had a couple of really unique elements that were able to capture and hold my interest long enough for the action to get going and the excitement to pick up.
Our heroine, Winter, is an obituary writer, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen in a book, let alone specifically in a cozy mystery. It’s a nice choice though, and one I think will pay off as the series progresses (and you start to really worry about the body count of these little towns), as it give a legitimacy to Winter stumbling into secrets or onto bodies, and gives her a good excuse for researching, asking questions, and generally poking around.
I also really liked the dark, atmospheric, stormy atmosphere the novel opens with. I actually think I’d have liked that reflected in the cover more, just for something a little different, but I really did enjoy it in the text. It added a nice sense of danger and tension to those early chapters, without being directly tied to the mystery. I also enjoyed Winter’s relationship with her uncle, and the model village they’re working on. Another interesting element and an unusual relationship for me to see in a cozy.
Although a touch slow to begin, THE LAST WORD paid off by the end and I really enjoyed it. The thing I’m not completely sold on is the protagonist's name. Winter Snow is just a little too cheesy for me, but something I think I can overlook.

Wow what a multi-layer mystery and so many suspenseful parts I couldn’t read fast enough! I had someone pegged from almost the start as either a killer or just up to no good and I was right about them, but with other layers of the mystery, another thing completely surprised me.

That sweet little dog Diva seemed to have broken through even a non-dog person’s heart and even another dog that was eventually needing a home turned out to be an awesome pup. I really loved Uncle Richard’s and Scoop’s characters a lot! Richard was so giving and wanted to take care of everyone with comforting food, and Scoop was just an awesome friend. I can’t wait to see if he and a certain girl stay together just like I’m eager for Kip and Winter to be together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.

Firstly, this mystery didn't read like a typical cozy mystery. It felt more akin to a conventional mystery, albeit with less gore and violence. Additionally, there was a hint of a police procedural theme, with Officer Kip discussing case details with Winter and engaging in an unofficial investigation that involved questioning the victim's next-of-kin.

Regarding the unique theme of the series - the protagonist as an obituary writer - a theme new for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The murder mystery is rife with suspense, each chapter thickening the plot. The second half is brimming with numerous surprising and shocking developments.

Despite being the first in the series, the focus leans more towards the murder mystery than character introduction. Nonetheless, I found no cause for complaint. I loved the writing, feeling as though I had been following this series for an extended period, with this installment merely being the next chapter.

In conclusion, The Last Word by Gerri Lewis is an enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery. The characters are likable, the theme and setting are captivating, and the storytelling is superb. I eagerly anticipate the next installment.

Winter Snow is an obituary writer for hire. After a storm knocks out power, she goes to check up on an elderly client who wanted her obit written before she died. The story gets complicated from there. Her client is found at the bottom of some stairs, but was it an accident, or intentional? I liked the cute Pyrenees pup named Diva, and I also liked that Winter worked with the police rather than against them (most of the time). There are a lot of zany moments and of course our sleuther makes poor decisions and endangers her life more than once. But she has a key piece of evidence that finally reveals all. The secondary characters were a delight from the Nosy Parkers (two gossipy sisters) to her sweet old neighbor Horace, and her reporter friend Scoop. This book is a solid start to a new series. I liked the possible police love interest Kip, he was a good guy. And there’s a family tragedy in Winter’s past that I would like to know more about.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gerri Lewis for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Last Word coming out February 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I definitely love cozy mysteries. I thought the plot was really interesting. I love that Winter enjoys her job as writer for obituaries. It may seem a bit morbid to some people, but someone has to do it. The setting and dialogue were really good. I enjoyed the side characters. The mystery was written really well. I loved it. There were a couple plot points I wasn’t really into, but overall I loved this book. I will definitely check out more in this series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

The last word by Gerri Lewis is due to be published on February 20th 2024.

This is the very first book from this author and it didn’t disappoint at all and I really hope thing turns into a series because I finished wanting more.

Winter Snow, an obituary writer, is hired by Leocadia Arlington to write her obituary. The odd part about this job is that Mrs.
Arlington is still alive, but also wants the obituary written by the end of the week. What's worse? Winter finds Mrs. Arlington at the bottom of the stairs after a fall...or was it a push? When the police find Winter in the house with poor Mrs. Arlington, she becomes a suspect. Winter needs to clear her name, so she begins to investigate with her Uncle Richard, their elderly neighbor, Horace, Mrs. Arlington's puppy, Diva, and her best friend and writer, Scoop.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and I’ll definitely be waiting for more!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Gerri Lewis, and Crooked Lane Books.

Winter is trying to build her business of writing obituaries for the folks of her hometown, but is surprised to be hired to write one for a woman who is very much alive, but insists the obituary will be needed before the end of the week. When the woman is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the police put Winter’s name at the top of their list of suspects. Determined to clear her name – and to find out what really happened – she sets out to find the real killer.

This is what I hope will be the first book in a new series and it appears to be the author’s debut novel. To that I say bravo! Not many author debuts earn a solid four star rating from me, but this one did. The small town setting is typical for a cozy mystery, but Winter’s business (writing obituaries) is unique. It’s hard to believe a business with such a narrow focus would thrive, but in the book, it does.

I like Winter and her observation and deductive reasoning skills. She has a good group of family and friends for support, although it appears that we will have to endure a dreaded love triangle for at least a book or two. I loved the canine presence in the book – Diva, a Great Pryenees puppy, and Max, a German Shepherd both played significant roles in the story. There didn’t seem to be many red herrings in the story, but I was still unable to figure out whodunit until just before it was revealed in the book. Although it wasn’t obvious until it was spelled out, given that character, the motive made sense.

If this is indeed the first book of a series, I look forward to reading the next book when it is released.

This was a fun debut to a new cozy series. I loved the them of the cozy, and I had so much fun trying to solve the mystery with the protagonist. I am excited for the next installment!

This has a very interesting premise, an obituary writer that has to solve the murder. I loved the setting of the book. It’s a ok start to a new series. I’m not sure where the second book can/will go. Overall I want blown away by anything so though it’s not a bad review form me, I’m not sure I’ll be looking out for the next one.

Literary Cozy Mystery following a Connecticut obituary writer who with her uncle and friends help investigates a client's death after she's pegged as the main suspect.

5/5 stars: This is the first entry in Lewis' Deadly Deadlines Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Connecticut and features an obituary writer. With plenty of twists and turns, Lewis has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Lewis' characters are not only complex but incredibly likable. Winter's down-to-earth and her uncle, elderly neighbor and best friend are a hoot. I also look forward to seeing what comes of her relationship with Kip, the cop. Additionally, I thought the model train room and the meaning behind it was interesting and not something come across in any other Cozy. And I mustn't neglect to mention how much a adore the lovable galumph that is Diva, the Great Pyrenees puppy and Max, the shepherd's, protectiveness. Lewis touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. This is an excellent start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.


I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Winter Snow is an obituary writer, and I just love that! Such a unique job and way to make her investigative. It makes her want to look into people because of her job. I also love her name. There was quite a bit of background information about the town's history that felt unnecessary. Maybe it was just a little more than needed. The chapters were also longer. I thought I was so close to the end with only 3–4 chapters left, but they took a while to read. I liked Winter's relationships with her friends and uncle. The relationship with Kip seemed to happen suddenly. They really trusted each other quickly. It felt too quick; they didn’t get to know each other well enough beforehand. Overall, I enjoyed it; it had a great cozy mystery feel, and I would continue reading about these characters.

The Last Word is a cozy mystery with a clever title, it started slow and took a bit for me to become engrossed. Winter Snow is an obit writer who can't resist solving this whodunnit. Officer Kip Michaels becomes her reluctant partner and I believe he can't decide if he wants to arrest her or kiss her. The rest of the gang is endearing especially the dogs, I'm a sucker for canine companions. This is the first book in the series and I believe the second one will suck me in faster now that I know the characters.

Winter Snow is trying to build her career as an obituary writer when she receives a call from the very much alive Leocadia Arlington, local philanthropist, asking her to write her obituary before the week ends. Winter is willing and curious and goes to visit her despite stormy weather brewing.

She invites Leocadia and her puppy Diva, a Great Pyrenes, to go home with her to weather the storm since she has a generator at her lakeside home. Mrs. Arlington declines. However, when Winter gets home, she phones to try to convince her, but Mrs. Arlington doesn't answer.

Winter ventures up the next day to find a locked house, an upset caretaker, and a barking puppy. After managing to get inside, she finds Mrs. Arlington sprawled at the base of a flight of stairs but still breathing. Calling 911 brings not only an ambulance but the police who check out the house. For some reason, one of the police officers suspects Winter of having something to do with Mrs. Arlington's fall.

When Mrs. Arlington dies, Winter decides to find out what happened and begins to look into more of her life than she had given Winter when she wanted an obituary written. Meanwhile, another local luminary contacts Winter to write an obituary for her very recently deceased husband and seems to know a lot she shouldn't know about Mrs. Arlington's death. Her husband and Mrs. Arlington were friends.

This was a nice cozy mystery that introduces a main character with an unusual profession. I liked Winter's determination to find out what really happened to one of her clients. I also like her budding romance with the rookie policeman Kip. And Diva is a great character too and holds a substantial clue to the events Winter is trying to understand.

Winter was puzzled when she found her new client dead, even though she was there to write her obituaries, which by itself was strange. She was in a tight spot when the chief inspector set his sights on her, trying to railroad her to prison for something she didn’t do. She finds herself in a fight from being framed and keeping herself alive. This cozy mystery was an exciting, intriguing, and captivating read.