This is a good first book in a new series. I really liked the premise and a new kind of main character- a former sitcom writer. While the mystery was engaging, Dee’s numerous run-ins with attackers dragged down the narrative. How many times does one need to end up in the hospital before listening to other people?

Oh my gosh, that was just so stinking much fun! Dee and Jeff are wonderfully quirky characters and carried the story, while all their supporting cast tried to run away with it. This book contained a clever mystery that baffled me at every turn. The author kept me laughing and kept me guessing; two things I value greatly in stories of this type. I think I may have lost my heart to the Golden Motel, and I can’t wait until our next stay when we can do it all over again.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

When Dee and Jeff purchase a cozy hotel with cabins, they get more than they bargain for when their first guest is murdered! They quickly learn that while trying to clear their names, they also need to steer clear of the real murderer, or they might be the next victims. This is the perfect cozy mystery.

A more extensive review will follow
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is the first book in the new Golden Motel Mystery series!

Dee and Jeff, ex-spouses turned best friends, buy a rustic, mid-century motel in a tiny town in the California mountains. Dee is a TV writer working on an obnoxious kid's show and wants a change. Little does she know she will also add "amateur sleuth" to her job description after a suspicious death at her motel makes her and Jeff suspects and takes a toll on their fledgling business.

Ellen Byron is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Like FMC Dee, she has also worked as a comedy TV writer, and books always entertain and make me laugh. This one was no exception. I loved it!

Since this is the first book in a new series, there is a fair amount of world-building, which was very well done. Atmospheric, the charming woodsy town and kitschy motel came vividly to life, complete with a bear named Stoney. Several quirky characters who inhabit the town are introduced, and I cannot wait to get to know them better in future books. They were memorable and provided comic relief, as did all the witty dialogue. Dee is bright, likable, and spirited, and I enjoyed sleuthing alongside her. The mystery was fast-paced, with some funny situations and a few red herrings that kept me guessing.

This was such a fun read, and I loved how it felt simultaneously nostalgic and modern. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the gifted ARC!

Dee Stern has bought an old motel in a former mining town in California along with her best friend Jeff. Dee is a former sitcom writer and new to restoring and running a motel. When the first guest at the motel, also a tv writer, turns up dead, Dee becomes involved in solving the mystery.

I wanted to read A Very Woodsy Murder because I have really liked Ellen Byron's other mystery series. I love old motels and found the setting very appealing.

This is a fun book and a great start to a new series! Dee is a clever detective, and the glimpses of her former entertainment work are also interesting. The mystery aspect of the story was well done, with several strong suspects.

I enjoyed A Very Woodsy Murder and look forward to future books in this series. I recommend this book to other cozy mystery fans!

I have enjoyed Byron's other series, so I was excited to read this debut of a new series. Dee Stern decides to leave her life as a television writer behind and impulsively buys a rustic 1940s era motel in the tiny town of Foundgold, California. Dee convinces her best friend, Jeff (who is also her ex-husband), to invest with her so they can run The Golden Motel together. Things are off to a good start until their first guest, a former colleague of Dee's, is killed on the grounds. Michael Adam Baker is an untrustworthy backstabber, so there are more than a few people with motives to kill him, but unfortunately Jeff becomes the prime suspect. 

Dee and Jeff start out as outsiders in Foundgold and the neighboring town of Goldsgone, but I like that as the story progresses, she is able to find a few allies in her new hometown. Dee is a smart amateur sleuth, but she will sometimes make you cringe since she often asks her questions in an abrasive manner. However, she won't give up until she finds the true filler and clears Jeff's name. Dee and Jeff's friendship is a highlight of this book, as are some of the other friendships Dee forms. There are a lot of characters to get to know in the beginning, but I think this is a wonderful start to a fun new series. Whether Dee and Jeff are cleaning cabins, making repairs, sharing a meal, or investigating crime, the book is full of humorous dialogue and situations. I look forward to future stories at the Golden Motel. 

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

This was such a fun start for this new series! There were so many funny moments but some heartwarming ones as well. I got the biggest kick from good old Stoney the bear and how he was named. Stoney got the last word in too, lol and you’ll see what that was when you read this.

The showdown was good but quick and effective. It was great how Dee came up with whodunit and planned her killer confrontation ahead with law enforcement at least. And what a great ending!

I didn’t think too much of Serena’s character at first but I immediately loved Elmira’s character. Although both ladies proved to be amazing friends when everything was wrapped up. Oh and I can’t forget Dee’s dad—just imagining his funny voices he liked to do cracked me up! It’ll be interesting to see what adventure Dee and Jeff get into next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

“Except for the murders and fear of bankruptcy, I’ve never been happier.”

This book features a unique premise with promising characters that I can’t wait to see develop! Very entertaining and full of laughs!

Dollycas's Thoughts

It was an impulsive decision but that doesn't make it the wrong decision. Sitcom writer Dee Stern has had enough of showbiz and decides to reboot her life. On a road trip with no particular destination, she finds a mid-century motel that needs a reboot too. She along with her best friend and first ex-husband, Jeff Cornetta come together to breathe new life into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains that is a virtual time capsule "nestled amidst a grove of pine trees at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains". It doesn't take long for them to realize that they don't know much about running a motel, especially one where a bear or other wildlife could just saunter up to the front door. But they do their best to get rooms and cabins ready for visitors. They are both excited when they get their first booking.

Michael Adam Baker is a blast from the past and not a good one. Dee is curious why he would be booking a stay at their new venture. It doesn't take long for his true colors to show but he must have tweaked someone off royally because he ends up murdered. Chief District Ranger, Tom O'Bryant is looking at Dee and Jeff as his prime suspects so they know they need to find the real killer even if it means Dee has to go back to LA to get some answers. Is the killer from Hollywood or a local? What did the man do that got him killed? Who had the means, motive, and opportunity? Will they strike again?

_____

Welcome to Foundgold, population 68. This is the closest town to the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. Goldsgone is not too far away but Dee and Jeff don't receive a warm welcome from its residents. Ms. Byron has created two unique little towns and filled them with complex characters. Her descriptions bring the towns, the motel and cabins, the nearby woods, and every place in between to life. The imagery is vivid.

The characters we meet in this first Golden Motel Mystery are a quirky bunch. Each is unique and develops well over the course of the story. I liked Dee and Jeff immediately. Being married didn't work but the friendship is true and believable. Dee needs to earn her sleuthing chops because she is about as subtle as a Mack truck. Jeff isn't much better. But their talents for their first venture at solving a murder weren't too bad. The supporting cast is a hoot and a half, each with their own talents and interests. Ma'am and Mister Ma'am were my favorites. Two genuine people living their lives the way they wish with open hearts to help anyone in need.  There then is Stoney the Bear. Everyone knows Stoney and he shows up in some interesting places.

Ms. Byron is a former writer of some well-known sitcoms so that gives credibility to Dee's former life in Hollywood working on a "cheesy sitcom". She writes what she knows. It also shows where she garnered her comedic timing. She throws in oodles of humor including physical comedy.

The mystery was well-plotted and written with many facets.  Ms. Bryon set a pace that ebbs and flows in all the right places. The suspects were varied and connected in different ways. I was intrigued by every clue and didn't pin anyone down until the very end. I really enjoyed the set-up to catch the killer and the excitement that ensued. I also liked that there was a wrap-up to tie up any loose ends.

I have been excited about this book since I first heard about it and the story lived up to all my expectations. A Very Woodsy Murder is a delightful start for this series. I loved the ending and I really want Dee and Jeff to succeed and bring the 1940s motel back to its glory and have it be filled with tourists. I know there will be bumps in the road and murders to investigate because that is what happens in cozy mysteries and that is why we love them. I can't wait to see what Ms. Byron has planned for her characters next. I am hooked and I want more!

A Very Woodsy Murder is the first book in the brand-new Golden Motel Mystery series by Ellen Byron.

I enjoyed the premise of Jeff and Dee being best friends after their marriage didn’t work out.
In this story and old colleague of Dee’s books a room in the newly renovated Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains. There is still plenty to renovate but at least his room is completed.

Without giving the story away, it’s filled with humor and odd situations which I found comforting. I also like the characters that I think will be recurring in the series.

I like how this un-couple are able to support each other and work through their differences. They truly have each other’s backs.

So, looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Netgalley gave me an advanced reader’s copy and I am not required to leave a positive review

This is a fun start to a new cozy mystery. Dee Stern has decided to leave her flagging sitcom writing career in LA and start a new chapter in her life as the owner of a small hotel in rural Foundgold California. She has convinced her first former husband, and now best friend Jeff Cornetta, to partner with her. But all of their plans may fail, when their first guest, and Dee’s former nemesis, is found dead. Of course, Dee and Jeff need to help solve the murder so their new hotel venture won’t fail. Through their investigation, you meet all of the quirky residents of Foundgold, and the neighboring rival town of Goldsgone, who are suspects in the murder and will probably be suspects or victims in future books. Like all first books in a series, it is sometimes difficult to keep up with all of the various characters, I really liked that the author gave an cast list of the characters at the start of the book, which I did refer back too a couple of times. Overall an enjoyable setup for a new cozy mystery. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my honest review.

Could you go into business with your ex? That’s exactly what Dee and Jeff have done and it’s a good thing they’re good friends because the man who ruined Dee’s career is murdered at their motel. Can they prove Dee’s innocence, or is this venture, and friendship, doomed?

A good start to a new series from a fabulous author. Ellen Byron has written several cozy series that I have enjoyed and I look forward to more from her in this series.

A fun start to a new cozy series! Dee and her ex Jeff are now BFFs and they've gone in together to buy and renovate a motel in tiny Foundgold. There are problems, sure, but none so large as the fact that one of their first guests, the man who ruined Dee's Hollywood career, is murdered. Yep. And now the couple must cope not only with the travails of running their business but also find out who did it. I liked that there are two law enforcement officers - Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O’Bryant-who have differing opinions. And there's a bear. This is a good set up for future installments when hopefully we'll meet more of the residents of Goldgone and Foundgold. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read that made me chuckle.

“A Very Woodsy Murder” is the wonderfully done first book in Ellen Byron’s Golden Motel cozy mystery series. It features a delightful cast of characters starting with sitcom writer Dee Stern who decides to make a career change and run a hotel with her best friend (and ex-husband) Jeff Cornetta. The two make a delightful pair who truly care about each other but are much better suited as friends and not lovers. The description of the hotel is also nicely done – by the end of the book I wished it was real so I could stay there! The description of the hotel, the nearby towns that seem lost in time, the various townspeople, even Stony the Bear are well done – the book is humorous, at times laugh out loud funny although there is a delicious sense of danger mixed in with the humor. The mystery is well done with plenty of suspects and just the right amount of clues to help readers figure out who the killer is (although not until the very end did I figure it out). Finally, the last paragraph is perfect and made me laugh out loud! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I loved this book! The ambiance was just perfection; I could easily picture this motel in need of some love in the middle of the woods outside a state park. Dee was instantly likable, funny, and not at all a pushover. Which was perfect since she was dealing with a new-to-her town rivalry and some very snobby people. She also met some of the MOST delightful townspeople turned friends and I already cannot wait to return to this town to see more of the people and the progress with the motel.

I loved all the facets to the story - not only the town rivalry, new business start up, but Dee being part of Hollywood brought a whole new layer of fun and interesting sleuthing. And of course you know the whole murder thing - another wonderfully pieced together story that had me SHOCKED by the ending.

I adored this and cannot wait for more!

This is an adorable new mystery series! I already cannot wait for the next book.

Set in the fictitious town of Foundsgold, Dee Stern buys the Golden Motel after leaving her screen writing career in Hollywood. She brings along her BFF, Jeff, to be her business partner (also her ex-husband). Unfortunately, their first guest is a smarmy colleague from Dee's past. Even more unfortunate is his demise on motel property., which does not set a good tone for the Golden Motel's future. Given her new fledgling business is on the line, Dee decides to sleuth to clear her motel of any wrongdoing.

I want to visit this fake place. It sounds so kitschy and fun. Having stayed in places similar to the Golden in my travels, it gave me a feeling of nostalgia. The cast of characters is absolutely delightful and there were several parts that made me laugh out loud.

What a charming new series. I would read this book again!

Thank you to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun read by Ellen Byron.

Ellen has taken us to New York, Louisiana And now we're in California With another fun murder mystery to solve. Our protagonist Is a former television writer who has decided to get out of the business and bought a rather run-down motel. She dreams big and tries to help the community dream big until her past meets hers present and unceremoniously dies. I found my self struggling a bit with her newest book. Our lead character, Dee, came off a bit too naive for me. A bit too bumbling. But, I embraced the character for her Lucille (Ball) like characterization. She's hopeful and has a vision and never expected death to be apart of it. This is a solid 3.5 start for the first in the series and I can't wait for more.

Thank you Netgalley and #KensingtonCozies for the eArc.

Dee is a writer for a children's TV show. Her mother recently died and she's twice divorced. She's decided to quit her job and buy and fix up the golden motel. She convinces her best friend and first ex-husband Jeff, a techie to move out of San Francisco and his small apartment. Their first guest is an old coworker of Dee. He wasn't her favorite person. He ends up dead and Jeff and Dee are prime suspects. They decide to clear their names and save their motel.

This was such a fun, exciting first in a series. I loved it. I loved all the quirky characters. I had no idea whodunnit. Elmira was one of my favorite characters. I cannot wait to read more from this author and this series. I'm hooked.

For fans of humorous cozy reads then I recommend this new series by veteran mystery writer Ellen Byron. You will be captivated by the quirky California mountainside town of Foundgold and its cast of quirky residents.

Read this if you enjoy:
-mystery sprinkled with humour
-small town filled with odd characters
-amateur detectives
-mid century motel renovations
-escape from Hollywood backstory
- easy cozy read
-added recipes and notes at end of book for homespun touch

My rating 4 out of 5
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC that will be published July 23 2024.