Cute debut in the series. Dee, a TV writer in Hollywood, finds her career has stalled and makes an abrupt change to become the owner of a rundown motel near a California state park. Her best friend Jeff invests with her and helps fix up the property. Soon enough they are embroiled in a murder investigation when their guest's body is found on the property. Dee is clumsy in her interactions with possible suspects, but eventually figures out the murderer, aided by an appropriately quirky cast of locals. Some humorous interactions liven the dialogue. A promising debut for Dee, as long as her bumbling doesn't make her the next victim. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC.

What a fun start to a new series!

A cabin hotel in the woods is a perfect place to hide and start a new life. And the oddball small-town neighbors are hilarious.

Cozy mysteries are my comfort read, and this one hit the mark squarely.

I love the author's road trip trail mix recipe at the end of the book. 😉

Am I allowed to say the bear is my favorite character? No?

When not overly successful script writer Dee Stern took herself off for a short vacation in the Sierra Nevada mountains she wasn't expecting it to change her life. Now her Hollywood days are over and instead she's adopted a pooch known as Nugget and purchased his place of residence, The Golden Motel, which needs more than a little tender loving care! With her first husband, Jeff, joining her in the stunning landscape and ready to help turn their new home into an unlikely paradise, all they need to do is convince themselves they are about to begin to living the dream!

When their first guest is someone Dee used to work with they go all out to make everything the best it can be, but a dead body on the premises is never going to make a good impression! With the community of Foundgold and nearby Goldsgone curious about their new neighbours, speculation is rife and Dee is soon questioning the locals, trying to find out who she can trust, who might be responsible, all while, if possible, avoiding the local bears!

Book one in Ellen Byron's new series promised much and delivered. It was a joy to get to know Dee, and her ex-husband Jeff as they began a completely new way of life and see how it compared to living and working in Hollywood. The neighbours were also fun, and hopefully will become regular contributors to Dee's story.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing and Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be on the lookout for book two.

Well what a charming little story.

This story won't change the world and how you see it, but it will keep you entertained. A cute story about a couple of friends who buy and restore a run down motel and the trials and tribulations that come with having one of your guests murdered on your property!

Thank you to Kensington's and Net Galley for an arc of this book.

A pleasant debut with interesting characters, a furry canine and a mysterious bear named Smokey. Looking forward to more adventures at the motel, as Dee and Jeff settle in to their new lives.

What a delightful cozy! I've always enjoyed Byron's stories and this is no exception! A great sense of place and lots of fun characters with comedy, heart, and murder! Dee and her friend Jeff buy a roadside motel outside a national park in California. Their motel is in the smaller, not as touristy Foundgold but nearby is the old Western town of Goldsgone, which is tourist to the max! Unfortunately for Dee and Jeff, a murder occurs on their new property, forcing them to clear their names fast for the sake of their investment! I loved all the people and the mystery! I knew that this would be a home run based on her other series and was not disappointed!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A Very Woodsy Murder is the first installment in the Golden Motel Mysteries series set in the small town of Foundgold, California and featuring TV script writer Dee Stern and her ex husband turned best friend and systems analyst Jeff Cornetta. Wanting to take a break from the LA lifestyle the two purchase a rundown motel in the Sierra mountains and along with a long list of DYI projects they adopt the previous owners dog, Nugget.

Their first guest is Michael Adam Baker. He's a previous colleague of Dee's and not someone that she enjoyed working alongside. Turns out that Michael had grown up in the area and rubbed quite a few people the wrong way. When his body turns up dead in the woods behind the cabin, the suspect list is long and with both Dee and Jeff at the top.

Tensions are running high between the two police forces tasked with solving the murder, the Deputy Sheriff's office and the Park Rangers. Dee and Jeff decide to track down the killer on their own and in the meantime uncover quite a few hidden secrets about the dead man and some of the townspeople.

A pleasant debut with interesting characters, a furry canine and a mysterious bear named Smokey. Looking forward to more adventures at the motel, as Dee and Jeff settle in to their new lives.

I received an advanced copy of A Very Woodsy Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Excellent start to a new series. It did take me a bit to warm-up to Dee Stern but I came to like her spunk, for lack of a better word. She's been floundering in her role as a TV script writer and wants a change. True, she needs to work on her self-control and rein in her impulses, especially her mouth. It does seem to operate faster than her brain at times but that's half the fun and I did notice that she was making progress as the story went along. Of course, it was that impulsive decision to buy a run down, rustic motel that ultimately put her and ex-husband, now BFF Jeff, on a murder suspect list. Let's face it. Having their first guest murdered was not in their plans.

Who killed annoying, deceitful script writer Michael Adam Baker who, as it turns out, isn't only rather a celebrated celebrity "son" in Foundgold but someone Dee once worked with. Unhappily, I might add. I'll leave that story for readers to discover, however. Who knew so many Hollywood types hung out in rural, rustic towns? It's a fun story, full of twists and turns and, oh, my, what a cast of quirky characters. Dee also inherits, so to speak, an ol' dog named Nugget who belonged to the late past owner and there's even a bear named Stoney. I think the bear by the cabin on the cover is what drew me initially to the book as I live in Alaska where bears in your yard aren't necessarily a oddity. The story takes place in the foothills of the Sierras, however. There's a neighboring town seemingly trapped in the gold rush era, with residents dressing appropriately to help sell the image. Even the local law officers. Wyatt Earp, anyone?

Watching Dee fumble her way through her first efforts at investigating is both hilarious and painful. As noted earlier, she doesn't always know when to rein in her impulsive mouth. With most of the residents already suspicious of Dee and Jeff as newbies, her efforts do little to appease their concerns. The cast, as noted, is definitely quirky but each stands out as an individual and most are quite likable, even the ones that initially frighten city-girl Dee. The setting sounds lovely and I could easily envision the views and, yes, the abundance of wildlife, even the artwork described. The humor and jokes flowed, too, both good and not, and, of course, given the setting, the Donner Party gets a mention....or two. Everything seems to make Dee think of a potential series pitch given her background, so it will be interesting to see if she's really done with that or finds time between cleaning guest rooms and changing sheets to get involved again. Maybe she can make Stoney a star? The rather sketchy look at her relationship with her voice actor father intrigues me, too, allowing us another glimpse into the behind-the-scenes goings on in the entertainment industry.

And...and so much more. Seriously, as much fun as getting a glimpse of Hollywood writers and the business, it's a fun story primarily character driven. Despite being a bit taken aback by Dee's personality initially, I gradually warmed to her, if not all her jokes. Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for introducing me to Foundgold and it's intriguing residents. I'm looking forward to finding out what's in store for Dee and Jeff, wondering where Dee's drive and imagination will take them. Hopefully not onto another suspect list.

entrepreneur, friends, friendship, frustration, new-series, first-in-series, tv-film-industry, small-business, small-town, hospitality-industry, murder, amateur-sleuth, investigations, contemporary, unpleasant-guests, unpleasant-victims, local-gossip, local-history, local-law-enforcement, ex-husband, ex-wife, situational-humor, verbal-humor, cozy mystery*****

This is a biased review because I love the author's writing regardless of series or pseudonym.
Dee Stern and her BFF first ex-husband Jeff used to work on the Hollywood scene, but now have decided a completely different career path-operating an abandoned rustic motel. Lots of quirky characters, bumbling main characters unskilled in some basic tasks, silly situations, and wisecracks. And the investigation into the murder of a nasty former colleague. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!

This was a fun book to read. I enjoyed meeting the eclectic cast of characters that bring their own uniqueness to this tale. The author did a great job in presenting this story with a wickedly solid mystery, plenty of clues to keep me busy, and a few comedic moments that enhanced my reading pleasure. When I thought I had a good handle on the person responsible, the author changed direction which illustrated how well this story was being told. I had a good time following along with what the author intended with visually descriptive narrative, engaging dialogue, a fast-paced read and a comfortable tone that made me feel I’m there with Dee and her friends as they tried to put the pieces together. I love the camaraderie between the various characters, some of whom had pivotal roles in the apprehension of the killer. Ellen has a way of making you love what is happening on the pages and staying for the whole ride. This is a great beginning to a new series that I hope is here to stay for a long time.

Ellen Byron is the award-winning author of the Cajun Country mysteries, the Vintage Cookbook cozies, and, as Maria DiRico, the Catering Hall ones. Now, she puts her experience as a TV sitcom writer to good use with the first Golden Motel Mystery, A Very Woodsy Murder.

Dee Stern’s career as a sitcom writer in Hollywood slowly spiraled downhill, until she just gets in her car and drives away. When she discovers the rustic motel at the foot of Majestic National Park, she thinks she’s discovered her dream. Yes, it needs a lot of work, but The Golden Motel could be restored to its 1940s glory. Dee first ex-husband and best friend, Jeff, agrees to be her partner in the business. He’ll be the tech side, designing the website and handling reservations. She’ll do the cleaning. Neither of them know a thing about the hospitality business, so this could be a recipe for disaster.

Then, their first guest checks in, Michael Adam Baker, a fellow sitcom writer. Baker did everything he could to ruin Dee’s career as a sitcom writer. She isn’t going to let him ruin her new career, although she’s suspicious for his reasons for being there. She’s not the one who finds his body, though. That’s a distant neighbor, Mister Ma’am. But, suddenly Dee and Jeff are suspects and persona non grata in the neighboring town of Goldsgone, where Baker was a favored son. So, why was he staying in their cabin at The Golden Motel? As reservations are cancelled, Dee is frantic to hold on to her dream of running the motel. She and Jeff are as ill-equipped to be amateur sleuths as they are to be in the hospitality business.

Byron has won multiple awards as a cozy mystery writer. A Very Woodsy Murder, a model cozy mystery, has everything going for it to win more awards. There’s a cast of quirky characters, an unusual setting, and two intelligent, slightly inept amateur sleuths. One of the most entertaining cozies I’ve read in quite some time.

A new series by Ellen Byron is always a cause for celebration and this book doesn’t disappoint! Dee, a no longer in demand sitcom writer leaves Hollywood behind to open a dilapidated motel in the mountains. Filled with Byron’s trademark humor, A Very Woodsy Murder has eccentric characters, marauding wildlife and a deadly adversary. This is a twisty tale that keeps you guessing and reevaluating until the very end.

When former screenwriter Dee Stern and her ex-husband/BFF Jeff leave Hollywood behind and team up to buy an abandoned motel on the edge of Majestic National Park, little did they know that their first guest would be murdered! Aided by a cast of quirky characters, Dee and Jeff race to find the killer before someone else bites the dust in A Very Woodsy Murder! A+++ to this first book in Ellen Byron's brand new Golden Motel Mystery series!

Really enjoyed reading about Dee's adventures as a newly minted owner of a dilapidated hotel. There's a motley crew of characters, some red herrings and of course a potential love interest. Fast paced mystery and i didn't suspect the murderer until the very end. Looking forward to reading more about Dee's shenanigans!

"I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

This is a first in a new series about the sale of a hotel that needs a lot of tlc to get it in working order.
The story sounded great, but I found myself struggling to really get into it.

A FATAL FEAST AT BRAMSFORD MANOR is the first book in the brand-new Food & Spirits cozy mystery series by Darci Hannah. Oh my, what a fun romp through an English manor house with things that go bump in the night! Scottish protagonist Bunny MacBride is an accomplished New York City chef and has been offered a position on the new reality TV show, Food & Spirits. In her excitement, she misses that the “spirits” mentioned aren’t cocktail-based, instead it’s a ghost hunting show. Ms. Hannah’s way with words brings the descriptions to life in the most humorous of ways, and she sets up each scene for maximum entertainment. I loved each of the characters and found it especially charming that some of them have made previous appearances in the author’s other two series (Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries and Very Cherry Mysteries). Bunny is endearing as she struggles with her own tragic loss, which makes her seem relatable. I greatly enjoyed the addition of Bunny’s clairvoyant grandmother, who brings some much-needed comfort to Bunny and is the “team grandma” who guides the hapless ghost hunters with much entertainment.

The TV crew’s first stop is at an English countryside manor house, where a long-ago bride’s wedding day turned to tragedy. Bunny is soon in for a shock when she finds the house is not only haunted, but someone is a murderer and is out to frame her. I’ve always enjoyed long ago mysteries that need to be solved alongside current day murders. Ms. Hannah expertly weaves the two together, keeping the action and the intrigue moving at a fast clip. With shocking reveals and enough suspects to keep me guessing, I devoured the book, loath to put it down for even a moment. The one and only downside is that I don’t have the second book sitting by to dive into… I can’t wait to read what’s next in store for Bunny and the crew!

Bunny has thoughtfully included several of her recipes—sweet, savory, and libations—at the back of the book “to entertain your family and friends (and ghosts, if that’s what you’re into)”.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a fast paced mystery set in a fictional National Park. I liked the setting and a lot of the characters seemed plausible, but I did start to get them a bit mixed up by the end. The main characters were mostly likeable if a bit accident prone and I don't think they would be able to clean up the cabins as fast or cheaply as implied. Will be interesting to see how this shakes out as a series.

Ellen Byron has been a must-read author for me throughout the last few years. I've enjoyed several of her series, some written under the pseudonym Maria DiRico, and now her newest series, A Golden Motel Mystery, is launching this summer. Thanks to an early copy, I was able to read A Very Woodsy Murder this week. The plot: A midcentury motel is on the market. Dee Stern, former tv series writer, decides to buy and fix up the place with her former husband, now bestie, Jeff. As she befriends some of the citizens of Foundgold and Goldgone, two towns with a lot of history and charm, her first guest checks in. And he's none other than a former colleague who sabotaged her career. When the guy ends up dead, Dee's got some crime-solving to do... not only to protect herself from jail but to save her reputation and the future or her new business.

Byron is superbly skilled at developing multi-faceted characters and creating the perfect scenery. I could feel crinkle of the foliage, smell the musty scent of an older motel, worry about the wariness of the townsfolk, and smile over the bond between Dee and Jeff. I rooted for them to be successful, and I was rewarded with a great ending and kickoff to the entire series. The murder is top notch -- the victim comes from the Foundgold area, has connections to several people who Dee likes and dislikes already, and the web of connections between Hollywood and this very woodsy motel property is filled with drama and deceit.

If you love books set in current times where the characters still have an echo of the past, this is a great new series. It has all the best parts of a cozy amateur sleuth investigation, it's intelligently written with poignant and comedic moments, and it will keep you connected to the real world all at the same time. I can't wait to find out what they discover during future renovations. Great read!