Snow Place for Murder

The Mountain Lodge mystery series' third book is a delightful fun read. North Carolina is home to Misty Murphy's Mountaintop Lodge where her boys are home for winter break. While skiing, they discover a weird shape which turns out to be Nigel Goodwin dead under the snow. Who would want to do in the resort developer sho had traveled from London to get investors for a new resort. Lots of red herrings. Delighted well developed characters. Diane Kelly once again delivers a well plotted solid mystery that's a delightful read. Thanks #Netgalley and #StMartinsPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Enjoyable read for a hot summer weekend!

Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd book in the cozy series featuring the Mountain Lodge and its owner Misty. The Lodge is booked up for the week with investors for a potential new resort. Since Misty is having bad luck with people being murdered at her Lodge (it wouldn’t be a cozy without some dead bodies), no surprise that the organizer of this week long event is murdered. There are a lot of suspects with possible motives but none truly stick out until the end of the book.

This was an enjoyable quick read cozy. I enjoy the Lodge setting and wish I was there right now (minus the dead body)

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for early access to Diane Kelly’s latest!

Mountain Top Lodge seems a perfect place to spend the Winter holiday, Unfortunately a realtor has come from London to join forces with Misty Murphy, a local woman. The setting is North Carolina and the lodge sets just the right tone for a wintry holiday. (I read it in July and loved the snow!!)

The realtor ends up dead, the group is snowed in and the mystery must be solved.

A delightful cozy mystery

Book Review: Snow Place for Murder (Mountaintop Lodge Mysteries #3) by Diane Kelly

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this cozy mystery in exchange for an honest review. Although it’s the 3rd in the series it stands independent and doesn’t require the reader to have read the prior two. As in the others, Misty’s cat, Yeti, narrates a few chapters from her perspective. It’s a nice narrative device, but not necessarily necessary as the cat’s observations are only communicated to the reader, not the other characters.

In this book, Misty Murphy plans to host a group at the lodge once again. This time, Adventure Capital is led by Nigel Goodwin, the developer and financier of a planned – yet somewhat controversial - resort/retreat community on the mountain nearby. Included in the group are his assistant and several investors who Goodwin is hoping will commit to investing in his project.

Misty’s two sons and former husband arrive for a visit, along with Rocky’s daughter. All of whom are planning to help Misty while one of her employees, Brynn, is on vacation for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Like always, the cast of characters at the lodge is the same – and all feature in the plot. Rocky, Brynn, Patty who runs the diner across the street, Yeti the cat, and Rocky’s dog Molasses. In this book, the beginning of the book is devoted to narrative about the family and their visit. It isn’t until the 5th chapter that Nigel, his wife and his assistant, Rayan Gandapur, arrive. The rest of the group arrived a day later.

When the group arrives, it’s clear that not all the locals are in favor of the development and not all of the group guests get along. A local wildlife photographer is worried about the impact of the resort on the huge animal population on the mountain from bears to deer. Paulette Frost, a local property management expert, is worried that the lodge will negatively impact her real estate rentals and management business.

When one of the guests is found dead and frozen outside the lodge, Misty gets to work trying to figure out what happened – of course with the help and leadership of the local police.

It’s a fun mystery with all sorts of characters. A lodge affords the author the ability to incorporate all different kinds of people to add to the plot lines from the resort guests. The book kept me entertained and I didn’t figure out the perpetrator until right before the person was revealed!

This is the third book in this series and it did not disappoint. I liked the other books in this series which are based at the Mountaintop Lodge. I like that these books can be read in order or standalone....the perfect cozy mystery with red herrings throughout which kept you guessing until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley, and St. Martin's Press.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

What was supposed to be an idyllic mountain lodge resort trip near Christmas turns into a deadly entrapment. Who wanted the developer dead and why?

It will be a crime that Misty and her boys will have to dig through as a blizzard hits the crime scene. Will they figure out the doings before another body turns up in the snow.

Another charming read in the series.

Snow Place for Murder is the perfect cozy mystery to read over a hot and humid weekend.
Misty Murphy is back again in this exciting book, featuring her cat, Yeti.
Mountaintop Lodge has been booked exclusively for a week, a resort developer is planning to pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors, but not everyone is happy that they are in town.
Misty's sons are working at the resort over the holidays and a gruesome discovery puts Misty back into investigator mode.
This is a fun series that incorporates a lot of my favorite things, and Yeti is a great feline friend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

"Snow Place for Murder (Mountain Lodge Mysteries #3)" by Diane Kelly is a nice winter/winter holiday themed cozy mystery. I had a completely different idea of who the murder was and why then what ended up.

This one is fairly standalone though. I didn't feel like I was missing any important information for me to read this one. I would just suggest one edit, as this was an ARC I was reading. When Pebble introduces herself, she explains her name to Misty's boys rather than to Misty. It would make more sense this way since Misty should know her serious boyfriend's daughter names and nicknames if they're going to be spending the holidays together. I keep meaning to read the first couple of books in this series, now I will have to after getting this ARC from netgalley.

It was lovely being back at the Mountaintop Lodge! This is the third book in the series but can easily be read without reading the other books -- I'd recommend them though b/c they're nice, cozy mysteries.

There's an Easter egg in this book for fans of Kelly's House-Flipper Mystery series!

I'm very much looking forward to book four! Men in kilts? Yes, please. Oh, and more Yeti please!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press.

This was the perfect cozy to get my detective senses going and feel immersed by the wintry vibes. Excellent plot execution and the clues were fun to figure out. Definitely a new favorite cozy author.

Another winner in this series by Diane Kelly. Crescent mountain retreat motel owner and her family are set to enjoy the holidays. However, a potential area resort owner may spoil the season. Super fun series!

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is a charming cozy mystery with terrific characters, not the least of which was the cat, Yeti, who had her own short chapter every now and then, reflecting her own thoughts, usually nothing to do with anyone but herself. Misty was fairly newly divorced and had bought this lodge because it was the life she wanted to live, not because she had any experience. She had a new man, Rocky, who was her handyman and lived at the lodge also. It was nearly Thanksgiving and Jack, her ex-husband, and her two sons were coming for the holiday. Jack discovered she had a new man when he arrived at her room the first night with a bottle of wine. Rocky was already there. It worked out OK but it made me laugh. The lodge was sold out for a week before Christmas, purchased by a man, Nigel Goodwin, who was bringing potential investors, so he could pitch them, both formally and informally. His scheme was to built a mega-resort nearby. Misty was not sure she supported it and she knew some of the locals didn’t as they arrived in her lobby to protest.

Misty is a good character who is growing into her new life. She did not hate her ex, she just didn’t loved him anymore, but she loved her boys fiercely. Rocky had kids, too, all but one were older than her boys and would be there for Christmas. The discovery of the murder came about in an odd way. They boys had been out sledding down the huge pile of snow Rocky had made scrapping the parking lot. There they found an oddly shaped rock and brought it in to show their mother. It wasn’t a rock, it was someone’s nose, and she knew whose. She and Rocky quickly went outside to explore and discovered the body of Nigel Goodwin, sans nose. They called 911 and settled back o wait. The man was beyond helping. He was frozen solid. It took some investigating by both the authorities and Misty to figure this one out. It was a good mystery, with actual forensics a part of it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Snow Place for Murder by St. Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #DianeKelly #SnowPlaceForMurder

The third book in the Mountain Lodge Mysteries did not disappoint!

Misty Murphy runs a cozy lodge in a picturesque corner of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. When an international developer rents out her lodge to woo investors for a huge, flashy resort in the area, controversy ensues as locals are at odds over it. Misty jumps into action when the investor is found dead, as many of the suspects are staying under her roof!

I love this series! Descriptive and atmospheric, Kelly makes me feel like I can see and feel the snow, the mountains, and every aspect of the charming world she has created!

These books have a great cast of characters, too. Misty is relatable and intelligent, and I like her a lot--a single mother to two sons, a businesswoman, and a highly competent sleuth. Misty thinks things through, which is enjoyable to read. She works alongside law enforcement, and her romance with Rocky is sweet. The secondary characters are memorable, too, and even though there are several suspects, Kelly ensures all of the characters stand out. Misty's sons are home for the Thanksgiving holidays and bring some lighthearted humor.

The mystery was fun and well-paced, with a few red herrings that kept me guessing. And the way the victim's body was discovered is a crime scene I won't soon forget! I enjoyed this! It's an entertaining, snowy, cozy mystery for your winter tbr. It works as a stand-alone, and I recommend this delightful series!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Snow Place for Murder is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. I enjoyed the first two in the series and the third book kept me guessing what had happened.
Misty Murphy owns Mountain Lodge in North Carolina. She has two sons who were home for their winter break. She was so glad they were there with and could enjoy the skiing but when they found a dead man in the snow things got interesting. The body was the realtor who had come to check out the area to put in a resort in the nearby area. This is not something that was wanted by people in the area.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first two. I especially like Yeti – Misty’s cat in the story! The location and all the characters were all a great fit for the story. I liked all the twists and turns – I thought I had figured out who did it, but I was wrong!
Thank you NetGalley, Diane Kelly and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of the book Snow Place for Murder. This is my personal review.

Loved this return trip to the mountains! Misty is hosting her sons and ex husband for Thanksgiving. Rocky and his daughter, Pebble are also around the table. The paying guests arrive a week later for an investment seminar. When the leader is found frozen in the snow pile, Misty tries to figure out who wanted him dead. Well written, good mystery and an interesting ending. Yeti provides her perspective throughout th book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I had read one of the earlier books in the Mountain Lodge trilogy by Diane Kelly. Upon starting to read Snow Place for Murder, it's like coming back to a comfortable old friend, which is exactly the ambiance that Misty Murphy, the lodge proprietor, wants to create. Rocky and Patty round out the regulars as Brynn is off on vacation.

Nigel Goodwin books the resort to entice investors to his proposed resort in the North Carolina hills. Nigel, his wife, and the investors present a colorful array of characters with corresponding personalities. And let's not forget the town's folk too.

Toss together all of the personalities along with an inconvenient murder, and Misty is in the middle again. Yet, she maintains a sense of ... ultimate customer service despite all of the events. This is a good interesting read that will want you wanting to know more about Misty. Ms. Kelly, when will we see the next installment?

Snow Place For Murder is the wonderful 3rd book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. I have read and enjoyed them all and they keep getting even better! The characters are likeable and interesting. The cozy mystery was good. The family and friendships really make this cozy mystery series a winner! Misty Murphy owns a lodge. Her handyman and boyfriend Rocky has a room at the lodge and Brynn is a friend and worker. Misty's two sons and ex-husband are coming to visit along with Rocky's daughter. Surprisingly they all get along well but they do add humor to the story. A new resort is going to be built nearby and the resort developer is bringing in a group of investors to stay at Mountaintop Lodge. The developer ends up dead and the investors, the wife, the assistant and some locals are all suspects. I guessed the culprit but wasn't sure until the end. This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery with a good pace and enough going on to keep my interest. I look forward to more books in this series! #SnowPlaceForMurder #NetGalley #StMartinsPress. #MinataurPublishing

Why have I not been reading the Mountain Lodge Mystery series by Diane Kelly? This is the third in the series of murder and mayhem. After her divorce, Misty Murphy bought a mountain retreat in the North Carolina mountains. Nigel Goodwin rented the whole lodge to pitch a new resort idea for the area. However, with both push back from the locals and grumbles from the potential investors, everyone is a suspect when Nigel is found dead in a snow pile. Who took out the developer? Misty has too many suspects and not enough time. Will she figure out who did it? Or will the murderer get away?
I do love how this author sets her mood for the story. I would love to go and stay at Misty's quaint inn, however, we can hold the murder. The settings are well developed and make you want to curl up with a good book and read or go into town and shop the little shops or hit the slopes. I plan to look into the first two books in the series. I want to thank Netgalley for introducing me to another keeper author. A review was not required.

This is such a fun little cozy mystery series! We, again, follow Misty as she hosts a private group at her lodge in the mountains of North Carolina. This time, the group is headed by Nigel Goodwin, a man with a plan to build a huge resort in the area but needs investors to get the project going. I like how the author uses a lot of different scuffles and disagreements to throw the reader, and Misty, in different directions trying to figure out whodunnit. This installment was really fun because we get to really meet her two sons who are visiting for the winter break, as well as Rocky's daughter who is doing the same. I liked reading their interactions with each other. It was really fun and wholesome.
If you like this series, this is a good installment! If you like cozies in general, I think this is also a really fun series to get into; especially, since it is still just starting out and each book is relatively short. You wouldn't necessarily need to read it order, but it does provide a little more context for the relationships between the main people in the lodge. As always, I love having the couple little chapters from Yeti the cat's POV. It's really fun!

Another great entry in the Mountain Lodge mysteries. I really enjoy this series. Maybe it’s because they are set in the mountains of North Carolina and close to where I call home. It’s like you can picture exactly what is being described almost like being there. Totally recommend this series. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Snow Place For Murder was a great cozy mystery. This is book three in Diane Kelly’s Mountain Lodge Mystery series and it’s very easy to jump right in without reading the previous books. I really enjoyed reading this one and loved the main character, Misty. This is great read for the upcoming winter months. If you are looking for an atmospheric cozy mystery you should give this one a try.

A nice addition to the series that's just as good as a standalone so long as you know and appreciate in advance that some of the chapters are in the voice of Yeti the cat. Yep, the cat has a point of view which while not critical to the story, is entertaining and often funny. Misty's sons are home for the holidays and they are the ones who discover the body of Nigel, a real estate developer in the show at the Lodge. He'd been there to show the place and the area off to potential investors but this hadn't set well with the locals. Did one of them do it? Or was it one of his party? Misty, along with her love interest Rocky, her assistant Brynn and her other pals (and family) work their way through the suspects to find the real villain. It's a large cast of characters but you won't have trouble keeping them straight. And the setting is lovely. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read for cozy fans.

Snow place for murder by Diane. Kelly is the third in a murder mystery series, but works perfectly well as a standalone. I loved the pacing and the build up, and was particularly delighted by the snippets we got from the cat‘s perspective. I will definitely be pitching this book for inclusion at my bookstore, and be pursuing more books by the author.

SNOW PLACE FOR MURDER by Diane Kelly

This was another charming and engrossing Mountain Lodge mystery series book by Diane Kelly. The weather on top of this mountain is truly frightful.

This novel was so enjoyable, I couldn’t put it down. Lots of drama. There were many great characters. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and murder, this is the novel for you. It has many twists and and turns leading us to the murderer. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

"He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have."

This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. The lodge is a wonderful place to go and enjoy nature all around.
Having spent some time in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina a few months back, I could picture the fall color and snow all around those winding roads. Some are really scary.
Well, that lovely nature may be gone soon if International resort developer Nigel Goodwin gets his wealthy investors to kick in money.
Misty's two sons are home for the holidays. While sledding the boys find an unusual looking rock. From there chaos has begun.
Southern food, small town, friends, ski season, plot twists, plenty of suspects will keep you captivated as the mystery unfolds.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book.

This series just keeps getting better! Rocky and Misty are getting closer and this time their kids are up for the holidays. The way the victim was found made me shiver and I had no clue "who dun it" until it was revealed. I'd love the idea of going away to a resort like this, unfortunately for me I don't ski or snowboard. I'd still go for a relaxing weekend though, especially now that Misty put a hot tub in! Great read and hope the series continues, I love going back to visit Misty.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Diane Kelly has always been a favorite author of mine; her writing is witty and her characters are fun and relatable. I love the setting of the North Carolina mountains and Misty is the perfect alternative to the 20-something sleuth – she’s grounded, responsible (so far, her cell phone has always been charged and actually goes to work), and doesn’t have any TSTL moments. This mystery was well-paced and plotted and kept me guessing. The introduction of Misty’s family (ex and kids) took up the first part of the book and was a nice surprise. I usually like the murder to be the focus from the get-go but I liked how these characters were integrated into the story. I recommend this series for those who love mysteries but want a slightly older sleuth.

Becoming a favourite series, rating 4.5 rounding down.

After her amicable divorce, Misty Murphy threw caution to the wind and bought a mountain lodge in North Carolina. Since then her life has been happier doing what she loves, where she loves and making new friends. If only there had even a stream of unexplained death. When an international investor dies during the week he had bought out her lodge to do an investment pitch for a new resort to be built nearby. There who shortage of viable suspects from locals irate about the damages to wildlife and potential other issues of locals in the community. Of course, there's also a lodgeful of other suspects. Misty while being naturally curious does not overstep into illegal acts like many other cosy lead characters which I really appreciate. Beyond the mystery, the novel is peopled with an excellent set of secondary characters that make this series so enjoyable.

This is my first time reading a book by this author. I will be looking for more from her.
In Snow Place for Murder we learn Misty has bought a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She has some guests and is expecting her college age sons and her ex-husband for Thanksgiving. They arrive safely and celebrate with Misty's handyman, Rocky, and his daughter. Pebble. All goes well and plans are made to get together again for Christmas. Ski season is going well and Misty has a full lodge with a developer and possible investors. Many of the locals oppose the new development that is planned. When a possible murder occurs Misty is in the midst of the investigation. Will it be proven to be murder or just a tragic accident?
This story kept me engaged from page one. The ending is a bit of a surprise. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Oh, this was another really enjoyable cozy mystery! That it's cold enough that parts of a human body can freeze and be broken off...yeah, that's winter! And of course, the surrounding holidays just add that extra element of cozy, espcailly since her sons are there.

This particular case, well, it as interesting, because technically, Mr. Goodwin could be a competition to her, since it'd be a resort. But his would be more on the high end side, whereas Misty's is more rustic. But on top of that, he made a lot of people upset!

Besides the case, there were all the personal moments, with her sons there, and Rocky and his family. It was great to have these moments, light moments, when they've been surrounded by a lot of death. I just adore these characters!

Honestly, I can understand why the guy was murdered. The various reasons why people were suspects, why they had beef with him, pretty much all of them were from his own actions. So I understand why, but it was still great to see the perpetrator caught!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait for whatever is next!

This book had me laughing at the most inappropriate moments. Diane Kelly takes us back to the Mountaintop Lodge and the wonderfully quirky group that keep it running. Fun, family and a murder that will keep you guessing what else could you want?

A chilling whodunnit in Snow Place for Murder!
A thrilling winter mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Set in a picturesque but isolated town near the mountains of North Carolina, the murder mystery takes you on a journey through a snow covered landscape filled with secrets, suspects and surprises.
The story begins of a body buried in the snow and from there the tension steadily builds.
The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, making you feel you are right there.
Snow place for murder is a gripping winter mystery that offers an atmospheric setting.

I received an advanced copy from St Martins Publishing Group and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an interesting story of an inn keeper in the mountains. She rents out her entire lodge to a group of investors. When the main presenter is found dead in a mound of snow in her parking lot, the hunt is on for the killer. The characters were likable and relatable. The action seemed to drag in places, but that could be my perspective. The ending was well done and fully explained. This is a good, clean book. Little to no romance.

This is a delightful series featuring a mountain lodge and a wonderful cast of characters. This third in series is a fun read with a well crafted sleuth. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.
my review opinions are my own.

Misty owns The Lodge and has a visit by investors for planning a new resort. Some are opposed to the new resort. When one investor is murdered the investiagation takes a dark turn among the fellow guests. This is much like Agatha Christie in that the author created a atmospheric setting in a snowstorm and a mysterious death with many suspects. I loved the sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.

This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series and the first book that I have read. It did work well as a stand alone book. Misty is the owner of the Mountain Top Lodge. After Nigel, a slick investor, is found murdered after using the lodge to pitch a new resort to potential investors Misty uses her sleuthing skills to help the police catch the murderer before anyone else can get hurt. This was a fun, fast read that kept me guessing the entire time.

5/5 stars: This is the third B&B Cozy Mystery in the Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series and it doesn't dissapoint. Kelly's a longtime favorite author and their characters as always are incredibly likable. It was a joy to catch up with Misty, Rocky and folks of Beech Mountain. Kelly perfectly captures the snowy wonder of a small mountain town. Most importantly, Kelly deftly balances the clues, red herrings and suspects in such a way to keep you guessing the whodunit until the final reveal. Oh and I love how Kelly includes chapters in Misty's cat, Baroness Blizzard AKA Yeti's POV. And while Molasses, Rocky’s Bernese mountain dog, doesn't have a POV he's adorable. To begin this series from the start, pick up Getaway With Murder.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

What do you do when your college age sons find a shocking item in a snowdrift? If you're their mother you rush to find a killer before more people are killed!

This is the first book I've read in the series and I was able to jump right in to the backstory of the main and supporting characters. I liked the idea of a mature character changing her life drastically and owning her own business. The mystery was fast-paced and I did not have a clue of "whodunit" until the case was solved.

I'm going back and reading the first two books, just because I enjoyed this book so much!

The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Entertaining and engaging.

Misty is a fabulous character. She’s spunky, friendly, smart, and a loving mom. She has a cat, Yeti, whose viewpoint we get to see occasionally throughout the book. I also liked the character of Rocky, her handyman and current love interest. He always has her back.

The plot had plenty of mystery and surprising moments as well as some humor throughout. The book was easy to read, yet detailed enough to pull you into the story.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

Misty Murphy has rented out her Mountaintop Lodge to international developer Nigel Goodwin the week before Thanksgiving as he pitches a new resort to investors. Misty isn't sure that she is in favor of the new resort and quite a number of the townspeople are also opposed to it.

When Goodwin is found dead at the base of a sliding hill at the Lodge, it is first thought to be a tragic accident. However, when the medical examiner determines that he was murdered, Misty finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation again.

There is a large pool of suspects from the victim's wife to his assistant to the various investors to the disgruntled townspeople. It will take all of the police and Misty's actions to find the murderer.

I liked the setting. I liked Misty's determination to make a new start after her amicable divorce. I liked her new relationship with Rocky. I liked her relationship with her almost grown sons and with Rocky's daughters too. I also liked chapters told from Misty's spoiled cat Yeti who has her own unique viewpoint about all the activities at the lodge.

This was an entertaining story which manages to discover the murderer and tie up all the loose plot threads before it is finished.

I adored this cozy mystery! The group of characters were fantastic, and I loved the setting. I enjoyed the plot twists and the mystery. It was well paced and well written!

Snow Place for murder is the third Mountain Lodge Mystery starring amateur detective and lodge owner, Misty Murphy. It’s the holiday season in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Misty Murphy is excited to have all her rooms rented at the Mountaintop Lodge even if it is investors seeking to build a fancy mountaintop resort. When the developer is murdered, the suspects seem to just keep multiplying. So Misty does what she does best and puts her nose where it doesn’t belong to hunt down a killer. Her keen mind takes her down avenues that bring real leads for the police in the case that is solved in time for her to enjoy the holidays with her boys and her hunky handyman. Fast paced and well thought out, the story keeps you guessing right along with Misty until the end in another enjoyable Mountain Ogden cozy. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Returning to Misty's mountain lodge was a nice stay. This mystery worked well for me. Misty is playing hostess to Nigel Goodwin and his investors. He's looking to turn some nearby land into a mega-resort complete with waterpark. Not everyone is thrilled including a local real estate person, a wildlife rehabber and avid hunter/gun nut/anger control issue dude. Even Nigel's investors don't all seem happy, like the pro hockey player there more for the free vacation than anything else.

Hoping she hasn't made an error in allowing them to book out her lodge, Misty tries to keep in the upcoming Christmas spirit with her new boyfriend and handyman Rocky and her two sons home from school and ditto Rocky's daughter.

When Nigel turns up under the sledding hill, frozen to death, the local sheriff asks for Misty's cooperation in solving the case. I like that they're friends (because adversarial law enforcement is a deal breaker for me in cozy mysteries) . Misty's involvement in this doesn't feel like overreach nor does she go around assuming people owe her explanations (because how many times have we seen that in cozies?)

I thought the red herrings were sprinkled in well and I liked the ending. Misty is a fun character as is Rocky. It's a nice setting and I enjoyed the mystery. Thank you to the publisher for making an arc available to me via Netgalley.

Part of series.
A good easy quick read.
Drama,suspense,mystery good characters..
Love the mountain snow setting.
Enjoyed reading. Had to read the others.
Voluntarily

Interesting and well-written cozy mystery. Between the characters, the mystery, the twists and turns, and the descriptions of the gorgeous scenery, I was kept fully engaged and entertained from the first page until the last. Plenty of red herrings kept me guessing as to whodunit. Plus there's a cat named Yeti who gets her own chapters.
Definitely recommend.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd Mountain Lodge Mysteries Book where Misty the owner of The Mountain Lodge will be hosting Nigel Goodwin, the porject planner for a new Resort with his investors. Things seem to be going smoothly until three of the locals come to protest the Resort! Then Niegil ends up frozen to death! Misty, Rocky, and the Highcloud and Officere Hardy must figure out who killed him before the guests decide to leave. What a great books! Lots of interaction with each of guests and great characters. I love that we even get Yedi, the cats inputs!

This book is the third book in the well-written Mountain Lodge Mystery series. It's possible to enjoy this book without reading the other two, but the first book gives the detailed backstory about main character Misty Murphy and how she first opened Mountaintop Lodge.

In addition to showing Misty's excellent sleuthing skills when a guest of the lodge is found murdered, this book also shows plenty of scenes with Misty and her family as they celebrate Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Her twin sons add humor to the story and their teasing banter with their mom is funny and realistic. Adding to the charm of this cozy mystery are the few chapters that are narrated by Misty's cat Yeti. I don't always like this type of thing, but it works well in this series and sometimes Yeti sees things going on that Misty doesn't.

I like the growing romance between Misty and Rocky, but also appreciate that Misty's and her ex-husband have remained friends. One negative to this book is there were a couple of things that came across as a little bit preachy, but overall it's a great story.

The murder investigation is interesting with plenty of people with a motive to eliminate the victim, a land developer who plans to build an upscale resort not far from Misty's lodge. Misty is able to get several important clues that help solve the case. As much as I enjoyed the investigation, it's the setting and great characters that keep me coming back to this delightful series.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

"Snow Place for Murder" by Diane Kelly is the third installment in the Mountain Lodge mystery series, and I'm absolutely hooked. Building on the success of the previous book, this installment delves deeper into the captivating world of Misty and Rocky, offering readers an even more immersive experience.

The story begins with international resort developer Nigel Goodwin's arrival in Misty Murphy's quaint corner of North Carolina, setting the stage for an intriguing tale. The author does a remarkable job describing the atmosphere and the lodge itself, so vividly that I found myself almost tempted to look up reservations for the Mountaintop Lodge. The setting is so well-crafted that it becomes a character in its own right, adding to the book's charm.

Once again, the peace and tranquility are shattered when a body is discovered, and the local police enlist Misty's help to unravel the mystery. The engaging plot keeps you guessing and turning pages, eager to uncover the truth behind the murder.

One of the highlights of this series is the development of Misty and Rocky's family story. It's heartwarming to see their journey as a family coming together, and it adds depth and relatability to the characters. You can't help but root for them.

And then there's Yeti, the lovable cat with an internal monologue that not only provides comic relief but also gives us a unique perspective on the events unfolding. Yeti's chapters add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. "Snow Place for Murder" is a delightful addition to the Mountain Lodge mystery series, offering a blend of mystery, family dynamics, and a touch of whimsy with Yeti. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with engaging characters and an inviting setting, this book is a must-read.

In this book the lodge is in the middle of a massive snow storm and Misty finds herself snowed in with a potential murderer. I really like the world that the author has created around Misty, Rocky, Patti, the lodge and of course Misty's cat, Yeti. I really enjoyed the short little chapters from Yeti's point of view. I also really liked that Misty's sons, JJ and Mitch, were in most of the book as well as Rocky's daughter Pebble. All three have been mentioned quite a bit and it was nice to be able to get to know them a bit.

This is one of those mysteries where any one of the possible suspects could have had motive to kill the victim. The victim wasn't very likable and so many people had reasons to want to take him out both personal and professional and since almost all the suspects are relatively unknown to Misty she has her investigative work cut out for her and I enjoyed going along for the ride. I really wasn't sure of the who and the why until Misty figured it out.

I really enjoy the lodge setting for this series. We have a change up of suspects and characters and a range of issues. I really like seeing the day to day behind the scenes of the lodge and life up in the mountains of North Carolina.

Misty Murphy is turning a new page in her life. After a recent friendly divorce, Misty has bought a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where she lives with her cat, Yeti, and a live in handyman Rocky.

It starts with her ex-husband and college aged sons arriving for Thanksgiving. The boys are going to be coming back and spending their winter break working at the lodge. Misty will need the extra help, especially with developer Nigel Goodwin arriving with a party of potential investors in a resort he wants to build nearby. Goodwin and his party arrive but not all the residents of Beach Mountain, NC, are excited about the prospect. Several locals are quite upset about the prospect of a resort being built and ruining the landscape and being a danger to local wildlife. Nigel Goodwin is found dead under a snowbank, and it ends up not being natural causes. There is no shortage of suspects, both local and lodge guests. Misty is thrown in to sleuthing mode to find the sheriff asks for her help.

It was nice to see that Misty is an independent 50-year-old woman who is building a successful business. I also liked that her ex and her are friends and continue to share family gatherings.

I had not read the previous two installments of this series but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. I also have to say this is one of the best crafted mysteries I have read in a long time! I read late into the night to finish so I could find out who had killed Nigel and why.

Thank you, St. Martins, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.

This was a fun and delightful cozy mystery set in the mountains of North Carolina during the holiday season. Misty Murphy, owner of the Mountaintop Lodge prides herself on fine and friendly service. She is conflicted in booking the lodge to a resort developer as he pitches his plans to a group of investors. Many of the locals are not happy about the development, but business is business. That is until the developer is found buried under a mound of snow at the bottom of the lodge's hill. That's definitely not good for business. Misty is known to the local constabulary as being observant and helpful on previous investigations and welcomes her assistance. With so many possible suspects, will the right one be found before the potential investors head homeward?

Diane Kelly has a real knack for mystery writing. Her timing is spot on and the red herrings are plentiful. Her writing is engaging and her main characters are likeable. The settings are well laid out and the characters' banter charming and oftentimes amusing. This was definitely a fun and quick read. I look forward to reading the earlier two books and future books in this series.

I am grateful to St. Martin's Press for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Anticipated Publication Date: 10/24/2023
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-1250816016
No. of pages: 304

This is #3 in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series, and though it was the first that I've read, I felt comfortable right from the very beginning. It has a perfect cozy wintry vibe, and an interesting mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. I will read more from this series, both earlier and later books in the series. Looking forward to what comes next! Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!

The third installment of the Mountain Lodge cozy series centers around the death of a not-so-honest developer visiting protagonist, Misty Murphy’s quaint inn in scenic Beech Mountain, North Carolina. It’s nearing Christmas, and between scenes about the murder mystery, Misty and her beau, Rocky’s, children are visiting and helping run the Lodge.

The story is interesting as it twists and turns along with the suspects’ alibi’s. It’s strongly a home, hearth, and family tale. Yeti, Misty’s cat, is a sweet addition with her own mini-chapters told from her point of view.

The ending wrap-up satisfied my curiosity as to whodunnit. I believe cozy mystery fans will be engaged by the plot and warmth of the main characters.

I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is third in a series. I hadn’t read the other two, but I did not feel lost at all. I really enjoyed the setting. I visited the North Carolina mountains for the first time this summer and really enjoyed it. We wondered what it is like in the winter, so this was fun for me to read. Misty’s inn was described so nicely, I’d love to visit, but hold the murder while I’m there. Misty investigates the murder of a real estate developer who had booked her lodge while wooing investors. The story was a bit slow, but I did enjoy it.

One of the things I really enjoy about this series is that Misty is well settled into her life. She’s recently divorced, but has a great relationship with her ex-husband and is currently enjoying a blossoming romance with Rocky, the Mountaintop Lodge’s handyman. Her sons get along with her and she gets along with the people in the small town she calls home, including police enforcement. It’s actually a nice change when the main character in a mystery series doesn’t actually have too much baggage or conflict in her own life because there’s more than enough drama provided by the constant parade of murders!

And while we don’t spend a lot of time on the supporting cast, we do get glimpses into their personal lives, and their relationship with Misty. They are almost background characters because they really just support the story, letting the action take centre stage.

That’s not to say that there aren’t more than enough suspects to focus on. With the inn full of wealthy investors, they all seem to have more than a few secrets to hide. Not to mention the angry locals who are opposing the new resort plans.

The pacing of the mystery is really well done and I found we spent a really good amount of time with each suspect, learning about their motives, watching how they behave, and then adding to the suspicion, or clearing them of the murder. There are lots of clues and red herrings and trying to solve this mystery was lots of fun and new motives were uncovered or suspects were given alibis.

Underneath the murder there is also the sub-plot that deals with turning a beautiful “local” secret into a tourist destination. This happens a lot and I can see both sides of the story – on one hand you want to share the beauty and have more people appreciate it (not to mention creating new jobs for the local economy) but on the other hand, too many tourists really can ruin a well-hidden paradise.

I really enjoyed this book – it has a Christmas feel to it because the story takes place around the holidays and there’s plenty of family interaction. I loved the cozy feel of it all (murder notwithstanding) and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

*** Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Paperbacks, for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the third book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge mysteries but also a standalone read.

Taking place in the mountains of NC Misty has a Mountain top lodge she bought after her divorce. It's almost Thanksgiving and there is a group of potential investors that were invited by Nigel Goodwin, a developer, to see a presentation of his upcoming adventure.

During this time at the lodge Nigel was found dead near the lodge and Misty is on the trail to find the killer.

This was a delightful book and highly recommend this to anyone that loves a good Cozy mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.

A very cute cozy mystery that takes place at a mountain lodge in North Carolina. Has all the elements you’re looking for in a cozy mystery - unsuspecting suspects, a victim who may deserve it, villains, and a cat who wants to tell its own story. While this is the 3rd in a series, I read it as a standalone, and you can too.

Misty bought the lodge as a total change of pace for her life. She lives onsite and has just fallen into a relationship with her handyman Rocky. Her lodge has been rented out for an investors meeting for a possible new resort being built down the road. Already there is anger about the resort - from one wildlife photographer and Rehabilitator, and one hunter who wants his peace and privacy. Misty hopes she hasn’t made a mistake in renting out to them.

Of course, nothing goes as planned. A dead body turns up onsite and everyone is a suspect. Will Misty be the one to unravel the mystery?

A really fun novel set in a really great location. Misty is the likable unlikely detective who keeps finding herself in the middle of these messes. I will definitely be going backwards in the series and picking up the rest.

I am loving this series with Misty, Rocky, Yeti and friends. This story was interesting and possibly something you could relate to if you feel your living space is being taken away with too much “progress”. I like Misty’s thought process and the fact law enforcement encourages her. Great story and wonderful characters. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I always enjoy Diane Kelly’s books. This series has great cozy mysteries. This book takes place over the holidays so it’s getting me ready for my own holiday season! I love that it has a sweet romance between Misty and Rocky. Also really enjoyed getting to see more of Misty’s boys and Rocky’s daughter. Despite all the murders that seem to darken Misty’s doorstep I would really enjoy a weekend at her cabin!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC

An excellent cozy mystery set in a Mountain Lodge weathered in by snow. The conflict between a development company and the local residents is now on hold as they must dig out of the snow. But digging has uncovered more than the snow, the developer is dead and the suspects are all still on the scene. A "locked room" mystery where the suspects are in the locked room too.

Snow Place for Murder
(Mountain Lodge 3)
Diane Kelly


Diane Kelly is the author of seven series and more than 60 books.


This is my first Mountaintop Lodge mystery.

Mountaintop Lodge is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the Elk River, in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

We “arrive” before Nigel Goodwin, developer extraordinaire. He has rented out the lodge for him and his potential project investors. The reader is introduced to some passing wildlife, Gus, an animal advocate, and a hunter. We have Misty, a divorced mom of two sons, her handyman slash boyfriend Rocky, best friend Patty, Baroness Blizzard (Yeti), and a multitude of others. The author does a good job of explaining the family dynamics of everyone so new readers such as myself are ready for everything to come. Misty and Yeti narrate the story.

The murder kinda shocked me, I know... somebody’s dying it’s a mystery! But I was so engrossed in the family, community, and guest dynamics that the death scene managed to surprise me.

The mystery itself was good. The murderer not only surprised me but I actually felt sad for the killer!
5*****





Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

#Netgalley #SnowPlaceforMurder #DianeKelly #snowboard #mystery #lodge

Such a fun murder mystery. I really liked the characters. Misty and family and friends are wonderful. I enjoyed following the clues. It was an entertaining day of reading. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Each of the books in this series gets better than the one before. And they've all been wonderful! The lodge is being rented by Nigel Goodwin and investors for a new resort on the mountain. Not everyone is happy with the idea. The body of Nigel is found on the mountain. There are many suspects.

This is the third book in the series. I love the characters and how I keep getting to know more about them. The mystery is always fun to solve along with Misty and friends. I can't wait for the next!

This mystery had everything I love to see in a Cozy. I didn’t know what to expect from this book since Diane Kelly is a new to me author. I enjoyed her laid back writing style. My only regret is that I haven’t read the first two books in the series. I loved the location that was the setting for the story. I have always loved the mountains and especially the Blue Ridge area. I would love to take a week to relax and unwind at the Mountain Top Lodge. The characters were very down to earth friendly people. The murder happened about almost midway into the book. Readers had to wait till near the books ending to find out whodunnit. I didn’t come close to guessing who the killer was and that’s the way I like a cozy mystery to be. I’m going to want to go back and read book one and two so I can get to know the characters better.

When an international resort developer books the Mountain Top Lodge in Nr. Carolina for a week in December Misty Murphy, owner and operator has a full house. Not everyone wants to see a huge resort built where the Elk River runs through the forest and attracts the wild animals to the waters edge. The community is upset and wants the nature trail left the way it is. Tempers flare and when English developer Nigel Goodwin is found dead and frozen under a snow bank the local sheriff must determine if it’s a death by natural causes or is it a murder.

I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and to fans of the Author. I read this book as a standalone and was able to enjoy the story. It is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Series by Diane Kelly. There is a few mild cuss words in the book so readers who are sensitive to this might not appreciate this book for that reason. This book is scheduled to be released on 10/24/23.

I voluntarily read an advanced Readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#SnowPlaceforMurder# NetGalley

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is a cosy mystery set at a mountain lodge in Beech Mountain, NC. That was pretty much all I needed to know to grab my interest and ask my friends at St Martin’s Press for an early copy. I love the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s always like going home. This time of year the draw is especially strong. I loved immersing myself and read this in an afternoon.

Misty Murphy made some big life changes in the last year. An amicable divorce, a move, and the purchase of a mountain lodge on Beech Mountain, NC. It’s hard work but she’s content and feels at home here. With the help of her handyman/boyfriend Rocky Crowder, assistant Brynn, and neighbor Patty who owns the Greasy Griddle the lodge is doing well. After agreeing to host a real estate developer and potential investors Misty has second thoughts. It’s clear there’s pushback from the local community. With her college age boys home to help for the holidays she has extra hands so she can try to find out what they’re planning. When her sons find the developer murdered things take a sharp turn and everyone is a potential suspect. He was on the outs with his wife, his previous projects have frustrated potential/past investors, his assistant has acted strangely since arriving, and the locals had vowed to stop him. Afraid of a potential murderer as a guest, or someone else becoming a victim, Misty cooperates with local law enforcement to try to solve the case.

This is the third in the Mountain Lodge Mysteries, and reads really well as a stand alone…but you’re going to want to go back and read the previous two to get all the mountain goodness! I recommend for fans of cosy mysteries set in small towns, especially if you’re looking for a winter theme!

The holidays are upon Mountaintop Lodge and Misty is hosting an investment firm who is looking to sell its guests on investing in a new resort in the area. While there are many in town against the new development, including Misty, she still has a business to run and selling out the lodge for a week is a boon to her business.

When the head of the investment firm is found dead at the lodge, Misty decides to do some sleuthing on her own since she and her sons are now snowed in with a murderer. Will the murderer walk free if the police can’t solve the murder before the roads are cleared after the storm stops? Or can Mistry and the gang solve another murder at the lodge?

Another entry in what is a MUST READ series on my reading list, and I’m as thrilled as I have been with each entry so far. A likable and relatable protagonist, her ex husband, sons and new family of choice all make this an engaging and super series to read.

We get to see so much more of Misty’s family! We also get to see a few unique mountain characters as well. There is lots of snow and some winter sports too. This is one is super cozy!
As to the mystery, I knew who it was right away, but I didn’t know why or how. So there was still mystery to be explored. This book really helps to develop Misty and Rocky into more rounded characters with a history. It makes for a great addition to the Mountain Lodge Mysteries.

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is a cozy mystery with some fun twists and turns. The novel is listed as the third in a series called Mountain Lodge Mysteries. The story takes place in the mountains of North Carolina. This was the first book I read in the series and I had no trouble jumping in with the characters and storyline. One of the fun things about this novel is that every so often a chapter is authored from Yeti’s (the cat) point of view.

The Innkeeper at Mountain Lodge is Misty. She bought the lodge recently after her divorce and is still new to running the Lodge. Rocky is the handyman and plows for the Lodge and other people. With Misty and Rocky during this holiday season, their children with the cat and the dog pitch in to help run the lodge.

Nigel Goodwin has rented out part of the Lodge for his business investors. He is trying to obtain money to open another fancy resort. He had invited a bunch of people to come to the Lodge to hear his plans and hopefully spend money with his company. However, Nigel’s presentation is disrupted by protesters and that’s when things started to fall apart…

I enjoyed the characters and the storyline of the novel. I like how Diane Kelly built up the story and tied me into the story completely. Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is a great read.

Welcome to the third book in this cozy mystery, set in the mountains of North Carolina. Once again, the author crafts a realistic mystery at Misty’s Mountain Lodge. Misty is still new at running the lodge she bought after her divorce and working to ensure the Lodge stays in business during this first winter holiday season. When a big investor rents the entire lodge for a business pitch event, Misty is both excited and trepidatious about how everything will go. Turns out, she has reason to be worried as things don’t go to plan on multiple fronts. This is a lovely cozy and a great entry in this series.

A cute cozy mystery by Diane Kelly. This is the third in her Mountain Lodge Series. I enjoyed the winter vibe and Blue Ridge Mountain setting. The characters were likable and the author did a good job introducing the families as well. Misty, the Innkeeper, and Rocky her boyfriend and lodge handyman have their hands full the week before Christmas when Nigel Goodwin, a European real estate developer buys out the entire lodge to show his potential investors the nearby property he wants to develop. The locals are not happy with the idea of a resort development near the pristine nature trails. Midway through the book, Nigel is found dead, frozen in a snow pile. There are many sub-stories woven in with the mystery to solve which makes it fun. There is some humor and even a cat named Yeti who narrates a chapter here and there. Overall a fun cozy and quick read.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to the third book in her Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series, Snow Place for Murder . It features 50-year-old Misty Murphy who has recently signed her divorce papers and purchased a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwestern North Carolina. International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has reserved her lodge for several days. He plans to pitch a new resort to several wealthy investors. The resort will be built on land he has purchased locally. Rocky Crowder is the lodge’s handyman and he does freelance work as well.

However, several locals are against the proposed resort and several of the investors have secrets. Then a blizzard hits the area. Misty’s sons, JJ and Mitch, are home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When the boys find a funny looking rock while sledding at the lodge, chaos ensues.

The story is mainly told from Misty’s point of view, but there are a few chapters interspersed with thoughts from her cat, Baroness Blizzard, also known as Yeti. While Yeti’s chapters aren’t necessary, they provide some humor and I enjoyed them. Misty is independent, hardworking, resourceful, organized, listens to what is going on around her, inquisitive, and good with people. She is also supportive of others and has a natural curiosity. Rocky is reliable, hardworking, and fun. Nigel is charming, manipulative, clever, and cunning. The investor guests and other secondary characters are a mixed group of personalities with secrets to lend a sense of realism.

The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the fall color, the early blizzard, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are several plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with relatable characters like Misty and Rocky, some obnoxious ones, and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities. However, it seemed like the deputy shared more information with her than he should.

I was immediately drawn into Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. The story captivated me from the beginning with a good plot, great world-building details, and characters that are emotionally rich. The author weaves another story involving family, friends, grief, murder, greed, wildlife protection, and holiday celebrations that keeps you entertained throughout the book. Relationships drive the narrative and keep it compelling.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.

St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is the third book in The Mountain Lodge Series but can also be a stand alone read .

In this installment, international investment realtor Nigel Goodwin rents out Misty Murphy’s entire lodge around the holidays hoping to lure wealthy American investors into developing an exclusive resort, this idea finds him at odd with the locals . When Goodwin is found murdered in the snow , Misty once again must find out who wanted Goodwin next investment to be his final one .

I really enjoyed the relationship between Misty and family , also I found the cat’s view fun .

Great story to pass the time .

Highly recommend!!

just reviewed Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly. #NetGalley

I enjoyed reading this book. The primary characters were interesting and not cookie cutter. The actual murder was different from any others that I have read. I found it interesting and wanted to keep reading to see what happened and who the guilty person was. My one complaint is when the fellow was planning to set up a resort in Banff. Banff is a national park in Canada. There is no way this would be happening.

This is a fine addition to the series. An investor wants to bring a big resort to a mountain location filled with wildlife. A local group objects to the plans and confronts the investor, who is soon found dead. Misty needs to find the killer to save the reputation of her bed & breakfast. Well written with a nice twisty plot, red herrings and interesting characters. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

this is a witty entertaining book. Nigel takes the Mountantop Lodge for the week before Christmas, trying to convince the people of the town to make a new resort. A blizzard hits and then there is murder and mayhem! Lots of interesting and quirky characters, twists and turns, making this a real page turner and a must read!

Diane Kelly takes us back to the Mountaintop Lodge as a tourist developer hold investor session there close to his property. Snow Place for Murder has nasty murders, lots of suspects, and intrepid sleuths in the lodge owner and her supporters. Yeti the cat gives cute opinions. Read and ENJOY.

4 Stars


It’s the holiday season and Misty’s got a lot going on at her Mountaintop Lodge. Not only do her boys get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with her. Rocky‘s daughter is also home from college and she is spending time with them at the lodge as well. Misty is also hosting an international resort developer from England. He is planning to pitch a resort idea to wealthy American investors that has caused a little commotion amongst the locals. As Misty and her handyman, Rocky do their best to make her little lodge as cozy and comfortable as can be, the townsfolk bring on a nasty little confrontation that has Misty calling the local police.
Just as things settle down a blizzard hits the area. Misty's sons are having some fun on a sled hill that Rocky made and discover a strange rock that turns out to be the resort developers' body on ice. Misty finds herself right in the middle of a murder.




I have been invested in this series since the first book, and each one gets better and better. Diane Kelly does an amazing job transporting the reader to a completely different place when opening the cover of one of her books. Snow Place for Murder was enjoyable in many aspects for me. The mystery was very well written. I have to say I did not figure out who did it in this one because there were just too many ways it could have gone. I love the chapters from Yetis point of view. They are fun and add quite a bit of humor to the story and honestly, I really do think the thoughts that that cat has or what cats would truly think. I like that we got to see the relationship with Misty and her children along with her ex-husband. We’ve heard her talk well of him through the other books and it was nice to see the interaction between the two of them and that they did have a good relationship after divorce. I honestly wish that the Mountain Lodge truly existed because I for one would spend quite a bit of time there. I can’t wait to see what the next adventure for Misty and Yeti will be.

Misty Murphy is a great main character, level headed, thoughtful, intelligent, and hard working. Her developing relationship with Rocky Crowder is delightful.

This series always has such a sense of place and this is no exception. The wintery mountains are brought alive to the point you can nearly smell the pine with a tinge of fireplace smoke and feel the chill.

If you particularly enjoy books where you feel part of the family, this is the book for you. Join Misty for Thanksgiving and then Christmas with her two boys and Rocky's daughter.

I do have to say that the murder and investigation don't happen until well into the book. Some may be surprised by that since so many books now have the murder in the first chapter of two. If I remember correctly, It was at least a fifth, or even a fourth, of the way into the book.

As for solving whodunit, I didn't have a strong candidate, they all seemed equally likely. The subtle clues didn't stand out for me, but they are there. The killer reveal wasn't perilous, but had its own excitement. I am enjoying this series as it progresses and recommend.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Set in Misty Murphy's charming corner of North Carolina, the story follows the arrival of international developer Nigel Goodwin, whose plans to pitch a luxurious new resort concept to American investors stir up tension among the locals. As a blizzard hits Beech Mountain, the situation turns even more chilling, leading to a shocking discovery buried under the snow.

Diane Kelly's storytelling skill shines through in this engaging whodunit, with a cast of well-developed characters and a plot full of surprising twists and turns. The vivid descriptions of the winter landscape and the festive holiday atmosphere create a cozy yet suspenseful backdrop for the intriguing murder mystery.

From Misty's determination to uncover the truth to the involvement of her boys in the investigation, the narrative keeps you invested in the unfolding events. The author expertly builds suspense, gradually unraveling the layers of deception and motives that ultimately lead to a satisfying and unexpected resolution.

The third book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery is an excellent addition to the series. Misty has rented the Lodge to an international developer who plans to build a resort near the lodge. many of the townspeople are not in favor of the development and some of the investors seem skeptical as well. Misty slips into sleuth mode when Nigel, the developer, is found dead in a snowbank.

This has quickly become one of my favorite series. The characters seem like old friends as soon as I open the book. I appreciate that Misty is a mature woman with a definite life plan and a stable relationship with Rocky. I like that she and her ex-husband are on good terms and her sons are well adjusted college students. I enjoyed meeting Rocky's daughter, Pebble.

The setting is near and dear to my heart as the NC mountains are one of my favorite places to be. I can visualize the lodge, the Greasy Griddle, and the town. It makes me want to head for the hills.

The pool of suspects was wide and varied. Nigel is not a very likable man. The twists and turns had me changing my mind frequently about who the culprit would be. I was a bit surprised with the reveal. I went back to re-read and picked up a few more clues that pointed in that direction.

The story would not be the same without the chapters from Yeti's point of view. I often wonder what my cats are thinking and Yeti's comments make me smile. Molasses is a great dog! Bernese Mountain dogs are one of my favorite breeds.

This book has it all. A wonderful cast of characters, a great setting, and a well thought out plot. I highly recommend this series and suggest starting at the beginning. I can't wait to visit Mountaintop Lodge again soon.

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly is perfect for curling up by a fire and getting lost in the showy wonderland of the North Carolina mountains! This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series, it would be a fun standalone read as well.

Misty has a resort mogul and his potential investors at the lodge for a presentation, but when someone turns up murdered Misty is on the case to make sure the killer doesn’t slip out of town when the snow stops falling.

Snow Place for Murder is book 3 in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but it was easy to figure out who everyone is and their relationship to each other.

I really enjoyed the setting of this cozy mystery - the ski town of Beech Mountain, North Carolina. I've been skiing at Beech Mountain (as well as at Sugar Mountain and Boone which are also mentioned). It is also the perfect snowy setting for a Christmasy novel.

I found it interesting that Misty Murphy lives at the Mountaintop Lodge which she owns and operates. It wouldn't have been so odd if she lived in a suite or some kind of "caretaker" room. But it appears to be a normal motel room - there's no kitchenette (she has a hotplate and dorm fridge). Yes, there is a diner next door, but eating out isn't cheap nor the healthiest. At least her college-age kids only visit as it seems they live (when not away at school) in their childhood home with Misty's ex-husband.

While there are Christmas decorations, Christmas is just the background setting. So if you want a good wintry mystery without the over-the-top holly jolly trimmings, then this is the book to pick up.

There are definitely some interesting characters who are residents of the area and I look forward to seeing more of them. The lodge setting is a great setting for a cozy mystery since it keeps the town regulars from being constantly murdered, but I'm not sure how a business survives if the guests keep getting murdered. So I'm interested to see how the series keeps things fresh in future novels.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/10/cozy-up-with-these-seasonal-mysteries.html

Snow Place for Murder is another fun cozy mystery from Diane Kelly! This is book 3 in the series but the first for me. I didn’t have any trouble jumping right into the comings and going at the Mountaintop Lodge—including the main character Misty, and her lodge handyman/boyfriend, Rocky. If you enjoy the simplicity of a cozy mystery, this would be a fun one to curl up with!

When a businessman brings his investors to the lodge in hopes of scoring investments to his new local resort, Misty knows this group is probably going to be different than the typical visitors to their humble hotel. All of the members of the groups have different personalities and Misty seems happy to get to know them. But not everyone on the mountain is happy with this possible resort and some of the locals start showing up at the lodge to make their feelings known. When the body of the resort developer is discovered outside the lodge, all the investors become suspects and detective Misty is watching them all for clues. Who had the best motive to stop the development of this resort?

This third in the series will be enjoyed by both those old and new to the Mountain Lodge, North Carolina setting and protagonist, Misty. This time there are real estate issues. What happened to the dead developer? Was there another murder in what should be this quiet locale? Since that answer will be yes, who did it?

Those who enjoy holidays set in the festive season with accompaniments of good character and plot will want to give this one a look. It could help a reader to while away a fall evening.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Real Estate developer Nigel Goodwin is nothing but positive about his current endeavor for a large ski resort on Beech Mountain. Misty Murphy, owner of Mountaintop Lodge, is happy for the business Nigel has brought to the lodge, but she isn’t sure how she feels about the possibility of the new resort. Certainly, many of the locals aren’t happy. They make their disapproval known in a visible way during Nigel’s presentation. The encounter turns ugly and Misty is forced to call the police. When Nigel’s body is found frozen in a pile of snow the next morning, there are certainly no shortage of suspects.

This is the first of the Mountain Lodge Mystery books I have read, the third in the series, but I had no problem getting right into the story. The author did a great job of introducing the characters without really introducing them, so I felt comfortable with them quickly. I also enjoyed the interludes of observation by Misty’s lodge cat, Yeti. Each interlude provides a little change of scene to move the story along with a bit of humor. The story was engaging and kept my interest. It moved a little more rapidly than some other cozy mysteries I’ve read, keeping me engaged. The local character interactions weren’t breaks in the action and kept the story moving as well. With so many suspects, so many possible motives, the mystery certainly kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to visiting the Mountain Lodge again soon.

It’s almost Christmas and Misty Murphy is getting her Mountaintop Lodge ready. The week before the holiday, her lodge is booked by a resort developer, Nigel Goodwin, for a conference. Misty is quite happy with the business and even happier to have her two teenage sons available to help out.

The big problem is the developer is planning for a new resort near her own lodge and the town is not happy about it. When a blizzard hits the town, not only is the weather chilly but so are the people’s attitudes. Even the potential investors aren’t very happy.

When Nigel is found dead, Misty fears that someone in her lodge is a murderer. She, along with her trusty handyman Rocky, set out to find a killer.

This is the third book in the series and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The characters are well-rounded and the story moves along at a fast pace. With each book, we get to know Misty and her family better.

I, also, love the setting. The author did a good job of transporting me to North Carolina during a blizzard. I felt as if I was actually there. Oh - and there was a cute cat, Yeti. Yeti had her own very short POV chapters letting us know how she felt about everyone. It was really a charming addition to the story.

This is a captivating mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I thought the culprit was someone else, which makes this mystery even more fun for me. Although this is the third book, the mystery is contained in this book. It’s not necessary to read the first two, but I think you would want to for the character growth aspect.

I look forward to visiting the Mountaintop Lodge again very soon.







FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Third in the Mountain Lodge series, <i>Snow Place for Murder</i> has everything you would expect from a cozy. There’s a large cast of characters led by amateur detective, Misty Murphy, the owner of a charming lodge in a small town nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. With the arrival of Thanksgiving, the story takes place just as the winter and holiday season arrives in Beech Mountain with fresh snow for the skiers and snowboarders and delicious sounding holiday fare on the menu from the Greasy Griddle Diner just across the parking lot from the lodge.

When resort developer Nigel Goodwin turns up missing there are plenty of suspects as well as twists and turns in solving his disappearance. As is typical of a cozy, the twists and turns and numerous suspects take a while to unfold. But the backstory and details of the impact of the developer’s plans give the story added interest. The close relationships between the family and lodge employees and neighbors are well developed and genuine. The seasonal theme was a plus and made for perfect Fall reading.

Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone and made a good introduction to the series - I look forward to reading more.

This cozy series is so good! I just love the main characters. In fact, the whole cast of characters is strong, and the fact that this is a mountain lodge means the players change often, depending on who comes to stay. That keeps everything fresh and new.

Although most of the chapters are from Misty’s point of view, there are a few that are from the point of view of her cat, Yeti—such a fun twist.

As I live in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, I love books that are set there, and this one does not disappoint. I am very familiar with some of the towns mentioned in this book. There is also a very real problem in the North Carolina mountains of rich corporations coming in and buying up the land, making it unaffordable for locals, and bringing in more tourists and traffic than towns are structurally able to support. That is addressed in this installment of the series.

I also love that the main character, Misty, is in her 50s. There are enough young protagonists with perfect bodies out there. It's nice to read about someone like me.

The mystery is compelling and has plenty of twists and turns. The ending is unexpected., but it is the characters and setting that will keep me coming back to this series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy the characters, and the mountain setting. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked meeting Misty & Rocky's kids.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Christmas at the Lodge is going to be a full on family affair for Misty and Rocky. But first she has to get through an investment group who booked the entire lodge. They seem nice enough although Misty has some reservations about the land they want to develop for a new resort. There are others in the community who are hostile to the group so when the investment guru who is putting the deal together is frozen to death there are lots of possible suspects including some of the group itself.

The local police value Misty’s input and the collaborate on things that she discovers. They band together and they are able to discover motives for several of the suspects but it will take Misty’s ability to take things that were said and piece them together. It is a good series but one of the things I enjoy most is the Yeti chapters. Yeti is Misty’s cat and she adds a feline perspective to what is going on around her. Very enjoyable.

Five purrs and two paws up.

Always like a good cozy since these are my go to books. This book had me guessing till the very end. The human gives her point of view but what I enjoyed it when the cat decided to put her 2 cents in. Very enjoyable..

This is such a wonderful series. I’ve truly been enjoying reading it. And while this book is part of the series it can be read as a stand alone.
This book has a land developer renting out our main character, Misty’s, lodge to try to sell his local development ideas to some investors. There are many people who hate this idea of developing this beautiful natural area and they let their feelings be known. Things heat up when Nigel, the developer is found dead.
There are many twists and turns and a few red herrings leading us to the conclusion of this enjoyable mystery. I recommend this well written cozy mystery.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book so much that I went back and read the first one in the series and am waiting to get a copy of the second book. I am now a huge fan of the Mountain Lodge series! The author does a great job of developing the characters and the setting. As a North Carolina resident and a visitor to the Beech Mountain area, I could envision the lodge and the scenery. Misty, the owner of the Mountain Top Lodge, is a great character. Even though she is divorced, she and her ex, Jack, get along well. And her sons, J. J. and Mitch, as well as Rocky’s daughter, Phoebe, add to the story. The murder mystery has you pulled in from the beginning and I was guessing at the person responsible until almost the end! There are lots of twists, turns, and clues that keep you invested in the story. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next adventure in the Mountain Lodge series. I guarantee you that I’ll have it on my to-be-read list as soon as it’s released!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Snow Place for Murder

By: Diane Kelly

Publish Date: 24 October 2023

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martins Paperbacks

Gener fiction (adult)/Mystery and thrillers

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

The third in the charming and engrossing Mountain Lodge mystery series by Diane Kelly, in Snow Place for Murder, the weather at the Mountaintop Lodge is truly frightful…

International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has traveled all the way from London, England to Misty Murphy’s little corner of North Carolina and bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week prior to Christmas. Their intention? To pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors.

But locals are at odds over the idea, and when a group comes to the lodge to express their worries to Mr. Goodwin and the potential investors, a blizzard hits Beech Mountain. Like the weather outside, things quickly get frosty, and Misty has to call local police to intervene. Handyman Rocky Crowder plows the lodge’s drive and, in an attempt to regain a jovial holiday atmosphere, smooths the snow pile into a makeshift sledding hill for the guests to enjoy.

Misty’s boys have finished their exams and are “home” from college for the winter break, planning to spend most of their time snowboarding at the ski resort. While taking a few runs down Rocky’s sledding hill, they discover a funny-looking, nose-shaped rock. Only it’s not a rock. It’s the frozen nose of Nigel Goodwin, who’s found dead and buried under the mound of snow.

Who put the developer on ice and why?

Book Review:

I enjoyed this book even though I haven’t read the first two. I gave it 4 stars. I loved the family and friendships that it portrayed. Even though Misty is divorced she gets a long great with her ex-husband which makes it easier for the boys. They get together for the holidays and have a great time. Except this time something happens to one of her customer’s. As the synopsis explains. Misty wants to know why Nigel is dead. Was it an accident, natural or murder? You will have to read the book to find out. It was interesting on how they found out he was dead and a little gross. One of her son’s found a weird, shaped object and thought it was rock but come to find out it was Nigel’s nose. I know this is in the synopsis, but I thought it was worth another telling because that has stayed with me since it was so weird. Just in case you want to read this you really don’t have to read the other two before this one, but it would give you some details about how Misty came to the Mountain Lodge.

This is the third book in the Mountaintop Lodge Mystery series, but the first for me, as well as the first with this author. That said, there were no issues with jumping in the middle of the series, which was helpful.

The story was well written with good pacing and nicely developed characters. I enjoyed the flow of things and wasn't sure about who might be the murderer until late in the story, which is always nice for building anticipation. It did get a little character heavy at times, but that was just a minor issue for me. I also didn't see the value of having chapters from the POV of the cat, felt like unnecessary filler. Overall a fun and fast read.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. There was enough to the mystery to hold my interest. If you are looking for a nice escape, this is a great book to read and I will be looking for more books by this author!

Snow Place for Murder is the third mystery in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. Lodge owner, Misty Murphy, is getting ready for the holidays with her sons in town and an English resort owner and his investors in residence. When a dead body shows up, everything is put on hold as the police, with the help of Misty, rush to find the killer before Misty’s guests check out and leave town.

I haven’t read and of the other books in this series, but I found this to be a good mystery that is able to be read as a standalone if you are okay with missing out on a little bit of Misty’s background info. The characters in this series are engaging and relatable. The mystery itself was captivating and fun to follow along with and the Mountain Lodge setting is inviting and quaint. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and I look forward to going back and reading the first two mysteries in this series. This is a great winter cozy to curl up with in a cold day!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!

Misty, Rocky, and Yeti have their hands full when a group of investors book the lodge for a week. Before the week
is over, the CEO of Adventure Capitol would have to handle local protesters and trespassers. But when he is found dead, outside under a pile of snow, questions rise. But it is the manner of his death that has Misty and the local police buzzing around. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

Snow Place for Murder is the third book in Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge mystery series. I love the characters in the story and with it being a lodge setting, you new characters added in each book as well. Most of the chapters are from the main character's (Misty) point of view, but I really love the short, sometimes one page chapters from Yeti's (Misty's cat) point of view. I also enjoy how the books go from season to season. The author describes the area so well, it's almost like being there. Truly an enjoyable read.

Snow Place for Murder is the third installment in Diane Kelly’s Mountain Lodge mysteries. The series features Misty Murphy, a divorced single parent of two boys, who purchased an old mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her divorce settlement. If you are a cosy reader who prefers to read books taking place during the same season you are in, Snow Place for Murder is the perfect book to read now as it takes place over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although it is the third book in the series, it is not necessary to read the first two books beforehand as Kelly spends a lot of time up front introducing you to the main characters and to the Mountain Lodge where the action takes place. The pace really picks up with the arrival of Nigel Goodwin, a real estate developer, and the guests he invited to the lodge as potential investors. The resort project he is planning is opposed by many locals and environmentalists. After confrontational meetings with the investors and local protestors, Goodwin goes skiing only to be found frozen to death outside the Mountain Lodge. After setting the table, the bulk of the novel is spent trying to figure out who did it and why. The plotting is excellent, and I did not lose interest since there are so many suspects with motives. The ending is unexpected and does not disappoint. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of the book.

Misty Murphy is looking forward to having her boys home for winter break and the holiday season. When Nigel Goodwin shows up in town having bought the Mountaintop Lodge the locals aren't to happy. He wants to turn it into an exclusive resort for the rich. While out on the slopes Misty's boys come across the dead body of one Nigel Goodwin. Who killed the man and did it have anything to do with the purchase of the lodge? Follow along as Misty tries to figure out who the killer is before anything else bad happens in her beloved town.

This is a cozy set in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.
Misty own a lodge near the resort and is hosting a developer and potential investors for a week. their stay is not welcomed by the locals and trouble quickly ensues.
With a homicide and everyone suspects the plot moves quickly with the help of Misty.
This is a fun snow day read.

A Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd book in the series set at a Lodge in the mountains of North Carolina. We follow Misty the lodge owner and sometimes her cat, Yeti as they navigate dealing with guests and their own personal lives. Misty is hosting a group on behalf of Nigel Goodwin, who is bringing together potential investors for his own luxury resort he wants to open in the area. There are many locals opposed to the new resort and a few of the the investors seem difficult as well. Misty begins to wonder if she should have hosted this retreat to begin with.
Those concerns worsen when there's a tragedy and once again he lodge is wrapped up in a suspicious death.

There are some light moments involving Misty and Rocky and their kids visiting for the holidays/winter break. A bit of romance and some exciting action.

I have enjoyed every book in this series and I can't wait for the next one!

Dollycas's Thoughts

The Mountaintop Lodge in North Carolina is fully booked the week before Christmas. Nigel Gorden wants to develop a resort nearby and has invited a group of wealthy American investors to give them his pitch and a skiing vacation.

The new resort proposed is getting mixed feedback from the local community. A group against the proposal had come to Misty Murphy's lodge to voice their opinions but it didn't go well and she had to call in the police to clear them out.

Later, a blizzard blows in dumping fresh powder on the mountain.  When handyman Rocky Crowder clears the snow from the lodge's drive and parking lot he makes a sledding hill for everyone to enjoy, including Misty's sons who are helping at the lodge during their holiday break. They are excited to try it out and they make an interesting discovery, a weird rock that isn't really a rock. When Misty realizes what it is, she and Rocky rush to the hill and start digging. They find international resort developer Nigel Goodwin's dead frozen body.

Who would resort to murder to stop the developer and why? Misty may have a killer on the premises so she needs to help the police ice them out before they strike again or getaway with murder.

______

I love that this story takes place at Christmas time because it brings Misty's and Rocky's children and Misty's ex too, to the lodge. Jack and Misty have a very amicable divorce. They are truly friends and always put their college-age sons, J.J. and Mitch, first. Rocky's daughter Pebble arrives early and takes a job at the diner across the parking lot. His other two daughters, his son-in-law, and granddaughter arrive on Christmas day.  Brynn, Misty's friend and right-hand woman was away for the holidays but diner owner Patty was as busy as ever. She and her truck driver husband did share New Year's Eve with Misty and Rocky.  Ms. Kelly makes it so easy to get invested in her characters. The comfortable relationships between everyone are so heartwarming. I like the way the author is letting Misty and Rocky's relationship slowly evolve.

There were plenty of suspects to work through regarding Nigel's death. Was it one of his guests? or someone local trying to stop the resort? The author throws in many twists and turns and the actual motive was surprising. I really enjoy that Misty works with the police. She keeps her ears and eyes open, asks a few questions here and there, and reports back to Deputy Highcloud everything she learns. She does get involved at the end and she and Rocky are present for the exciting arrest.

Ms. Kelly sets each scene so well. This being the third book in the series I have a clear picture of the lodge, the diner, and the nearby surroundings. It is easy to feel you are right there in the moment wherever the characters go. The blizzard had me shivering.  The weather in the mountains is similar to what we have here.  After enduring Wisconsin winters my whole life I felt for everyone that had to go out in it for any reason.

I love that Misty's cat, Yeti gets to have her own moments. Short little chapters from her point of view about what the "ridiculous creatures" i.e. crazy humans are doing or not doing.

Snow Place for Murder is a wonderful addition to this series. A little fictional vacay to Beech Mountain and the Mountaintop Lodge for the holidays was pretty delightful sans the murder of course.

I have enjoyed every book in this series. The mystery is contained in each book so they all can be read on their own but I recommend reading them all in order for maximum enjoyment.

When an resort developer rents out Misty's inn for his investors for a whole week, she can't turn down the opportunity, even if she has reservations about the development herself. But when the developer turns up dead on her property, Misty is right in the thick of things, and helps the police by reporting her observations and theories. Everyone's a suspect, whether it be the potential investors staying at the lodge, the developer's wife, or the townspeople up in arms against the project.

I've been enjoying this series from its first book, and this one is no exception. With plenty of additional holiday cheer, and Misty's sons working at the lodge during their winter break, there's some fun new elements that this one brings to the table. The discovery of the body could have happened a bit sooner in the story for my taste (I'm still not sure why the book started before Thanksgiving, rather than jumping to the developer's arrival), but the method by which it was discovered had me on my toes. It was a well-crafted mystery through-and-through.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

This is a new to me author and I found the book to be engaging. I will look for more books in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

This was a charming cozy as we follow as her boys and her ex visit for the holidays. I loved seeing the development of her and Rocky's relationship as she discovers another murder on her cozy property.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It wasn’t my first book by this author but the first in this series. I will definitely be going back and reading the first two. I really liked the setting and the story had a good amount of mystery and suspects. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

Misty is getting the resort’s rooms for her ex-husband Jack and her two boys J.J. and Mitch. They are coming for Thanksgiving. Before that Misty and Rocky are talking to Nigel Goodwin about the resort he hopes to buil — Goodwin has booked the Mountain Lodge the week before Christmas to talk to potential investors for the resort. Thanksgiving arrives and her boys and ex arrive the day before Thanksgiving. Rocky has gone down to pick up his daughter. Rocky comes back late with flowers and wine for Misty. Jack comes into Misty’s room and is surprised to see Rocky. Misty decides to make the best of it and the three of them have a visit. Jack and Rocky get to know each other. The week before Christmas is filled with Nigel Godwin’s investors. Will they decide to invest in his lodge? It snows and the boys can’t wait to snowboard at the ski resort. When they find out that Rocky has made a spot into ca snow hill, the boys run out to try snowboarding. They discover a strang rock in the snow which turns out to be the nose of Goodwin. He is dead. Misty calls the police. Who killed Goodwin? Why?

The author has done an excellent job of writing — pacing the story. The author has the reader involved in the different suspects who might had killed him.. The police watched each suspect’s behavior,. As I was trying to solve the mystery by clues given I found myself wondering if I was going to solve the mystery. It was fun to read even if there was a mysterious death.

Returning to the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain town setting and the cozy comfort of Misty’s inn for a new seasonal mystery was an anticipated reading experience for me and I was not disappointed.

Snow Place for Murder is the third installment in the Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series. Each book can be read standalone and, in fact, I started with book two and did just fine.

Misty hosts a family Thanksgiving for her ex and two college age sons, JJ and Mitch, her new boyfriend, Rocky, and his daughter. A good time was had by all. JJ and Mitch stay on to help Misty at the lodge while her assistant takes a long holiday break. The lodge is hosting an international resort developer who is the new owner of a nearby patch of land he plans to turn into a resort, his wife, assistant, and his potential investor guests. First, a local group of protestors who, for their various reasons, don’t want the land developed into a resort and then the murder of Nigel, the developer, turn the cozy mountain holidays into a murder investigation.

After reading, A Trip With Trouble, I was positively impressed with Diane Kelly’s writing, the setting, the characters, and her mystery plot so I wanted to keep going with the series. Like that book, Snow Place for Murder took some time to develop the ongoing relationships and give a wonderful seasonal feel starting with the family Thanksgiving. It might seem there would be some drama since Misty hosted her ex and kids with her boyfriend and one of his kids, but she had an amicable divorce after the kids were grown, and a careful slow burn romance with Rocky, her boyfriend and handyman.

The story then changed gears and it was time for Misty, Rocky, and her sons to go to work hosting a group for a week at the lodge. A blizzard sets in adding atmosphere when the mystery part of the story gets going. The pacing stays steady and slower as an observant Misty works with the police sharing what she has seen and heard, using her position to subtly question suspects and witnesses, and follow a moderately twisting path to the reveal. I do like how Misty works with law enforcement and duly considers her actions.

The conclusion with the family Christmas and the hot tub Rocky put in to improve the lodge’s appeal was the perfect satisfying finish to a holiday cozy mystery. I enjoyed being back in the Blue Ridge with Misty and the others and will be continuing with the series. I invite you to join me.

I quite enjoyed the first two books in this series, which features a middle-aged (50) woman, Misty, who has purchased and is running a small inn in the mountains of North Carolina. This one fell a little flat for me for some reason. The mystery was a good one - an international resort developer has convened a group of wealthy potential investors and is pitching them on his plans to develop a large tract of land near Misty’s inn, where they are all staying. The timeframe is from Thanksgiving to right before Christmas, with most of the book taking place mid-December. There’s a lot of snow in the mountains, making it great weather for snowboarding and skiing at the local ski area. When the developer turns up dead (frozen!) outside the inn, Misty gets involved. There were a lot of potential suspects, including some locals who were very upset at the idea of the future resort development. Because of the group of potential investors, there were a lot of characters to try to keep track of.

Perhaps I was just a bit tired of Misty being so nosy and doing so much snooping around her inn’s guests private rooms and eavesdropping on their private conversations, along with her constant conjectures about possible motives of her various guests. (Most of the book is told from Misty’s first-person point of view.) The beginning was slow and the murder didn’t occur till quite a ways into the book. I did enjoy Misty’s relationship with her two college-age sons, who were at the inn to help out during their winter break while Brynn, the regular housekeeper, was away on vacation. They were funny and were also hard-working.

There are some very short chapters that describe what Yeti, Misty’s cat, is doing and thinking, which is a fun touch, but didn’t contribute anything toward the story, so could easily be skipped.

On the positive side, cozy mysteries often have the main character doing something dumb or dangerous. I am SO happy that these books do NOT have the main character doing anything like that! It’s also great that Misty works with the local police, assisting them in an appropriate way, and the books don’t make them out to be stupid..

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was a bit late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Holly Adams, did a good job with the various voices and accents. All opinions are my own.

Snow Place for Murder: A Mountain Lodge Mystery
By Diane Kelly
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
October 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s the winter season, and North Carolina Mountain Lodge owner Misty Murphy is thrilled that her college-attending sons will be visiting for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And since their divorce was about as conscious-uncoupling and friendly as one could be, Misty doesn’t mind that her ex-husband Jack will be accompanying them. Jack’s first meeting with Misty’s new boyfriend does go a little awkwardly though, with Jack knocking on her bedroom door with a bottle of wine only to discover that Rockford Crowder already had the same idea. Once that is out of the way though, they all take advantage of the season with Misty’s sons joining Rock’s daughter on the slopes for snowboarding and warm meals by the fire. Misty still has to attend to her guests though, as venture capitalist Nigel Goodwin has come all the way from London to host prospective investors in his next development. Misty is a little worried about what a new resort could do to the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, but her concern is nothing compared to that of environmentalist/photographer/researcher Gus Bingenheimer. Things take a dire turn when Jack Jr. and Mitch Murphy discover what they have yet to realize is a nose on the slopes, with the rest of Nigel Goodwin’s body buried under the snow. It doesn’t take long for police to discover that the investor was frozen even before he was buried, meaning that his death was not an accident and that one of Misty’s guests could be a murderer.

The occasional chapters narrated by Misty’s fluffy white feline Yeti always provide unique yet very cat-like observations, keeping the novel grounded in reality. The Murphy and Crowder family meals provide an immense amount of relatable humor, and readers will be wanting more of the brief appearances by Phoebe “Pebbles” Crawford. Unexpectedly fascinating are Misty’s responsibilities running the lodge, not to mention the laws regarding guest privacy and lack thereof. The writing is always clever and filled with humorous dialogue, and Misty continues to be an extraordinarily likable character. She is probably the most relatable heroine of Diane Kelly’s many hilarious novels, but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t just as compelling. These snow-filled adventures leading up to Misty’s Christmas celebration ensure that this is the perfect cozy read to snuggle up with and enjoy for the holiday season.

SNOW PLACE FOR MURDER
by DIANE KELLY

This is the third book in the Mountain Lodge mystery series. However, I don’t believe it’s necessary to read the other two books before this one.

Misty Murphy owns a lodge in North Carolina. I resort developer has bottle the lodge for the week prior to Christmas and has invited some wealthy American investors. It is a wonderful setting for a story.

I don’t like to do spoilers but because it’s in the title there is a murder, and they need to solve the crime.

It was a nice cozy read, and I can see how the rest of the series would be enjoyable to read as well.

I have added both of the previous books to my tbr.

If you want an enjoyable Christmas read, you may wish to pick this.

Thank you to #stmartinspaperbacks and @netgalley for the advanced reading copy.

fun, entertaining and heartwarming cozy mystery.
This is the third book in the Mountaintop Lodge Mystery series set in the North Carolina mountains, but it was the first in this series for me, also the first by this author. But it definitely works with this book if you are looking for a seasonal cozy - jumping in the middle of the series was not an issue.
The story was well written with good pacing and nicely developed characters. I enjoyed the flow of things and wasn't sure about who might be the murderer until later in the story, there were the usual multiple viable suspects, motives and opportunities. What really stood out about this book was not the mystery however but how genuinely goodnatured and kind Misty and her boyfriend and handyman were treating each other, her sins, her former husband and other people. It was just so nice to see them all get along so well and be considerate apart from the little inconvenience of a murder. This was a fun, seasonal and fast read that took me to my beloved snowy mountains.