| Title | : | Yule Be Dead (Victoria Square, #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0425266001 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780425266007 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 294 |
| Publication | : | First published November 27, 2018 |
It's Christmastime, but not everyone is jolly--especially not Vonne Barnett. Her dead body has been found in Victoria Square. Katie Bonner, the manager of Artisan's Alley, happens to be at the tea shop Vonne's mother, Francine, owns when the news is delivered.
Vonne left a trail of men behind her so the suspects are many--but the clues are few. A broken teacup leads Katie to one of the suspects, but before she can investigate, she's attacked. Katie may be closing in on a murderer, but time is ticking because the murderer is definitely closing in on her.
Yule Be Dead (Victoria Square, #5) Reviews
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3.75 Stars → Yule be dead — is that a great Christmas cozy mystery title, or what? This is the fifth book in the Victoria Square series, with Katie Bonner and her Artisan's Alley merchants gearing up for the busy holiday season. Things get even more hectic when the tea shop owner's daughter is murdered, and the questions Katie starts asking put her in hot water.
I've read one previous book from this series, so it was a delight to reunite with these characters. YULE BE DEAD is part mystery and part Victoria Square saga. Katie has so much going on in her life. She's managing her business, entertaining her visiting mother-in-law (mother of her late husband), dealing with two romantic interests, and eyeing the tea shop that's now for sale. While I enjoyed reading about all of those elements, I felt that the murder mystery got somewhat lost in the shuffle, and Katie's investigation didn't actually lead to the killer's identity.
While I was hoping for a stronger mystery, I still greatly enjoyed this book. The characters and their relationships are real and complex, and I'm also looking forward to seeing where Katie's new venture takes her.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. -
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Gayle Leeson joins Lorraine Bartlett in penning this fifth Victoria Square Mystery. Set just before the Christmas holidays Vonne Barnett is found dead. Vonne and her mother, Francine, own Afternoon Tea in Victoria Square. Artisan’s Alley manager Kate Bonner is at the tea shop when Francine finds out about her daughter’s death. There are plenty of suspects as Vonne was not herself when she passed. She was dating or flirting with every man she came in contact with but does that make one of them a killer. Katie is just starting to “help” with the case when she is struck down. Down but not out she doesn’t give up but the killer seems to have made her his new target. Can she catch him before he wipes her out?
The long awaited 5th installment to this series has finally arrived and Kate finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery. This while she is busy at Artisan’s Alley with holiday sales, a bunch of mischievous ballerinas, a visit from her ex-mother-in-law, a possible new business venture, and trying to find time to spend with her boyfriend, Andy.
The authors have packed this book with so much goodness it was truly impossible to put down. There was always something happening.
All the character we love are back and I must say I really enjoyed the direction that was taken with several main characters. I loved the visit by Chad’s mother. The new dynamic between her and Katie was really heartwarming. Katie’s attack was a scary twist and brought everyone together as they strived to protect her. The friendships that have been built over the course of this series continue to drive these stories.
The varied subplots mesh effortlessly into the murder mystery. The pace is excellent and there are many twists and unexpected turns as clue after clue is followed. I did tune in on the real culprit a bit before it was revealed but it was fun to see how everything fell into place.
This has become my favorite book in this series. It has everything I look for in a grand cozy mystery. I am excited about the next book. I just hope the authors do make us wait as long 🙂 These are characters I will always love to visit. -
Like a lot of readers, I enjoy reading holiday themed books during the season they are set in (not a must, but fun) making YULE BE DEAD was of course a must.
I’ve missed the last two books in this series, so a few things have changed. But I had no problem catching up. It also helps that the author provides a character list at the beginning of the book. (More and more authors are doing that)
YULE BE DEAD was a good mystery and holds up to the others in the series. I didn’t guess who the killer was, but protagonist, Katie Bonner didn’t either, making me feel not so bad. There was a lot going on for Katie in this story. It’s no wonder she couldn’t figure it out. As for me, I couldn’t see clearly beyond the twists and turns. Also, the killer wasn’t made obvious to the reader.
Fans of this series are going to have a great time reading, YULE BE DEAD. -
Book number five in the Victoria Square cozy mystery series. Katie Bonner is finally making a go of the business her late husband started, but it was HIS dream, not hers. Her friendship with retired cop Ray Davenport is steady and her relationship with Andy is suffering from lack of attention. The mystery focuses on the death of Vonne Barnett, the daughter of Afternoon Tea owner Francine. Katie is at the tea shop when the deputy informs Francine that her daughter died in an auto accident, but it soon comes out that the accident was staged and that Vonne’s death was the result of blunt force trauma. Of course, Katie has to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Usually in a cozy you have an amateur sleuth who is somehow implicated (or has a close friend who is implicated) in the murder, and therefore feels compelled to investigate despite repeated warnings from the police to stay out of it. Here there is apparently no police investigation at all. At least not on the pages of the book. I have no idea why Katie feels compelled to stick her nose into the mess.
And then there is all the drama of her mother-in-law’s sudden visit, Katie’s indecision regarding buying the tea shop, and the apparently vying suitors for Katie’s affection. There are all sorts of sidebars that add nothing to the main story and do little to engage the reader. (I really didn’t care about the shoplifter or the ballerinas or Seth’s new boyfriend.) . Also, not at all interested in the “crafty artisans” of Katie’s business. Art made from dryer lint? Really?
I kept turning pages, and I did finish it (needed a “y” in a spelling challenge …), and I realized that I previously read another book in this series, but never started at the beginning. In any event, I’m not likely to continue this series. I like the author’s Booktown Mysteries (written under pen name Lorna Barrett) better. -
Katie Bonner receives a phone call from her former mother in law Margo Bonner. Margo would be passing through and would like to spend time with Katie. Really?! Now?? Why, as they were never close when Katie was married to her son Chad.
Artisans Alley was getting ready for the Holidays.
When Francine’s daughter Vonne is killed in an accident, Katie thinks there is more to be checked out.
Katie is also thinking of buying Afternoon Tea, as Francine is seriously considering selling it as business has not been good.
So much going on, a murder with twists and turns, suspects, relationships, teenage issues and possibly a new business.
I love these characters, watching them develop, going back to be with old friends and new friends to get to know.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. -
With Christmas just around the corner, Artisan's Alley and the rest of Victoria Square are getting ready for their busy season. Everywhere Katie looks things seems to be in chaos, the vendors at the Alley keep having conflicts, Katie's former mother-in-law is coming to town, and Katie and Andy are having a hard time finding time to spend together. All these issues make a great storyline as well as the mysterious death one of Victoria Square own-Vonne. Vonne's death seems to bring to light some secrets that someone might want kept secret. As the secrets are revealed my thoughts of Vonne's death changed. This book definitely kept me guessing. In addition to this being a book for enjoyment author Lorraine Bartlett brings to light some real-life issues such as eating disorders (there are others discussed but I don't want to give too much away).
I recommend this book as either a stand-alone read or another great book in the series. I received an ARC of this book in hopes I would supply a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced. -
Ohhhh, boyyy. How is this rated so high? The story was just okay but really so much more time is spent on all these subplots and other characters that the mystery became relegated to the background. Things are rehashed innumerable times! How many times do we really have to hear here thought processes about the pros and cons about accepting a very generous gift from her former mother in law.
Which brings me to another point. Why does she have to refer to Margo as her former mother in law every time she mentions her? We get it! She's your former mother in law. It was bizarre. Okay, it felt like filler because, hey, former mother in law is a lot longer than Margo.
And speaking of filler, ever mundane detail had to be explicitly laid out. She can't just open a door. She had to approach the door, fumble for the keys in her purse, find the right one, slide it in the lock, turn the key and THEN FINALLY open the door. Everything was like that. I swear this book could have been cut down to 100 pages.
Oh and the heroine. Oh dear god. She drove me batty. I find these heroines who can NEVER accept the simplest of aid from anyone to their own detriment so absurdly annoying. I can only assume this is done to make them seem "independent" but it just makes them look STUPID!!! Good heavens. Stop it! -
In this next book of the series it's Christmas time and there are many goings on at Victoria Square. While visiting the tea shop across from Artisan's Alley Katie learns that one of the owners, Vonne Barnett, has been found dead. It looks like it might have been due to her drinking but as the police investigate more it turns out to be murder. Katie wants to help in anyway she can when it comes to solving the crime but with an upcoming visit from her previous mother-in-law she isn't sure how much investigating she can actually do. She is worried about the visit because the two have never really cared for each other and she isn't even sure why she agreed in the first place. Vonne left a trail of men in her wake, some of them even married. Could one of them have had it in for her? Could a disgruntled wife be mad enough to kill her? With all that Katie has going on she realizes just how daunting looking for a murderer is going to be, there are tons of places to look for clues not to mention suspects. Things seem to be going okay with her mother-in-law but other issues are popping up left and right as each day passes. Follow along as Katie deals with some rude mini-ballerina's, a kleptomaniac, and a young girl with an eating disorder. Will she be able to resolve all these issues while looking for a killer? She also has the opportunity to buy the tea shop, the other owner is looking to sell because things haven't been going well for the business and she is ready for a change. Will Katie jump at the chance to make part of a life long dream come true? This is such a wonderful series filled with a ton of unique characters that will have you excited for the next book. I look forward to seeing what direction the author takes the main character Katie to next!
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own. -
Katie Bonner is helping to get Artisans Alley ready for the Christmas holidays, when she receives a call from her former mother-in-law, Margo Bonner. Margo will be in the area and wants to spend some time with Katie...incredible considering that she never really wanted to spend time with Katie when her husband, Chad, was alive. But while she is attempting to process this, she first learns that Francine Barnett, owner of the Afternoon Tea, is considering selling the business because things aren't going well, and then second, the shocking revelation that Francine's daughter, Vonne, has been killed in an accident. Between Margot's visit, dreams about owning and running the Afternoon Tea, and her own suspicions about the cause of Vonne's death, Katie has her hands full. But her questions quickly lead her to be physically attacked, and thereafter she acquires her own personal bodyguards in the persons of Ray Davenport and her boyfriend, Andy. This is an enjoyable series, filled with interesting characters. There are several subplots here besides the murder mystery, including projected ownership of a new business, and helping out with Ray's daughters. I enjoyed how Katie and Margot work on mending their relationship, as well as how Katie and Andy look to further their own. It was also fun to watch a better friendship emerge between Katie and Ray. The murder itself provided several suspects and twists and turns. This is a series better read in order, to appreciate the characters' developments. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received from NetGalley.
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For several seconds after her former mother-in-law had ended their call, Katie Bonner stared at the phone.
Katie is surprised that her former mother-in-law wants to visit as they were not particularly close when Chad was alive. Artisan's Alley is geared up for Christmas and Katie is considering buying the local tea shop after the owner's daughter dies. Katie begins to investigate when the death is ruled a homicide.
There was a lot going on in this installment of the Victorian Square series. Artisan's Alley has a shoplifter, high energy dance students and odd crafters. Katie's relationship with Andy is a bit rocky as jealousy slips in for both of them. Ray becomes part of an almost love triangle. The biggest event other than the murder is the arrival of Chad's mother. She keeps Katie off kilter. A bit of that contributes to Katie being out after midnight in the square and being plowed down by a hit and run driver.
The mystery was well done although I had pretty much picked the culprit soon after they were presented. I enjoyed spending time with the local crafters . I hope there will more tea related themes with Katie's new venture.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. -
3 Stars
I was excited to dive into this book. Who doesn’t love Christmas and add to that the Dickens-theme the Artisan’s Alley had and the atmosphere was set for success. This book started out so good. I was into it.
Then somewhere in the middle I lost interest.
I didn’t care who had killed Vonne. I was more interested in the “ is she going to buy Afternoon Tea” and “will Margo kill her before the end of the book.” Margo is her dead husband Chris’s mother. (I think it was husband. Now I am second guessing myself.) I am not sure I could have put up with margo as long as Katie did.
I really enjoyed some of the characters in this. Ray was my favorite. I kept imagining him as this guy from my church around the same age with surprisingly the same name. I was just meh about Andy and that Ericka chick could have just been a relationship red herring. I don’t think she was interested in Andy just a convenient plot stumbling point. I hope there is more about this Andy/Ray rivalry and that would make the book pop a but more.
I thought this book was good, not great. If you are just in it for the mystery, it is just so-so and like I said with Andy, it just left me “meh.” I could take it or leave it. Not horrible, though. I have read better. I will try Lorraine Bartlett again and see how her other books strike me.
I bought this book with my own money. -
"Yule Be Dead" is a cozy...romance? The book started out as a mystery: a woman is found dead in a staged car accident. Katie asked some questions relating to why someone would want to kill the woman. But she was quickly distracted by her visiting mother-in-law, debating whether or not to buy a tea shop, two men competing for her attentions, and by the shenanigans happening in her current store. When she angered a suspect about a current crime, he attacked her. Is he the murderer? That thread got lost in the male posturing about who will keep Katie safe. Whodunit was uncovered in the end by the drunk murderer coming to Katie and basically confessing.
While the characters were likable, this was more romance than mystery or suspense. There was occasional use of bad language. There were no sex scenes. This novel is the 5th in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. -
I just finished reading Lorraine Bartlett and Gayle Lesson's book: Yule Be Dead. It was my first time reading the Victoria Square Mystery and while I do prefer cozy witch mystery, I thought that reading another kind of investigation would be fun! The book is from Berkley Prime Crime and is the fifth by Lorraine Bartlett.
Katie Bonner is the manager of Artisans Alley and she is a young widow trying to relink with her mother in law, find time with her boyfriend, maybe buy a tea shop and still be able to supervise the Artisan Alley. Her sudden interest about tea shop is related to the fact that the boutique just lost a co-owner in a car accident… but the more we learn about this accident, the more it turns into a murder.
And the murderer might even be one from Artisans Alley! (Gasp!)
Right from the start, I am going to confess that I did not enjoy Yule be dead as much as I thought I would. I know, I am guilty of once again, buying a book for its cover. I thought it was about cats and Yule and while they are both in the story, it wasn’t doing it for me. To be honest, it lacked cozy and had a very (very) serious drama vibe attached to it.
While the main character was interesting enough, I could not connect with her at all. Her romantic life is mainly the main subject of the book, a testosterone fight between two men trying to save the damsel in distress.
I thought that there was so much stuff going on in Katie’s life that the story about Vonne Barnett (the victim) was left in the back and only popped up once in a while. The book is good, rest assured, but I keep thinking that it shouldn’t have been linked to a Christmas theme. It is not, personally, the kind of murder investigation I like to read for the holiday. I thought there was more *violence* than the other cozy mystery books I have read. It did not find myself picturing me living there wishing suddenly to bake a gazillion cookies. Wait, what? I am the only one reacting that way after reading a cozy mystery book?
I don’t recall reading a scene with a cat at a supper (the cover) in the book…Was it just to lure crazy cat lady like me to read it?
While Yule Be Dead (great title by the way) is a good work and it can be read on its own, it was not quite what I expected. -
Yule Be Dead by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson, is the fifth book in the Victoria Square mystery series. The holidays are right around the corner and Artisan Alley is buzzing with activity. Katie Bonner's former mother in law is coming to visit her. She's not sure why and it's making her nervous. Someone from town is killed in what appears to be a car accident. Katie must figure out what is going on before the holidays are ruined.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Visiting Victoria Square, was visiting an old friend. I felt right at home. The characters are wonderful. Katie is a strong young woman that took over Artisan Alley and turned it around. Vance, Rose and the other artists add flair to the story. I see myself strolling around, looking for amazing handcrafted treasures to bring home or give as gifts. I imagine walking over to Angelo's Pizzeria for lunch or one of his new yummy treats.
The mystery of this book hooked me in from the very start. With its many twist and turns, it kept me guessing until the very end. I could not put it down. I had to keep reading to find out the answers to all of my questions.
I recommend this book to readers who love a story with a small town feel, wonderful characters that feel like a family and a mystery that will keep you up until you find out how it ends.
I received my ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and Lorraine Bartlett for review. -
There was very little mystery and for someone that accuses others of cheating all the time I think its cause she does in her head. If she doesn't draw based lines with ray honestly doesn't f she was my partner and didn't stop being friends with him after he crossed the line like that I would break up with her. Katie is just becoming worse and worse! Also when I broke my elbow and I had surgery on it and played and pins put in It was awful there is no way she was doing all of that just days after her surgery you're so out of it. And all you do want is help from people I couldn't stand the she is so "independent" That she wouldn't accept help. The whole thing with the Thief was stupid. And I have decided Katie doesn't know how to have any honest conversations with anyone. I'm glad her mother-in-law is being kind to her but I think that if she had an actual conversation with her mother in law She would have felt better. Her mother had a more honest conversation with her about her past the have your then Katy ever did her and it was the perfect time to have their conversations. I can't wait till Andy breaks up with her
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3.5 stars
I've read all the books in this series and was looking forward to this one. It started out really good, but it became clear the murder investigation would be taking a backseat to Katie's various issues. The book became repetitive as Katie weighed her options on possibly purchasing a new new business and moving on from her late husband, if only she could decide which man she loved. Although the repeated debates and pondering are probably realistic, after a while they weren't entertaining.
Things do wrap up in both the investigation and Katie's personal life. I wasn't completely on board with one of her decisions but a door opens at the very end of the book that gives me hope she may change her mind. If you're a fan of the series, you will be interested to see the developments in her life. This book does stand alone for those new to the series and is a good introduction to the characters, but if you like the book, you may want to go back to one of the prior books where Katie does more investigating and less talking. -
Katie Bonner is not your average amateur sleuth, she is just a young widow trying to make the best of a bad business situation that her late husband created. When Katie's husband invested their life savings in a failing business--Artisans Alley--and then left her with the mess when he died, Katie decided to make a go of the business. When the daughter of a local merchant is killed under mysterious circumstances, Katie begins to find out pieces of information surrounding the incident, and is curious about what happened. She does not go out investigating on her own, but ends up in the middle of things, anyway. It is convenient that she is friends with a retired cop, who supplies her with information, and there is an interesting romantic triangle in the making. Katie is a capable businesswoman who is making her own way in the world, and forging new friendships along the way.
I picked this one up because I thought it would be a Christmas story. The setting is Christmastime, but it is not a major theme in the story. -
I normally really enjoy reading the Victoria Square series and I overall did enjoy this one as well. We follow Katie during the Christmas season as she navigates dealing with another murder, a possible love triangle, and her mother in law coming for a visit. I would have given this book three stars but I did not like how a certain character was dealt with. I found it to be very insensitive and it put a bad taste in my mouth.
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I hadn't realized I missed this one, so it was a nice read post-Christmas. I really enjoyed the addition of Margo as a character; the stereotypical "not good enough for my son" mother-in-law made for a nice change in dynamic within the characters. The mystery - who killed Vonne - was good, but I felt like it took a back seat to Katie and Andy's relationship issues. Overall, enjoyable and festive but this book was more for advancing the characters than solving a mystery.
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I was so excited to read this new book. I have missed this series.
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This was a fun visit to Artisans Square. Great mystery and was surprised by a couple plot twists, I am interested to see how they work out in future stories. Looking forward to the next one!
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have always loved this series. Katie is turmoil in more than one way. The cliff hanger of the Ray and Andy saga has me on the edge of my seat.....who will she choose
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Another great read in this intriguing series. The characters are well-developed and the story is a great one. As always this series is entertaining.
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Yule Be Dead
Victoria Square, Book #5
By Lorraine Bartlett and Gayle Leeson
ISBN 9780425266007
Author Website: lorrainebartlett(.)com, gayleleeson(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
A Christmas crime shocks the merchants of a quaint shopping district in this latest installment of The New York Times bestselling Victoria Square series.
It’s Christmastime, but not everyone is jolly–especially not Vonne Barnett. Her dead body has been found in Victoria Square. Katie Bonner, the manager of Artisan’s Alley, happens to be at the tea shop Vonne’s mother, Francine, owns when the news is delivered.
Vonne left a trail of men behind her so the suspects are many–but the clues are few. A broken teacup leads Katie to one of the suspects, but before she can investigate, she’s attacked. Katie may be closing in on a murderer, but time is ticking because the murderer is definitely closing in on her.
Review:
Welcome back to Victoria Square, with an intriguing, exciting mystery taking place at Christmas time! Yule Be Dead is absolutely the best in the series so far, with Christmas activities at the Square, an unexpected visitor for Katie, the murder of a young woman, and surprises everywhere. This will surely be the most memorable Christmas Katie has had!
Katie receives a call from her mother-in-law with a very unusual request. Katie’s husband Chad died about two years ago in an accident, and Margo had never liked her daughter-in-law or been in contact with her since. Margo is coming to town for a couple days and asks if she can stay with Katie. Katie agrees, despite the small, one-bedroom apartment she lives in above the pizzeria owned by Andy, her landlord and boyfriend. Katie does not want Margo to know that she and Andy are an item, out of respect for her mother-in-law’s feelings.
Katie visits Francine and Vonne’s shop, Afternoon Tea, after hearing rumors that the quality of baked goods has gone down and they are losing customers. Francine’s daughter Vonne has stopped helping at the shop, and Francine can’t handle everything herself. She offers to sell the shop to Katie, knowing how well she has done at taking over Artisan’s Alley and turning it completely around to a profitable concern for all. Katie had dreamed of serving tea at the B&B she had Chad had planned to buy, but that dream had been laid to rest along with Chad. Very interested, Katie begins to imagine how to remodel the shop, how to handle management of both the tea shop and the Alley, and looking into a bank loan.
While Katie is at the shop, Detective Schuler came in. He brought Francine the terrible news that Vonne was in an accident and died. After various brushes with moving violations, including DUI’s, there is much speculation around Victoria Square, then Katie learns that Vonne had been murdered before being placed in the vehicle that crashed. The rumors about Vonne are flying, including how she made passes at most of the men at the Square and was obvious about searching for a husband.
Katie is juggling more eggs than usual, with a shoplifter, tiny ballerinas wreaking havoc among vendors and buyers, several vendor challenges, paperwork, Margo’s visit, and getting ready for Christmas. Her considerations about the tea shop added enough to the mixture that I’m surprised she doesn’t end up with scrambled eggs everywhere! She has not been asking many questions about Vonne’s murder, but when a bartender not only is serving underage teens but made a terrible reference to Vonne’s death, she has no choice but to talk with Ray, a former detective in McKinlay Mill. A short time later, Katie took a middle of the night walk around the Square when she couldn’t sleep, and the bartender, being chased by the police, aimed his car at Katie, sped up, and hit her.
I wish there were more places like Victoria Square, where most of the vendors and shopkeepers are friendly and help each other when needed! I appreciated the shortlist of the regulars at the beginning of the novel, a great help. I like Katie and Rose best, and even Margo in this fabulous novel. I don’t recall meeting Margo before but heard about her, and was stunned with her visit, her behavior changes, and a remarkable offer she makes Katie. While Andy’s assistant manager is making a pass at him, Margo points out another man who is in love with Katie. Characters overall are illustrated beautifully, allowing the reader to interpret each one.
Yule be Dead is a fabulous mystery not only for Christmas, but throughout the year, including in the heat of summer when the thought of snow is so refreshing. I enjoyed the Dickensian festival and costumes, decorations and Christmas tree lighting ceremony, emphasizing the sense of community in the Square. The many activities and challenges demonstrate how demanding Katie’s job is and how much Artisan’s Alley has become an integral part of the community. The plot twists bring thought-provoking changes to the landscape of the mystery, making it an outstanding, riveting read. I struggled to figure out who Vonne’s killer was, even stopping at the beginning of several chapters trying to figure it out. There were simply too many possibilities, and I couldn’t settle on just one. The ending brings several surprises for Katie, Margo, and the resolution to the mystery. Overall, I was very pleased with the outcomes, and sad to see the last page! I highly recommend this captivating cozy mystery; it can be read as a standalone or within the series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
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Severely lacking in suspense and Christmas spirit.
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A character driven story. The murder is in the story but doesn't seem the main point. The book is an easy read and includes recipes.
