Meghan Carver

Thank you in advance to the author, Meghan Carver, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

Another blind-date with an Amish book! Even better – a suspense filled Amish book? Wow! I’m definitely settling in for this one.

I was introduced to this author by way of another JustRead tour – a cozy mystery. While that was entertaining and cute, this book is definitely where the author’s talent shines.

This was actually the “second” book in what I hope is a continuing series. The first one is “Amish Country Amnesia” (2018). And, despite this book being the second one, I had no idea. It truly stands alone on its own without the first one. Though, I will be sure to get the first one.

As someone who had read several genres in just the past year – and some “continuing” series – it is rare for a writer to be able to have a standalone stand on its own without needing the first book.

Right off it begins with the cover. Some book covers are plain and ordinary. And, while one shouldn’t judge a book by the cover – how does the book grab the reader’s attention in the first place?

This cover of a creepy old building with a worried Amish woman sets the tone of the novel and literally asks “what is wrong, what is going on”. From there, it sets off in a fast-pace speed with an overwhelming urgency, with a bicycle no less. From there, the action doesn’t stop – it literally does not stop. It has a heart-stopping, pulse-pounding rhythm that flows naturally.

Normally, when reviewing books I try to take notes. There are some books that make that task easy – stop after each chapter and assess it; and others where I can’t stop long enough to take notes. This falls into the second category. While the chapters act as “stop” points – the plot and pacing are too addictive to just “stop”, even at the stop points. The story literally begins before the beginning.

The bad guy has a great set-up here – hide in “plain” sight. A pun if you will. Instead of hiding in public, he hides within the “plain” community. There was one point I was beginning to wonder if the bad guy didn’t have a finger in someone’s law enforcement pie since the guy kept getting away.

I could see that Adam was conflicted before he saw Katie. This was due to his own family’s past. I would’ve liked to have seen reconciliation with one family member at the end; however that might be where the author picks up or goes next. But, as soon as he met Katie, the conflict deepened. And, I do believe that hindered him in some aspects. But, it also aided him in others. For that I deeply enjoyed his character, and I adored Katie’s simplicity. I also adored the fact that while she had lost her husband, she was entertaining some feelings for Adam.

I think his faith was there, but buried with doubt and resentment. So, when he saw how Katie handled her life’s storms, he was able to tap into that. While some might see the beginning of his conversion as too quick – it isn’t as if he didn’t have ties to the community before. He did mention his grandparents.

Carver does a fantastic job with this story in keeping true to both aspects – a law enforcement investigation and the Amish “plain” life.

While the “faith” element was on a stronger side – more like Gott (God) was mentioned quite frequently, that was to be expected from someone of the Amish faith. There was no real preaching or a preachy tone throughout the novel.

I am DEFINITELY interested in the author’s Love Inspired Suspense stories and will probably (albeit very slowly) add them to my TBR list.
… (altro)

Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours and the publisher for providing a review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.

This book gave me the “Murder: She Wrote”/Cabot Cove vibes. But, I say that in a good way. My grandma didn’t watch much TV, SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVED “MURDER: SHE WROTE”.

If you’re not at all familiar with the series, check it out. Here’s a quick synopsis:

“Mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher - a down-to-earth, middle-aged widow - ferrets out the criminals in idyllic Cabot Cove, Maine, which apparently is the murder capital of the United States for the show's 12-season run.” (#1)

“Professional writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher uses her intellect, charm, and persistence to get to the bottom of every crime she encounters.” (#2)

Okay, with THAT explained, you can see why I’d make the comparison of this cute little novel to the TV series.

“Murder at the Courthouse” is the first of a series in the Grace Pointe Cozy Mysteries. It is a Christian-themed, clean read.

MacKenzie Baker has more on her mind than a callous comment at church library meeting – “Fiction is a waste of time”. She’s determined to set up a church library and nothing will stop her.

That is until Judge Antony Vail ends up dead at the courthouse, in his chambers, discovered by MacKenzie and her pastor brother.

Who would kill a judge?

Who indeed? But, before that scandal … who is MacKenzie Baker?

She is an eavesdropping small-town librarian who lives in the apartment above the garage of her pastor brother’s home and refuses to be defined his single sister.

For years she thought she was happiest re-shelving books and helping patrons find their next great read, but as she turns forty, she wonders if she should do more with her life. But, what exactly?

As she begins to try to figure it out – murder! And, solving a murder in the small town of Grace Pointe wasn’t exactly in that plan she didn’t really have. But, after discovering the body of the judge, who had come to her brother for counseling, something changed.

She’s also trying to figure out who would use a volume of the Indiana Code as a weapon.

That brings MacKenzie to another suspect – fellow judge Gregory Canter. His handsome; and very single son; Ian is a criminal justice professor. And, wanting to clear Judge Canter’s name, Meghan starts poking around on her own, the law book and a mysterious flower on the floor her only clues.

Despite the detective in charge telling her to stick with making casseroles for the church pitch-in, MacKenzie soon discovers Vail’s scheming wife, his rebellious teen daughter, a network of lawyers in Grace Point who were disgruntled with the Judge, and even secrets that lurk among the library ministry team.

But with the help of her new kitten Mr. Darcy, her best friend Callie, and her always-pastoring brother; MacKenzie debates the pros and cons of attending law school mid-life while she searches out a killer.

Grace Pointe… where most of the people are friendly, the church is to die for, and the sleuthing is as strong as the coffee.

With that description who wouldn’t want to read this book?

This is an absolute ADORABLE take on “Murder: She Wrote” for a newer generation; especially those seeking Christian themes and cleaner reads.

It has that “small town” vibe, the shocking murder, and MacKenzie’s sleuthing. The cover is adorable and definitely suits this book. There are no sex scenes, no real romance scenes, and no violent scenes either. The writer keeps everything on track and on pace with the theme of the novel.

Told in third person, only from MacKenzie’s point of view, this was a short, but highly addicting read. It has a steady pace but doesn’t rush itself. There are some funny moments in it and the tone is very “light” despite the murder being at the heart of the novel. The murder weapon is not even a “violent” weapon either.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I do wish there had been additional POVs – the detective or even Ian to show the progression of the investigation from the other side.

I would definitely read other books in this series as I would like to see the progression of MacKenzie’s choices as well as her “budding” romance with Ian.… (altro)

While I don’t read a ton of cozy mysteries, when one does come to my attention, I enjoy it. There’s just something about an amateur sleuth bumbling their way along. And it’s even better when I get to read the first in a series.

In Murder at the Courthouse, Meghan Carver introduces readers to Mackenzie Baker, a single forty-year-old germophobe who lives in the apartment over her brother’s garage. She’s a fun character because she’s a bit clueless when it comes to real-life matters of the heart (but she has no trouble immersing herself in the romance of a good book).

As Mackenzie, her best friend Callie, and family friend Ian try and solve the mystery of who killed a local judge, readers are welcomed to Grace Pointe and the church many of the residents attend.
This is a quick read as Mackenzie works out the crime and the criminal’s intent. Now I’m invested in Mackenzie’s life and want to see what happens next for her—in life, in love, and in the next mystery.

Disclosure statement:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.… (altro)

Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver is the first novel in A Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery series. It is a Christian cozy mystery which I appreciate. The Christian theme is prevalent with focus on prayer, having faith, and following the path He has for our lives. MacKenzie Baker is forty years old with a degree in library science, lives in the apartment over the parsonage’s garage, has a thing about germs, tends to wear her hair in a ponytail, and has a kitten named Mr. Darcy. I would have liked more background information on MacKenzie, but I am sure we will get to know her much better as the series proceeds. I enjoyed MacKenzie’s inquisitive nature. I like the cast of characters which include Callie Marson, MacKenzie’s best friend. It is great that there is a wide variety of personality types from the cranky octogenarian to MacKenzie’s very kind sister-in-law, Nancy. Grace Pointe Community Church seems a welcoming place with Pastor B leading his flock. We get lovely descriptions of Grace Pointe with its variety of shops including Rudder’s. When Judge Antony Vail turns up dead, MacKenzie is curious from the beginning. I like how she remained calm and looked for clues while being careful to not contaminate the evidence. There are several viable suspects in this whodunit along with good clues. I welcomed the detailed resolution of the crime. As MacKenzie works the murder, she finds that law enforcement interests her, and she begins looking at alternative career paths. I have a feeling that additional knowledge will be dangerous in Mackenzie’s hands. I am eager to read more books in A Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery series. Murder at the Courthouse is a delightful new cozy mystery with a tainted tome, a defiant daughter, a troublesome team, muddy marks, and a snoopy sister.… (altro)