The Deeds of the Deceitful

Christian-fiction, amateur-sleuth, southern-mystery, family-dynamics, friendship, murder, recipes, romantic, art-theft, women-sleuths**** If you like a good Bible centered Southern mystery full of friendship and romance in a historic setting, you'll love this one. This is the first I've read in the series, but that really didn't matter to my enjoyment of the read. Good plot and even better characters! I requested and received a free ebook copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

The Deeds of the Deceitful by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe is the sixth A Hope Street Church Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series or have missed a tale or two. I have enjoyed following the series and getting to know Cooper Lee, the Lee family, and the members of the Sunrise Bible Study. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters. I like that there is a diverse cast of characters in a wide range of ages. Cooper Lee is our protagonist whose engagement recently dissolved. The story begins in June in Virginia close to the day Cooper was to have wed. She is thirty-five years old and is beginning to wonder if the right man is out there for her. It is especially hard with Angela Farmer and her boss, Mr. Farmer deciding to renew their vows on their anniversary. Angela makes Cooper part of the bridal party and Cooper’s sister Ashley becomes the wedding planner. The wedding planning and the event itself add humor to the story. Cooper Lee is a kind soul who will go the extra mile for family and friends. Ashley’s friend, Mindy Atwood has spent her inheritance restoring the historical Atwood Inn. Cooper Lee and her friends of the Sunrise Bible Study get to spend the weekend at the inn for the soft launch. It is the getaway Cooper needs. Unfortunately, Loretta ends dead under suspicious circumstances and Cooper’s mother is at the top of the suspect list along with Mindy Atwood. Cooper is not about to let her mother linger as a person of interest and her friends are quick to offer their assistance. The mystery was a fun one to solve. I had an inkling as to the identity of the guilty party early in the case, but I had no idea as to why. I could not wait to see if I was right. There are several good suspects along with a red herring and helpful clues. This was my favorite mystery of the series. Cooper Lee meets a new fellow at the inn and there is definitely chemistry between them. I hope we get to see more of the charming Chef Eason in future books because he seems to be a good match for Cooper Lee. The ending was a delight. There are recipes for some of Maggie Lee’s baked goods at the end. The Deeds of the Deceitful is an entertaining cozy mystery with a handsome historic inn, a snobbish stepmother, a crafty killer, a purloined painting, wedding renewal woes, and delectable delights.

The Sunrise Bible Study group has a weekend stay at the Atwood Inn, a perfect time to relax and pamper themselves. Unfortunately this leads to stolen artwork and a car accident turned murder. When they are questioned and a friend, as well as Cooper’s mother, become suspects, the Sunrise Bible Study group decides to snoop around. Will they be able to find the person responsible or will that thief find them first? I loved the characters and overall wholesomeness of the story. This was my first in the series but won’t be my last. If you are looking for a wonderful cozy mystery, this is a must read.