A Curio Killing

By Mary Ellen Hughes

Callie finds treble in Keepsake Cove when her ex-boyfriend is framed for murder

Callie Reed is looking forward to her first Keepsake Cove spring festival. But her excitement dims considerably when she learns that her ex-boyfriend, Hank, will be performing with one of the hired country-western bands. Callie vows to keep her distance, but that changes when the band's manager, Bobby Linville, is found dead, killed with the music box Hank bought at Callie's shop.

Hank is soon singing a sad tune in a detention center with Callie his only lifeline. Though thoroughly aware of his many faults, she knows violence and murder aren't in his blood. But that means one of her fellow Keepsake Cove residents must be hiding a dark secret—something Callie desperately needs to uncover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
• Release date: Sep 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780738755502

Mary Ellen Hughes

Mary Ellen Hughes is the national bestselling author of the Pickled & Preserved Mysteries, the Craft Corner Mysteries, and the Maggie Olenski Mysteries, as well as several short stories including The Woman on the Train. Her Keepsake Cove Mystery Series includes A Fatal Collection, A Vintage Death, and A Curio Killing.. A transplanted Wisconsinite, Mary Ellen lives and writes in Maryland. You can visit her at http://www.maryellenhughes.com

Reviews for A Curio Killing

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Callie Reed is excited about her first Spring festival in Keepsake Cove until she hears that her ex-boyfriend's band has been hired to play. Hank hasn't exactly been moving on since the breakup and when he is arrested for the murder of the band's manager, he turns to Callie for help. I love the setting of Keepsake Cove as well as the regular characters, but I was surprised at how needy Hank came across. Callie definitely is trying to move and hope future books don't include Hank.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A Curio Killing by Mary Ellen Hughes is the third novel in A Keepsake Cove Mystery series. Callie Reed owns House of Melody in Keepsake Cove, Maryland. The Keepsake Cove Spring Festival begins the next day and it will be Callie’s first time experiencing it. She is shocked when her old boyfriend, Hank walks into the shop and learns his band will be performing at the festival. The festival is a hit until the band’s manager, Bobby Linville is found murdered and Hank is arrested. Hank has no one else to call and Callie feels compelled to help him. A Curio Killing can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Callie Reed, Brian Greer, Delia Hamilton, Tabitha and the other collectible shop owners have returned in A Curio Killing. Delia’s costume photographer friend, Jill comes for the festival. I liked her concept of photographing people in costumes (historical and superhero). With Hank arrested for his manager’s murder, Callie jumps in to help him. She is certain that he did not commit the crime. Callie questions band members and follows leads in her search for the killer. There were some interesting aspects to the mystery including the murder weapon and some unexpected revelations. I did feel, though, that Callie was willing to risk too much for the sake of a cheating ex-boyfriend. Her mother is having surgery and would appreciate Callie flying to Portland to be there for her and her current husband. While Brian said he understand why Callie was helping Hank, you could tell that he was not happy with the whole situation. I missed Tabitha’s unique outfits in A Curio Killing. They add a touch of whimsy and humor. I just love the description of Callie’s little cottage with its red siding and sage green door (I would have a navy blue door). A Curio Killing is a light cozy mystery with curious collectibles, cryptic clues, fun photos, chancy conflagrations, and suspicious singer.

[managedbybooks · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Callie Reed is looking forward to her first Keepsake Cove spring festival. But her excitement dims considerably when she learns that her ex-boyfriend, Hank, will be performing with one of the hired country-western bands. Callie vows to keep her distance, but that changes when the band's manager, Bobby Linville, is found dead, killed with the music box Hank bought at Callie's shop.

Hank is soon singing a sad tune in a detention center with Callie his only lifeline. Though thoroughly aware of his many faults, she knows violence and murder aren't in his blood. But that means one of her fellow Keepsake Cove residents must be hiding a dark secret--something Callie desperately needs to uncover.

I honestly had a hard time reading this book. There were so many new characters introduced so quickly that I had difficulty keeping track. The plot seemed to drag on, as well.

*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*