A Very Woodsy Murder

De: Ellen Byron

Narrado por: Daniela Acitelli

Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids' show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it's a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker's oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .

But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn't be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There's also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.

©2024 Ellen Byron (P)2024 Tantor

3 and a half

I'm not sure about this one. The main character, Dee, is awkward and the pacing is slow. I might get the next one.

Fun, but not my favorite of Ellen Byron's books

This was a fun cozy mystery. A good listen for a relaxing time. The setting was great, and the story kept up a good pace. This one didn't have the feel of a polished Ellen Byron story. It felt like a first-time author's first book. It was a little on the clunky and predictable side. The narrator does not help the flow. But still worth a listen.

Enjoyable story. Narration felt a bit labored.

Overall, the storyline was a fun one. I enjoyed talking through some points with my 21-YO daughter who still lives in the SoCal area. The dialogue was a bit corny at times, but nothing out of the norm for the genre. The author did give herself away as a native New Yorker by mentioning “cold cuts” (which I got a good chuckle out of—it’s one of my “tells” too). Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read, but struggled a bit with the narration. It felt a little too slow and labored.

The breathiness in the reader’s voice. Very distracting.

I think the book is a good first in a series. The characters have potential. The setting is fun. I really found the voice of the narrator distracting and a real minus. I’ll probably listen to the next in the series if she narrates the next one.

Great! Kept me guessing page turner.

Satisfying and fun read highly recommend.
Always love an Ellen Byron mystery.

This mystery is full of Hollywood insider humor, show politics and wisdom, plus gold rush territory, scenic small town intrigue.
I loved it!

The murder mystery and characters are fully fleshed out, each one unique. It kept me guessing from the start.

& The narrator's voice was a pleasure to listen to!

Such a Fun Read

I love the setting in, an old motel in the Sierra mountains near a national park, and the characters. The theme is a fun one and different. Can’t wait for the rest.

Another great one!

I have loved all of her books and I was really excited about this one being the first in the new series. It did not disappoint. Mrs. Byron always brings a great story with a little murder, usually a lot of laughs, and just an overall good story!

Horrible narrator.

I could not finish listening. I checked the book out and read it instead. The narrator is that bad.