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“It’s game on when the longtime organizer of the annual Game Supper is murdered right in front of the diners. Readers who enjoy mysteries set in colorful rural settings will love Game Over at Guild Hall.” —Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the Odelia Grey and Ghost of Granny Apples mysteries In rural Vermont, where hunting and trapping are a way of life, nothing is bigger than the annual wild game supper at Guild Hall. Stella can’t wait to sample the exotic dishes prepared by her neighbors, but when the longtime organizer of the supper falls dead, a victim of poisoning, Stella’s appetite—along with a roomful of suspects—vanishes. Then that same night someone ransacks the hall’s kitchen, presumably to destroy any evidence, and spots Stella snooping. Now she fears she may be the next target. Certain the only way to save herself is to find the culprit, Stella digs into the victim’s life hoping to discover who might have wanted him dead. It turns out he’d made countless enemies over the years, as volunteers at the event were run ragged and hunters who wanted their food included were shunned. What’s more, Stella discovers the victim had unearthed a shameful and long-buried secret at the hall itself. With the list of possible suspects growing and her life in danger, Stella zeroes in on a clue that could break the case wide open—as long as she can stay out of the killer’s crosshairs . . . Praise for the Books of Amy Patricia Meade: “The first in a new series for Meade features yet another set of bright young detectives . . .” —Kirkus Reviews “Quaint characters and settings abound in this outing by New Yorker-turned-Vermonter Amy Patricia Meade.” —Mystery Scene “Meade’s debut will strike a chord with fanciers of Dorothy Sayers’s Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane.” —Publishers Weekly “If only Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart were still alive. They would be fabulous in the movie version of Meade’s debut Marjorie McClelland mystery . . . Meade’s kickoff mystery is a winner.” —Booklist “Meade successfully segues from her historicals (Black Moonlight) to this snappy yet traditional contemporary. She brings us pitch-perfect dialogue, original characters, and enormous potential for a fun series.” —Library Journal “A fairly straightforward plot with a neat twist at the end, good characters, and a well-drawn location make for a good read.” —The Bookbag
Featured Series
2 primary booksPret’ Near Perfect Mystery is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2011 with contributions by Amy Patricia Meade.
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Book Review: A Cozy and Charming Whodunit in Rural Vermont
⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Game Over at Guild Hall by Amy Patricia Meade is a must-read. Set in the scenic countryside of Vermont, the story revolves around the annual wild game supper at Guild Hall. When the event organizer meets a tragic end, the protagonist, Stella, finds herself in the midst of a captivating mystery filled with secrets, suspects, and a touch of danger.
Meade's storytelling is both engaging and well-paced, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The rural Vermont setting adds a delightful charm to the narrative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the countryside. The characters are likable and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
As a standalone read, Game Over at Guild Hall offers a seamless entry point into the series. It perfectly balances an intriguing mystery with a cozy setting, making it an enjoyable read for both seasoned cozy mystery enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.
While I would have loved to see some game meat recipes at the end (I'm a sucker for those in cozies), the absence didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The cover art exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfectly capturing the fall vibes that infuse the narrative.
In conclusion, Game Over at Guild Hall is a delightful and charming read that blends an engaging mystery with a picturesque rural setting and endearing characters. Amy Patricia Meade's storytelling kept me enthralled from start to finish, and I'm eagerly looking forward to more books from this series. Whether you're a cozy mystery aficionado or looking for a cozy read to curl up with, this book is sure to captivate and entertain.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️