Earlier this week, I shared my review of Murder on Pointe from the Fiona Quinn mystery series by C.S. McDonald. Today, I am sharing my review of Back to the Burgh and Beyond--the first book in McDonald's The Owl Nest Mysteries. What did I think of Back to the Burgh and Beyond? Check out the book, read my thoughts, and learn about the author and many of her other cozy mysteries in this book review feature!
Book Title: Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl's Nest Mysteries)
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: Adult Fiction, 208 pages
Run Time: 5 hours, 59 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Sep 10, 2020
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G. C.S. McDonald's books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults--no bad language or sexual content.
About the Book
Meet
Alexa Owl. She's returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a
new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to
her surprise, she's getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective
Bobby Starr, and he's no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who's
returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel
Squad. He's been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s
help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the
catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How
in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional
seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the
first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea
at all!
My Review
Back to the Burgh and Beyond is a Fun, Cozy, Young Adult Mystery. Readers will find a fun, easy to follow, little mystery with an assortment of characters and the unique additions of some fantasy/supernatural elements as well. The mystery itself is a bit predictable--and the fantasy twists are presented rather suddenly--but readers will enjoy the character interactions and the clean storyline. While there isn't a deep, complex mystery for readers, some twists make this book a fun start to the series.
The Author Brings Together Another Group of Interesting Characters. I enjoy the author's character development and the quirky cast that she brings together. She gives readers a blend of modern characters and those from the past as she introduces the time travel adventures. She does a great job creating characters that readers want to follow into future books of the series.
Would I Recommend Back to the Burgh and Beyond? If you seek a fun, clean, cozy mystery that you can even share with tweens and teens--this is another great book from C.S. McDonald and a great beginning to new series. The story is fast-paced--and flows nicely as readers follow Alexa from time period to time period and work through the mystery. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of the Owl's Nest mysteries.
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Learn about Other Books
From the Author
Book Title: Murder on Pointe: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #1
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Jul 19, 2016
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Jul 19, 2016
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)
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About the Book
Fiona can't wait to attend the performance of Coppelia at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Her old friend, Silja Ramsay, is dancing the principal role. They have dinner after the show, but when they return Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is down one dancer! Ballerina, Alexis Cartwright, has been found dead in the dressing room. Is this murder a result of hot tempers among the cast members? Or is it a random act of violence? Will there be more murders? Homicide Detective Nathan Landry isn't taking any chances. After finding out Fiona has a strong background in ballet, he recruits her to go undercover among the cast of Coppelia. Can Fiona help catch a killer, or will she be the next victim?
Book Title: Merry Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #2
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 51 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Sep 16, 2016
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 219 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 51 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Sep 16, 2016
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
The cookies are baked. The tree is trimmed. The shopping? Well, it's almost done, and Fiona's parents have finally returned home for a holiday visit - along with some unexpected unruly friends. Yep, Fiona's perfectly planned Christmas is coming together, but how could've she planned for her favorite uncle's murder? Who could possibly kill a sweet old man who's played Santa at the local mall every year without fail? Fiona's boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry, is determined to find out - before Christmas day arrives. There's only one problem: Nancy Quinn. Fiona's mom is just as determined as the detective to catch the murderer, and she isn't shy about getting the job done - even if it includes breaking a few pesky laws! Will Fiona and her mother find the killer first or will the killer find them?
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Book Title: Waves of Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #3
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 190 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 6 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Apr 11, 2017
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 190 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 6 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Apr 11, 2017
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
School's out for the summer!
Kindergarten teacher Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona's plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author Wyla Parkes.
What's so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle - three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn't really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead - beginning with the author! Fiona's summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case or will the murderer getaway on a wave of deceit?
Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!
Kindergarten teacher Fiona Quinn is looking forward to spending some quality time in her yard and with her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Landry. However, Fiona's plans get squelched when her mother volunteers her to edit a manuscript for famous romance author Wyla Parkes.
What's so bad about that? The author insists Fiona must work on the manuscript at her beach cottage on Presque Isle - three hours away from her yard and Nathan. Spending six weeks in an adorable cottage on a private beach doesn't really seem all that bad until people start turning up dead - beginning with the author! Fiona's summer of sun and sand is instantly transformed into a murder investigation. Can Fiona and Nathan crack the case or will the murderer getaway on a wave of deceit?
Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!
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Tastes Like Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 202 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 46 minutes
Category: YA Fiction, 202 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 46 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Nov 23, 2017
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Nov 23, 2017
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Content Rating: G
About the Book
The bridesmaid dresses are ruffles and ruffles of ugly, one bridesmaid is trying to micro-manage…well, pretty much everything, and the bride-to-be is a total bridezilla! Wedding bells will soon be ringing, but as usual, Fiona is a bridesmaid and not a bride. As the maid of honor, how can Fiona keep the volatile pre-wedding festivities running smoothly?
The problem is abruptly solved when the bride drops over dead at the elegant wine-tasting wedding rehearsal. Yikes! Who poisoned the wine? The suspects are lining up, and Fiona finds herself at the top of the list! Double yikes! It’s a vintage murder case for Fiona, Detective Landry, and the gang. Cheers!
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Book Title: Good Luck to Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #5
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 148 pages
Run Time: 3 hours, 49 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: June 1, 2018
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 148 pages
Run Time: 3 hours, 49 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: June 1, 2018
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
Dreams, wishes, fantasies, and... murder?
Fiona's good friend and fellow teacher, Lucky Maguire leads everyone to believe he has won a huge jackpot! Only Lucky turns out not to be so lucky - he winds up dead and his supposed winning lottery ticket missing!
Yikes!
Did Lucky really win the lottery and if so, where is the ticket hidden?
Who knew for sure if he truly was Pittsburgh's newest millionaire?
Double yikes!
Join Fiona and the gang for this winning cozy mystery that's sure to keep you betting on the suspects!
Fiona's good friend and fellow teacher, Lucky Maguire leads everyone to believe he has won a huge jackpot! Only Lucky turns out not to be so lucky - he winds up dead and his supposed winning lottery ticket missing!
Yikes!
Did Lucky really win the lottery and if so, where is the ticket hidden?
Who knew for sure if he truly was Pittsburgh's newest millionaire?
Double yikes!
Join Fiona and the gang for this winning cozy mystery that's sure to keep you betting on the suspects!
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Book Title: Mambo and Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #6
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 160 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: October 31, 2018
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 160 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: October 31, 2018
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
Three ballroom dancers were murdered over 40 years ago. Wow, that’s one old cold case. What’s more, the murderer, who was thought to have been killed during a police chase, has resurfaced in Pittsburgh. Yikes! How can that be?
Worse, ballroom dancing simply isn’t Detective Nathan Landry’s forte. After weeks of practice, Nathan still has two left feet. Can Fiona step in to guide Nathan through this dancing debacle or will it take 40 years for the detective to find his footing?
Double yikes! Join Fiona and detective Landry in this high-stepping whodunit!
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Book Title: Saddle Up for Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #7
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 178 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 47 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: May 14, 2019
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 178 pages
Run Time: 4 hours, 47 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: May 14, 2019
Content Rating: G
About the Book
Fiona is in total shock when her mother arrives unannounced on her doorstep. What’s going on? Why, she’s left Fiona’s father, that’s what. Yikes! Worse, a horse trainer is murdered outside his ex-wife’s home in Pittsburgh, and the trail leads directly to a Thoroughbred racetrack in the neighboring state of West Virginia. Get ready, because the suspects are mounting up and heading down the stretch. Whoa! Fiona and Detective Landry aren’t horsing around with this homicide!
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Book Title: Bon Voyage to Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #8
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 198 pages
Run Time: 6 hours, 52 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Nov 5, 2019
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 198 pages
Run Time: 6 hours, 52 minutes
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: Nov 5, 2019
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
Hooray! Fiona has finally convinced her boyfriend detective Nathan Landry to go on a romantic Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, their fun on the high seas is interrupted by murder. It isn’t long before they discover a boatload of suspects, who have motives deeper than the ocean for wanting the victim out of their lives.
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Book Title: Taking Notes on Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery #9
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 184 pages
Run Time: 5 hours
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: May 19, 2020
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
Author: C.S. McDonald
Category: YA Fiction, 184 pages
Run Time: 5 hours
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: McWriter Books
Release date: May 19, 2020
Tour dates: Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating: G
About the Book
Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom,
claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry
maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not
warrant a review of the old case.
Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!
Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder!
Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect Nancy Quinn!
Can Fiona crack this cold case, and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder!
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Meet the Author
For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren.
In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that
expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone,
including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona
Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are
also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.
Cindy’s
newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her
cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much
different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a
little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy! Ms.
McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables
near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly
behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
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