I liked Kelsey and her family and Chase. Interesting idea being set in a history museum, especially because there's so much going on there. Will be interesting to see out it expands. Mystery plot seemed too complex and intended to show off the museum's potential. Not the best I've read by Flower. ( )

Kelsey Cambridge, as director of the Barton Farm complex and living museum, is in the midst of a major fund-raising event: a Civil War reenactment and fancy dress ball. Being in charge and making sure that everything runs smoothly, the last thing Kelsey needs is a dead body. And being one of the suspects. Throw in an ex-husband who is about to be married, an EMT who seems interested in Kelsey but then again, might be the murderer, and her eccentric actor father, and you have the formula for an exciting debut mystery. Well-developed characters and a intricate plot make this a five-star read. ( )

Who knew Civil War reenactments could be so intriguing? A who-dun-it set around a reenactment in Ohio, with engaging characters... sounds like an interesting read, right? Wait, there's more... you get some history thrown in. Did you know the uniform cap was called a kepi in the Civil War, after reading the book... I do!

I really enjoyed reading this story, and it's an easy read. I completed it in less than a day. I'm sure you as well will enjoy it! ( )

I loved this book! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book since I heard about it. I am a lover of history and cozy mysteries and when I found out they were combined in this series I was beyond excited. This book was so well written that I couldn't put it down. I just kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next to Kelsey and The Living Museum crew.
Kelsey is the director of Burton Farm. She loves everything history. But little did she know that she was also going to be put in the middle of a murder. She not only has a Civil War reenactment and ball to keep on track she now has a mystery to solve before someone she loves or even herself gets blamed for the murder.
The author put so many amazing characters in this book you will love them all. My favorite was Cynthia Cherry. She is the wealthy benefactor that funds Barton Farm. She is such a caring and giving person who has loved history all her life you can't help but love her:) It is really hard to believe she has such a greedy nephew named Maxwell. He is giving everyone a hard time especially Kelsey about how he will be handling funds if something were to happen to Cynthia. So it comes to everyone's supra when Maxwell ends up murdered and Kelsey is there when the body is found. Yikes! Who had it out for Maxwell??? This is the question that Kelsey and an unexpected helper have to find out before something else happens on the farm.
Everything about this book has you wanting more, it is exciting and jam packed full of history and adventure. It is a must read and great beginning to a new series. I can't wait till the next installment in The Living History Museum Mystery. ( )

Title: The Final Reveille (A Living History Museum Mystery #1)
Author: Amanda Flower
Pages: 336
Year: 2015
Publisher: Midnight Ink
My rating is 5+ stars out of 5.
The Civil War is a time in our history that has been the setting of many tales shared though various mediums. Amanda Flower weaves a mystery during a weekend filled with various activities from this time period along with those who reenact the battles. During the weekend of this event on Barton Farms, a murder or two has been committed. Now, the living history is in danger of possibly losing its benefactor and the director has become a suspect and a victim! Plus, the director is a single mom with a 5-year-old son who unexpectedly meets her ex’s fiancée. The chief of police is an intriguing character to me and at times I even thought he was a part of the problem and not doing his job.
Living history museums really aid the visitor in the feel of living in the timeframe and not in the present. My husband and sons take great pleasure and have fun being in a group that is globally known as the S.C.A. with each one having a persona from an historical time period. People can appreciate how many articles we take for granted that were made or used during the Civil War or before. Amanda Flower did a superb job of drawing me into the activity and characters of her book, and I believe many would enjoy reading and sharing a copy with friends.
The sequel is due in 2016 so be ready for more action, adventure and a mystery or romance to boot! Check out Amanda Flower’s other well written mysteries that know no bounds and keep you entertained all the way till the very last page. Look for her books and then curl up for a few hours of fun that you’ll never regret it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )