Lisa R. Howeler

Gladwyn Grant Gets Her Footing by Lisa Robinson-Howeler is a Clean, Cozy Mystery. Considering I once thought about becoming a librarian, Gladwynn Grant’s former occupation intrigued me. Her willingness to move from her hometown to live with her grandmother and work as a reporter created an exciting story.

I loved how the author developed the characters and storyline, including her ex-boyfriend, whom she left behind. The mystery surrounding an accident plays a prominent role in this story. I felt the author did an excellent job building the suspense, providing information, and creating an interesting story that kept me reading.

My one complaint is the highly abrupt way the book ends. I felt like there should have been more before ending the book. However, this book is the first book in this series, and I look forward to seeing how the storyline continues.

So, if you want a clean, cozy mystery, check out Gladwyn Grant Gets Her Footing by Lisa Robinson-Howeler.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

The main character sure does have an unusual first name. I loved how we find out that it is a name one of her ancestors had. The story has an old time feeling about it with Gladwyn and her classic hair from times gone by, bright red lipstick and living with her grandma in an old house with lots of history. The town is quaint with a feel of “The Gilmore Girls” when Gladwyn attends the town council meeting. What a spectacle it was with raised voices and threats flying back and forth. The author sets the stage for a fun mystery.

Gladwyn’s relationship with her grandma is a bit odd to me. They are both sassy to each other and at times I think they mean what they say in their sarcastic voice. The bottom line is they have a very close relationship and worry about each other. I’m pretty sure grandma can hold her own in any situation.

Now for the story there sure is a lot going on. Threatening notes, car accidents that really aren’t an accident, jewelry heist never solved, land that people are fighting over and townspeople gossiping constantly caught this reader off guard. I was impressed with Gladwyn and her ability to find answers to questions that help solve crimes. There are a few twists in the story and overall I thought it was a nice story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

“The people in this county had a lot more skeletons in their closet than Gladwynn had ever imagined.”

After being let go from her job as a research librarian, Gladwynn Grant flees her hometown and her self-centered ex-boyfriend to resettle in a small town 200 miles away, Brookstone, PA, where her grandmother lives. Gladwynn takes a job as a cub reporter, where she gets so little respect, “She was beginning to think she should legally change her name to New Girl.” Lisa Howeler sets up the classic cozy in Gladwynn Grant Gets
Her Footing.

Multiple- near murders, a ten year-old- unsolved jewelry heist, rumors of buried French treasure, an antagonistic relationship between the paper Gladwynn works for and the police and fire departments. Plus, don’t forget the six degrees of separation law- in this case, everybody either knows somebody well, or is related.

I wished for a list of characters at the front to refer to. Some, like Daryl Stabler, owner of prized land and all-around jerk, you won’t forget. But, I highly suggest either taking notes on characters or reading on kindle so you can refer back to names as they re-occur.

Gladwynn and her grandmother have a very unusual relationship. Both are a little snarky, Grandma likes to keep her social life private, which causes the investigative and protective side of Gladwynn to come out. Yet they love each other fiercely. Grandma keeps pushing a certain young man towards Gladwynn. But, by the time I finished the book and read the provided introductory chapter of the next book, I was getting a strong reminder of the love triangles of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries. I must admit I bought the next book in the Gladwynn Grant series and will probably devour it today.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:
(Fave observation quotes.)
“people can do things totally out of their norm if they get angry enough.”

“That’s the weird things about memories, though. They follow you no matter where you go.”

(Fave wisdom quote.)
“It can’t be easy trying to step into shoes as big as Grandpa’s.” Luke sighed. “I like to think of it as following in his footsteps instead. I could never fill his shoes, but I’m more than happy to follow in his footsteps.”

(Fave spiritual truth.)
“It’s a weird world we live in.” “It’s a heartbroken world we live in,” Lionel said. “If only more people knew how God created them to love and be loved. Your grandfather did his very best to make sure everyone he came in contact with knew that.”

(Fave funny- ironic quote.)
“You’re learning. I’m proud of you.” She rolled her eyes as she sat down. “Grey gods indeed.”… (más)