Downward Death

Magical Mane Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Stella Bixby

Narrated by: Shannon Nicole Locke

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Ellie Vanderwick has hair-raising problems, and we're not just talking about her unruly locks! Yoga may ease the tension, but when it comes to dead bodies, she needs more than just downward dog.

Her life may seem imperfect without friends, family, or a stable job, but she's got her trusty VW Microbus named Mona and her loyal piggy companion, Penelope. Unfortunately, her hair is a different story. It's like magic, but not the kind she likes! Her hair can go berserk at any moment, transforming into curls, bright purple, or even limp strands.

But when Ellie inherits a farm from her late grandmother, she knows it's time to tame the wild strands and uncover the secrets of her past, including why her mother left her at a fire station years ago.

Cliff Haven, Iowa, is a quaint and friendly town, but Ellie's arrival brings more than just her wild hair. When a dead body turns up in her cornfield, the town starts pointing fingers, suspecting Ellie is the culprit. Can she solve the mystery and clear her name before it's too late?

Join Ellie on this magical journey in the first book of the Magical Mane Mystery series. Will she untangle the clues, or will her big hairy secret come out? One thing's for sure; you'll be rooting for Ellie from start to finish!

©2021 Crystal Ferry (P)2023 Crystal Ferry

A Good YA Story

This is a Story about a young Woman who has been in foster homes all her life until old enough to go out on her own. She bought a Micro bus to drive and live in while she worked and attended school. Then she receives a envelope in the mail from a grandmother she knew nothing about leaving her the house and farm. Narrator does a good job with the entire storyline.

Great Start to the Series!!

This was my first Stella Bixby's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in the Magical Mane Mystery Series, a magical cozy mystery! I liked it! The characters are well developed, and interesting. Ellie is such a wonderful character, strong, smart, caring, and sunshine. She has a cute pig named Penelope. The plot is well crafted, entertaining, and intriguing, filled with humor, intrigue, murders, and twists and turns. The cast of supporting characters is impressive. I liked the small town vibes. I loved to follow Ellie is her investigation. Shannon Nicole Locke did an excellent job bringing this story to life. She has a beautiful voice, and a great range of voices (impressive). I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to listening to Bowling Blunder, the next book in the series.

Magnificent

This is a fantastic listen, after I started listening I could not put it down, it kept me on the edge of my seat, I definitely recommend, Shauna Joesten, me and my husband share this account

Charming and fun mystery!

Downward Death is a the first book in the Magical Mane series by Stella Bixby. Ellie Vanderwick was an abandoned baby and spent her life in foster care. Ellie thought she was an orphan she inherits a house and farm in Iowa from a grandmother she never knew. Everyone in town sense her resemblance to her grandmother and mother. Ellie wants to know about her family but many are keeping secrets. Then when the bodies start piling up and her past comes to town, Ellie feels she’s in danger. And her hair shows her emotions like a mood ring! She tries to use her “feelings” to help solve the murders. The characters are very relatable and I could feel Ellie’s ache to learn her history. The narration by Shannon Nicole Locke is excellent. She provides unique voices for the numerous characters and her performance brings them and the story to life. I’m very glad there are more books in the series. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

New to town and found a dead body

Ellie is new to town and just found a dead body. Then they start piling up. What to do and how to stay ahead of the killer. A fast paced story as you try and figure out who is doing the killing.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.