Secrets, Lies, and Homemade Pies

A Sweet Thangs Mystery, Book 1

By: Emma Ames

Narrated by: Sandra W. Parker

Tizzy Donovan is having a run of bad luck. A bakery delivery gone wrong. A bar fight with an old classmate. The discovery of a dead body in the cemetery.

Texas Ranger Ridge Cooper’s luck isn’t much better. He’s finally gotten his first solo case, and it’s in the podunk town of Brownsboro, Texas. But when he meets local beauty, Tizzy, he thinks his luck is about to change...until she becomes the prime suspect in his case!

©2019 Emma Ames (P)2019 Emma Ames

A Surprisingly Good Cozy Mystery

This story was full of surprises. It didn’t have a snoopy, female sleuth: It had a genuine Texas Ranger running the show. I was expecting this to be a regular old cozy mystery, but this was more like a mystery romance. I loved all of the characters and I’m definitely interested in seeing where the next few books in the series will take me. The narrator was great with voices, but often sounded a bit robotic; kind of like she was reciting something she had memorized. But, that didn’t detract too much from the fun of listening to this book. I’ll be back to Texas soon to find out what else happens in this crazy little town.

Romance and a Bit of Mystery

This audiobook is, in my opinion, a romance first and mystery second. The romantic elements are good. The characters are well-drawn and likable. The plotting didn't seem to have any holes. I just would have liked it to be more focused on the mystery.

Sandra W Parker does a fine job of creating distinct voices for the characters and her Tizzy is excellent. I don't have any experience with Texas accents, but hers seems good. I did feel that some of the conversations (besides the Tizzy voice) were really stilted and unnatural.

Despite these small gripes, I enjoyed this cozy story.

This audiobook was given to me for free, at my request. The preceding opinions are voluntary and all my own.

Secrets, Lies, and Homemade Pies

A great cozy mystery set in a small town in Texas. The characters are a lot of fun, and I especially like Tizzy. She’s got spunk and an intriguing paranormal ability.

Emma Ames kept the story interesting, and the twist was well thought out. I can’t wait to see what the next case is for this gang.

Sandra W. Parker delivered a great performance. The accents were well done and her timing was spot on. I enjoyed it very much.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Cute Cozy Mystery Romance

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I loved this. Tizzy was so funny! I loved the community in this story and would love to read more. The narrator was great too.

Fun romance with a mystery

Fun story with romance and mystery and just enough quirkiness. The Texas ranger instead of the nosy neighbor was a great change from other mystery/fun/romances. If you like a fun romantic mystery you'll enjoy this book.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.