A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard is this week’s Reader Friday. Here are the first two lines: “Well, it seems to me that somethin’ like that would be durn-near impossible.” George Waters looked around the Sunflower Cafe to see what sort of support he got.
But first the photo and verse. With snow on the ground and temps not getting out of the 20s, is it any wonder my thoughts turned to Florida? And warmer temps. And sunshine, which we’ve had a scarcity of lately. Still, God’s on his throne and Spring is coming!
Now for A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard. Here’s the cover and back copy:
Twenty-something advice columnist and amateur sleuth Sissy Yoder loves helping out at her Aunt Bethel’s Sunflower Café in Yoder, Kansas. It connects her to family, to the close-knit community—and to the suspicious events that always seem to bubble beneath small-town life . . .
The unusual death of local herb farmer, Ginger Reed, is the talk of Yoder. Naturally, Sissy is intrigued. The official report classifies Ginger’s demise as an accident, concluding that she ran herself over with a tractor. But Sissy’s cousin, Naomi, a friend and longtime employee of Ginger’s, insists that’s impossible. When she asks for Sissy’s help in unearthing the truth, Sissy’s on the case—accompanied as ever by her loyal Yorkie companion, Duke . . .
The deeper Sissy digs, the longer the list of suspects grows—and none of them are Ginger. Near the top is Ginger’s resentful sister-in-law, Mallory. Next is Naomi’s brother, Lloyd, who’s bitter about the oil derrick presumably pumping black gold from Ginger’s land—land that once belonged to his family. Naomi herself could be a suspect—it’s her tractor, after all. But the investigation stalls when Naomi makes a shocking turnaround in her story. Is she lying? And if so, why? Then a missing dog, a desperate lawyer, and a teenage con artist are added to the mix, and the puzzle becomes hopelessly complicated. If Sissy doesn’t solve it quickly, she’ll be lost in the weeds as a killer reaps a deadly harvest . . .
My take:
I loved this cozy mystery set in Oklahoma! Amy Lillard outdid herself on this one. Well, she outdoes herself on all of her books.
A Murder for the Sages is set in the small town of Yoder, Kansas where Sissy Yoder fled after her cowboy boyfriend betrayed her with another woman. Like all small towns, there’s a place where everyone gathers and gossip flows like water even in Amish country — the Sunflower Cafe. While set in Amish country, Sissy isn’t Amish as her parents left the community and faith long before Sissy and her brother were born. But it features many of the Amish ways, especially of forgiveness.
Lillard has populated her story with interesting people like Gavin Wainwright, the newspaper reporter Sissy rides bicycles with. And Bess, her grumpy aunt who is full of common sense, and a host of others. When Ginger Reed is murdered, there are a lot of suspects available, and it was fun trying to puzzle out who the killer was.
This third book in the series is a captivating story that readers of cozy mysteries will love. I know I did. While I haven’t read the first two–I somehow picked this one up first, but have the other two on my Kindle. I plan to read them asap! That said, A Murder for the Sages is a standalone and it isn’t necessary to read the others first. But you will want to go back and read them.
Okay Super Sleuths, what are you reading? Leave your first line (or just say hi) in the comments and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a $15 gift certificate!
A Murder for the Sages by Amy Lillard is this week's Reader Friday. Check out my review and leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a $15 gift card! Share on XI want to share a song I stumbled on this week that takes me back. I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 44
Thank you for this amazing review! It has piqued my interest in reading A Murder for the Sages!
The first two lines of my current read are:-
It could be anywhere, this place.
A rest area in the countryside, just off the motorway.
Have a wonderful weekend!
– Emily
Author
I really enjoyed the Amy Lillard’s cozy mystery, Emily, and have the first one waiting for me in my Kindle as soon as I get the proposal for my next book off…
fun review
Author
Thanks, BN!
Pat, that’s either the smallest photo you’ve ever posted, or I’m missing something. I tried both Firefox and Chrome, and I could not find the photo.
Thanks for the review of “A Murder for the Sages”. Oh, and I love Tennessee Ernie Ford’s songs. Thanks for posting that.
“Time was short. And Paco was missing. The storm system of the decade bore down on the Washington coast, and Remi Grant was right in its path on a beach battered by waves during what was projected to be a dramatic king tide.” This is the first line of the first chapter of Elizabeth Goddard’s “Storm Warning.”
Author
Hi Tim…thanks for letting me know the photo didn’t post. It’s up now. 😉 I have Storm Warning beside my bed, but right now I’m reading for research for my next book.
I can’t see the photo and verse, but yes, God is on His throne, and spring is coming!
A Murder for the Sages sounds fun, and isn’t that title cute? Great review, Pat.
I love “Sixteen Tons”! Cool song!
Author
Check again…I have no idea why it didn’t load, Priscilla…actually, I do after thinking about it–I had two posts going at the same time and deleted one of them–it was the one with the photo uploaded. lol I love “Sixteen Tons”, too!
Well, this sounds like fun w/ lots of ingredients that appeal to me. Thanks.
Author
It’s a fun book, Delores!
Hi. Beautiful picture.
Author
Thanks, Pam…and if you go back to the blog, there will be a verse with it. lol
I will have to pick up this series.
Author
I love the characters, Sharon! And the mystery is good as well…
Pat, the photo showed up fine, but the verse didn’t.It’s a brilliant photo especially writhe sun rays blazing through the trees. Of course I had to check out the clouds: big sheep head, Great Pyrenees dog, and a resting dinosaur. Just saying. . . . 🙂
Murder for the Sages sounds like the setting for a warm blanket, cuppa and a snowy afternoon read. Great review, Pat.
“Someone had to stop her” is the first line of Lynette Eason’s Serial Burn.
Author
Try it again, Barbara. Evidently my finger slipped when I chose the image and picked the wrong one. Some days…
I knew you’d find animals in the clouds when I picked the picture. 🙂 And I really enjoyed Serial Burn!
Interesting story plot! Thanks for sharing!
Author
I really enjoyed it, Barbie D. and I’m looking forward to reading the others.
Tennesse Ernie Ford, a blast from my childhood !
Author
Me, too, Judy!
I haven’t read this book but have enjoyed Amy’s books, including the first of this series.
Her happy ending was out there, at the end of the beam of her headlamp, and if Ree kept running, surely she would find it.
Only You by Susan May Warren (part of Return to Me anthology)
Author
I always enjoy Susan May Warren’s books, Gloria!
I’ve read and reviewed this book by Amy Lillard and it is really good! All her books are…
I just finished A Constant Love by Tracie Peterson and am contemplating what to read next.
Author
Right now I’m reading books for research…so I’ll have to stop and read one to review next week, Gail. 🙂
“The Lines between imagination and reality aren’t always sharply defined–
Author
Good quote, Stephen…and so true!
Amy Lillard is a “new to me” author, but I love the title of her book. I’ll have to check out the series!
I’ve been reading “Conrad” by Susan May Warren. It begins, “If they’d been on the ice, Conrad Kingston, center for the Blue Ox hockey team, would have done time in the penalty box.” This is book 2 in a terrific series.
Author
Amy is a two-time Carol winner (at least two) and a great writer, L. I think you’ll enjoy her books.
Another beautiful photo, Pat and great verse! The photo makes me even more eager for spring.
This is a new to me author, and A Murder for the Sages sounds like a delightful read.
I’m reading Misdirection by Christy Barritt. “Olive Sterling meandered down the dark sidewalk, in no hurry to get back to her house.”
Happy weekend!
Author
Christy Barritt’s book sound intriguing…knowing Christy, Olive won’t be meandering long, Mary G. 🙂
I am reading an ARC of Their Impossible Amish Match by Jocelyn McClay.
I love Tennessee Ernie Ford. I grew up with my parents listening to his music. This brought back so many memories.
Author
That song is one of my favorites of his, Carolyn…not that he ever sang one that wasn’t. lol
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
I really enjoyed it, Diana!
I love the picture and verse. I have heard Tennessee Ernie Ford sing Sixteen Tons many times, but I enjoyed hearing him tell about his road to tame. Did you share the following video with us in recent weeks? If not, I think you will enjoy it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KBQYru3btE
The book sounds interesting. I’m still trying to find time to do some reading that doesn’t have a deadline. I finished a first read the night before last and am getting ready to start proofreading another book, so I still have nothing to share.
Author
I did enjoy it, Edward! And I know what you mean about not reading with a deadline–I’m reading right now for research for my next book…
just finished reading Hope beyond the waves which was very good!
Author
I’ll have to check that on out, Shelia!
Hey Pat, I love the photo and scripture!
I’m reading The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano.
Enjoy your weekend.
Author
Thanks! I loved that book, Caryl!
I’d love to tackle a cozy one day! Here is my first line: Dressed in a slip, Rachel stood in her walk-in closet, her toes biting into the carpet. Adjacent on the Lake by Zoe McCarthy
Author
Me, too, Sally Jo! It’s a completely different style from what I write. And I love the humor in a cozy.
A Murder for The Sages sounds good, and I have a Yorkie so I bet I would enjoy it. I’ve never read a cozy mystery.
Tennessee Ernie and his Sixteen Tons sure brings memories to me! I grew up hearing that song and watching him. You can still catch him on reruns of I Love Lucy, he was great!
I’m currently reading Undercover Escape by Valerie Hansen, first line being
The rain pelted the van’s windshield…… I believe you reviewed it a few weeks back.
Patricia, is this a new picture of you with your comments? It’s so good!
Author
Yes, Dottie, it’s a new photo…I thought I better update it so readers would recognize me when they saw me. lol I did review Valerie’s book a while back. 🙂