Murder in the Whispering Woods

A Clementine Harper Cozy Mystery Book 2

By: Lorna St. James

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In the charming town of Maplewood, spring brings blooming flowers and a chilling murder.

Retired teacher Clementine “Clem” Harper discovers the body of Vera Kane, the iron-fisted HOA president, beneath the budding maples of the Whispering Woods.

With her clue-sniffing tabby cat Evie by her side, Clem’s super sleuthing skills kick in as she enlists her gossipy best friend Mabel Pipkin and retired detective Finn Adler to dig up the truth.

A discovered flash drive, missing locket, and torn piece of cloth turn neighborly smiles into suspicious glances.
Is the killer Chuck Wynn, a contractor whose business fell victim to Vera’s ridiculous regulations? Or Theo Granger, blackmailed by Vera after uncovering his embezzlement of HOA funds?

As Clem draws closer to the truth, the trio receives a threatening note warning them to back off.

With a killer on the loose and time running out, will they crack the case before becoming the next targets?

suspect AI

For awhile I thought that this might have been written by an actual person. The linguistic errors weren't initially overwhelming. They seemed to struggle with sticking with a specific character's POV. Things like 'The crowd groans in unison' & 'the warmth of friendship fills the scene', tended to make it seem more like they were attempting to write a script for TV then a novel.

However the further in I got the more oddities popped up.

'The relentless pace of law enforcement'
'A mix of anxiety & attentness'

'The inn feels alive contradictory to the friction that has gripped their investigation.'
'Anticipation permeates as each member recaps their findings.'

' "Thank you all for coming together, I know things have been tough lately" Her words resonate in the room reinforcing the bond among the group as they come closer ready to discuss their discoveries. ' - this bit happens right after telling us they discuss what each member of the team has found.

' The room is bathed in the soft glow of the desk lamp displaying a cozy ambiance
"Let's also remember to take care of our selves, this investigation is important, but we can't burn out" '

'Their energy is revitalized by the teamwork they have shown.'

'The atmosphere is charged with a troubled history.'

'The tears that were once filled with anger now turn to memories.'

'As her words cling to the moment