Suitable for Framing

Callie Cassidy Mysteries, Book 1

By: Lori Roberts Herbst

Narrated by: Lillian Baxter

Silver Falchion Winner for Best Cozy Mystery and Second Runner-up for Best Book of 2021!

First Place in the Chanticleer International Book Awards Murder and Mayhem Division!

Now that prize-winning photojournalist Callie Cassidy has returned to the mountainside village of her youth, she believes she’s put crime scenes and corpses in her rear view mirror. So why does she end up—once again—focusing her lens on murder?

Callie Cassidy is no stranger to dead bodies. Two decades as a photojournalist on a big-city newspaper landed her face to face with so many of them that her colleagues dubbed her Queen of the Dead. Now, Callie believes her days of hanging out with cadavers are behind her. With her lovable golden retriever Woody in tow, she has returned in disgrace to Rock Creek Village, Colorado, where she licks her wounds in a cabin on her parents’ Rocky Mountain ski resort property.

But when her mother persuades her to abandon her fetal position beneath the quilts and take a photography gig at the Snowflake Swirl winter ball, Callie’s foray back into the real world lands her smack in the middle of town drama.

Before the first partygoer arrives, Callie stumbles across a deadly scene. A former classmate, one of the “mean girls” from high school, lies lifeless on her office floor. Another woman from Callie’s past crouches above the body, holding a bloody letter opener.

The conclusion is obvious—at least to rookie detective Raul Sanchez. But Callie believes there’s more to the picture. With the help of an adopted stray cat named Carl, whose investigative skills may rival her own, Callie sets out to find the real murderer. Because unless she, her pets, and a quirky group of villagers can solve the mystery, Callie’s photos won’t be the only thing being framed.

©2021 Lori Roberts Herbst (P)2023 Lori Roberts Herbst

A bit long.

Good story and all but It seemed a bit long for me.
I will still listen to the next.

Twists and turns

I never guessed the ending. Can't wait to listen to the next book. Hope to listen to more books in the future from this author.

Thoroughly Entertaining Read

Setting the Scene: "Callie Cassidy is no stranger to dead bodies. Two decades as a photojournalist on a big-city newspaper landed her face to face with so many of them that her colleagues dubbed her Queen of the Dead. Now, Callie believes her days of hanging out with cadavers are behind her. With her lovable golden retriever Woody in tow, she has returned in disgrace to Rock Creek Village, Colorado, where she licks her wounds in a cabin on her parents’ Rocky Mountain ski resort property.

But when her mother persuades her to abandon her fetal position beneath the quilts and take a photography gig at the Snowflake Swirl winter ball, Callie’s foray back into the real world lands her smack in the middle of town drama.

Before the first partygoer arrives, Callie stumbles across a deadly scene. A former classmate, one of the “mean girls” from high school, lies lifeless on her office floor. Another woman from Callie’s past crouches above the body, holding a bloody letter opener.

The conclusion is obvious—at least to rookie detective Raul Sanchez. But Callie believes there’s more to the picture. With the help of an adopted stray cat named Carl, whose investigative skills may rival her own, Callie sets out to find the real murderer. Because unless she, her pets, and a quirky group of villagers can solve the mystery, Callie’s photos won’t be the only thing being framed."

What I Thought: What a great find for a cozy mystery lover. Callie is a great lead with just the right amount of gumption and vulnerability, not to mention a background that provides some basis for the investigating she does. The characters are likeable and well developed, and the mystery well plotted. I look forward to more adventures with Callie and the citizens of Rock Creek Village.

Well written and entertaining

Suitable for Framing is an entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters and an entertaining plot. I look forward to the next book.

Delightful!

I’m new to the cozy mystery genre, and if this book is representative, I’m hooked! The narrator brought the characters to life, and I enjoyed every minute. Can’t wait for the next in the series.