Sunday, June 28, 2015

Aloha to Sherry Harris and THE LONGEST YARD SALE - Book Review

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ONE MAN’S CLUTTER

When Sarah Winston turns Ellington, Massachusetts, into New England’s largest garage sale for a day, it’s the small town’s biggest event since the start of the Revolutionary War—but without the bloodshed. That is, until a valuable painting goes missing…and the lifeless body of an Air Force officer is found in Carol Carson’s painting studio, his face perfectly framed with the murder weapon—a metal picture frame.

IS ANOTHER MAN’S CLOVER


Sarah is mad as heck that someone used her town-wide garage sale to commit a crime—and frame her good friend Carol. She is definitely on this case…but it’s not easy rummaging through increasingly strange clues that point to cheating spouses, downright dirty investment schemes—even the mob. And Sarah will have to be very careful if she wants to live to bargain another day…


Buy, buy, says the sign in the shop window; Why, why, says the junk in the yard. - Paul McCartney

Sherry Harris, an Air Force spouse - turned - cozy mystery author, asked me to review her second book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series.  The heroine is an Air Force spouse, just like Sherry and me.  The story takes place in Ellington, MA, a fictional town inspired by the real town of Bedford, MA.  The action overflows to Fitch AFB, a fictional military base inspired by the real Hanscom AFB.  Sherry and I enjoyed assignments to Hanscom AFB.   How could I say no?

Newly divorced, Sarah is finally getting back her groove. She has a cozy apartment in Ellington, a Colonial town enroute to the North Bridge ala Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.  The mayor hired Sarah to coordinate the Longest Yard Sale to bring commerce and tourists to Ellington.   Despite the sale's success, several fires broke out, a famous painting is stolen, and an Air Force civilian is found dead in the art gallery owned by another Air Force spouse.   Sarah steps in to help her friend only to find her ex husband, retired Air Force officer - turned - Ellington's Chief of Police, discouraging her efforts while trying to woo her back. Add a sexy prosecutor, a Mafia lawyer, and a noisy neighbor for an entertaining read.

Kudos to Harris for creating a 38 year old heroine who can land on her feet after the painful divorce.  Harris also captures the New England charm and spotlights Air Force life.   I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with this cozy mystery.


Recommended read for fans of bargain hunting, colorful characters, and small town antics.  

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. 


I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about New England - what do you know about the Colonial states?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 5.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Sherry and her books at sherryharrisauthor.com.

Check out my pictures from Hanscom AFB and the surrounding historical towns at link, link, link, link, link, and link

Tagged for Death (A Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery)


18 comments:

  1. Sadly I have never been to the East Coast. I had a layover in the Baltimore airport if that counts, lol

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    1. I hope you make it to the Boston area some day! It is fabulous.

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  2. My mother-in-law hails from Massachusetts. I recognize the New England accent lol.

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  3. I really don't know anything about it. Just what I've read since I've never been there.

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    1. There is so much history. It is one of my favorite places we lived!

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  4. I've never been to that part of the country....what I know I read in books.

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    1. Thank heavens books can take us to the places we can't go!

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  5. I have been doing some New England studying recently because we will be traveling there in the Fall. Looking forward to seeing the fall colors and the Waterfire event in Rhode Island.

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  6. I love cozies and garage sale bargains. This series sounds like the perfect fit.

    I have an aunt who lives in Connecticut. That's the only place in New England I've ever been.

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  7. New England is one of my favorite regions. I like the age and the permanence of the old towns. The coast tends to be rocky and rugged. I love the way the waves crash against them. Inland there are lovely mountains and old growth forests. There are large dairy farms, ports with fishing and lobstering boats, and a lumbering industry. No matter what you like, you will likely find it there.

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  8. I know very little. Happy to learn.

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  9. I'm actually originally from Maine (living in Pennsylvania now) and I love the atmosphere of Northern states so much more!

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  10. Only what I learned in history classes... I've never been up there.

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  11. I don't know anything about New England.

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  12. New England is located in the far northeastern part of the United States. It includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is a very scenic part of the country, especially in the autumn. The Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, MA and the first battles of the American Revolution were fought in MA.

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  13. I have a friend who lives there, and from what she's told me it s gorgeous! I hope to visit one day!

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