Reviews

Bath Bombs & Beyond by Violet Patton

hugbandit7's review

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4.0

I noticed that with both of this author's series that the protagonist starts seeing ghosts. In this series, Patti's fall when she bumps her head shifts something and she is able to see Fanny Doyle, a seamstress from the 1920s. This creates some awkward moments when those around Patti think she might be a bit crazy because it looks like she is talking to herself or spouting off random sentences. I'm surprised that her friends didn't suspect something was wrong with her other than she had fallen and hit her head.

The mystery was intriguing and I wondered how it was going to play out in the end. I was a bit surprised at some of the answers to my questions but not too surprised. Of course Fanny's story isn't complete so I'm sure we'll see some more of her in the next books.

The characters are diverse and some are a bit mysterious so I hope we learn more in future books.

thisandthatwithkaren's review

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4.0

This is the first book in the Bathhouse Row Mysteries and has all the makings of a good cozy mystery series. I like cozies that have a theme like crafting, and had not read one that takes place in a Bath Shop!
Who would believe Patti’s slight concussion gave her the ability to communicate with the dead?
Nobody, especially not her fussbudget partner Sandy. Who is the dead person she can see? Fanny Doyle, that’s who, a chatty Technicolor ghost who was once Al Capone’s seamstress. Why has Fanny hung around the empty shop waiting so long? She has a big problem and now that Patti can, see and talk to her, she wants help solving the mystery. With all the shop’s opening weekend bad luck has the Row’s competition put a hex on the newest soap shop on Central Avenue? A cabaret singer has been found dead in her bathtub while soaking with one of Patti’s bath bombs! Now the real fun begins as Patti, along with Fanny’s help, tries to solve the mystery, as well as save the Bathhouse Row Soapery!

There are lots of humorous moments, funny characters, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing whodunit until the end. Unfortunately, there were misspellings and editorial errors which is the only reason why I gave it the 4 stars.

katiya's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

This concept was intriguing and had the ability to draw the audience in. Alas, the main characters were not terribly sympathetic and didn't come across as hero material. Also, there were editing errors that jarred. However, the premise! It's got me hooked and I'll probably delve into the series to see where this all goes. (Also, the method of murder in the story is diabolically genius.)

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.

karen_the_baroness's review

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4.0

I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Can Pattianna successfully ignore Fanny?


Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is an exciting book with a slight twist to the typical cozy mystery vibe.

Our heroine is Pattianna Frugo; she is also our only main character as this book is written the first person narrative. Pattianna is a retired secretary from the police force. She and her best friend are opening up a shop that sells lotion, bath bombs, salt scrubs, and everything a girl needs for a night of pampering.

We have our love interest as well another retiree from the police force this one is a detective.

For the sidekick, she is a hoot. Fanny is such a fun character and one that I enjoyed.

What I like:



  • I love that this book is in the first person as it made the book that much better especially when it comes to the sidekick. Fanny is such a great character especially the way she is introduced.

  • The mystery was pretty interesting and kept me going as that is a pretty ingenious way to kill someone.

  • Teddy and Patti flirt a lot. It was cute and something that they end up doing over some silly things.

  • Fanny hands down she is so amazing. I do feel bad for her though and what she deals with everytime Patti doesn’t want to listen to her.


What I dislike:


I didn’t like the reason behind the crime. It felt unnecessary, and I get it at the same time. The last thing I didn’t like is that the book has a few editing errors that took me out of the story.

Bath Bombs and Beyond CR IGFour Stars


Bath Bombs and Beyond by Violet Patton is a good book that just needed maybe one more edit. However, the story and the mystery were great. I am giving this novel a four-star review, and I loved it. A Bathhouse Row Cozy Mystery Series is a great new series. I will be reading the next book Found Dead in the Red Head when it is released in February.

Anyways until next time enjoy this review brought to you by,

Karen SignatureThis review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

vikingslyn's review

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4.0

Patti was a laugh a minute whenever she would interact with Fanny. Patti and Sandy both thought Patti was losing her mind after her tumble off the ladder. Thankfully with the help of Teddy, Fanny and a few others Patti was able to solve the crime and save her business. Maybe given more information and a little more time Anita and Patti could help Fanny solve her mystery.

'I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.'
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