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jkathleen22's review against another edition
As with the past couple cozy mysteries I’ve read, the main character in this one was constantly making rude remarks about the physical appearance and weight of the other characters. It was happening multiple times in each chapter. Why is this becoming common with cozies?!
lyssrose's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Meh. I didn't find any of the characters interesting enough to bother reading any more in the series.
mimmheyboer's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
For those who relish unraveling a new mystery, "The Hamptons" offers an intriguing escape. It's common knowledge that referring to them in such a manner is somewhat outdated. The novel was an impeccable fit for my tastes, presenting a cozy mystery set against a backdrop of luxury. The narrative's charm lies in its exploration of the genuine inhabitants' lives, steering clear of the typical portrayal of movie stars and celebrities.
The author crafts the setting and characters with such clarity that one feels whisked away to East Hampton. The conclusion was unexpectedly surprising, a notable feat considering my knack for anticipation. With great anticipation, I prepare to delve into the sequel, ready for another adventure.
The author crafts the setting and characters with such clarity that one feels whisked away to East Hampton. The conclusion was unexpectedly surprising, a notable feat considering my knack for anticipation. With great anticipation, I prepare to delve into the sequel, ready for another adventure.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Death on Windmill Way by Carrie Doyle is the first novel in A Hamptons Murder Mystery series. The cover is just lovely for this cozy mystery. Antonia Bingham bought Windmill Inn without seeing it in person on the advice of her best friend, Genevieve. Antonia was anxious for a new start after her divorce from her controlling ex-husband. The main thing that sold her on the property was the large restaurant because Antonia is a chef who loves to cook. When Antonia learns that there may be a curse attached to the inn, she decides to do a little snooping. After all, her childhood nickname was “snoop” per Genevieve and Antonia claims to be a better detective than her former husband. I had high hopes for Death on Windmill Way, but there were several things that kept me from enjoying this cozy mystery. Carrie Doyle is a detail-oriented writer. A person is described down to the color of their nail polish and a room is discussed in detail including where she obtained the fabric and the color of the lamps. Every single person is given this attention along with other properties, rooms, stores, streets, etc. I felt it was too much detail and bogged down the story. There was a discourse on bees that went on for several pages and included information that was interesting but not relevant. There were also some facts in the book that were inaccurate (an example is New York does not recognize common law marriage but a character in the book kept claiming to be Gordon’s common law wife). There were a variety of characters in Death on Windmill Way. I liked John Fowler who lives near Antonia and eats at the restaurant each night. Larry, though, was a piece of work. I really wish the author had not included the obnoxious man considering how he views women and his inappropriate comments. Antonia’s best friend, Genevieve is another unlikeable individual. She is vain and shallow. I am baffled why Antonia likes Genevieve who cares more about herself than her friend. The mystery had multiple suspects, red herrings and pointed clues. The guilty party could easily be identified early in the story. The reveal scene is reminiscent of Murder, She Wrote, but Jessica Fletcher got to the point much quicker than Antonia. The reveal scene seemed to go on forever (I lost track if it was two chapters or three) and lacked concrete facts. Unlike most cozies, this one does contain foul language. Death on Windmill Way contains 416 pages which could have easily been edited down with the elimination of repeated case details and the overly descriptive sentences. The author failed to develop the main character (I know it is shocking, but true). We are given scant details on her past. Antonia needs to be fleshed out and made more likeable. I found Antonia to be contradictory. She carefully furnishes each room in the inn paying close attention to every detail, but then she lets someone she does not know control the finances. Antonia seems to be unaware that she has overspent on renovations and not bringing in enough income to pay the number of people she has employed. I also felt the romance was too soon for Antonia after what she had been through with her husband and she seemed a little obsessed with the man (searching for him each day). A Hamptons Murder Mysteries has potential. It just needs editing and rewriting to help achieve it. The food sounded delectable and the town sounded lovely. Death on Windmill Way is a culinary cozy mystery with a curious curse, bewildering bees, a fashionista friend, bothersome bookkeeping, and a chef cooking culinary cuisine.
lynguy1's review against another edition
3.0
DEATH ON WINDMILL WAY by Carrie Doyle is the first book in the Hamptons Murder Mysteries series and the first book by this author that I have read. The novel is set in the Hamptons in New York. Antonia Bingham moved there about six months ago to buy the run-down Windmill Inn. She has now renovated it and is open for business in both the inn and restaurant. However, life here is not all beaches and luxurious living. Besides the hard work of running her business, including functioning as a chef, previous owners of the inn have died. Some believe there is a curse, others think it is natural. Of course, Antonia decides to investigate.
Antonia is someone you can root for, but I did not really connect with her. She did not seem to have done her research on the inn before she purchased it. However, she did have a distinct voice with flaws and virtues. Additionally, her goals were clear and her motivations seemed believable. The author does a great job of painting a picture of the inn, the people, the beach, and the food. The story line was interesting and had plenty of red herrings. However, the mystery was too easy for me to solve.
Overall, this book was enjoyable and entertaining. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and beautiful settings, then this may be the series for you.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Carrie Doyle for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Antonia is someone you can root for, but I did not really connect with her. She did not seem to have done her research on the inn before she purchased it. However, she did have a distinct voice with flaws and virtues. Additionally, her goals were clear and her motivations seemed believable. The author does a great job of painting a picture of the inn, the people, the beach, and the food. The story line was interesting and had plenty of red herrings. However, the mystery was too easy for me to solve.
Overall, this book was enjoyable and entertaining. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and beautiful settings, then this may be the series for you.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Carrie Doyle for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
DEATH ON WINDMILL WAY, the first book in the Hamptons Murder Mystery series, is a delightful introduction to Antonia Bingham, owner of the Windmill Inn. When local gossip about previous owners of the Windmill Inn meeting suspicious deaths reaches Antonia, she is shaken and determines to find out if it’s true or not. Unable to trust the police, Antonia starts asking questions and once she finds that the previous owner was murdered (even though it was ruled a heart attack) decides to find the killer on her own.
The author, Carrie Doyle, delves into the social issue of domestic violence with sensitivity, weaving the theme into the plot and making the protagonist someone who is multi-dimensional. Antonia is a character worthy of attention as she struggles to make a new life for herself while viewing the world with a somewhat wry sense of humor. Windmill Inn and the Hamptons’ East End is a charming setting. The author provides great detail about what went in to the development of the Inn along with Antonia’s restaurant. I know some people find so much detail distracting but it made me “see” the settings as the author envisioned them. And then there’s the food! Antonia is a gourmet chef and is obsessed with food. My suggestion would be to not read this book on an empty stomach because you will be craving the many delectable treats mentioned by Antonia! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I willingly provided a review upon receipt of a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author, Carrie Doyle, delves into the social issue of domestic violence with sensitivity, weaving the theme into the plot and making the protagonist someone who is multi-dimensional. Antonia is a character worthy of attention as she struggles to make a new life for herself while viewing the world with a somewhat wry sense of humor. Windmill Inn and the Hamptons’ East End is a charming setting. The author provides great detail about what went in to the development of the Inn along with Antonia’s restaurant. I know some people find so much detail distracting but it made me “see” the settings as the author envisioned them. And then there’s the food! Antonia is a gourmet chef and is obsessed with food. My suggestion would be to not read this book on an empty stomach because you will be craving the many delectable treats mentioned by Antonia! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I willingly provided a review upon receipt of a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
becca_todaro's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
A good mystery, not so good writing. It was appalling how the characters were described, especially women, they were “pretty but then on second look not pretty, too close eyes, stringy hair…etc.” the author wasted no time tearing down each one, some deep seeded internalized misogyny in there.
caseysilk's review against another edition
3.0
A cute cozy mystery that takes place in East Hampton. Fun descriptions and if you are familiar with this area probably more interesting. Not enough substance for how long is was.