Loveda Brown inherits more than a tiny hotel in Idyllwild, she inherits the guests that come with it and the killer walking among them.
Loveda Brown has inherited more than a tiny hotel in Idyllwild, California, as yet the Wild West of 1912, she’s inherited trouble. A pretentious lawyer, a Boy Scout troop invasion, insufferable suffragettes, and a pair of pompous honeymooners are about to interrupt her best laid plans.
Between murder and a kidnapping, the pressure is on for Loveda to clean up the town she longs to call home.
(Fun Fact: The Mrs. Kelly Mystery Series is Karine’s backstory!)
Please leave your review for Loveda Brown Comes Home here!
Another journey in relatability! I love the familiar and authentic vibe you bring to your writing. Your willingness to be so vulnerable and honest really taps into the similar experiences, emotions, and situations we all share. I especially loved Girls’ Night Out as girlfriends have always been such a valued part of my life. Keep doing what you do so well!
Fabulous book. Very good plot and interesting characters. I highy recommend it
This third book in the series is the best yet! Mrs. Kelly has to face her past as Minnesota comes to California. Many priorly hinted at puzzles are revealed as she solves murders past and present.
Boston Burglar is an enjoyable quaint mystery that gives a bit of inside into the past. You’ll enjoy reading about a strong woman who perseveres.
Loveda Brown: Boston Burglar was an excellent read. I read the first book in the Idyllwild Mystery Series and loved it. This was a free book from the author and shorter but it didn’t lack the components that were in the first book. I will continue the series and see where Loveda Brown leads me.
What a fun and informative read! I am a historian and love when I learn a new thing from a book! Loveda is quite the character and I look forward to reading her next adventure.
What an interesting twist, where Thomas Edison is portrayed in a less-than-honoring light! The structure of the plot is a good one–an unexpected murder mystery featuring high-level names and important secrets. The characters are distinctive–employers who are not very supportive and mischievous twin boys. The writing style is excellent and clear.
A few drawbacks that hindered my enjoyment: the beginning of the story is rather long and rambling, and doesn’t lead one straight into the meat of the plot. I imagine this is due to being a prequel to the main series, and anyone who’s read the main series will enjoy the background information. Second, the solving of the mystery was very confusing, and though apparently Loveda and her friend both knew the answer and knew that the other knew the answer, it wasn’t explained enough for this reader. I do not recall that Bea’s relationship with Edison was explained, or her brother’s connection, for that matter.
I enjoyed the historical explanatory note at the end. I highly applaud any author who takes the effort to use factual historical tidbits to spice up a story!
I enjoyed this book very much! Jolie Tunnell transported me back in time, when life was less complicated and the simpler things were important.
Loveda’s Origin Story!
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and am looking forward to more.
I live in Idyllwild and this was a fun read. We got to visit you via zoom today at our Fireside book club her in idyllwild. Thanks for joining us!
Loveda is an adult orphan and has been working as a governess. Not only is her time as governess running out [boys heading to boarding school] but there’s a dead man in her bedroom. Amusing story of her treatment by the boys and her memories of her parents.
This is an amazing historical fiction book. I bought book one of this series up in Idyllwild, CA after visiting their little musrum on a weekend getaway. However, when I learned there were 2 prequels, I just had to go back to the beginning of Loveda’s story. I could not put this book down and read it in about 3 hours. It was so balanced with history, mystery, and a brave young orphan girl who was trying to make a living, as well as a life, for herself. I can’t wait to buy and read “The Rattler” so I can then read my Book One and start her adventures in Idyllwild (one of my favorite havens on the planet).
I did this backward. I have read all of the Loveda Brown books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Loveda’s life took a wrong turn in El Paso as she witnessed the tradgedies of the wars with the Mexican Revolutionaries against tbe unpopular government. Married bliss disappeared when she discovered her husband’s business and his attitude toward women. The best is on the horizon as Loveda adventures onward.
The twist at the end was good . Didn’t see it coming . Nice historical book . I read it in one setting . A new series to me . Cute cover
This book has everything I love: mystery, murder, suspense, old west, hints of Texas and foreshadowing romance. Loved it!
Loveda Brown: The Boston Burglar, my first read from author Jolie Tunnell.. A well-written enjoyable historical mystery. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.” The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, I own 4 of the first 5 books in the series by this author & after reading this one they’ve just moved higher on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
Wow! I just read Boston Burglar in one sitting. It is a great backstory to Loveda’s life in Boston. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing!
GREAT READ, FAST PACED!
Great read! — Tabitha Washman, Goodreads/Amazon ★★★★★
Wonderful story! I really enjoy how easy it is to slip into the setting and enjoy the telling of this tale. It has so many twists, many times I asked if I truly was seeing the foreshadowing. I also want to say great job on grammar and spelling. Out of two books I’ve only seen one misspelled word. Fantastic!
Boy Scouts and Badges — Doris Brase, Goodreads/Amazon ★★★★★
It exciting. It Laugh out loud funny. It’s A bit of the old wild,wild west. Loveda is amazing while one crises after another comes her way.
History and Mystery. — Julie Ditton, Goodreads ★★★★★
There really is an Idyllwild and some of the characters are fictionalized versions of real people But most of the story is pure imagination. Tunnel weaves historic events into her fun cozies. I am loving this series. I grabbed the first two books in a book club kindle promotion but I will definitely be reading the rest. The kindles have a link at the end for a free prequel exclusive from the author’s website.
Simply good fun! — Beckett Shiona, Amazon ★★★★★
From its amusing initial scene right through the hilarious finale, this is the most entertaining cozy mystery I’ve read in ages. What a cast of characters! The book was well-written, and dozens of red herrings were thrown at the reader, keeping one on one’s toes throughout. The author has a real gift for making her characters come alive for the reader. I will definitely backtrack to read the first book, but plenty of “fill in the blanks” info is provided so that this second book can be read as a stand-alone.
Great writer — Amazon Customer ★★★★★
The Loveda Brown series is continuing to be excellent. Very difficult not to keep reading to the end once you’ve begun the first chapter. Action and dialogue and humor.
She’s BAAAACK! — Bob Mayberry, Author, Goodreads ★★★★★
Loveda Brown returns to 1912 Idyllwild for more mayhem, murder, and mystery! She crosses swords with shady lawyers, sneaky suffragettes, arrogant honeymooners and an uncontrollable troop of Boy Scouts. And still she solves a murder, prevents a kidnapping, and manages a moment or two of romance. Gotta love that Loveda!
The West — Carol Grappo, Goodreads/Amazon ★★★★★
A look of the early west. A murder in the past and a creative way being solved. Boy Scouts in the past and how interesting how they join up in the solving the murder. Read and enjoy.
The suspense and intrigue continue — Cameron W Beeler ★★★★★
So excited to see this is a series! The author’s writing style is witty, intriguing and full of great historical and periodical accuracy. A brilliant read!
Wonderful characters — Rebecca D’Harlingue, Author, Bookbub/Goodreads ★★★★★
This is a fun read with a mystery, a plucky heroine, numerous potential suitors, a troop of boy scouts, and a struggling hotel in 1912 California. Loveda just wants to find somewhere to settle down, and she thinks she has discovered just the place. Soon pandemonium ensues, however, and she has to rely on her wits, her courage, and her luck to make it through. The story kept me turning the pages, wondering what new challenge Loveda would have to overcome next. A highly enjoyable novel!
Funny— Cmd2222, Amazon/Goodreads ★★★★★
I can only tell you its funny mystery because anything else would spoil the story. Loved reading this book. Anyone who likes a good western cozy mystery must read this.
Interesting and Thrilling — Jennifer A. Adams, Goodreads /Amazon ★★★★★
Great and thrilling read that keeps the picture rolling through your minds eyes!!
Take the travel for yourself.
I laughed on and off with each page.
Enjoy your day!!
Gripping and Surprising — Sound Asleep, Amazon ★★★★★
Maybe I should have seen it coming, but the end of this mystery caught me completely flat-footed. As is typical, it all starts off so innocently. And yet, by no fault of her own, Loveda gets caught up in another murder mystery and is more than a match for the new deputy who enjoys trying out all the new-fangled crime fighting technologies. The energy and excitement continually builds throughout. I usually try to read a chapter a night, but I kept needing to read “just one more”. And by the time I was 2/3’s of the way through I found myself up late because I just couldn’t put it down and had to finish it. Thrilling and enjoyable with plenty of good winks and nods and chuckles thrown in.
Quick Read — Jeanne Richardson ★★★★★
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Jolie Tunnell; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books. The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
Home run — Bo Belinsky, Goodreads ★★★★★
Smashing great story! Hits a home run! Loveda Brown is a woman for all seasons, all mysteries, and all sorts of shenanigans! I gotta meet this woman! (Though I can’t imagine courting her without a six-shooter.) The best mystery to come along since the Banning to Hemet Stage went out of business!
Action packed – cherieww630, Bookbub ★★★★
A fun quick read.
Good read — Rhonda, Goodreads ★★★★★
Witty and intriguing story with lots of twists and turns. Keeps you hooked until the end. Interesting and entertaining characters. Good read.
Can Loveda sort through the chaos to find the culprit and bundle him up for the law? – Siawilin, Amazon ★★★★★
Laughed my way through this murder mystery, humor laden, touched with romance book as Loveda proved her mettle once again. How I wish libraries carried the ebook version of this author’s series, not just the Hoopla versions. I’ll do what I can, though, to read some more. If you like murder mysteries but with plenty of humor and twists and turns, be sure to check out this author.
Humorous, lighthearted, and clever — LK, Reader’s Favorite ★★★★★
Loveda Brown Comes Home by Jolie Tunnell is the second book in the Idyllwild Mystery series. Take a trip back to 1912 and visit the quaint town of Idyllwild where Loveda Brown runs a hotel and occasionally solves mysteries. When she inherited the hotel, she never expected her hands to be so full. Running the hotel and keeping guests happy is a full-time job but when a body is found she has more to contend with than demanding newlyweds. Matters escalate from there as suspects are revealed and she soon learns of a kidnapping. Surrounded by eccentric characters and situations faced during the period, Loveda deals with her most challenging mystery yet.Idyllwild is portrayed as being idyllic, with details that draw you in through a peaceful image of a sunset with a fiery glow against the sky, creating a moment to stop everything. These opening details give a serene tone that shows what Loveda loves about the town and what it is that draws her into cleaning it up. The humor is immediately seen in the near slapstick visual of Loveda with her arms around a chimney compared to the embrace of gentle shoulders just before stumbling onto a ladder. This is a clever way to introduce her attitude and the high spirit she has regarding her opinion of the town, the people, and what she does to make it better. Jolie Tunnell delivers a lighthearted mystery that blends real commentary from the era into the story.
An assortment of characters is a great backdrop to the town and gives Loveda a lovely range of suspects. Each character has a solid personality and a specific role in either the town or the mystery. The historical backdrop is captured in subtle elements such as literary references, the Boy Scouts, and the aesthetic of the town. The period is primarily seen in the characters’ experiences, mannerisms, and attitudes which allows you to see the reality faced by different types of characters. These are reflected in Loveda’s thoughts about an independent woman as an oddity, in the strong voices of the suffragette characters like Mrs. Keen, and in the attitudes of the newlyweds. A charming blend of historical fiction and murder mystery, Loveda Brown Comes Home is humorous, lighthearted, and clever with themes of the period flawlessly woven in.
The Historical Fiction Company – DK Marley, Author, Goodreads ★★★★
Loveda Brown has inherited a tiny hotel in 1912 Idyllwild, California… well, sort of, as the owner lives in the woods and Loveda is a ‘squatter’ who takes care of the place for the mysterious lady. As a cosy, fun, historical Western reminiscent of reading the dime-store novels of the early 1950s set in the Wild West, you know you are off to a rollicking ride when the book starts off with the main character dangling from a rooftop with her knickers showing as the stagecoach shows up with guests. As to why Loveda is dangling from the rooftop and what ensues after her lawyer comes to the hotel, well, let’s just say there is a lot of page-turning excitement filled with a whole gaggle of Boy Scouts (whose mischievous encounters and spying eyes actually help Loveda in the end – from rooftop to rooftop), a pair of pompous newlyweds (a husband with a secret, and a wife with an even bigger secret), intolerable suffragettes, and a love interest – all colliding together in this little hotel. Sounds harmless, right? Not so fast… there is a murder and a kidnapping, and Loveda is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and find the culprits, along with the secrets behind the crimes. And to think, all she wanted to do was to run a small hotel in this town she calls home.
Loveda is a spunky, corset-wearing, gun-toting main character, very likeable, whose gritty wit, courage, and detecting skills grab you right from the start and keeps you intrigued right to the end; and this story is such a refreshing and delightful diversion from the meaty historical fiction which is more common in the genre – a quick, fun mystery that you can zip through in an evening. For anyone who likes the old B-Western shows and movies of the 1950s such as Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger (except with a woman lead), this is could easily fit right into that category, and if there was ever a comeback of those type of shows, this book and the others in the Loveda Brown series might make a very enjoyable and entertaining TV show.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts to give you a taste of this snug Western:
Legend asserted that Chief Tahquitz resided beneath the peak with a rattlesnake and a condor for company and shook things up once in a while when he got bored. Thankfully, I had never experienced a California earthquake, but the Cahuilla tribes in this area had long known that, after Tahquitz killed his sweetheart, he succumbed to an evil spirit that locked him deep in the mountaintop as penance. The Cahuilla left years ago, but the fire spirit lived on.
Resorts rarely had murder on the activity list. – (this made me laugh out loud – ‘rarely’?)
And in a serious moment, a moment when Loveda is reprimanding the naughty Boy Scouts for thinking life is like a penny novel – “Real life isn’t glamorous. It’s dangerous. You should be ashamed of yourselves for taking it so lightly.”
The fall should have hurt so much more than it did. Between my terror and the fact that I couldn’t breathe in properly for a good scream went a long way toward my becoming a hero of epic proportions in the eyes of the Boy Scouts.
Electricity had its place in the world, but it was no substitute for a moonlit night.
And last – “I don’t know what it is, but I am destined never to wear a clean, pretty frock.”
“Loveda Brown Comes Home” by Jolie Tunnell earns four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
Enjoyable story — Susan, Goodreads ★★★
1912 at the hotel owned by Walt Lindley a murder occurs but who would want to kill him. Idyllwild has also been invaded a scout group and a couple of newly weds. Will the mystery such as it is be solved.