Back to the Burgh and Beyond by C.S. McDonald

Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl’s Nest Mysteries Book 1) by C.S. McDonald

Release: September10th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: McWriter Books
Source: iRead Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Kindle, Amazon, B&N

All in all, meet Alexa Owl. Not only, She’s returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life but also a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she’s getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he’s no ordinary sleuth. Besides, Bobby is an angel who’s back to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad.

None other than Saint Pete has sent Bobby to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! By the same token, How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? In fact, Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Nonetheless, Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

About the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. At last, In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write.

Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy.

Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg. Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

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Back to the Burgh and Beyond Review:

Back to the Burgh and Beyond was a fun little cozy mystery with unexpected twists.

The storyline immediately drew me in. Alexa Owl is a lovely character in the lead, and I was curious to see how someone with her lack of experience would help solve a cold case from decades ago. There were a few unexpected twists and turns, like Alexa traveling back in time to 1953 to solve the murders.

Moreover, I loved Alexa’s relationship with co-stars. All the supporting characters are so creative and fun. Bobby is charming and charismatic as the ghost who wants Alexa’s help to solve the murder of Cora Lee. Honestly, Bobby was one of my favorite characters because of his backstory and his deal with Saint Peter. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where we see 1953 Bobby and present Bobby present at the same moment. The author writes the story in such a humorous manner that keeps you glued to the pages. Winnie is also sweet as she talks about the history of the building and the family. Even Garbo added a level of mystery.

Similarly, the mystery itself was fun, albeit it was a typical mystery novel where I expected something like what happened in the climax would happen. Also, I felt a few areas could have been trimmed, like Alexa’s scenes with her sister. However, the story ends with a slight twist, which is exciting and makes you want to pick the next book and start reading.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and would undoubtedly pick out the following books to see how it continues.