A Box of Frogs: A Highclere Inn & Carriage House Mystery

"In Hellyer’s skillful hands, what initially seems like a simple case of blackmail to spur a quick estate sale soon reveals itself as a much more complicated scheme of revenge and concealment...It all barrels toward a resolution that many readers won’t see coming. Our take: GET IT!" —Kirkus Reviews

Description
An electric fence, a beautiful cryptic box, and the wildest goose chase this side of Muskoka. The Valentines’ world is about to be zapped with a bolt of mayhem and mystery!

When centenarian Senator Miles “The Tank” Valentine meets an electrifying end at his own resort, Highclere Inn & Carriage House, the shocks are just beginning. The arrival of a mystery box, posthumously sent by the Senator’s long-deceased first wife, Lady Jean Valentine, sets off a series of comical calamities and dramatic conspiracies that touch everyone from Highclere’s aging quirky guests to its staff and neighbors.

Enter the Senator's grandson, the self-described “fabulous” Mason Valentine, and his investigative journalist cousin, Cordelia “Cici” Bradshaw, tasked with unraveling a web of family intrigue thicker than a lake effect fog.

Witty banter flies faster than a loon’s call as “A Box of Frogs” bounds from page to page, oscillating between outrageous humor, a twisty-turny mystery, quiet ruminations, gripping suspense, and a cast that's—as Lady Valentine herself would say—crazier than a box of frogs.

This is one amusing, insightful, and unexpected caper where solving the puzzle could mean finding more than what you bargained for.

As Mason and Cici will soon find out, sometimes the biggest mysteries in life don’t fit neatly inside a box.

"FIVE STARS: The plot is intriguing and deceptively simple, gradually revealing its actual complexity layer by eye-opening layer...it was mesmerizing watching Mason and Cici separate the red herrings from who was really pulling the strings. I enjoyed the incorporation of pop culture references sprinkled along the way. The story was compelling and full of surprises, and the tragic eleventh-hour resolution was absolutely thrilling. With its engaging protagonists and intricate, well-paced plot, I highly recommend A BOX OF FROGS to mystery and thriller readers. MUST READ." —Reedsy Discovery Reviews

"FOUR STARS: There is a ton of witty banter, which, for me, is a highlight. I also enjoyed the vividly described setting of the Highclere Inn & Carriage House Resort on Lake Belvedere. And, hang on as you get towards the end, as the story hits with a cool twist! There’s a lot to like here, and a lot goes on! The interesting main and supporting characters should hold you all the way, throughout the engaging plot and by story’s end, you’ll likely find A Box of Frogs (super title, by the way—that and the cover are what drew me to this in the first place) an enjoyable read. Think Knives Out meets Scooby Doo (I know!) meets Downton Abby and buckle up for the ride :)." —NetGalley Review

"Whether you’re curling up on a chilly winter evening or lounging on your dock next summer, A Box of Frogs is the perfect companion. With its rich Muskoka setting, charmingly chaotic characters, and captivating twists, this novel is truly a delight from cover to cover." —Muskoka411

"Top 10 Books of 2024."—Readers Village

"The plot twist was superb." —Goodreads Review

What Amazon readers around the world are saying:
"Surprise Read of the Year", "A laugh-a-paragraph romp", "A delightful and whimsical escape", "A lively blend of humor, suspense, and family drama", "HILARIOUS, GRIPPING AND BRILLIANT", "Full of adventure...dynamic...I enjoyed this book immensely", "This book is a hilarious. A fun, quirky read perfect for fans of witty, unpredictable capers! Totally recommend"