Review
"The Great Loveda Brown by Jolie Tunnell is a delightful read. Full of quirky characters, strange happenstances, and settings rich in historic detail, The Great Loveda Brown starts off with fantastic pacing and doesn't let up for a moment. The main character, Loveda Brown, finds herself on the run from an abusive husband and ends up in a town she thought would be a safe stopping place for a night. Unfortunately for her (and fortunately for the reader!) she has to stay a little longer than planned as a series of strange events unfold around her. Through every accusation, mysterious death, and odd occurrence, the great Loveda Brown uses her wits and courage to navigate to the freedom from her past that she seeks. The author delivers a mystery that has hints of romance and lots of surprises.
The Great Loveda Brown by Jolie Tunnell is sure to please lovers of mystery, cozy mystery, and historical fiction. The author paints her main character with such energy and vivacity that the reader feels they know Loveda Brown and simply must find out what happens to her next. I appreciate the skill the author shows in introducing, developing, and, in some cases, eliminating, the characters in her book. Each person has a distinct role to play in the story and adds to the mysteries that permeate the town. Author Jolie Tunnell has created a believable, quirky, and loveable community in her book, The Great Loveda Brown. Once the reader finishes this book, they will want to read the rest of the series." -- S. Monnin, Reader's Favorite ★★★★★
"Idyllwild. The very name of the village evokes an image of an idyllic, quaint stay. Yet, when Loveda Brown hurried into a coach headed there, her only thought was to escape the clutches of her abusive ex-husband. Her worries came to a jarring halt the next day...
Jolie Tunnell's book can be best described as a cross between a cozy mystery and a sleuth novel. The author has incorporated local myths and folklore with a classic 'whodunit' to create a unique blend. The misty pine forest where the mythical rougarou roams and the fifolets float at night serves as a perfect backdrop for hideous crimes. The forest and its inhabitants hide their secrets too well, and it is up to Loveda to unravel the mysteries. Yet, in a male-dominated world where women are patronized at every step and advised not to concern themselves with worldly matters, how can our heroine save herself, much less save others? I would commend Tunnell for presenting us with such a strong female character as Loveda, whose steady head and courage are as worthy as her pretty face and charming manners. The Great Loveda Brown will sweep you off your feet, readers!" -- S. Chakraborty, Reader's Favorite ★★★★★
"Amidst the pine trees and mountains, unsolved murder cases are piling up in the small town of Idyllwild. The Great Loveda Brown is a blockbuster start to The Idyllwild Mystery Series. From the suspicious characters, the life of any good mystery worth its salt, to engaging twists, the backbone of a solid story, Jolie Tunnell has aced it all. Without making it too obvious, the author has instilled the attributes of an independent and feminist woman into the main character, Loveda. Our heroine knows what she wants in life and sets out to achieve it, ignoring the unconstructive opinions of those surrounding her. Like any normal human being, she too goes through periods of self-doubt and fears, but those moments do not define her decisions.
The author has fabulously executed the first book of this mystery series. Jolie Tunnell has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the story remains mysterious and appealing to her audience. Every element of the book is so well placed that readers find themselves drawn in and unable to put down The Great Loveda Brown before solving the mystery. Filled with small-town gossip, a historical setting, beautiful story-telling, and an intriguing mystery, The Great Loveda Brown by Jolie Tunnell is a highly recommended book for fast-paced mystery lovers." -- A. Shukla, Reader's Favorite ★★★★★
