Helpful Score: 12
This is not a typical cozy mystery, but having read Charlaine Harris before, I did not expect it to be. The characters could be your next door neighbors and we all know that some pretty creepy things can be hidden behind closed doors. I was kept guessing until the very end (which a good mystery should do) and I look forward to more adventures with Aurora Teagarden.
This was a fun little book. A group interested in true crime start a club called the Real Murders in small-town Georgia. Things turn sinister when someone is taking pages out of their case studies and murdering people fashioned after other cases. The main character, Aurora Teagarden, finds herself in the thick of things as she stumbles upon bodies and evidence, sometimes merely being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I admit the culprit wasn't obvious to me, so Harris did a good job "fooling" me until the reveal occurred. I liked Aurora Teagarden - not as well, admittedly, as Harper Connelly or Sookie Stackhouse, but I'll read more to see how this librarian grows.
I admit the culprit wasn't obvious to me, so Harris did a good job "fooling" me until the reveal occurred. I liked Aurora Teagarden - not as well, admittedly, as Harper Connelly or Sookie Stackhouse, but I'll read more to see how this librarian grows.
Helpful Score: 5
This was a very satisfying start to this cozy mystery series. It originally came out in the early 90s, and surprisingly many of the earlier titles are already out of print. Hopefully, with Ms. Harris becoming more popular, some of these older titles will be re-released. I actually had to pay over $10 apiece for mass market paperback copies of books 4 and 5, and I've seen them go for a lot more.
Aurora "Roe" Teagarden is a librarian in a Lawrenceton, Georgia, a small town outside a big city. (I assume Atlanta, but Harris doesn't specify precisely.) Once a month, a few crime buffs from town get together to discuss some of the most famous murderers of the past. They call their group Real Murders and on the night Roe is scheduled to discuss the Wallace casewhich took place back in 1931 Englandone of the members of Real Murders, Mamie Wright, is found murdered in exactly the same way Julia Wallace was so many years ago! And that's not the end of it either... apparently, there's a murderer on the loose, whose game is to pattern his crimes after some of the very murders they've been discussing. So obviously, they all figure it's got to be someone in their little group!
Harris does character development quite nicely and as you're introduced to all the characters, you can clearly see them in your mind, and often think of someone you know who fits a similar description. Who is behind all the murders happening in the small town is a surprise right up until the very end. And in typical cozy fashion, the members of the community most affected by all this are just as important as the policeone of whom is actually a member of Real Murders anywayin solving the case.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries!
Aurora "Roe" Teagarden is a librarian in a Lawrenceton, Georgia, a small town outside a big city. (I assume Atlanta, but Harris doesn't specify precisely.) Once a month, a few crime buffs from town get together to discuss some of the most famous murderers of the past. They call their group Real Murders and on the night Roe is scheduled to discuss the Wallace casewhich took place back in 1931 Englandone of the members of Real Murders, Mamie Wright, is found murdered in exactly the same way Julia Wallace was so many years ago! And that's not the end of it either... apparently, there's a murderer on the loose, whose game is to pattern his crimes after some of the very murders they've been discussing. So obviously, they all figure it's got to be someone in their little group!
Harris does character development quite nicely and as you're introduced to all the characters, you can clearly see them in your mind, and often think of someone you know who fits a similar description. Who is behind all the murders happening in the small town is a surprise right up until the very end. And in typical cozy fashion, the members of the community most affected by all this are just as important as the policeone of whom is actually a member of Real Murders anywayin solving the case.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries!
Helpful Score: 4
Like a few other Charlaine Harris mysteries I've read, this one seemed to start out a bit slow and it seemed to amble on for a bit. By about the middle of the story, I found myself wishing I could get back to my book, and by the end, I was telling my kids... "Hang on- I've almost found out 'who-dunnit!'" The ending was a surprise... my fingers kept itching to flip to the back to find out who it was, because I wasn't sure, but I refused to spoil it for myself! I will definitely try the second book in this Aurora Teagarden series... I think the author left some openings to make this character fun.
Helpful Score: 4
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of murders, maybe a bit too much for a cozy, but it was good.
Helpful Score: 2
First in the Aurora Teagarden mysteries. A captivating read.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a GREAT series. I haven't finished all of them yet, I just finished book 4 "Julius House), but so far they are really good. I enjoy Charlaine Harris' writing style so much, and it's as enjoyable in these books as it is in all her other series (I've read the Southern Vampire Mysteries & the Harper Connelly series). I haven't read a book by Harris yet that I didn't love. Definitely give this book a read, it's a great series to start out with if you've never read a book written by Harris.
Helpful Score: 2
Something strange is going on in the small town of Lawrenceton, Georgia. Librarian Aurora ("Roe") Teagarden, member of a local group of crime buffs who call themselves the "Real Murders" Club, finds the body of Mamie Wright, one of the other club members, savagely murdered and arranged in a similar fashion to one of the murders being studied by the club. The bodies pile up quickly when several more murders occur in town, all patterned after famous murders from the past. This was a great first story in this series, with lots of action and mystery. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
Helpful Score: 2
A nice cozy mystery with lots and lots of suspects. I almost needed a scorecard to keep track of everybody. It's well-plotted and easy to follow. A great start to the Aurora Teagarden series.
Helpful Score: 1
Really neat mystery about mysteries.
Page turner mystery. Charlaine Harris is great at building characters and scenarios that you love to love.
This is a great series! I love Charlaine Harris, and like many readers got hooked on her writing after reading the Sookie Stackhouse books. Aurora Teagarden is a likable protagonist and it is fun to watch her character grow throughout the series.
This is a easy, light read, with some darkness thrown in... after all it is a murder mystery.
This is a easy, light read, with some darkness thrown in... after all it is a murder mystery.
Katherine L. (secondhandmoon) reviewed Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I'll skip a recap of the book's events and say simply that this was a great down-to-earth murder mystery. There was a real sense of the horror the characters felt as their friends and neighbors were being slaughtered around them in awful ways. There was not an incredible amount of gory description; just enough to make your imagination fill in the worst details. I liked Aurora "Roe" Teagarden and found her endearingly normal and relatable: just a young, small-town librarian who's mostly happy with her "boring," normal life - especially when two very different men start showing clear interest in her. As I've come to expect from Charlaine Harris, the writing was descriptive but not overdone, and it carried me through the book at a good pace. The mystery remained a mystery for me up to the very end; I got suspicious partway through, but then my attention was cleverly diverted to other suspects. I love a mystery that's so tricky I may not solve it until the characters do. Some readers may miss the glamor of the Southern Vampire series, but to each their own. I'll be ordering the next book in this series ASAP!
Good characterizations, interesting storyline, good ending with a completely creepy plot twist. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I just finished reading this complete series (8 books) and I feel Charlaine Harris did an excellent job with the characters, unexpected twists and plots. I often read an entire book in one setting so I could find out who did it and why!
I loved it! I look forward to reading the rest of the Aurora Teagarden books!
Good mystery. Didn't see the culprit coming. Interesting heroine.
In the true spirit of Charlaine Harris, I loved this novel! Her stories never cease to capitivate and the main character was truly believable and identifiable. I can't wait to continue the series. The Harper Connely series was my favorite...but now we'll see what else Aurora can provide with her next episode.
I'm a big Sookie fan, so at first I couldn't get into this one. After a while, I found I could't put it down. It is a nice quick read with likeable charecters
This book was unlike any other mystery I have read (just like most of Charlaine Harris' books are unlike any other vampire novel I have read, etc.). I was unable to figure out the mystery until she told us---which is very rare for me in a book. The characters are well-developed in this book, and I look forward to the second (and third...) books to see what's in store for Aurora Teagarden and her relationships.
One thing about Charlaine Harris' writing that irks me, however, is her complete lack of disregard for the "two men at once" situations she writes into most of her books. The heroines of all of her books seem to always have two men on the hook at once---but she never seems to get questioned regarding it, or have anything happen because of it... we'll see if anything comes of that in Book Two for Aurora.
One thing about Charlaine Harris' writing that irks me, however, is her complete lack of disregard for the "two men at once" situations she writes into most of her books. The heroines of all of her books seem to always have two men on the hook at once---but she never seems to get questioned regarding it, or have anything happen because of it... we'll see if anything comes of that in Book Two for Aurora.
First in the Aurora Teagarden series. I'd describe this as a cozy although there are a couple pretty gory scenes. We get a lot of info about what Roe wears and her attraction to a couple eligible men. Harris writes excellent dialogue, good characters, and keeps the story moving along, it's no wonder she is a bestseller.
I was a little disappointed with this book. It was a little slow to start, the main character was just a little too boring. I guess I expected something a little more exotic from reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels. Its not a bad book just a little bland. I will read at least the next 2 books in the series because I already bought them.
I love her Sookie Stackhouse books, but I just couldn't get into this one. I only made it to page 35.
Michelle R. (atammcreation) reviewed Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed author Charlaine Harris's Vampire books with Sookie Stackhouse and so I decided that I wanted to try some more of her books, so I got ahold of some of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery books.
Real Murders is the first book in the Aurora Teagarden Mystery series and begins with the monthly Friday night meeting of the Real Murders Club. This is a group of people that get together to study, read and analyze old murders, argue for the conviction or against, or present suspects if never solved. It is all very scholarly, and they are an unlikely bunch that probably wouldn't be friends otherwise. This week, Aurora is leading the discussion of the Wallace Murder in England in 1931. Funny thing happens on the way to the meeting, as Aurora enters the VFW Hall, where they hold their meetings, the phone on the wall rings, and someone asks for Julia Wallace. Ok, now that is enough to freak out little Aurora, or Roe to her friends. She mentions it to another member but they shrug it off, and along the meeting goes, as each member arrives, until Roe is getting concerned. Maime Wright was suppose to open the building, and her car is here but she isn't. Finally Roe decides to check the other rooms for Mamie, only to find her in one room, murder in exactly the same way and staged exactly like Julia Wallace! ACK!
Roe is a down-to-earth librarian and she has never been around anything like this in her life before, and it becomes unsettling to her. Then when a box of poisoned chocolates how up on her door step, addressed to her mother, Roe is even more concerned. What is happening to their little town and why her?
As Roe continues through, she thinks about what is going on and puzzles and ponders over the murder, first one, then a second and so on. As a scholarly person, she puts bits and pieces together that seem logical to her in her studious mind, but not so logical to the police, only for her to find the true murderer before the police do.
I would not consider this a cozy mystery, it' just a mystery. It is well written. I come to like Roe, I feel for her as a person and what she is going through, and I want to see her come out on top. I enjoy the Southern life and the charm of that place in the book, and it is a good book and a good read. She is not a nosy-body, she just puzzles and ponders, she isn't really out to investigate but she just can't get it out of her mind. She is a likable character.
I enjoyed this book, and moved on to the next in the series.
View all my reviews
I loved this book and it was the first mystery to read for me. very good
Someone is killing the crime buffs of the Real Murders Society in Lawrenceton, Georgia. A librarian, Aurora Teagarden, sets out to catch the brutal murderer after fellow club members end up as victims. The uncanny resemblances to famous crimes challenge Roe and her two admirers, policeman Arthur Smith and mystery writer Robin Crusoe, to pursue the criminal. The lighthearted, witty handling of characters contrasts with the heightening suspense as Aurora seeks clues by searching past mysteries for the killer's identity--until she is caught in the sadistic web of terror herself.
Someone is killing the crime buffs of the Real Murders Society in Lawrenceton, Georgia. A librarian, Aurora Teagarden, sets out to catch the brutal murderer after fellow club members end up as victims. The uncanny resemblances to famous crimes challenge Roe and her two admirers, policeman Arthur Smith and mystery writer Robin Crusoe, to pursue the criminal. The lighthearted, witty handling of characters contrasts with the heightening suspense as Aurora seeks clues by searching past mysteries for the killer's identity--until she is caught in the sadistic web of terror herself.
Priscilla B. (Skeeter1942) reviewed Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, Bk 1) on + 131 more book reviews
Every month, Real Murders, a society of crime buffs in Lawrenceton, Georgia, met to discuss a favorite infamous murder. Its members were an eccentric lot; Gifford Doakes, the massacre specialist; Jane Engle, lover of Victorian horrors; Perry Allison, a Ted Bundy fan...
The night of the last meeting, town librarian Aurora "Rose" Teagarden discovered Mamie Wright's mutilated body in the clubhouse kitchen. She felt certain the killer was a fellow member, for the crime bore a chilling resemblance to thte club's "murder" of the month.
And as other brutal "copycat" killings followed, the only motive seemed a horrifyingly bizarre sense of fun.....
The night of the last meeting, town librarian Aurora "Rose" Teagarden discovered Mamie Wright's mutilated body in the clubhouse kitchen. She felt certain the killer was a fellow member, for the crime bore a chilling resemblance to thte club's "murder" of the month.
And as other brutal "copycat" killings followed, the only motive seemed a horrifyingly bizarre sense of fun.....
Good fast read. Cute
a engaging and entertaining start too the Aurora Teagarden series. Dose not disapoint!
I've read 3 other series of Charlaine Harris. Have to say this is the one I like least. Aurora Teagarden does not seem quite as interesting as Sookie Stackhouse, Lily Bard, or Harper Connelly, the main characters of the 3 other mystery series. She's just a bit tamer, I guess. But the book is written with Harris' usual fresh and straightforward style and is a quick and good read.
New York times bestselling author Charlaine Harris introduces a Southern librarian whose bookish bent for murder gets her involved in a real life killing spree. Aurora "Roe" Teagarden belongs to a club called Real Murders that meets once a month to analyze famour cases. It's a harmless pastime until the night she finds a member dead, killed in a manner that resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. And as other copycat killings follow, Roe will have to uncover the person behind the terrifying game or perhaps be one of it's victims.
This book was okay....Just okay. It really didn't pull me in like most of the other Charlaine Harris books that I have read. I just couldn't care for the main charachter. I really had to push myself through this one.
Unlike most cozy mysteries, this one was too grisly and graphic for me. Also, the characters were stock and one-dimensional.
I'll not read another in this series.
I'll not read another in this series.
I started this series with high hopes, having read the Sookie series. And I was having a good time since these are a moderately good read, until I got to the 6th book where things got really dark and a favorite main character was killed. I am so disappointed and sad that I can't finish the series.
Just to give anyone a heads up on this if you're sensitive to these things like me.
Just to give anyone a heads up on this if you're sensitive to these things like me.
I enjoyed this book good solid mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing. I will read the next book in the series but, I am hoping for a bit more character development. Aurora is likable however she is a little bit stereo-typical librarian/girl next door.
I have become a huge fan of Charlaine Harris, and this book is enjoyable and a quick read, you begin to feel very close to Roe and the things going on in her life, it helps she and I are so much alike.
A delightful fast read.
She is always good.
Lynne T. (rvpermcamper) - , reviewed Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
I love the Aurora Teagarden series. In each book you learn a little more about Roe Teagarden as the series progresses. The books are hard to put down. They are fun to read.
Enjoyed it so much I've ordered the second book in this series. Interesting and fast read.
I enjoyed this mystery featuring a librarian trying to discover who was copying well-known murders from the past. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, A Bone to Pick.
Excellent series. Read all of them and can't wait for the new book to come out.
I love the Sookie stackhouse series , but this one did not grab me!
I've had this novel on my TBR since April 2009 and I just finally got around to reading it (June 2017!). Such a quick and easy read. So glad I have the rest of the books in the series so I can just jump to the next one.
Jeanette R. (thebeakeeper) reviewed Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, Bk 1) on + 167 more book reviews
I found the first three books in the Aurora teagarden series at a used bookstore, 10 books for $1!!! I picked these up and figured I'd get them once I collected the series, which happened quite quickly.
I brought 6 of the books with me on vacation and finished them all in less than a week. This is the first of Charlaine Harris' stories tht I've read and I'm so glad I got the series!!!
Aurora Teagarden lives in a small town, Lawrenceton, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. She's a librarian who loves learning about real life murders. She's one of 12 members in a club that researches and then gets together to once a month to discuss a real life murder. At one of the meetings a member is murdered, and it's set up to look like a murder they've discussed at a previous meeting. More murders start happening, all copied after real life murders.
Loved the book- the characters are so much fun, the story was interesting and Aurora is definitely one of my new favorite characters!!
I brought 6 of the books with me on vacation and finished them all in less than a week. This is the first of Charlaine Harris' stories tht I've read and I'm so glad I got the series!!!
Aurora Teagarden lives in a small town, Lawrenceton, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. She's a librarian who loves learning about real life murders. She's one of 12 members in a club that researches and then gets together to once a month to discuss a real life murder. At one of the meetings a member is murdered, and it's set up to look like a murder they've discussed at a previous meeting. More murders start happening, all copied after real life murders.
Loved the book- the characters are so much fun, the story was interesting and Aurora is definitely one of my new favorite characters!!
Bonnie Anderson (catladybj) -
great mystery! Roe is a delightful herione.
I actually purchased this book without looking to see if it available on PBS. No matter. It was worth the $$$. This was a fun light read and a good introduction to the ensuing books. Started reading it while preparing food for a family reunion and ended being two hours late as I couldnt stop reading it! Right away you come to like Roe and feel for her plight. And best of all I wanted to know what happened next. A nice read. But, if you are like me, don't start reading it if you have something to do later.(Those baked limas and pineapple upside down cake were still as tasty during the second go round!)
I Loved this book! She is a great writer with a wonderful imagination. It's very easy to fall in love with her characters. It was a quick yet fun read. I definitely want to read the rest of the series now.
I read the Sookie Stackhouse series first and absolutely loved them so I wish listed this one. It was amazing, Aurora is odd and kinda of geeky. Charlaine did a great job and Real Murderws sucked me in to the point were I can't read anything else until I finish this series. Hope Charlaine writes more Aurora books.
AS OTHER BRUTAL "COPYCAT" KILLINGS FOLLOWED, THE ONLY MOTIVE SEEMED A HORRIFYING BIZARRE SENSE OF FUN.
So many killed in a small Georgian town, why people weren't walking around with guns amazes me.
