What do you think?
Rate this book
A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery #1
Statue of Limitations
In this delightful new series by the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, Athena Spencer comes back home to work with her crazy big Greek family at their garden center. But she never expected a return to her roots would mean protecting her family from murder . . .
After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.
But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her papous bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin . . .
After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.
But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her papous bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin . . .
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 28, 2020
About the author
Kate Collins
92 books895 followersIndiana native and former teacher Kate Collins is the author of the New York Times best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries, featuring feisty florist Abby Knight and the zany crew at Bloomers. Her books have made the New York Times Best-seller's list, Barnes & Noble mass bestsellers lists, the Independent Booksellers lists, and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the UK.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
3 of The Flower Shop Mysteries are on the Hallmark Mystery Movie channel!
Kate's historical romance novels and her children's books, JANEY WEBSTER, EB*, *EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, and JASON JERVISS AT YOUR SERVICE, are available now as ebooks in all formats. Great reads for ages 9-14.
Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in education, taught elementary school for six years, but after the birth of her first child, gave up teaching to pursue a long-time dream of putting children’s stories to paper. After writing short humorous stories for children’s magazines and working part-time as a legal secretary, she sold her first historical romance novel in 1995, publishing seven historical romantic suspenses under the pen name Linda O’Brien before turning to her true love, mysteries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 1, 2020
Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins is the first book in the new cozy A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series the mystery inside this first book will be fully solved so each book could be read as a standalone with only some character development carrying over and not leaving on cliffhangers.
The Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series introduces readers to Athena Spencer who after going through a divorce decided to move back to Sequoia, Michigan. Athena wanted a fresh start with her son and thought there was nothing better than to return to her large Greek family and begin helping in their garden center.
One night as Athena is finishing up and preparing to lock up for the night she hears a noise inside the center. Upon inspection Athena finds a man who claims to have been told to wait for help but as Athena questions him she begins to get suspicious of his motives for being in the center. Shortly after the strange encounter though Athena finds her hands even fuller after hearing of the death of a local which leads Athena on the path to find a murderer.
Statue of Limitations was a really solid start to a new fun cozy series. I easily found myself enjoying the characters and setting of this series with only one small complaint to those, I didn’t quite understand why we didn’t get to see Athena’s son involved. Kids can often make a cute addition but he was always off with someone else watching him while momma did her sleuthing. Overall though I would give this new series 3 1/2 stars and would like to see how things unfold in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series introduces readers to Athena Spencer who after going through a divorce decided to move back to Sequoia, Michigan. Athena wanted a fresh start with her son and thought there was nothing better than to return to her large Greek family and begin helping in their garden center.
One night as Athena is finishing up and preparing to lock up for the night she hears a noise inside the center. Upon inspection Athena finds a man who claims to have been told to wait for help but as Athena questions him she begins to get suspicious of his motives for being in the center. Shortly after the strange encounter though Athena finds her hands even fuller after hearing of the death of a local which leads Athena on the path to find a murderer.
Statue of Limitations was a really solid start to a new fun cozy series. I easily found myself enjoying the characters and setting of this series with only one small complaint to those, I didn’t quite understand why we didn’t get to see Athena’s son involved. Kids can often make a cute addition but he was always off with someone else watching him while momma did her sleuthing. Overall though I would give this new series 3 1/2 stars and would like to see how things unfold in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 30, 2019
After her divorce, Athena Spencer moves back to her hometown of Sequoia, Michigan to work in her family's garden center and to raise her son. One night at the garden center, she meets a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather bought at an estate sale. When he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a local man, she decides to help him. Together they do everything they can to prove his innocence while trying to save the Little Greece business shops from being razed by the powerful Talbot family.
Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins is a solid start to a new series. It is an enjoyable, easy read, with a likable, well-developed cast of characters and an interesting murder mystery. The writing flows smoothly and the story moves at a steady pace. The main character Athena is likable and easy to relate to. She didn't make the best decisions when it came to investigating the murder but as the reader learns more about the Talbot family, it becomes very obvious why she did what she did. I love the chemistry between her and Case and look forward to seeing what the author has in store for their characters. The reveal at the end wasn't much of a surprise. We basically knew right from the start who the culprits were. It was just a matter of finding and completing all the missing pieces of the puzzle. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins is a solid start to a new series. It is an enjoyable, easy read, with a likable, well-developed cast of characters and an interesting murder mystery. The writing flows smoothly and the story moves at a steady pace. The main character Athena is likable and easy to relate to. She didn't make the best decisions when it came to investigating the murder but as the reader learns more about the Talbot family, it becomes very obvious why she did what she did. I love the chemistry between her and Case and look forward to seeing what the author has in store for their characters. The reveal at the end wasn't much of a surprise. We basically knew right from the start who the culprits were. It was just a matter of finding and completing all the missing pieces of the puzzle. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2020
Athena Spencer has had to move back to live with her family in Michigan after her divorce. That means dealing with her large, crazy Greek family on a daily basis since she and her young son are living with them and she is working at the family’s garden center. It also means she is on hand when her grandparent’s Greek restaurant is threatened by the powerful Talbot family. They intend to raze an entire block of shops to put in condos. The fact that a murder takes place in their home, two weeks after another suspicious death, doesn’t seem to be slowing their plans down at all. The police are focusing their attention on a stranger in town, but Athena thinks they have the wrong suspect. Can she solve the murder and save her grandparent’s restaurant?
As I was starting this book, I was thinking I was going to have problems with it. Athena’s family likes to spend their time meddling in her life, something that I find annoying. Honestly, the family needs more development quickly because I still found them annoying at the end. I also questioned just why Athena was going to such extremes to help a stranger. But I kept reading, and as I kept reading, I got more and more hooked on the story. Yes, there is a lot here, and in lesser hands, it might have gone very wrong. Here, it worked. There was always something going on to keep me engaged. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did wrap everything up nicely. This is a light book, but if that is what you are looking for, you’ll be delighted. Kate Collins’s many fans will be very happy.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As I was starting this book, I was thinking I was going to have problems with it. Athena’s family likes to spend their time meddling in her life, something that I find annoying. Honestly, the family needs more development quickly because I still found them annoying at the end. I also questioned just why Athena was going to such extremes to help a stranger. But I kept reading, and as I kept reading, I got more and more hooked on the story. Yes, there is a lot here, and in lesser hands, it might have gone very wrong. Here, it worked. There was always something going on to keep me engaged. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did wrap everything up nicely. This is a light book, but if that is what you are looking for, you’ll be delighted. Kate Collins’s many fans will be very happy.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 8, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have been so excited about this new series from Kate Collins and she sure doesn’t disappoint.
We meet Athena Spencer who has come home to her big Greek family in Sequoia, Michigan with her son Nicholas after her divorce. Her grandparents have a Greek restaurant and her father owns the local garden center. Athena and her sister work at the garden center with her father. The center also has a resident troublemaker in the form of a raccoon that makes himself quite at home.
The patriarch of a prominent Talbot family has passed away and Athena’s pappoús (grandfather) brought a valuable statue at the estate sale. Because of the statue’s size, it was brought to the garden center until her grandfather finds the perfect place for it.
But a hunky stranger surprises Athena late one night stating his family is the rightful owner of the statue. As if Althena needed another problem to solve. With his dad out of the picture, Sonny Talbot has decided to move forward with a previously dead plan to demolish all the shops know as Little Greece on Greene Street including her grandparent’s restaurant. His decision draws the rath of the whole area and raises suspicions that maybe the senior Talbot’s death was not due to natural causes. When another man linked to the family is killed Althena feels the heat to not only save her family’s restaurant but to bring a killer to justice.
____
Ms. Collins has served up a big cast of Greek characters. They are unique and genuine and we have just scratched the surface at getting to know them. Like all families, especially Greek families, everyone has an opinion about Athena’s love life.
In addition to the Spencer family, we meet Case Donnelly. There is a spark between Athena and Case but her family believes her destiny is with Kevin Coreopsis, a lawyer who has also recently returned home to Sequoia. Athena has a special way of dealing with her overbearing family though, and I love it. She writes a blog “It’s All Greek to Me” under the name of Goddess Anon. Her family loves the blog not knowing that it is penned by their own Athena.
As is the case in most first books in a series which spends a great bit of time introducing characters, the mystery while well-crafted was pretty easy to solve. That being said I was completely captivated by it. I enjoyed the way Case and Athena worked together. There were twists and tension and plenty of humor too. The pacing was perfect, it was hard to put the book down.
This series is off to a splendid start. Statue of Limitations was a fun and entertaining read filled with characters I can’t wait to visit again.
I have been so excited about this new series from Kate Collins and she sure doesn’t disappoint.
We meet Athena Spencer who has come home to her big Greek family in Sequoia, Michigan with her son Nicholas after her divorce. Her grandparents have a Greek restaurant and her father owns the local garden center. Athena and her sister work at the garden center with her father. The center also has a resident troublemaker in the form of a raccoon that makes himself quite at home.
The patriarch of a prominent Talbot family has passed away and Athena’s pappoús (grandfather) brought a valuable statue at the estate sale. Because of the statue’s size, it was brought to the garden center until her grandfather finds the perfect place for it.
But a hunky stranger surprises Athena late one night stating his family is the rightful owner of the statue. As if Althena needed another problem to solve. With his dad out of the picture, Sonny Talbot has decided to move forward with a previously dead plan to demolish all the shops know as Little Greece on Greene Street including her grandparent’s restaurant. His decision draws the rath of the whole area and raises suspicions that maybe the senior Talbot’s death was not due to natural causes. When another man linked to the family is killed Althena feels the heat to not only save her family’s restaurant but to bring a killer to justice.
____
Ms. Collins has served up a big cast of Greek characters. They are unique and genuine and we have just scratched the surface at getting to know them. Like all families, especially Greek families, everyone has an opinion about Athena’s love life.
In addition to the Spencer family, we meet Case Donnelly. There is a spark between Athena and Case but her family believes her destiny is with Kevin Coreopsis, a lawyer who has also recently returned home to Sequoia. Athena has a special way of dealing with her overbearing family though, and I love it. She writes a blog “It’s All Greek to Me” under the name of Goddess Anon. Her family loves the blog not knowing that it is penned by their own Athena.
As is the case in most first books in a series which spends a great bit of time introducing characters, the mystery while well-crafted was pretty easy to solve. That being said I was completely captivated by it. I enjoyed the way Case and Athena worked together. There were twists and tension and plenty of humor too. The pacing was perfect, it was hard to put the book down.
This series is off to a splendid start. Statue of Limitations was a fun and entertaining read filled with characters I can’t wait to visit again.
January 28, 2020
In this first book of the series we are I introduced to Athena, a single mother who has moved back home to work in her family's garden center after her divorce. She loves her big Greek family but they drive her crazy at times, sticking their noses into her business, trying to fix her up, and tell in her now to raise her son. That's what families do though, especially when they are close. One evening while working alone after the garden center has closed she hears a noise, thinking it's a racoon that they have been caring for she goes to check things out. Instead of it being their mischievous racoon it's a man, he says he is there to reclaim his family's statue. Athena isn't sure what to make of the man and asks him to leave, deciding she needed to investigate a bit and find out if what he says is true. Meanwhile she has to worry about the most powerful family in town destroying not only her family's livelihood but the Greek community all together. With not one but two murders occurring during this time everyone e is worried about a murderer being among them. Follow along as Athena tries to make sense as of everything that is going I and find a killer to help save the community she loves.
December 19, 2019
Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins was an entertaining beginning to a new cozy series.
I enjoyed meeting Athena and her loud and boisterous Greek American family. Each family member is a unique individual. Ms. Collins took the time throughout the story to begin to develop each of characters. By the end of the book I felt like I had begun to know each one. Case Donnelly, however, is still somewhat of a mystery that I look forward to knowing better as the series continues.
A well crafted plot with just enough twists and red herrings to keep a reader turning the pages until the reveal. Oh, and the reveal was a doozy. I will be watching for the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I enjoyed meeting Athena and her loud and boisterous Greek American family. Each family member is a unique individual. Ms. Collins took the time throughout the story to begin to develop each of characters. By the end of the book I felt like I had begun to know each one. Case Donnelly, however, is still somewhat of a mystery that I look forward to knowing better as the series continues.
A well crafted plot with just enough twists and red herrings to keep a reader turning the pages until the reveal. Oh, and the reveal was a doozy. I will be watching for the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 25, 2022
I loved it! I hope this series is as long running as her flower shop one. The characters are great - they are likeable, fun and funny. I enjoyed the goddess anon blog posts throughout the story as well and wish sometimes we’d get the full post. The mystery was good and I enjoyed the detecting.
February 1, 2020
If you thought you had a loud boisterous family. you need to meet Althena and her Greek family. It is reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding - so if you have seen that movie you will understand. The nosy sisters, the overbearing mother, and the love that can be found despite everything.
Althena is divorced with a son and living back in her hometown with her family and working at the family garden center. She is the secret author of a blog that features her family but they don't know it even though they read it every day. One day they are going to realize it is about them! Althena is dating Kevin. Kevin is not going to win any awards with Althena but she can't figure out how to extract herself from him without hurting him or having her mother start back down the matchmaking path. Everything is going along swimmingly until Case Donneley appears inquiring about a statue in their garden center. He claims it was stolen from his grandfather's museum. Is he going to try and take it back? Will he be able to find the provenance to prove his claims?
This is a fun new series that had me giggling and trying to figure out the mystery. I had my suspicions in regards to the killer but couldn't decipher how they were involved until near the end as nuggets of clues were dropped into the story. I felt for Althena dating someone like Kevin that she obviously doesn't like but doing it to keep the peace in the family. Case could be an interesting new twist because I think there is some chemistry between the two and will be interested to see how a relationship plays out for them.
We think this is a great start to a new series and can't wait to see what is in store next for Althena and Case. We give it 5 paws up.
Althena is divorced with a son and living back in her hometown with her family and working at the family garden center. She is the secret author of a blog that features her family but they don't know it even though they read it every day. One day they are going to realize it is about them! Althena is dating Kevin. Kevin is not going to win any awards with Althena but she can't figure out how to extract herself from him without hurting him or having her mother start back down the matchmaking path. Everything is going along swimmingly until Case Donneley appears inquiring about a statue in their garden center. He claims it was stolen from his grandfather's museum. Is he going to try and take it back? Will he be able to find the provenance to prove his claims?
This is a fun new series that had me giggling and trying to figure out the mystery. I had my suspicions in regards to the killer but couldn't decipher how they were involved until near the end as nuggets of clues were dropped into the story. I felt for Althena dating someone like Kevin that she obviously doesn't like but doing it to keep the peace in the family. Case could be an interesting new twist because I think there is some chemistry between the two and will be interested to see how a relationship plays out for them.
We think this is a great start to a new series and can't wait to see what is in store next for Althena and Case. We give it 5 paws up.
January 28, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, especially the ending! When I saw that the next is coming in 2021, I was thinking "oh noooo, I can't wait that long!" The characters were great, and I fell for Case the minute he came onto the scene. It was like the Greek wedding movies meet a cute little Hallmark town by the sea. Athena had an awesome family and son. She'd been trying to get away from all the Greekness of her crazy but fun family. Eventually, she realized that she really did want to be surrounded by all of this love and companionship. Just from the little he was in the book, I thought Nicholas (who wanted to be called Niko) was a pretty great kid.
The showdown was a bit different (don't worry, in a good way!) with a great twist leading to what I think was a super sweet ending complete with all bad parties taken care of. Which is why I think it'll be so hard to wait a year for the next book.
The showdown was a bit different (don't worry, in a good way!) with a great twist leading to what I think was a super sweet ending complete with all bad parties taken care of. Which is why I think it'll be so hard to wait a year for the next book.
November 30, 2020
I've read your comments and I'm truly flattered.
Athena Spencer has returned home with her son to Sequoia, Michigan after her divorce. Working in the family's garden center is not exactly her life plan but her growing blog keeps her sane. A chance meeting with a stranger/intruder at the garden center puts Athena on a path to investigating two suspicious deaths in town.
This is a great start to the series! I must admit that I haven't read but a few of the books in The Flower Shop series but will remedy that now. I fell in love with Athena's big, loud, crazy Greek family. You can feel the love between the meddling and the food.
Case could easily become a book boyfriend. He along with all the characters are well written and feel like they could be your neighbor. Kevin was a twerp that got on my last nerve. I'm hoping he isn't around much after this book.
The description of Little Greece made me want to visit and explore. I was rooting for the shop owners in their quest to keep the money hungry developer from destroying their community.
The mystery was well done and kept me guessing although I did have my suspicions. Athena is a bright woman that does not intentionally put herself in danger.
The addition of Oscar, the garden center's mischievous raccoon, was delightful. I looked forward to seeing what he would get into next.
I look forward to reading the next book soon.
Athena Spencer has returned home with her son to Sequoia, Michigan after her divorce. Working in the family's garden center is not exactly her life plan but her growing blog keeps her sane. A chance meeting with a stranger/intruder at the garden center puts Athena on a path to investigating two suspicious deaths in town.
This is a great start to the series! I must admit that I haven't read but a few of the books in The Flower Shop series but will remedy that now. I fell in love with Athena's big, loud, crazy Greek family. You can feel the love between the meddling and the food.
Case could easily become a book boyfriend. He along with all the characters are well written and feel like they could be your neighbor. Kevin was a twerp that got on my last nerve. I'm hoping he isn't around much after this book.
The description of Little Greece made me want to visit and explore. I was rooting for the shop owners in their quest to keep the money hungry developer from destroying their community.
The mystery was well done and kept me guessing although I did have my suspicions. Athena is a bright woman that does not intentionally put herself in danger.
The addition of Oscar, the garden center's mischievous raccoon, was delightful. I looked forward to seeing what he would get into next.
I look forward to reading the next book soon.
December 19, 2019
This is the first book in Ms. Collins' new series, A Goddess of Greene St. Mysteries. Having been a huge fan of the Flower Shop Mysteries, I was excited to see something new from this author. I missed Abby Knight and the characters in that series but was looking forward to getting to know a whole new set of characters. I was also delighted to discover that the new series was set in my home state of Michigan, which adds to the fun for me. I was not disappointed with this first book Statue of Limitations. The lead character, Athena Spencer comes from a large Greek Family which is fun and colorful as well as providing fodder for the blog she writes under an assumed name. What was fun about this aspect of the story was that her mother and sisters love the blog but have no idea that much of the inspiration and stories are about them. The writing and character development are what we have come to expect from this author and she has penned an entertaining read that will have readers turning pages to see how things will end.
The mystery flows nicely throughout the story. Athena becomes embroiled in a murder investigation a bit by accident while trying to help her family and other Greek store owners save the area of their town that is populated by those of Greek ancestry. While the identity of the killer is not a complete surprise (there are only really two or three strong, viable suspects), it was enjoyable reading about Athena's journey to uncover what happens and save the Greek Merchants whose establishments are going to be torn down by town's wealthiest and most powerful family.
I think if a reader enjoyed or was a fan of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding then they will certainly enjoy this book. It had the same feel. A young woman who left town because she was overwhelmed by her family's "greekness" returns home with her young son after her divorce to her family and becomes embroiled all that her family entails. Add in a murder mystery and there you have it.
I very much enjoyed this debut in the new series and look forward to getting to know Athena and her sisters, as well as Case Donnally - Athena's new love interest in this book - a lot better.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC that was provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
The mystery flows nicely throughout the story. Athena becomes embroiled in a murder investigation a bit by accident while trying to help her family and other Greek store owners save the area of their town that is populated by those of Greek ancestry. While the identity of the killer is not a complete surprise (there are only really two or three strong, viable suspects), it was enjoyable reading about Athena's journey to uncover what happens and save the Greek Merchants whose establishments are going to be torn down by town's wealthiest and most powerful family.
I think if a reader enjoyed or was a fan of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding then they will certainly enjoy this book. It had the same feel. A young woman who left town because she was overwhelmed by her family's "greekness" returns home with her young son after her divorce to her family and becomes embroiled all that her family entails. Add in a murder mystery and there you have it.
I very much enjoyed this debut in the new series and look forward to getting to know Athena and her sisters, as well as Case Donnally - Athena's new love interest in this book - a lot better.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC that was provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
January 30, 2020
Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins is the debut of A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series. Athena Spencer, recently divorced, returns home to Sequoia, Michigan with her son, Nicholas. Her large Greek family is happy to have her back, though, Athena had to endure a few “I told you so’s” from them (they told her not to marry the bum). While Athena loves her family, they can be a bit overwhelming at times especially her mother who wants to see her settled with a nice Greek boy (like Kevin Coreopsis). She alleviates her frustrations with “It’s All Greek to Me” a blog she writes under the name Goddess Anon. Athena is the business manager for Spencer’s Garden Yard (her father’s business). One evening while working on her blog in the office, Athena hears a noise outside. She believes it is Oscar, the raccoon, and is shocked to find a man fiddling with her grandfather’s newly acquired Greek statue “Goddess of Athena”. Case Donnelly tells Athena that the statue, which was made by Greek sculptor, Antonius was stolen from his family in Greece. He is trying to prove ownership. Athena is quick to send Case on his way. The next morning, Case is wanted in the murder of Harry Pepper, Grayson Talbot Sr.’s longtime assistant. Athena finds herself hiding Case and searching for a killer while trying to protect her grandparent’s beloved restaurant from greedy developed, Grayson Talbot Jr. I like how we are introduced to Athena in Statue of Limitations. I thought it was clever and a unique way to introduce the protagonist. This book is easy to read, and I like the theme of a large Greek family and community. We are introduced to Greek culture, food, and language. I thought Athena’s blog was humorous. Her family loves to read it and they fail to realize that Athena is describing them. Athena’s sisters are quirky (especially Delphi). Her father is a sweetie. I liked the interactions between Athena and Case Donnelly. Sparks were flying between these two. The mystery was fun to follow, but it is a snap to solve. There are floral tips at the end. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy getting to know Athena’s family and the Greek community in Sequoia. Statue of Limitations is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a meddling mother, a rascally raccoon, the charismatic Case, one big-headed blowhard, and a Greek goddess gumshoe.
February 1, 2020
Statue of Limitations
A Goddess of Greene Street Mystery, Book #1
Kate Collins
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In this delightful new series by the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, Athena Spencer comes back home to work with her crazy big Greek family at their garden center. But she never expected a return to her roots would mean protecting her family from murder . . .
After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.
But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her papous bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Athena is a hard worker, she is smart and she loves her family. And what a family she has. They are boisterous, meddling and very loving. I enjoyed the interactions between Athena and her family a lot, and it brought a lot of humor to the book. I really enjoyed that Athena writes a blog and no one knows that she is the owner of the blog and that the inspiration comes from her family. I thought that was very funny.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the book from the beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to spend more time with Athena and her family.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Goddess of Greene Street Mystery, Book #1
Kate Collins
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In this delightful new series by the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, Athena Spencer comes back home to work with her crazy big Greek family at their garden center. But she never expected a return to her roots would mean protecting her family from murder . . .
After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.
But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her papous bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Athena is a hard worker, she is smart and she loves her family. And what a family she has. They are boisterous, meddling and very loving. I enjoyed the interactions between Athena and her family a lot, and it brought a lot of humor to the book. I really enjoyed that Athena writes a blog and no one knows that she is the owner of the blog and that the inspiration comes from her family. I thought that was very funny.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the book from the beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to spend more time with Athena and her family.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
February 5, 2020
Athena Spencer is a divorced, single mother who decides to return to her large Greek family and their garden center business in Michigan. Her mother wants to match her up with a new guy, but Athena has ideas of her own. What her parents, grandparents and sister s do not know is that Athena secretly writes a blog. Her family loves it, but how would they feel if they knew she was the author?
There are bigger mysteries for Athena and her family when the wealthy Talbot family is prepared to tear down the businesses in “Little Greece” which would mean disaster for her family and friends. When the Talbot’s patriarch turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, they find themselves at the mercy of his greedy son.
To add to her troubles, a stranger claims the valuable statue her grandfather bought actually belongs to his family. The stranger is accused of the murder, but Athena isn’t buying it. She vows to prove his innocence. Athena has her work cut out for her as she tries to prove ownership of the statue and find a murderer at the same time.
Kate Collins is an author I’ve been wanting to read for the longest time. She writes the Flower Shop Mysteries. I haven’t had a chance to read those so when I heard she was starting a new series, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m so glad I read this one.
The characters are well-developed. Not stiff like some new characters and series can be. Athena’s family is fun and sweet. They are a big family who truly cares about each other. I enjoyed every minute of getting to know them.
The storyline is fast-paced. I wasn’t too surprised at who the killer turned out to be, but it is fun getting through all the puzzle pieces and fitting them together to get all the answers. I hope this series will be going for a long time. I want to meet up with the Spencer family once again.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
There are bigger mysteries for Athena and her family when the wealthy Talbot family is prepared to tear down the businesses in “Little Greece” which would mean disaster for her family and friends. When the Talbot’s patriarch turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, they find themselves at the mercy of his greedy son.
To add to her troubles, a stranger claims the valuable statue her grandfather bought actually belongs to his family. The stranger is accused of the murder, but Athena isn’t buying it. She vows to prove his innocence. Athena has her work cut out for her as she tries to prove ownership of the statue and find a murderer at the same time.
Kate Collins is an author I’ve been wanting to read for the longest time. She writes the Flower Shop Mysteries. I haven’t had a chance to read those so when I heard she was starting a new series, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m so glad I read this one.
The characters are well-developed. Not stiff like some new characters and series can be. Athena’s family is fun and sweet. They are a big family who truly cares about each other. I enjoyed every minute of getting to know them.
The storyline is fast-paced. I wasn’t too surprised at who the killer turned out to be, but it is fun getting through all the puzzle pieces and fitting them together to get all the answers. I hope this series will be going for a long time. I want to meet up with the Spencer family once again.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2022
I'll admit, I initially skipped over this new series from Kate Collins because of the cover. I love a great cover, and this one just didn't grab my attention and make me want to read the book. And on that note, for being featured on the cover, the raccoon did not play much of a role at all in the story.
I decided to read this one for a book club author chat and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was sucked into the story and the characters. This definitely felt like an action/adventure mystery movie with some romantic hints here and there. I loved Athena and the fact that she has a son adds a tender element to the book. Her big Greek family is such a joy. I will definitely be reading more in this series and can't wait to see how the relationships develop in the series.
There were plenty of twists and enough bad guys to keep me guessing. This was a very entertaining story.
I decided to read this one for a book club author chat and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was sucked into the story and the characters. This definitely felt like an action/adventure mystery movie with some romantic hints here and there. I loved Athena and the fact that she has a son adds a tender element to the book. Her big Greek family is such a joy. I will definitely be reading more in this series and can't wait to see how the relationships develop in the series.
There were plenty of twists and enough bad guys to keep me guessing. This was a very entertaining story.
January 29, 2021
There are 4 sister Athena, Seline, Maia and Dephine. 3 out of the four are named for goddess. Except Dephine. It is mostly about Althena and Case. Case is a mysterious man. He was standing by a statue in Athena and her family place. He claimed the the statue was his. Then the plot changes and Athenia and Case become involved in murders. Sonny Jr.the the powerful man in town want to bulldoze shops so he can rebuild a new Little Greece. Sonny father and his friend Harry have died. Case was seen inside Sonny home. So Case is a suspect. So Athena joins Case and trying to find real killer. I really love Kate Collins flower shop mysteries. But I probably will not read these.
November 28, 2020
Good start to a promising series.
February 2, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I had way too much fun with this book! We meet Athena who returns home to her roots after a nasty divorce. Family embraces her even creating a job for her at the family garden center. One night there alone late she heard a noise outside. When she investigates she finds a man inspecting the statue they have eventually claiming that it was stolen from his family. She gets rid of him hoping that's the end of it. Of course it's not the end of it to say the least. The same man is caught on video fleeing the scene of a recent murder making him a wanted man. He comes to Athena for help and after much convincing she agrees to look into things. What follows is true picture of small towns as we get a wide range of characters introduced in ways to really help you know who they are. Athena's family alone could keep you entertained all day. A fantastically written cozy that will keep your attention all the way to the very end. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I had way too much fun with this book! We meet Athena who returns home to her roots after a nasty divorce. Family embraces her even creating a job for her at the family garden center. One night there alone late she heard a noise outside. When she investigates she finds a man inspecting the statue they have eventually claiming that it was stolen from his family. She gets rid of him hoping that's the end of it. Of course it's not the end of it to say the least. The same man is caught on video fleeing the scene of a recent murder making him a wanted man. He comes to Athena for help and after much convincing she agrees to look into things. What follows is true picture of small towns as we get a wide range of characters introduced in ways to really help you know who they are. Athena's family alone could keep you entertained all day. A fantastically written cozy that will keep your attention all the way to the very end. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
February 12, 2020
After an interesting start, the story started to drag & fast became tiresome. The mystery was intriguing enough but after all the slow build up, the ending was a bit of a let down. It didn't help that I found the MC irritating (so thirsty and sex starved; talk about someone who's constantly thinking with her crotch) and all her family members (so obnoxious and juvenile). Meh.
This was a chore to read. Happy that it's over.
This was a chore to read. Happy that it's over.
January 27, 2020
Thank you @netgalley for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
When I get asked for recommendations on good cozies to start with, Kate Collin’s Flower Shop series is always high on that list. It’s a long running series that I just absolutely adore.
I was beyond excited when I heard that she was starting this new series, A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery. Not only does it take place in a gardening center, but it centers around a really loud, fun, meddlesome Greek family. The characters in this book are beyond fantastic. They work together, eat endless amounts of scrumptious sounding food and know everyone’s business. They all play great parts throughout this story. Athena is the lead character. I love that she’s a working mom who is starting over after a nasty divorce. The fact that she writes an anonymous blog and no ones realizes they are her inspiration for the popular rants, makes for some really funny scenes. Her son is the sweetest as he begs to be called Niko and learns Greek sayings too.
The mystery starts when Athena stumbles upon a charming stranger examining a valuable statue within the gardening center. He claims it was stolen from his family. A few hours later he is taped leaving the residents of the person thought to have made the original sell. Problem is that person is found dead shortly afterwards. Athena doesn’t quite believe the accusation and soon finds herself harboring a fugitive on her grandpa’s houseboat.
Talk about a fun setting. The chemistry between Athena and Chase / Dimitri was fantastic. I loved all of their interactions and smart dialogue. They seems like real sleuths since they didn’t stumble upon all of the clues or answers too quickly. The mysteries definitely held my interest as I tried to sort out all of the numerous clues and red herrings.
The book includes a list of tips for helping floral arrangements last longer. It contained some great info to try out!!
Overall, this was a wonderful start to a new series. Great characters and a fast-paced, captivating story full of humor and plenty of mystery. Plus it includes a mischievous, yet lovable raccoon. I look forward to reading a sequel!!
When I get asked for recommendations on good cozies to start with, Kate Collin’s Flower Shop series is always high on that list. It’s a long running series that I just absolutely adore.
I was beyond excited when I heard that she was starting this new series, A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery. Not only does it take place in a gardening center, but it centers around a really loud, fun, meddlesome Greek family. The characters in this book are beyond fantastic. They work together, eat endless amounts of scrumptious sounding food and know everyone’s business. They all play great parts throughout this story. Athena is the lead character. I love that she’s a working mom who is starting over after a nasty divorce. The fact that she writes an anonymous blog and no ones realizes they are her inspiration for the popular rants, makes for some really funny scenes. Her son is the sweetest as he begs to be called Niko and learns Greek sayings too.
The mystery starts when Athena stumbles upon a charming stranger examining a valuable statue within the gardening center. He claims it was stolen from his family. A few hours later he is taped leaving the residents of the person thought to have made the original sell. Problem is that person is found dead shortly afterwards. Athena doesn’t quite believe the accusation and soon finds herself harboring a fugitive on her grandpa’s houseboat.
Talk about a fun setting. The chemistry between Athena and Chase / Dimitri was fantastic. I loved all of their interactions and smart dialogue. They seems like real sleuths since they didn’t stumble upon all of the clues or answers too quickly. The mysteries definitely held my interest as I tried to sort out all of the numerous clues and red herrings.
The book includes a list of tips for helping floral arrangements last longer. It contained some great info to try out!!
Overall, this was a wonderful start to a new series. Great characters and a fast-paced, captivating story full of humor and plenty of mystery. Plus it includes a mischievous, yet lovable raccoon. I look forward to reading a sequel!!
March 19, 2020
This is going to be a new favorite series for me! I really loved Athena's spirit and wits and how caring she can be for both her family, her neighbors, and even strangers. I don't know what it was, but I had a crush on Case almost immediately and now I am rooting for them hardcore. I just love how these characters are described and developed, which I think added so much to this story. Athena had been through a lot and I appreciated her struggle to start her life over, while also trying to maintain her own identity in a large and loud Greek family (while coping with how differently her son is taking it). I also really loved her blog and it cracked me up that her family is obsessed with it, without knowing it is her.
_
I also really enjoyed the setting of Little Greece and the garden center. The murders seemed pretty straight forward to me, and I think the biggest mystery of this book was the need to find the proper evidence. I found the ending to be a bit predictable, but very fast paced and fun to read. I am really looking forward to more books in this series with Athena, Case and the other characters.
_
Thank you to the publishers for a copy of this book. I was happy to give my honest thoughts!
_
I also really enjoyed the setting of Little Greece and the garden center. The murders seemed pretty straight forward to me, and I think the biggest mystery of this book was the need to find the proper evidence. I found the ending to be a bit predictable, but very fast paced and fun to read. I am really looking forward to more books in this series with Athena, Case and the other characters.
_
Thank you to the publishers for a copy of this book. I was happy to give my honest thoughts!
January 23, 2020
A new garden-based cozy series written by Kate Collins goes on sale January 28th. Statue Of Limitations is the first book in the “A Goddess Of Greene St. Mystery” from Kensington Books.
I adore cozies that have gardens and flowers as a central setting. It makes me think of spring, aromatic scents, color-filled sights, and warm days. This cozy keeps readers smiling and happy. It gives them a desire for winter to be over. It also gives them a taste of passion with a sense of compassion as well.
The characters in this new series are interesting and quirky. They are also very Greek. This has readers longing for good food, sun, and family. Even though the Greek aspect is mentioned a great deal, it isn’t shoved down your throat as it could have been. The main character, Athena, is working in her parent's garden center, writing a blog that is secret and funny, while trying to avoid marrying a man she can’t stand. She is strong-minded, but at times too concerned with what her family will think or do if she expresses her thoughts, hence the secret blog about that very family.
Unfortunately, Athena’s inability to take charge of her life and tell her family to butt out gets a bit irritating, especially where her son is concerned. She was once a big city reporter but seemed to have trouble asking the hard-hitting questions, which does not agree with the type of character she is portraying. Other characters are very likable but need more definition. Characters will grow as the series adds new books. I hope the garden center continues to play a big part in this series as it was the scene of much of the action and helps readers visualize the setting. I also hope that Athena and Case’s relationship continues down the current road it's traveling, and that the two will continue to work together to solve many more murders in the future.
The killer was a bit too obvious from the very beginning, and unfortunately, the motive was never in any doubt. Overall, I enjoyed Statue Of Limitations, it was easy to read and didn’t consume tons of time or energy. Even though some things could have been better, I feel the book is an excellent start for the series.
I look forward to reading the next installment. One last comment, I hope Kevin goes to jail sooner or later!
I adore cozies that have gardens and flowers as a central setting. It makes me think of spring, aromatic scents, color-filled sights, and warm days. This cozy keeps readers smiling and happy. It gives them a desire for winter to be over. It also gives them a taste of passion with a sense of compassion as well.
The characters in this new series are interesting and quirky. They are also very Greek. This has readers longing for good food, sun, and family. Even though the Greek aspect is mentioned a great deal, it isn’t shoved down your throat as it could have been. The main character, Athena, is working in her parent's garden center, writing a blog that is secret and funny, while trying to avoid marrying a man she can’t stand. She is strong-minded, but at times too concerned with what her family will think or do if she expresses her thoughts, hence the secret blog about that very family.
Unfortunately, Athena’s inability to take charge of her life and tell her family to butt out gets a bit irritating, especially where her son is concerned. She was once a big city reporter but seemed to have trouble asking the hard-hitting questions, which does not agree with the type of character she is portraying. Other characters are very likable but need more definition. Characters will grow as the series adds new books. I hope the garden center continues to play a big part in this series as it was the scene of much of the action and helps readers visualize the setting. I also hope that Athena and Case’s relationship continues down the current road it's traveling, and that the two will continue to work together to solve many more murders in the future.
The killer was a bit too obvious from the very beginning, and unfortunately, the motive was never in any doubt. Overall, I enjoyed Statue Of Limitations, it was easy to read and didn’t consume tons of time or energy. Even though some things could have been better, I feel the book is an excellent start for the series.
I look forward to reading the next installment. One last comment, I hope Kevin goes to jail sooner or later!
February 15, 2020
If you enjoyed My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll enjoy the crazy and loving Greek family in this book. For me this is what really made Statue of Limitations a good read. I wanted more of the interaction between the family members and will be looking forward to that in future books in the Goddess of Greene Street Mystery series. And more of Oscar the raccoon too, of course!
As for the mystery itself, I think most people will know right away the bad guys. But since the characters that Kate Collins writes are so developed it’s easy to overlook how easy the mystery was to solve. There were some red herrings to try to make it more difficult to figure out, so maybe you’ll be one who takes a bit longer to see whodunit.
There were a few times when Athena was really ditzy when it came to securing evidence and I wanted to smack her! I know the main characters sometimes have to make mistakes to keep up the drama and tension, but at one point towards the end, I was like, Really?!?
There is a kind of love triangle in Statue of Limitations, and we all know how I feel about those, but by the end of the book it was resolved, and I’m glad she gave one of the men the boot. And I realize why she was dating him, but I don’t know if I could have kept dating him if I was in her place… but that could just be the age difference, besides the cultural differences.
A fun start to a new cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to book two in 2021.
As for the mystery itself, I think most people will know right away the bad guys. But since the characters that Kate Collins writes are so developed it’s easy to overlook how easy the mystery was to solve. There were some red herrings to try to make it more difficult to figure out, so maybe you’ll be one who takes a bit longer to see whodunit.
There were a few times when Athena was really ditzy when it came to securing evidence and I wanted to smack her! I know the main characters sometimes have to make mistakes to keep up the drama and tension, but at one point towards the end, I was like, Really?!?
There is a kind of love triangle in Statue of Limitations, and we all know how I feel about those, but by the end of the book it was resolved, and I’m glad she gave one of the men the boot. And I realize why she was dating him, but I don’t know if I could have kept dating him if I was in her place… but that could just be the age difference, besides the cultural differences.
A fun start to a new cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to book two in 2021.
November 21, 2020
I read some good reviews about the second book in this series, and I do like Kate Collins's flower shop series, so I gave it a try.
I found it slow going at first, and while I didn't dislike Athena, I didn't really take to her all that much. After I had read more than half the book, it got better for me, and I finished it quickly. I have the second book on my Want to Read list, and I will continue the series.
I found it slow going at first, and while I didn't dislike Athena, I didn't really take to her all that much. After I had read more than half the book, it got better for me, and I finished it quickly. I have the second book on my Want to Read list, and I will continue the series.
December 18, 2020
Athena moved back home after she lost her job and her husband divorced her, bringing her young son with her, and moving in with her family. She works at her family's garden center, and has so far accepted that this is her new life. One night she comes across a man in the center, looking at a statue of Athena that her grandfather bought at an estate sale, and he tells her that it rightfully belongs to him. After finally getting him to leave, she vows to tell her father about it, but doesn't get the chance when she sees the news the next day and recognizes the man running from the Talbot home as the one she came across. It seems a man was murdered at the estate and he's suspected of being the murderer.
But when the man - Case Donnelly - convinces her that he's been framed, she agrees to help him find the real killer and clear his name. But in doing so, she puts herself in danger...and she just might be the next victim...
Well, I liked the blurb about this book, so I really wanted to read it. Unfortunately, I just thought it was so...dull. Not even the murder mystery could save this, in my opinion. I absolutely hated everyone in her family except her father. They were all so stereotypical of the 'noisy, overbearing Greeks' that it really bothered me. Her sisters were completely over the top, and her mother was way too interfering, considering Athena is thirty-four years old. Also, all of them live in one house? How big is this place, anyway? Why aren't any of her sisters married? Oh, right...they're annoying. (I have three sisters, and if they were anything like any of these three, I wouldn't tell them where I lived).
Speaking of Athena, we know she has a son, but it was like he was wallpaper. He was there when needed, but otherwise out of the picture. I also have to wonder about his father, who would divorce her and then just walk away from his child - and we're not given the reason why he was so willing to abandon his son.
Then the ending...well, the mystery was wrapped up nice and tight, just like it's supposed to, so that is a good thing. I knew pretty much early on who the killer had to be and why, but still wanted to see Athena and Case figure it out. It left us something to look forward to in the next book, if I decide to read it. At this point, I'm not sure I want to visit the Spencer household ever again.
But when the man - Case Donnelly - convinces her that he's been framed, she agrees to help him find the real killer and clear his name. But in doing so, she puts herself in danger...and she just might be the next victim...
Well, I liked the blurb about this book, so I really wanted to read it. Unfortunately, I just thought it was so...dull. Not even the murder mystery could save this, in my opinion. I absolutely hated everyone in her family except her father. They were all so stereotypical of the 'noisy, overbearing Greeks' that it really bothered me. Her sisters were completely over the top, and her mother was way too interfering, considering Athena is thirty-four years old. Also, all of them live in one house? How big is this place, anyway? Why aren't any of her sisters married? Oh, right...they're annoying. (I have three sisters, and if they were anything like any of these three, I wouldn't tell them where I lived).
Speaking of Athena, we know she has a son, but it was like he was wallpaper. He was there when needed, but otherwise out of the picture. I also have to wonder about his father, who would divorce her and then just walk away from his child - and we're not given the reason why he was so willing to abandon his son.
Then the ending...well, the mystery was wrapped up nice and tight, just like it's supposed to, so that is a good thing. I knew pretty much early on who the killer had to be and why, but still wanted to see Athena and Case figure it out. It left us something to look forward to in the next book, if I decide to read it. At this point, I'm not sure I want to visit the Spencer household ever again.
April 28, 2021
Totally adorable and fun to read. Great heroine and fun mystery. (It always cracks me up to say that because how can murder be fun. But this is a COZY murder mystery so you know it’s not REAL.) ahem. Anyway, great cast of characters, setting, and movement of plot. Look forward to the next in the series. BTW, I’ve enjoyed this author a long time with her flower shop series. Now I have to go back and read that!
December 7, 2019
I liked this book. It was entertaining. The story line was different than other books I've read. I felt like the focus was too much on them being greek but that's part of the story. The bad guy is known throughout the book so that's not a surprise. #StatueofLimitations #NetGalley
March 9, 2022
If I could give Statue of Limitations 10🌟 I would! I loved reading this book. I will definitely be reading the next 2 books and hope there are many more to come.
Statue of Limitations is really well written with great dialogue, wacky yet loving family dynamics, a big greek community, murder, intrigue, a decades old theft, and possibly a budding romance. That’s all I could ask a cozy mystery writer to do.
Athena Spencer returns to her hometown of Sequoia, Michigan after her divorce. She has a 10 year old son and they move in with her parents so she can get back on her feet. She’s working at the family’s garden center.
A very wealthy and powerfully connected developer was recently found, drowned in his bathtub. The death was quickly (too quickly) ruled an accidental drowning and the victims son is going ahead with his father’s last construction project. A condominium building right in the middle of Sequoia’s Little Greece, and demolition of the whole area and all of the shops on Greene Street. His father had decided against building there and signed a legal document to leave Little Greece alone. The document has disappeared so The Greek Merchant’s Association is determined to stop “Junior” from destroying their livelihood and in some cases their homes. Athena is sucked into the drama and, having been a reporter for a Chicago newspaper pre-divorce she can’t help but investigate.
Throw in a valuable greek statue (possibly stolen), a handsome stranger and 3 sisters and you have a great story. I highly recommend Statue of Limitations to any cozy mystery lovers or anyone that needs a fun read!
Statue of Limitations is really well written with great dialogue, wacky yet loving family dynamics, a big greek community, murder, intrigue, a decades old theft, and possibly a budding romance. That’s all I could ask a cozy mystery writer to do.
Athena Spencer returns to her hometown of Sequoia, Michigan after her divorce. She has a 10 year old son and they move in with her parents so she can get back on her feet. She’s working at the family’s garden center.
A very wealthy and powerfully connected developer was recently found, drowned in his bathtub. The death was quickly (too quickly) ruled an accidental drowning and the victims son is going ahead with his father’s last construction project. A condominium building right in the middle of Sequoia’s Little Greece, and demolition of the whole area and all of the shops on Greene Street. His father had decided against building there and signed a legal document to leave Little Greece alone. The document has disappeared so The Greek Merchant’s Association is determined to stop “Junior” from destroying their livelihood and in some cases their homes. Athena is sucked into the drama and, having been a reporter for a Chicago newspaper pre-divorce she can’t help but investigate.
Throw in a valuable greek statue (possibly stolen), a handsome stranger and 3 sisters and you have a great story. I highly recommend Statue of Limitations to any cozy mystery lovers or anyone that needs a fun read!
March 19, 2020
Statue of Limitations, the first book in Kate Collins’s A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery series, is so much fun. Picture Nancy Drew as the focal point of a big, fat, Greek family, and there you have it, with Athena Spencer as the intrepid sleuth and the ever-meddling members of her crazy family as the foil. Sounds nutty, but it works!
Following her divorce, Athena Spencer returns home to Sequoia, Michigan to work at her family’s gardening center where she immediately finds trouble. Not only is a greedy developer threatening to demolish her grandparents’ Greek restaurant, but she encounters a stranger who claims her grandfather’s statue in fact belongs to him. Shortly thereafter, a murder occurs, and it looks like the handsome stranger, Case Donnelly, may be implicated. For reasons not fully explained, Athena joins forces with Case to save her family’s restaurant and bring a killer to justice.
The writing is stellar, and it must be so. With so many characters (Athena’s grandparents, parents, and three sisters all play necessary roles in the story), it would be hard to keep up. But each is so unique, both in perspective and occupation, that it is easy to know who is whom. Athena is a strong woman who, while I had to question her teaming up with a total stranger at the beginning of the story, turns out to be smart and resourceful. Case, for his part, has just the right proportion of intrigue and appeal.
The dual mysteries are well-plotted and fast-paced, with so many twists, turns, and detours. And Athena’s prior career as a reporter makes her investigative efforts seem realistic. There are also several fun subplots as well. Athena writes an “anonymous” blog poking fun at the exploits of her family members, who read it religiously, never dreaming they are its subjects. Athena’s relationship with Kevin, her family-approved, but somewhat boring, boyfriend provides some humor. And her relationship with her son, Nicholas, who insists on being called Niko, is charming.
Statue of Limitations is a fabulous start to what promises to be an enjoyable series. It is the type of novel that will keep the reader entertained and guessing deep into the night.
Following her divorce, Athena Spencer returns home to Sequoia, Michigan to work at her family’s gardening center where she immediately finds trouble. Not only is a greedy developer threatening to demolish her grandparents’ Greek restaurant, but she encounters a stranger who claims her grandfather’s statue in fact belongs to him. Shortly thereafter, a murder occurs, and it looks like the handsome stranger, Case Donnelly, may be implicated. For reasons not fully explained, Athena joins forces with Case to save her family’s restaurant and bring a killer to justice.
The writing is stellar, and it must be so. With so many characters (Athena’s grandparents, parents, and three sisters all play necessary roles in the story), it would be hard to keep up. But each is so unique, both in perspective and occupation, that it is easy to know who is whom. Athena is a strong woman who, while I had to question her teaming up with a total stranger at the beginning of the story, turns out to be smart and resourceful. Case, for his part, has just the right proportion of intrigue and appeal.
The dual mysteries are well-plotted and fast-paced, with so many twists, turns, and detours. And Athena’s prior career as a reporter makes her investigative efforts seem realistic. There are also several fun subplots as well. Athena writes an “anonymous” blog poking fun at the exploits of her family members, who read it religiously, never dreaming they are its subjects. Athena’s relationship with Kevin, her family-approved, but somewhat boring, boyfriend provides some humor. And her relationship with her son, Nicholas, who insists on being called Niko, is charming.
Statue of Limitations is a fabulous start to what promises to be an enjoyable series. It is the type of novel that will keep the reader entertained and guessing deep into the night.
February 4, 2020
STATUE OF LIMITATIONS by Kate Collins
The First Goddess of Greene St. Mystery
When Athena Spencer hears a noise in the garden shop after hours she things it's the mischievous raccoon who has been hanging around. Instead she finds a handsome stranger who claims the statue her grandfather bought actually belongs to him. If that wasn't enough a greedy businessman wants to tear down Little Greece to put up condominiums. Taking a chance, Athena joins forces with the stranger, now a fugitive, to stop the town tyrant and find justice.
You have to take a leap of faith in the first Goddess of Greene St. Mystery. Athena goes well out of her way to help Case...someone that is trying to take her grandfathers statue as well as being wanted as a murder suspect. That's somewhat implausible. But once you accept that Athena is acting rationally, or at least in the best interest of her family and community, everything falls into place. And a delightful place it is!
I loved just about everything in STATUE OF LIMITATIONS. A fantastic group of characters liven up the pages. Athena's eccentric family is charming and fun from her ditsy sister Delphi who "sees" things, to her meddling mother, even her son who knows more Greek than she does. Then there are the despicable characters-the Talbot family and their minions and the traitors among the Greek community. There's a bit of romance and a darn good mystery!
I love the Greek details woven into the story, particularly the language. I think Athena's blog is hysterical, more so because of her mother and sisters comments about it. I appreciate how Athena picks up on things that are incorrect, but necessary for the plot, like why there wasn't an autopsy on Talbot Senior, and weaves it into the story.
Athena wanted some space from all things Greek, but finds herself embracing her culture and her family as she fights for justice and Little Greece. STATUE OF LIMITATIONS is a delightful mystery that left me with a smile on my face.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Goddess of Greene St. Mystery
When Athena Spencer hears a noise in the garden shop after hours she things it's the mischievous raccoon who has been hanging around. Instead she finds a handsome stranger who claims the statue her grandfather bought actually belongs to him. If that wasn't enough a greedy businessman wants to tear down Little Greece to put up condominiums. Taking a chance, Athena joins forces with the stranger, now a fugitive, to stop the town tyrant and find justice.
You have to take a leap of faith in the first Goddess of Greene St. Mystery. Athena goes well out of her way to help Case...someone that is trying to take her grandfathers statue as well as being wanted as a murder suspect. That's somewhat implausible. But once you accept that Athena is acting rationally, or at least in the best interest of her family and community, everything falls into place. And a delightful place it is!
I loved just about everything in STATUE OF LIMITATIONS. A fantastic group of characters liven up the pages. Athena's eccentric family is charming and fun from her ditsy sister Delphi who "sees" things, to her meddling mother, even her son who knows more Greek than she does. Then there are the despicable characters-the Talbot family and their minions and the traitors among the Greek community. There's a bit of romance and a darn good mystery!
I love the Greek details woven into the story, particularly the language. I think Athena's blog is hysterical, more so because of her mother and sisters comments about it. I appreciate how Athena picks up on things that are incorrect, but necessary for the plot, like why there wasn't an autopsy on Talbot Senior, and weaves it into the story.
Athena wanted some space from all things Greek, but finds herself embracing her culture and her family as she fights for justice and Little Greece. STATUE OF LIMITATIONS is a delightful mystery that left me with a smile on my face.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews