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Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth #1
Bingoed
Why would spry senior Bob Weiderley suddenly faint and fall into a coma after winning a game of Bingo? After all, he was the most physically fit of all the men at the Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility (although there weren't many men at HH because women outnumbered them four to one). It was just very suspicious.
That's why Essie Cobb and her friends and fellow residents--Opal, Marjorie, and Fay--decided to investigate. Was it possible that someone was out to get the friendly old gentleman? Maybe it was Violet, Happy Haven's director, trying to cover up her shady past. Or Sue, the activities director, whose behavior was unusual to say the least. Maybe it was one of the three women who sat at Bob's regular table in the dining room. Or the mysterious man who had recently sent Bob a startling letter. Essie Cobb is determined to find out--and she's not going to let her age (90) or her various age-related infirmities hold her back.
Welcome to Happy Haven. If you thought most elderly residents of assisted living facilities spent their days watching television and sitting in the sun, you haven't met Essie Cobb, senior sleuth, and her three mystery-solving buddies. These four elderly ladies have insatiable curiosity, unending concern for their fellow man (especially their fellow 'man'), and energy and determination that some might find unusual for women in their 80's and 90's. They may not be able to get around as fast as youngsters in their 60's, or navigate that Interstate-Internet (or whatever that computer thing is), but they can solve a mystery. And they're starting with this one.
That's why Essie Cobb and her friends and fellow residents--Opal, Marjorie, and Fay--decided to investigate. Was it possible that someone was out to get the friendly old gentleman? Maybe it was Violet, Happy Haven's director, trying to cover up her shady past. Or Sue, the activities director, whose behavior was unusual to say the least. Maybe it was one of the three women who sat at Bob's regular table in the dining room. Or the mysterious man who had recently sent Bob a startling letter. Essie Cobb is determined to find out--and she's not going to let her age (90) or her various age-related infirmities hold her back.
Welcome to Happy Haven. If you thought most elderly residents of assisted living facilities spent their days watching television and sitting in the sun, you haven't met Essie Cobb, senior sleuth, and her three mystery-solving buddies. These four elderly ladies have insatiable curiosity, unending concern for their fellow man (especially their fellow 'man'), and energy and determination that some might find unusual for women in their 80's and 90's. They may not be able to get around as fast as youngsters in their 60's, or navigate that Interstate-Internet (or whatever that computer thing is), but they can solve a mystery. And they're starting with this one.
202 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
About the author
Patricia Rockwell
29 books148 followersPatricia Rockwell has spent most of her life teaching. From small liberal arts colleges to large regional research universities—and even a brief stint in a high school, her background in education is extensive. She has taught virtually everything related to Communication—from a fine arts speech-theatre orientation to more recently a social science research approach. Her Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees are from the University of Nebraska in Speech and her Ph.D. is from the University of Arizona in Communication. She was on the faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for thirteen years, retiring in 2007.
Her publications are extensive, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, several textbooks, and a research book on her major interest area of sarcasm, published by Edwin Mellen Press. In addition to publications, she has presented numerous papers at academic conferences and served for eight years as Editor of the "Louisiana Communication Journal. " Her research focuses primarily on several areas of communication: deception, sarcasm, and vocal cues.
Dr. Rockwell is presently living in Aurora, Illinois, with her husband Milt, also a retired educator. The couple have two adult children. SOUNDS OF MURDER is her first novel.
Her publications are extensive, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, several textbooks, and a research book on her major interest area of sarcasm, published by Edwin Mellen Press. In addition to publications, she has presented numerous papers at academic conferences and served for eight years as Editor of the "Louisiana Communication Journal. " Her research focuses primarily on several areas of communication: deception, sarcasm, and vocal cues.
Dr. Rockwell is presently living in Aurora, Illinois, with her husband Milt, also a retired educator. The couple have two adult children. SOUNDS OF MURDER is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 13, 2021
A great start to a new series. Four tablemates and friends at a retirement home investigate the sudden collapse of a healthy man which puts him in a coma. A great fun story that moves quickly and has some great characters. Essie the leader who always worries about a bathroom is a born leader and investigator, Marjorie and Opal her sidekicks who don't always want to join in but do and Fay who barely talks, sleeps a lot but is a whiz on "the google". A really entertaining story and a series I will look forward to reading.
December 7, 2016
Endearing cozy. (Though it is handled well, a little less bathroom "humor" is needed. Once or twice mentioned is enough to let the reader comprehend the "situation".)
And Fay steals the show.
And Fay steals the show.
May 3, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
I really liked this author’s series featuring a professor at a community college, so I decided to try this series, featuring a group of senior citizens living in a retirement home. It appears to be set in the same town as the other series, although a state is never mentioned, and I don’t recall any other cities/towns mentioned that would help place the book.
I liked Essie and her friends, although their constant obsession with not straying too far from a restroom was annoying – but maybe I’ll understand that better as I age. Essie’s conclusion that someone tried to murder one of the home’s residents also seemed a little far-fetched, but without that jump, there wouldn’t have been a book :) I liked her friends, and especially liked Fay by the end of the book.
There was a mystery here, and it took Essie and friends a bit of digging to figure it out. There were quite a few suspicious characters, but as is the case so often, things aren’t always what they seem.
I enjoyed this book enough to read at least one more in the series. It will be fun, I think, to see what Essie, Fay, Opal and Marjorie get up to next.
I really liked this author’s series featuring a professor at a community college, so I decided to try this series, featuring a group of senior citizens living in a retirement home. It appears to be set in the same town as the other series, although a state is never mentioned, and I don’t recall any other cities/towns mentioned that would help place the book.
I liked Essie and her friends, although their constant obsession with not straying too far from a restroom was annoying – but maybe I’ll understand that better as I age. Essie’s conclusion that someone tried to murder one of the home’s residents also seemed a little far-fetched, but without that jump, there wouldn’t have been a book :) I liked her friends, and especially liked Fay by the end of the book.
There was a mystery here, and it took Essie and friends a bit of digging to figure it out. There were quite a few suspicious characters, but as is the case so often, things aren’t always what they seem.
I enjoyed this book enough to read at least one more in the series. It will be fun, I think, to see what Essie, Fay, Opal and Marjorie get up to next.
March 27, 2021
It’s the cosiest of cozy mysteries.
Synopsis: Essie Cobb and her friends live in the Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility. All is right in their world until their fellow resident Bob Weiderley falls into a coma after winning a round of Bingo. Why did Bob, the most healthy resident of the home, fall into a coma? Could there be foul play? Join Essie and her gang as they investigate.
What to expect:
- A Murder She Wrote meets The Golden Girls type of mystery
- Some real life scenarios of being in your eighth or ninth decade
- Plenty of chuckles
The Verdict: After reading a series of books with more serious topics, this book was the change of pace I needed to continue my other titles. I would recommend it if you want a quick read and plenty of laughs.
Synopsis: Essie Cobb and her friends live in the Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility. All is right in their world until their fellow resident Bob Weiderley falls into a coma after winning a round of Bingo. Why did Bob, the most healthy resident of the home, fall into a coma? Could there be foul play? Join Essie and her gang as they investigate.
What to expect:
- A Murder She Wrote meets The Golden Girls type of mystery
- Some real life scenarios of being in your eighth or ninth decade
- Plenty of chuckles
The Verdict: After reading a series of books with more serious topics, this book was the change of pace I needed to continue my other titles. I would recommend it if you want a quick read and plenty of laughs.
January 27, 2023
Just because a lady is of a certain age doesn't mean she can't investigate the heck out of something. 😉 Essie is determined to solve the "attempted murder" of a fellow resident at their retirement home. She drags her 3 friends along for the ride and between the bickering they don't solve anything. 🙂 It was a hilarious story and I have to say kinda touching at times. 😢 No real crime was committed but these ladies won't let that stop them. 😊 The ladies are back for more in the next book and I'm not sure what they are "investigating" but I hope they solve the case. 🕵
March 17, 2017
An Awesome Senior Sleuths Series
After finishing another senior sleuths series, I was looking for a similar book. This book was very enjoyable and kept me guessing who done it right to the end. I can't wait to read more of the adventures of Essie and her friends. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery fans of all ages.
After finishing another senior sleuths series, I was looking for a similar book. This book was very enjoyable and kept me guessing who done it right to the end. I can't wait to read more of the adventures of Essie and her friends. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery fans of all ages.
May 17, 2020
Different
I like the retirement home location and the refreshing fact that the main characters are elderly, to pit it gently. The pacing is perfectly suited to dear friends moving behind walkers and in wheelchairs. Absolute favorite character is the heroine Fay, closely followed by Santos.
I like the retirement home location and the refreshing fact that the main characters are elderly, to pit it gently. The pacing is perfectly suited to dear friends moving behind walkers and in wheelchairs. Absolute favorite character is the heroine Fay, closely followed by Santos.
November 29, 2020
This book is not a “mystery.” No one was killed. In fact, no one committed any serious crimes (other than a few DUIs from years ago). Elderly sleuths in their 90s with walkers adds up to very little action or danger and a lot of naps and potty breaks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
Easy kind folk. Single rooms, salad, high-end seniors group home have fun more than normal tedium. Daring Essie, two pals also with walkers, sleepy wheelchair Faye, join at meal table, snoop suspects after Bob collapses into coma.
February 2, 2023
Refreshing and Apt Character Descriptions
I really enjoyed the time taken to help us picture Essie, not just a few phrases but clever references to what she is thinking or her reactions to others. The plot resolved well too.
I really enjoyed the time taken to help us picture Essie, not just a few phrases but clever references to what she is thinking or her reactions to others. The plot resolved well too.
October 24, 2019
Cute quick read with believable characters
October 23, 2011
The Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility is really hopping when one of their residents, Bob Weiderley, wins at Bingo. A whole dollar bill is his, but when he goes up to collect his winnings, he passes out and winds up in a coma. His fellow residents are stunned. Bob has been in such good shape, even though he is nearly 90.
90-year-old Essie Cobb isn’t buying that the excitement got to Bob. There has to be more to the story than that and she intends to find out. Along with her good friends Opal, Marjorie and Fay, they investigate the situation and find much to be suspicious of and a surprising amount of suspects.
For one thing, just before Bob fell into a coma, a stranger sent him a letter with incredibly shocking news. There’s, also, the director of the Happy Haven, as well as the social director, both of whom are acting strangely. Essie’s suspicions even stretch out to the women Bob eats dinner with on a regular basis. She’s determined to get to the bottom of this and find out who wants Bob dead and put an immediate stop to any more plots to kill the man.
Bingoed is a humorous book filled with both mystery and laughter – not to mention a number of endearing characters that will warm your heart. It’s a fast-paced, quick read that will surely lighten your mood. This is the first, and hopefully not the last, in the Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth Mystery series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
90-year-old Essie Cobb isn’t buying that the excitement got to Bob. There has to be more to the story than that and she intends to find out. Along with her good friends Opal, Marjorie and Fay, they investigate the situation and find much to be suspicious of and a surprising amount of suspects.
For one thing, just before Bob fell into a coma, a stranger sent him a letter with incredibly shocking news. There’s, also, the director of the Happy Haven, as well as the social director, both of whom are acting strangely. Essie’s suspicions even stretch out to the women Bob eats dinner with on a regular basis. She’s determined to get to the bottom of this and find out who wants Bob dead and put an immediate stop to any more plots to kill the man.
Bingoed is a humorous book filled with both mystery and laughter – not to mention a number of endearing characters that will warm your heart. It’s a fast-paced, quick read that will surely lighten your mood. This is the first, and hopefully not the last, in the Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth Mystery series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 24, 2011
I had the pleasure of reading ‘Bingoed’ by Patricia Rockwell, a novel about a 90 year old super sleuth named Essie Cobb. Essie and her “partners in crime” suspect that foul play is involved when one of their fellow residents at Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility collapses and falls into a coma after winning at Bingo. The theories run rampant when spry Essie and her friends put their mind to solving this mystery.
Mrs. Rockwell hit a homerun with ‘Bingoed’. The storyline will keep you coming back for more. This is definitely a mystery read that you don’t want to miss. Curl up with a cozy blanket for this cozy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good “whodunit” mystery. People of all ages will enjoy this book. I appreciate Mrs. Rockwell’s mysteries, because they are not too graphic or intimidating. Anyone who shies away from a mystery due to gripping content will appreciate this book. I think my grandmother would get a kick out of ‘Bingoed’ and enjoy it as much as I did.
Patricia Rockwell is a quick rising author, whose writing will captivate you. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Don’t miss out on the adventures that Essie Cobb and her quick witted friends “wheel” themselves into. This page turner will make you laugh out loud, as well as keep you guessing and waiting to see what will come next. I’m anticipating reading more about Essie’s adventures.
Mrs. Rockwell hit a homerun with ‘Bingoed’. The storyline will keep you coming back for more. This is definitely a mystery read that you don’t want to miss. Curl up with a cozy blanket for this cozy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good “whodunit” mystery. People of all ages will enjoy this book. I appreciate Mrs. Rockwell’s mysteries, because they are not too graphic or intimidating. Anyone who shies away from a mystery due to gripping content will appreciate this book. I think my grandmother would get a kick out of ‘Bingoed’ and enjoy it as much as I did.
Patricia Rockwell is a quick rising author, whose writing will captivate you. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Don’t miss out on the adventures that Essie Cobb and her quick witted friends “wheel” themselves into. This page turner will make you laugh out loud, as well as keep you guessing and waiting to see what will come next. I’m anticipating reading more about Essie’s adventures.
September 9, 2011
This is the first book I have won from Goodreads giveaways. With that in mind, in an attempt to not be biased, I believe I was being too hard on the book when I first began to read it. But when we got to the end, I realized that many of my early criticims were unwarranted.
It is a very engaging story about the residents of Happy Haven retirement home. It is a quick fun read that I probably could have finished in one day. The characters are like people you have probably met in your own life and to whom you can relate. Essie, our heroine, is like many bored little old ladies in such places who really need the stimulation of being around people to keep their active minds entertained.
There is a bit of a twist in the end that makes the whole story and explains why the titled is perfect for this book.
It is a very engaging story about the residents of Happy Haven retirement home. It is a quick fun read that I probably could have finished in one day. The characters are like people you have probably met in your own life and to whom you can relate. Essie, our heroine, is like many bored little old ladies in such places who really need the stimulation of being around people to keep their active minds entertained.
There is a bit of a twist in the end that makes the whole story and explains why the titled is perfect for this book.
August 31, 2011
I have to read this in memory of my bingo-playing Mom. I was laughing reading the desciption.
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I'm so used to reading murder mysteries that I kept wondering when the murder was going to occur in this story. Bob does collapse and end up in a coma after winning a bingo prize - $1.00. Was winning $1 really that stress-inducing?
Obviously not, so Essie and her friends set out to discover just what Bob's problem may be.
I love the character of Fay. That's the kind of old lady I want to become although I'd like to stay awake longer so I can read a good book.
Things are jumping in the assisted-living facility. Check it out.
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I'm so used to reading murder mysteries that I kept wondering when the murder was going to occur in this story. Bob does collapse and end up in a coma after winning a bingo prize - $1.00. Was winning $1 really that stress-inducing?
Obviously not, so Essie and her friends set out to discover just what Bob's problem may be.
I love the character of Fay. That's the kind of old lady I want to become although I'd like to stay awake longer so I can read a good book.
Things are jumping in the assisted-living facility. Check it out.
October 15, 2011
At first I didn't know what to think but i gave it a try and came out pleasantly surprised. It is a nice little cozy about senior sleuths in a retirement home. Essie Cobb is 90 years old she uses a walker and her bladder gives out frequently but she still gets into a matter involving a fellow resident who passed out after BINGO. She and her other walker assisted compatriots tracked down clues and find out more than they bargain for.
Patricia Rockwell has created loveable characters in comical situations as well as life in a retirement home. Thoroughly enjoyable novel will read more in this series for sure.
Patricia Rockwell has created loveable characters in comical situations as well as life in a retirement home. Thoroughly enjoyable novel will read more in this series for sure.
August 19, 2016
This book was awesome! As an activity director in a long term care facility, I originally read this book a few weeks prior to reading this with my residents. The residents enjoyed this book so much. I have even one calling herself Essie, as she is the leader of her pack. The residents laughed throughout this book and we made sure to purchase the second which we started working on this friday. There are so many residents wanting to listen to this book, it started out as a group of four and by the middle we had twenty five residents and staff listening to this humorously tale of resident at Happy Haven. This book deserves 6 out of 5 stars.
October 31, 2011
What a delightful story! Although the story is based around characters of the age of 80+ some odd years in a assisted living home it was never a slow read! These ladies were as lively and endearing as I would hope to be at their ages. There is mystery, sleuthing, drama, action (even if most of this was in concern of the nearest restroom stop and speedy walkers) and down right laugh out loud humor. I could picture in my mind how this played out as if it were a movie. The end wrap up was a wee bit of a let down (mind you, just a little).
March 24, 2013
I really wanted to like this book because I enjoy reading about older characters. I thought that some parts of it were quite funny, and I liked the eccentricities of the friends who are sleuthing together. However, there was a little too much emphasis on the need for bathroom breaks. Despite that I was really rooting for this book until the end. My biggest disappointment came from the fact that it wasn't really a mystery at all! I bought this book expecting to solve something, and it really let me down in this area.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
A different sort of cozy mystery....there's no murder! The amateur detective is a 90 year old resident of a retirement home and her 3 sidekicks. The victim is a healthy and physically fit 80 something male resident that everyone likes. The sleuthing antics of the 4 women while Bob is in the hospital in a coma are humorous to say the least. I enjoyed this book enough to purchase the next in the series right away.
August 7, 2016
First, thank you to Patricia Rockwell and Goodreads. I won this in their book giveaway. -- I will edit a full review at a later date, but will leave this now...
Bingoed is a good start to a new cozy mystery series featuring Essie Cobb and her three friends, all of whom are very senior citizens. The mystery was interesting and the characters immediately endearing. I look forward to more.
Bingoed is a good start to a new cozy mystery series featuring Essie Cobb and her three friends, all of whom are very senior citizens. The mystery was interesting and the characters immediately endearing. I look forward to more.
July 28, 2012
Sweet mystery story about a group of elderly females how try to find out what happens to one of the members of the community in which they live. Light hearted fun with some laugh out loud funny moments and was a nice way to spend the afternoon in the sun
September 10, 2013
I was a little disappointed but think that it might have been mostly due to the reader. I actually listened to this book and the reader seemed to be forced....I'm not sure it just didn't flow for me but the story was okay.
September 19, 2011
Entertaining and hilarious book. Each character reminded me of someone I knew. Got it finished in one day. Highly recommended for a lazy day read.
November 20, 2011
I won this through goodreads. It was cute and an easy quick read. The language was somewhat distracting at times but the characters endearing.
January 27, 2012
Enjoyed reading about Essie and her friends solving a mystery in a ALF. Fun, light read for us mature mystery lovers.
October 28, 2013
Beginning to a great series!
September 4, 2014
This book is a fun read. I read bingoed and am staring on the next one after I finish this series I am going to read her other series
February 4, 2013
I never actually finished this story. It was interesting, but it didn't keep my attention.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews