Cassie Gwynne arrives in the wild and wooly town of Fernandina Beach, Florida in 1883. Cassie is trying to please her aunt Flora by acting in a more “ladylike” fashion. But as she soon discovers there is very little about her new home that is civilized; when she discovers the body of Peanut Runkles, Flora’s neighbor and enemy. flora is immediately arrested for the murder, leaving Cassie to uncover the truth and free her aunt. I love Fernandina Beach, even now, it’s a little “crazy” around the edges and I enjoyed this foray back into its past very much

**please note due to low rating I will not be leaving a public review for this book as I have not paid for it.**

So sorry for the poor feedback but I just could not get into the story. It just didn't grab me.

I listened to this audiobook while I was gloss painting a few of my doors, and it helped me to enjoy my painting more. I felt like I was on a little adventure and in my own world. The book was great and I loved going back in time to 1883 for this cozy mystery.

The story is about Cassie, who is on a journey after her Dad dies. She goes to visit her Aunt Flora, and they form a lovely bond. One of Flora's neighbours is found dead, and Cassie starts investigating it. Cassie then has to help Flora with something that happens to her regarding the neighbour, and they also have to sort out their feelings for each other, which relate to their past and to Cassie's Dad. I liked Cassie and Flora, as well as all of the animals in the story, especially the cute kitten.

The narrator of the book did a great job and she had a lovely voice. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I listened to the audiobook version of A Deception Most Deadly. This is a historical cosy mystery set in 1883 on the island of Fernandina. Cassie Gwynne arrives to visit her Aunt Flora - the trouble begins when Aunt Floras neighbour Peanut Runkles is found dead floating in the harbour - and as he has been quarrelling with Flora, she is immediately arrested! But it seems Peanut has been having quarrels with several people. And so the story begins with Cassies investigations. I loved this audiobook , Lauren Allman is a marvellous narrator to listen to. I was transported back in time and away from reality. Thank you to Netgalley and to Bookouture for my copy.

Cassie Gwynne looked for a fresh start after her father's death. They lived in New York, her father was an attorney, and she use to help him with his works.
She off to see her aunt who has owns a perfume and scented goods store in town, for the first time at Fernandina island, 1883. As a very gentlewoman and proper lady, as we expect in that time, soon as she arrived, arrested for ...
Well, not exactly arrested but was taken to the police station for answering some questions. Like other usual and ordinary families, she met her aunt for the first time at the jail, accidentally!

Wait a minute, the story didn't begin yet. Aunt Flora has very compassion for animals and cares about them. Like real life, there is always a neighbor who ALWAYS complains about animals.
Peanut Runkles has been quarreling with Flora for years, about everything from Flora’s eccentric ideas to Peanut’s vegetable patch that was destroyed by pet pig Flora.

"Who may have had an issue with Peanut.”
“That’s easy. Downing, Smalls, Meeks, Mr. Shaw, Mrs. Shaw, all of his neighbors, anyone else who’s ever met him."

Cassie accidentally finds Peanut's body lying at the foot of the harbor pilots’ lookout tower. Flora was arrested for his murder. Cassie and a few loyal friends try to find the real killer and help Flora. During this investigation, Cassie finds some unusual information about the last huge fire in town and the insurance company. It looks like is not only about Peanut anymore. There will be another murder, other documents against her aunt and meet an old friend after years, he had changed a lot!

A great start for a new historical cozy mystery series! I really enjoyed the narrator. The story was great with humor. I loved the Plot, the island city of Fernandina 1883; the characters, Cassie, her Aunt Flora, their friends, and also their lovely animals, especially the new kitty "Hesychia", Esy for short. :) I really like to read how the story could continue.

Many thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for giving me a chance of listening to A Deception Most Deadly (A Cassie Gwynne Mystery #1) by Genevieve Essig, Narrated by Lauryn Allman, I have given my honest review.
Published Date 14 Jan 2022
My review on 11 Dec 2021