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Hope Street Church Mysteries #2
Path of the Wicked
Congregants at the Hope Street Church know that charity begins at home. But in Jennifer Stanley's Path of the Wicked, sometimes what is giveth is mysteriously taketh away…
Cooper Lee and the Sunrise Bible Study Group have has just volunteered for a local charity, Door-2-Door Dinners. Sure, some of the volunteers look more like Hell’s Angels than Good Samaritans, but the ragtag church group has taught Cooper not to judge a book by its cover. Besides, this gives Cooper a chance to get out of the house—which she shares with her parents—and spend some quality time with her new love, Nathan. But things really start heating up for Cooper and Nathan when an elderly Door-2-Door recipient is murdered—and the prime suspects are…the volunteers!
Someone in the flock is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But the Lord works in miraculous ways—and so do the sleuths of the Sunrise Bible Study Group…
Cooper Lee and the Sunrise Bible Study Group have has just volunteered for a local charity, Door-2-Door Dinners. Sure, some of the volunteers look more like Hell’s Angels than Good Samaritans, but the ragtag church group has taught Cooper not to judge a book by its cover. Besides, this gives Cooper a chance to get out of the house—which she shares with her parents—and spend some quality time with her new love, Nathan. But things really start heating up for Cooper and Nathan when an elderly Door-2-Door recipient is murdered—and the prime suspects are…the volunteers!
Someone in the flock is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But the Lord works in miraculous ways—and so do the sleuths of the Sunrise Bible Study Group…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2010
About the author
Jennifer Stanley
16 books70 followersAlso writes under the pseudonyms Ellery Adams and J.B. Stanley
I’ve got three cozy mysteries series on the shelves these days. The Supper Club Mysteries (JB Stanley Ellery Adams), The Hope Street Church Mysteries (Jennifer Stanley) and the new Books By The Bay Mysteries (written as Ellery Adams).
Please visit my websites at www.jbstanley.com to elleryadamsmysteries.com for more info on my books.
Thank you for supporting mysteries.
I’ve got three cozy mysteries series on the shelves these days. The Supper Club Mysteries (JB Stanley Ellery Adams), The Hope Street Church Mysteries (Jennifer Stanley) and the new Books By The Bay Mysteries (written as Ellery Adams).
Please visit my websites at www.jbstanley.com to elleryadamsmysteries.com for more info on my books.
Thank you for supporting mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 14, 2017
The Way of the Wicked is the second book in the Hope Street Church Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This is a revised version of the book Path of the Wicked written under the name Jennifer Stanley in 2010.
The Hope Street Church Mysteries follows the life of Cooper Lee and the members of her Bible study group as they work in the community and stumble upon murders that they help to solve. The group is volunteering at Door 2 Door, a charity that provides food and minor assistance for senior citizens. When Cooper overhears a couple of conversations, she realizes that someone from the organization is stealing from the clients. When a few of them are also discovered dead sitting up in their chairs, they are concerned that one of their volunteers is responsible for not only stealing from their clients but drugging and killing them as well. Determined to solve the murders and help keep Door 2 Door open and helping seniors in need, Cooper and her friends try to figure out which of the volunteers is the guilty party.
I enjoyed the mystery and the romance of Cooper and Nathan. It is a steady moving story but not as quick as other cozies I have read. The characters are delightful. They all seem genuine in their caring attitudes, have problems anyone can have and are smart, loyal and hard working. I was not impressed with the new employee at the machine company. Emilio is the classic male chauvinist looking for a woman who will take care of him. I did not figure out who the murderer was which always makes a good read for me. This is a Christian Cozy Mystery with biblical references, lessons and with much of the activity taking place in a church or bible study setting. If you enjoy a good clean story with a mystery and a little romance, then you will enjoy this book very much.
The Hope Street Church Mysteries follows the life of Cooper Lee and the members of her Bible study group as they work in the community and stumble upon murders that they help to solve. The group is volunteering at Door 2 Door, a charity that provides food and minor assistance for senior citizens. When Cooper overhears a couple of conversations, she realizes that someone from the organization is stealing from the clients. When a few of them are also discovered dead sitting up in their chairs, they are concerned that one of their volunteers is responsible for not only stealing from their clients but drugging and killing them as well. Determined to solve the murders and help keep Door 2 Door open and helping seniors in need, Cooper and her friends try to figure out which of the volunteers is the guilty party.
I enjoyed the mystery and the romance of Cooper and Nathan. It is a steady moving story but not as quick as other cozies I have read. The characters are delightful. They all seem genuine in their caring attitudes, have problems anyone can have and are smart, loyal and hard working. I was not impressed with the new employee at the machine company. Emilio is the classic male chauvinist looking for a woman who will take care of him. I did not figure out who the murderer was which always makes a good read for me. This is a Christian Cozy Mystery with biblical references, lessons and with much of the activity taking place in a church or bible study setting. If you enjoy a good clean story with a mystery and a little romance, then you will enjoy this book very much.
May 18, 2019
A great 2nd book in the Hope Street Church series! While these are definitely Christian cozy mysteries, even someone not looking for a Christian series would definitely enjoy the book. While there are religious overtones in the book, the main characters are a part of a bible study group, the mystery is very well written and the religious aspect of the book is more like a supporting character. It is so well woven into the book that it does not come across forced or out of place, but just a part of the natural flow of the book. The characters feel like old friends at this point and you can't wait to reconnect with them. They are flawed, but relatable and you are pulling for things to work out for them. The plot was an extremely well thought out and very believable one. All in all, a very entertaining book and I look forward to the next in the series!
January 17, 2015
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
This is the first book I have read by Ellery Adams. An enjoyable cozy mystery.
The premise is that the members of a Church study group want to help find out who is killing the seniors that they are delivering premade meals to? I must say, the religious aspect of the book was understated, so would not make any reader uncomfortable. Just a group of like-minded people helping the community and wanting to help the local constabulary.
Cooper is the lead, if you will, of the Hope Street Bible Study group with respect to mystery solving. She seems like a reserved woman, a bit on the shy side when it comes to guys. She has a new boyfriend, Nathan, who is also a member of the bible study group. This additional sleuthing will afford more time with the new beau… :) But, Cooper quickly realizes that not everyone handles stress well. Unfortunately, as a new business relationship between Nathan and a new client quickly deteriorates, he takes his frustrations out on Cooper. Not the best way to begin a relationship. The Nathan and Cooper journey is fraught with ups and downs, but it is a sweet journey and …… (you will have to read the book to get further information :))
I love how Cooper is just an ordinary gal…..
”Only months ago, Cooper would have laughed if someone had told her that she’d gladly part with some of her hard-earned money in exchange for a beauty treatment for her feet. However, once initiated into the world of pedicures, she soon became a bit of a junkie. She now had a pedicure twice a month and had purchased several pairs of sandals to show off her neatly polished toes.”
Cooper works as a copier repair person for Make It Work! The company certainly has some unique and interesting characters….Angela is the office manager and would like the owner Mr. Farmer take notice of her! And of course, Mr. Farmer (a Danny Devito kind of guy) is just too shy to take action, though he would like Angela to notice him as well. And to throw a monkey wrench into the mix, Mr. Farmer hires a young, buff relative name Emilio (who is the consummate playboy…or thinks he is). The interactions between the four of them provide much entertainment. Some comical events occur but everything works out as it should (?).
One thing which was a bit distracting was that the crime solving group was in fact that…a group of people – Cooper Lee and her friends in the Hope Street Bible study group. At times it was a bit confusing when they were pairing the crime solving group with the potential suspects. The actual sleuthing part of the story seemed a bit chaotic.
But I must say overall, the read was entertaining. The characters were sweet, the mystery of who dunnit carried on until the end, so in my books that makes this book a good cozy mystery.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
This is the first book I have read by Ellery Adams. An enjoyable cozy mystery.
The premise is that the members of a Church study group want to help find out who is killing the seniors that they are delivering premade meals to? I must say, the religious aspect of the book was understated, so would not make any reader uncomfortable. Just a group of like-minded people helping the community and wanting to help the local constabulary.
Cooper is the lead, if you will, of the Hope Street Bible Study group with respect to mystery solving. She seems like a reserved woman, a bit on the shy side when it comes to guys. She has a new boyfriend, Nathan, who is also a member of the bible study group. This additional sleuthing will afford more time with the new beau… :) But, Cooper quickly realizes that not everyone handles stress well. Unfortunately, as a new business relationship between Nathan and a new client quickly deteriorates, he takes his frustrations out on Cooper. Not the best way to begin a relationship. The Nathan and Cooper journey is fraught with ups and downs, but it is a sweet journey and …… (you will have to read the book to get further information :))
I love how Cooper is just an ordinary gal…..
”Only months ago, Cooper would have laughed if someone had told her that she’d gladly part with some of her hard-earned money in exchange for a beauty treatment for her feet. However, once initiated into the world of pedicures, she soon became a bit of a junkie. She now had a pedicure twice a month and had purchased several pairs of sandals to show off her neatly polished toes.”
Cooper works as a copier repair person for Make It Work! The company certainly has some unique and interesting characters….Angela is the office manager and would like the owner Mr. Farmer take notice of her! And of course, Mr. Farmer (a Danny Devito kind of guy) is just too shy to take action, though he would like Angela to notice him as well. And to throw a monkey wrench into the mix, Mr. Farmer hires a young, buff relative name Emilio (who is the consummate playboy…or thinks he is). The interactions between the four of them provide much entertainment. Some comical events occur but everything works out as it should (?).
One thing which was a bit distracting was that the crime solving group was in fact that…a group of people – Cooper Lee and her friends in the Hope Street Bible study group. At times it was a bit confusing when they were pairing the crime solving group with the potential suspects. The actual sleuthing part of the story seemed a bit chaotic.
But I must say overall, the read was entertaining. The characters were sweet, the mystery of who dunnit carried on until the end, so in my books that makes this book a good cozy mystery.
July 13, 2010
I really enjoy this new series. The members of the Sunrise Bible Study group are warm, believable and you can't help admiring their friendship. The setting of the mystery was perfect and left me shocked once the culprit was announced. Not only was is packed full of good sleuthing, but it also contained many laugh out loud moments. Looking forward to book #3!
June 25, 2010
The second in the Hope Street Church Mysteries--wonderful, believable characters and an engrossing plot make this a keeper.
June 25, 2010
I loved the ensemble cast in this book. How they protect and support each other really came through and was very touching. I did not guess who the killer was. Good plotting!
June 1, 2010
It took me longer than usual to read this book but I think it was more a factor of an action packed vacation than the book itself.
I do like this series, I think Cooper and her friends are interesting and very good people who get caught up in ugly situations and try to solve them the best way they can. Since the series is billed as a church mystery the thread of religious beliefs running through the series don't bother me most of the time. The author has managed to put the beliefs of the characters into the story and most of the time avoids the "preachiness" that some christian books fall into, although not always.
Path of the Wicked takes Cooper and the Hope Street Church group to a volunteer job delivering meals to the elderly. When Cooper finds out that someone is stealing from and probably killing some of them she and her friends decide to try and help the police solve the crimes, especially since the main suspects are the regular volunteers.
I'll admit I had no idea which of the "suspects" was guilty but the ending was very satisfying.
I do like this series, I think Cooper and her friends are interesting and very good people who get caught up in ugly situations and try to solve them the best way they can. Since the series is billed as a church mystery the thread of religious beliefs running through the series don't bother me most of the time. The author has managed to put the beliefs of the characters into the story and most of the time avoids the "preachiness" that some christian books fall into, although not always.
Path of the Wicked takes Cooper and the Hope Street Church group to a volunteer job delivering meals to the elderly. When Cooper finds out that someone is stealing from and probably killing some of them she and her friends decide to try and help the police solve the crimes, especially since the main suspects are the regular volunteers.
I'll admit I had no idea which of the "suspects" was guilty but the ending was very satisfying.
February 21, 2013
I like this series and am going to finish it out with book 3 The Way of the Guilty but there's something that I don't quite like. It might be the religious theme running through the books. I really enjoy the Amish books and series that I've read and those definitely have a religious theme to them. However, it feels more subtle to me.
In this 2nd book in the series, the Bible Study items were more heavily woven into the story. The dialogue of the characters seemed a little forced too. Stanley was trying too hard to make Jake seem funny and Savannah so serene. It felt contrived and didn't flow well.
I love Cooper and Nathan and Grammy. I really like Cooper's interactions with her family and her other coworkers. It just doesn't flow well when reading about the Bible Study group. This might be just me though.
In this 2nd book in the series, the Bible Study items were more heavily woven into the story. The dialogue of the characters seemed a little forced too. Stanley was trying too hard to make Jake seem funny and Savannah so serene. It felt contrived and didn't flow well.
I love Cooper and Nathan and Grammy. I really like Cooper's interactions with her family and her other coworkers. It just doesn't flow well when reading about the Bible Study group. This might be just me though.
September 13, 2016
This may not be for everyone. It does have religious overtones, but it is not preachy. The people are realistic for the most part. If you are a fundamental Christian, this book does not follow fundamental beliefs, so it is not for fundamentalists or for people who are easily offended by scripture. The middle of the road folks I think would enjoy this book and even be uplifted by the characters and the scriptures provided. It is entertainment & not meant to be a religious book so, if you can handle fiction and human failures in regard to life - then try it I think you will enjoy the book.
It's not a cliff-hanger or to die for reading, but it is a nice read that can help remind us all that doing for others is better than doing for ourselves.
It's not a cliff-hanger or to die for reading, but it is a nice read that can help remind us all that doing for others is better than doing for ourselves.
October 21, 2014
The Hope Street Church Bible Study group is volunteering to deliver food to the elderly. Cooper overhears a conversation valuable items are disappearing from the homes and couple of the seniors are found dead later. Cooper leads the group in a investigate of the volunteers. Nathan and Cooper Romance is important and their are several romance. This a light easy read with violence off the pages. W
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Beyond The Page Publishing through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Beyond The Page Publishing through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
April 27, 2015
I picked up this series because I LOVE Jennifer Stanley's current work, writing as Ellery Adams or Lucy Arlington (with Sylvia May.) I wanted to see how her style has evolved over the years. Perhaps it's not fair to compare, but I found the characterization and setting a little less developed and the plot details a bit less organized than those in the Books By the Bay or the Charmed Pie Shop series. The pacing, however, is breathtaking. Any cozy aficionado needs to read Stirring Up Strife, Path of the Wicked, and The Way of the Guilty.
September 20, 2016
Book 2 in this Christian cozy series was much better than the first. The storyline was quite interesting and timely. Elder abuse is something that is a terrible thing that some people choose to do. In this story, the Hope Street regulars work with the police to find the culprit and allow good work to continue. Cooper, her family, and her church family continue to appeal to me!
October 25, 2015
**SPOILER FREE**
Loved this book! First time reading anything by this author and I can guarantee it won't be the last! The entire story had a smooth flow and well written and lovable characters!
*Received for an honest review*
Loved this book! First time reading anything by this author and I can guarantee it won't be the last! The entire story had a smooth flow and well written and lovable characters!
*Received for an honest review*
September 23, 2010
Even better than the first!
May 8, 2011
Lived the premise but couldn't get out of the first chapter. The hunky copier coworker had a steely wet grip and overwhelming cologne? Eeew! Just couldn't get into it.
August 22, 2016
These books aren't too bad. Very Christian (it is based on a bible study group) and the characters are likeable and believable.
December 10, 2023
Not as unintentionally funny as the first one, but a good brainless audiobook to listen to while driving.
January 27, 2018
I listened to the first one I am going to guess at about two years ago and not sure why I didn't pick up the others as I had them. The author is one of my favorites and I have listened to a lot of her series. It was really easy to get right back into the group at the Hope Street Church and I enjoyed it.
Cooper is part of the Hope Street bible study and they have just volunteered to work for a local charity that gives out meals to those in need. Things are going really good till Cooper overhears that some things have been going missing from some of the homes and that there has been some recent deaths. She gets the group together to ask them what they think and if they think it could be one of their extra volunteers that they don't know that well. She hates to think that one of them might be a devil in disguise but she needs to know.
I really liked the characters in this series, Cooper is a really nice person but flawed. Nathan seems like a really nice guy and is her boyfriend. The others that she either works with or volunteers with all seem really cool.
It had a really good mystery and the author dupped me *shakes fist* cause it ended up being someone I just didn't think it would be and made me a bit sad as I liked that person...lol. I did start having my doubts but didn't want too.
I would have to say if I had a complaint it would be that I am not sure if I know of any bible studies that bring spiked drinks to a dinner party. At least that doesn't happen at my church. Other than that it's a real good cozy and I will not let so much time go in between this and the next one. :)
Cooper is part of the Hope Street bible study and they have just volunteered to work for a local charity that gives out meals to those in need. Things are going really good till Cooper overhears that some things have been going missing from some of the homes and that there has been some recent deaths. She gets the group together to ask them what they think and if they think it could be one of their extra volunteers that they don't know that well. She hates to think that one of them might be a devil in disguise but she needs to know.
I really liked the characters in this series, Cooper is a really nice person but flawed. Nathan seems like a really nice guy and is her boyfriend. The others that she either works with or volunteers with all seem really cool.
It had a really good mystery and the author dupped me *shakes fist* cause it ended up being someone I just didn't think it would be and made me a bit sad as I liked that person...lol. I did start having my doubts but didn't want too.
I would have to say if I had a complaint it would be that I am not sure if I know of any bible studies that bring spiked drinks to a dinner party. At least that doesn't happen at my church. Other than that it's a real good cozy and I will not let so much time go in between this and the next one. :)
September 25, 2023
BLURB : "Cooper Lee and her friends in the Hope Street Bible study group have just volunteered for a local charity, delivering much-needed food and cheer to shut-ins in their community. It seems like the perfect way for the group to do good, and to Cooper it offers the welcome opportunity to get out of the house and spend more time with her new boyfriend, Nathan. But when one of the charity's recipients is murdered, the police have no choice but to single out the church group and their fellow volunteers as the prime suspects. Determined to make sure no evil deed goes unpunished, Cooper and her friends decide to discreetly interrogate each volunteer in their search for the killer, even if it means putting themselves at risk in the process. And as serving the needy becomes more treacherous than any of them could have imagined, they just might discover that the road to murder is paved with good intentions."
The blurb will get you started without giving away too much of this delightful cozy mystery. I love how the characters support one another and band together to solve the mystery. Such a fun uplifting cozy that will not 'preach' at you.
The blurb will get you started without giving away too much of this delightful cozy mystery. I love how the characters support one another and band together to solve the mystery. Such a fun uplifting cozy that will not 'preach' at you.
September 9, 2022
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author. I’ve read the Book Retreat series, the Supper Club books, and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society books. When I saw the Hope Street Church name, I was eager to read one, but my library doesn’t carry them. Eventually, I found a way to borrow using Libby.
This book is overtly a Christian book. That really doesn’t bother me. I enjoy books that portray Christianity in a positive light unlike many current best sellers. The story line was captivating making the reader long to learn the answer to who was killing these people and aalso how in the world Cooper was going to handle Emilio. But I am a little concerned that the book won’t get the attention it deserves because it is overtly about a church adult Sunday School group.
I loved all the characters, but sometimes forgot that one character is legally blind due to the way she is portrayed in some scenes.
I somehow managed to read the second book in the series first, so am starting The path of the Crooked next.
This book is overtly a Christian book. That really doesn’t bother me. I enjoy books that portray Christianity in a positive light unlike many current best sellers. The story line was captivating making the reader long to learn the answer to who was killing these people and aalso how in the world Cooper was going to handle Emilio. But I am a little concerned that the book won’t get the attention it deserves because it is overtly about a church adult Sunday School group.
I loved all the characters, but sometimes forgot that one character is legally blind due to the way she is portrayed in some scenes.
I somehow managed to read the second book in the series first, so am starting The path of the Crooked next.
March 21, 2023
The Bible Study Group is helping out with Door to Door, a group delivering meals to the elderly. When one of the elderly is found murdered, Cooper and her new friends feel they must investigate. Cooper is beginning to think of Nathan as a boyfriend, although a new man at work is trying to get her interest. Soon, another person is murdered, and someone is poisoning the clients of Door to Door and the organzation is worried about its fund raising.
Cooper had delivered to the dead man, and knew that he had a son in prison. She visits the son and finds out a little more. Then she and Nathan go to the man's house to try to find a diary, and Cooper finds it. However, the police are not overly happy, and someone has warned her off with a painted message on her truck.
As Cooper finally finds a clue to the killer, he is on his way to find her!
Cooper had delivered to the dead man, and knew that he had a son in prison. She visits the son and finds out a little more. Then she and Nathan go to the man's house to try to find a diary, and Cooper finds it. However, the police are not overly happy, and someone has warned her off with a painted message on her truck.
As Cooper finally finds a clue to the killer, he is on his way to find her!
February 22, 2017
The Way of the Wicked, the second book in the Hope Street Church Mystery series by Ellery Adams, a fully revised version of the book written under the non de plume Jennifer Stanley, follows the life of Cooper Lee with the Bible study group that has made such a difference in her life as the members volunteer at Door to Door, a charity that provides food and assistance for senior citizens. They soon discover that someone has been stealing from Door to Door clients for several months, and then people start finding some of the clients sitting up in their chairs dead.
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
July 23, 2022
With a church setting, some people might be confused and think that this is a Christian book. While there were mentions of faith and church going, and the main character and friends are in the same Bible study, I felt like that aspect was more superficial, and would not include this in the category of Christian fiction.
I did enjoy the mystery, the setting, and the characters. Will definitely continue the series.
I did enjoy the mystery, the setting, and the characters. Will definitely continue the series.
April 19, 2021
4.5 stars This was a good storyline of mystery and suspense. Cooper is a sweet thoughtful hard working young woman that finds herself in the midst of an ugly situation. While she and her Bible study group are trying to give back to the care of others, she figures out that the patrons their are to help have become victims of crimes.
July 5, 2022
There are evil people and then there are EVIL people - the bad person in this story is truly EVIL!
I enjoy the cast of characters in this series and their friendship and love and support for each other including Cooper and her family. This is the kind of family and friends that are desired by everyone! Cooper has to hurry and find the perp or another person will die.
I enjoy the cast of characters in this series and their friendship and love and support for each other including Cooper and her family. This is the kind of family and friends that are desired by everyone! Cooper has to hurry and find the perp or another person will die.
December 23, 2023
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, but I think it was due to the narration. (I could only find the book in audio format.) I don't like the narrator's voices and accents. The storyline was pretty good--a serial killer of elderly people is pretty dark for a cozy mystery. SPOILER...
I also liked the surprise twist of Warren's granny not really being his granny. He was truly crazy!
I also liked the surprise twist of Warren's granny not really being his granny. He was truly crazy!
January 8, 2024
I enjoyed the uplifting cozy mystery. The novel explores themes of redemption, community, and the power of faith in facing life's challenges. It also delves into personal struggles, forgiveness, and the importance of friendship and support networks. Adams handles these themes with sensitivity and warmth, making the story resonate with readers on a personal level.
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, but I admit that it was a slow start for me. However, after this second installment of it I am really enjoying it a great deal. The author created a plot/character with a bit of 'grit', which surprised me. A worthy read.
June 7, 2021
A lot of people seem to like this series. The first book was OK, this one, not so much. I think its trying to do too many things, it wants to be a Christian book, it wants to be a romance, it might want to be a mystery but its not succeeding well at any of them.
April 19, 2023
The second book in the series was even better than the first.
The author has a way of drawing the reader into the story, with her descriptive language. The reader is able to smell the smells, hear the noises, etc. and make them feel they are part of the story.
The author has a way of drawing the reader into the story, with her descriptive language. The reader is able to smell the smells, hear the noises, etc. and make them feel they are part of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews