Mads and Waynoka are traveling East from California to New York in search of water and food. During their journey they stop in Nevada and stumble into the dark history of the area. I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed how it told two stories simultaneously tying the current time to the past. I kept envisioning the movie The Descent as I listened.

Thank you Arundel Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for allowing me to read and review Death from Beyond Bartenders Guide to Murder 4 on NetGalley.

Narrator: Abbie Pfaff (Did a good job.)

Stars: 2.5

This is a miss for me. My first read in the four book series; this was a nonissue as far as the mystery went. I question the genre classification; it reads at best like young adult. I don't feel General Fiction (Adult) -- Mystery & Thrillers -- Women's Fiction.

The main character, Avalon, was likable and relatable. I found her to be smart. However, the character wasn't strong enough to carry the book. The other characters were just there. Did the author have a checklist of must includes?

1. Foul language.
2. Transgender.
3. Nonbinary (?)
4. Black and white dating reputation bases.
5. Male to female.
6. KKK-like violence.

All the above was too much, not in the synopsis, and not explained. The reader is expected to freely know and keep the story going.

I had the audiobook and at the end of every chapter there is a recipe read. In the beginning UT was annoying, and midway it was in poor taste (funeral). This was a 7 hour book and felt like it would never end.

While I liked this book, I didn't love it.

It was the fourth book in a series, I hadn't read the earlier ones - which may have been part of the issue for me. I listened to the audio book and while I liked the concept of a cocktail at the end of a chapter, it really didn't work too well while listening to it. Potentially reading it would have been better. An easy listen.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC copy of this book.

When I received the ARC for Death From Beyond, I realised that it was the latest instalment of The Bartender’s Guide To Murder series; therefore to really appreciate this book, I read the first three in the series to make sure I was up to date on all plot lines.

The series follows Avalon Nash, a skilled bartender who seems to always be near a murder in the quiet town she stumbled into while waiting to change trains during an escape from her LA life.

Throughout the series, it is nice to see the relationships she builds with locals from her new town, particularly with the local pastor and detective.

There are a little supernatural elements to some of the narrative but the crimes are always solved with good old fashioned detective work.

Each book gives you a little bit more of the secrets from Avalon’s past, but I am still eager for the final reveal.

A cute extra are the themed cocktail recipes the accompany each of the chapters.

I thoroughly enjoyed the series and cannot wait for more of Avalon’s story.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I had a lot of trouble staying focused on the story and found myself zoning out. I had not read/listened to the first three, so unsure if that's why this one fell flat for me.

Thank you Arundel Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook copy.

Death from Beyond by Sharon Linnéa and Narrated by Abbie Pfaff is the forth book in the Bartenders Guide to Murder series and the first book I have read or listened to, so I didn't know what to expect. However, I found it hard to get into, it may of been that I have not read the three other books within this series. Sadly it did not grip me enough to go back and read the other books. It did not have the sparkle or me to want to read and catch on the series, like other series of books have done in the past.

The narrator Abbie Pfaff was good.......

Bog thank you to Netgalley for my ARC Audiobook for an honest review.

This is the first book of this series I have read, or listened to in this case. It was a stand-alone mystery but perhaps it would help to read the first 3 books to learn the backstory of the characters. Avalon Nash is a great character. She is a bartender in Tranquility, NY, and she is perfect for the job. She meets a new customer who is in town for a reunion, and she lets her leave her suitcase at the bar when she walks home. Avalon is concerned when the suitcase is still there and tries to take it to her but the people at the house say they have no daughter. Then, since it is Halloween, Avalon and her friends go to an old mansion where they uncover evidence of old murders. These two storylines twist around to a connection. The mystery was a good one. The book has a creepy old mansion, a character who sees ghosts, a missing woman, and an evil cop. It has recipes for themed cocktails at the end of each chapter. It deals with several tough issues including family rejection, racism, and gender discrimination. I received a copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. I enjoyed it enough that I want to read the first 3 books in the series.

I didn't read books 1-3 to get ready for this ARC and I wish that I had! I want the backstory!! So now I am off to find those books and read them! This was a wild ride and I didn't see some of those twists coming! I do appreciate the author putting the history and racial context into the story, even if it engages me! Fuck the KKK & Proud Boys. This was my 1st book by Sharon Linnea but not my last!

#DeathfromBeyond
#NetGalley

Death From Beyond was honestly a bit of a disappointment. I listened to the audiobook version and I have to admit there were times when I had to rewind as I found myself drifting off as I had difficulty engaging with the story line. I don't think it's the narrator's fault as I just feel there wasn't enough material for the story itself to be engaging.

First of all, the actual story definitely does not live up to the premise of the story as there was an implied paranormal element that was supposed to be included. Unfortunately, there was a definite lack of ghosts in this book and while I normally would not have minded, it bothers me when something is touted in such a fashion, and then ... nothing.

The plot itself actually had a lot of promise and I would have liked it a lot better if the reader was allowed to think and conjecture without being led along by the nose. The book pretty much tells you the story rather than show you what's happening, trying to lead you down a certain path, rather than letting the reader figure things out as they go. Considering there were some sensitive topics in this story, this is definitely not the way to approach this as it becomes more suggestive of being preachy rather than showing the problematic nature of the issues and allowing the reader to decide for themselves wherein the problems lie. Personally, I have an issue when I am led by the nose, especially when subjects such as sexuality, abuse, and bullying are being presented, even if I agree with the side of the author. That's not the point, the point is to be able to think clearly about the issues on my own and make up my own mind. Furthermore, the mystery itself was fairly predictable with few twists and turns so it was fairly easy to figure out what was happening and who was involved.

I didn't read the previous books in the series, but I don't think it really mattered. While I would have perhaps understood the relationships between the main characters a bit better, I didn't actually find them to be that distinct from each other in this book as they all seemed one-dimensional in nature. I just didn't care for any of them as a result, and had a difficult time connecting with their issues and feeling any empathy for their situations. And while I like the recipes included in the book, I also found them distracting as they were intrusive and did not seem to fit the narrative.

Death From Beyond suffered from a lack of character and plot development and I had a difficult time getting through this book. This was touted as a ghost story, but ghost stories tend to actually have ghosts in them, and this...didn't. At this point, I have no desire to read the first three books in this series. It's too bad as the there was a lot to like in the premise.

Avalon is a bartender and a bit of a sleuth. When the new guest, who is in town for the high school reunion, goes missing. She knows she must pull out all stops to find out what happened. But she soon uncovers evidence of the mysterious murders that have haunted her town for years.

I enjoyed all the cocktail recipes in this novel. Quite a few I would love to try!

But, this book is a bit disjointed in places. There are times that Avalon does not quite react the way you expect. One minute she is tough and the next she is a bit of a wuss. This is a good read for the fall though. I loved the ghost aspect and the mysterious murders in the abandoned lodge.

This story is narrated by Abbie Pfaff. She really kept the story moving for me.

Need a good October mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I picked this audiobook up, so I could have something to listen to while working out, cleaning, etc. I was also looking for something spooky given the time of year. I thought it sounded pretty decent, but wasn't aware it was a series. It caught my attention pretty quickly from the start, but then I fell off and found it difficult to follow at times. However, I would still give it a 3.5 rating.

The parts of the book that did catch my attention were well-developed and clear in intent. I also thought that the incorporation of cocktail recipes was a unique and noteworthy detail to call out. I think I would have enjoyed this book a bit more if I would have known it was a series, and maybe a better narrator. There was just something about her that I couldn't get into unfortunately.

All in all, for a random pickup this was an okay book, but it didn't really meet my expectations like I had hoped. I also didn't find it to be spooky in the slightest. I don't like not enjoying an author, so I'm not going to forget about Linnea entirely as I would like to check out another one of her works to craft my full opinion.

Rating: 3.5 stars
Spook level: 2/10
Mystery level: 6/10

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I am sorry but this is a DNF. As a reader I try my best to finish books but I just could not get into this book. Even though it is the 4th book in the series (not having read the previous ones) the blurb sounded interesting enough for me to give the audiobook a listen. I reached upto 41% of the book before I decided the book is not keeping me interested. The narration too is pretty dull. The narrator's voice is nice and soothing but a wrong choice for this book.

I received an ALC of the book from the publisher Arundel Publishing and the author.

I enjoyed this Audio book I like the character's and Avalon comes across well as getting drawn into mysteries and there are a few twists and turns which I enjoy in a book
This is book 4 in the series but I listened to it as a stand alone and it was fine
My only complaint was the fact there is also 30 cocktail recipes included but while a nice touch for a book you are going to read and maybe keep but unless you want to sit and write them down this touch does not help the Audio book as they interrupt the storyline
Still looks like a good series though

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sharon Linnea for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC Audiobook for Death From Beyond coming out September 9, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When bartender Avalon Nash dares enter the remains of Tranquility's infamous haunted lodge, she unleashes deadly secrets waiting to come back to life.
It's Halloween and Avalon is on the outs with her boyfriend, her cop friend and her best friend.
When she ventures into the ruins of an old lodge above the town, she uncovers evidence of murders that have haunted the locals for decades.
Then a new friend, in town for a high school reunion, vanishes and she must battle the deadly danger that continues to stalk Tranquility to this day.
Some things are called spooky for a reason. And sometimes, those who are alive are most frightening of all.

I enjoyed listening to the first half of this book. Things started to get more confusing in the second half and I didn’t enjoy it. There were a lot of recipes which would be great if this was in book form, but it’s not as fun to listen to drink recipes. I also feel like it was really lacking ghosts and spooky Halloween vibes, which is what I thought it was about based on the summary. I don’t think it was for me.

Death from Beyond, by Sharon Linne'a, is part of the The Bartender's Guide to Murder suspense series. It's an entertaining, yet nerve-racking, fast paced mystery with a whole lot of heart. It even has yummy cocktail and mocktail recipes at the end of each chapter.
Abbie Pfaff does an excellent job with the narration and makes this book that much more enjoyable.
This whodunit is perfect for those who like energetic characters, mysteries inside of mysteries and learning new drink recipes.

Set at Halloween, this novel tells the story of a female bartender who becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a patron at her bar. It is the fourth in a series, though the first one that I've gotten to read/listen to. Enough references were made to the main character's past to get me through the book without wishing I'd read the previous ones. I found the cocktail recipes to be a rather interesting addition.

The main plot was rather simplistic, but several subplots add depth to the book. One can include racism, sexual identity issues, and evangelism among the topics covered. And, given the Halloween setting, there is a ghost and an abandoned inn. Overall, it was interesting and thought-provoking, but not necessarily outstanding.

Thank you NetGalley and Arundel Publishing for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Death from beyond is the fourth book in the Avalon Nash mystery serie and for this serie, even though you can completely read it as a standalone book, I do think I would have benefited from reading the previous ones.

It's Halloween and Avalon is with her boyfriend, her cop friend and her best friend.
When she walks into the ruins of an old lodge above the town, she uncovers evidence of murders that have haunted the locals for decades.
Then a new friend, in town for a high school reunion, vanishes and she gets involved more and more in trying to understand what happened, while danger is around.
I listened through Netgalley to this story and I loved the voices. They were perfect for the story. Abbie Pfaff did a great job.
Avalon is a really interesting, strong character and the ones around her just added the needed extras to the story, in a perfectly natural way.
I enjoyed listening to the story, but as I said at the beginning not having read the previous stories, I feel I missed something.

This mystery kicks off by immersing the reader in the daily life and relationships of Avalon Nash, a bartender who is relatively new to town. When she briefly encounters an out-of-towner with local connections, she doesn’t realize there is more to the story of their return and that Avalon will become part of that story when the new acquaintance disappears. Meanwhile, Avalon is invited to join a group of young friends as they explore an infamous haunt that is allegedly, well, haunted. Did I mention that a profusion of cocktail recipes are lavished upon the reader throughout the book? Had I tested them out as readily as they were supplied, I would not have finished this page turner nearly so quickly. However, I found the mixology addition a charming and creative bonus to the book and kept thinking that it was a fun component for book clubs to capitalize on– rehashing chapters over (the prescribed) drinks.
The story contains a lot… a large cast of characters and several themes which ultimately pointed to the writer’s intentions to be relevant and inclusive of the many. I appreciate the effort to create a complex work of fiction that readers of varied demographics can connect to, and yet I felt we could have better related to the concepts and identities explored in the writing if the editing would have perhaps saved some of the ideas for another Avalon Nash book altogether. That said, the story supplied unpredictability and enough pay offs that I can recommend the novel to sleuths, mixologists, and beach-read bookworms alike.
My appreciation to NetGalley and Arundel Publisher Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to enjoy this tale!
#DeathfromBeyond #NetGalley

Death from Beyond by Sharon Linnéa, an audiobook narrated by Abbie Pfaff is the fourth book in the Bartenders Guide to Murder series.
I would advise a trigger warning - at the end of each chapter, there is a recipe for an alcoholic cocktail and it would be challenging for people who start or are in recovery.
I feel truly sad to give just 2 stars but unfortunately, I can't give more as I struggle to connect with the story and characters. I love audiobooks, it is my favorite format but it didn't help in this case. I kept drifting away! Kept losing focus. It is possible that Abbie Pfaff wasn't the correct narrator for this book as she didn't manage to bring this book to life. Or probably just that storyline was too weak. I found myself wishing it would soon be over.
It is possible I felt this way due to not reading others in the series, or it was the book itself. Unfortunitelly I'm not interested in reading the previous books to understand this.
At the same time, I don't want to stop others from reading it! There is a saying that not everything is for everyone! Even so, if I didn't connect with the book doesn't mean you will feel the same! This could be your next best book! I am always advising you to make up your own mind!
Thank you, NetGalley and Arundel Publishing for an advance copy of this audiobook.

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this book in exchange for my review.

This is part of a longer series, which I have not read before, and I'm unfamiliar with the author. I was excited to be granted an ARC of this title, based on the summary given for the book. Sadly, I did not enjoy this one. I'm not sure if it was due to not reading others in the series, or it if was the book itself, but I'm not interested in reading the previous book, and I cannot think of anyone I would recommend this title to.

2 stars for 'it was ok'.