Praise for Carol E. Ayer

Rejection is Murder:

The investigation unfolds through present-day interviews and carefully placed flashbacks that steadily reshape assumptions about the murder…Ayer writes with warmth, wit, and an instinct for keeping difficult emotions approachable…[The author] adds a few clever twists to the detective mystery framework. Cat’s career as a mystery novelist creates an intriguing connection between fiction and memory, especially as details buried in her own books point her toward the truth behind Charlie’s murder. – BookLife Prize Critic’s Report (overall score of 8).

The HSP Mysteries:

“There’s something wonderful about getting to know multiple characters as well as I did, especially when their personality quirks began to affect the folks around them in all sorts of unexpected ways…Peppermint Cream Die was a satisfying read.” – Long and Short Reviews

“Delicious twists and turns of plot make Stabbed in the Tart a delectable choice for mystery connoisseurs!” – Midwest Book Review

The Mother-Daughter Realty Team Mysteries:

“The characters are well-developed and likable, and their methodical way of investigating the murder leads to a surprise perpetrator in the end. This is a solid cozy mystery, with minimal violence and high entertainment value…The prose is easy to read, the story engaging, and the author’s style allows for humor to be injected into the narrative without sacrificing the mystery aspects.” -The BookLife Prize Critic’s Report for Mortgage and Mayhem

A Goulden Christmas:

“A Goulden Christmas is a delightful holiday read that blends magic, romance, and introspection into a beautifully crafted story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy uplifting tales about second chances and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether you’re a fan of holiday stories, romance, or heartfelt fiction, this book is a must-read.” – Literary Titan (5 stars)

Imprinted (under the pen name Elizabeth Charles):

“Imprinted…is a riveting psychological thriller that delves into the intricate connection between mental illness and a dysfunctional family upbringing…Elizabeth Charles has gifted readers a well-written novel with formidable characters and a gripping, unpredictable storyline.” – Literary Titan (5 stars)

“Charles’s prose is precise and descriptive, often telling us all we need to know about a character with just a few words…Imprinted is told from several POVs and time periods, a useful technique that adds to the tension…The resolution…is suspenseful and, ultimately, satisfying.” – BookLife Prize Critic’s Report (8.5 total score)

“Imprinted by Elizabeth Charles is a psychological thriller that refuses to let you read it at a safe distance. It gets under your skin, sometimes in ways you expect, sometimes in ways you don’t….the way Charles captured the intrusive thoughts, the looping mental patterns, and the profound effect it has on daily life was startlingly real. That kind of accuracy is rare in fiction…” – Reader Views (5 stars)