A Real Basket Case is a mystery novel written by Beth Groundwater. The book, published by Five Star Publishing, was initially released on March 21, 2007.[1] It was later re-published in large print in January 2008.[2] The novel follows the story of protagonist Claire Hanover who sets out to discover the identity of her husband's killer.

A Real Basket Case
AuthorBeth Groundwater
LanguageEnglish
GenreMystery
PublisherFive Star Publishing
Publication date
March 21, 2007

It was nominated for the Best First Novel Agatha Award in 2007.[3] The sequel, To Hell in a Handbasket was scheduled to be published in 2009.[needs update][4]

Awards and recognition

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Beth Groundwater won the Princess of Rejection Prize from the Sisters in Crime Guppies Chapter for receiving the second most rejections for her writings by the winter of 2005.[5] However, in 2007, A Real Basket Case was nominated for the Best First Novel Agatha Award.[3][4]

Reception

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The novel received favorable reviews in several major newspapers. Barbara Bibel from Booklist review commented that, "This will appeal to Desperate Housewives fans and those who like cozies with a bit of spice."[6] Kirkus Reviews called A Real Basket Case "A tense, exciting debut."[1]

Author J.B. Thompson praised the novel, saying "Groundwater’s well-crafted characters comprise a nicely balanced cast, and she does a good job incorporating a blend of humor and relationship drama into a deftly twisted plot with the kind of surprise ending guaranteed to satisfy. Quick-paced and well written with clear and comfortable prose, A Real Basket Case is a perfect afternoon read for cozy fans," though he also criticized the main character Claire as fallible.[7]

Sequels

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Following the acclaim received for her first novel, Groundwater went on to write two sequel murder mysteries following the same protagonist Clare Hanover. To Hell In a Handbasket was published in 2012, and A Basket of Trouble was published in 2013. Both published by Midnight Ink, a subsidiary of First Printing.

References

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  1. ^ a b "A Real Basket Case". AuthorsDen, Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-06-08. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  2. ^ "A Real Basket Case (Large Print) (Wheeler Softcover)". Powells.com. 1994–2008. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  3. ^ a b "Beth Groundwater on tour for book 'A Real Basket Case (Five Star Mystery) (Five Star Mystery Series)'". Zvents. October 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
  4. ^ a b "beth groundwater". ColoradoSprings.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
  5. ^ "Resume". Beth Groundwater. July 12, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  6. ^ Bibel, Barbara (February 1, 2007). "Books". Booklist Review. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
  7. ^ Thompson, J.B. (2007). "A REAL BASKET CASE". Spinetingler Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2008-10-19.