A Bucket of Ashes
4 Stars

Nell Sweeney's amateur sleuthing comes to a satisfying, if rather short, end as this final installment in the series is actually a novella.

While Nell does become involved in a case, the investigation takes a back seat to the developments and ultimate resolution of her complex relationship with Will Hewitt. Suffice it to say that everything is wrapped up neatly and fans of their romance will not be disappointed.

The minor mystery revolves around the discovery of a dead body in a burned-out barn, which soon turns out to be that of Nell's long-lost brother, Jamie. Nell sets out to learn the truth surrounding the crime of which he was accused and may have contributed to his death.

In sum, the Nell Sweeney series is a wonderful cozy style historical mystery with a touch of action and lovely romance. Highly recommended. ( )

I really liked this series, one of the best I've read. ( )

The series wrap up is pretty much that - a wrap up. I was somewhat disappointed with the mystery aspect - it started out well, with Nell finding out about the death of her brother, and that it seems to have happened in shady circumstances. But then as the plot unfolds it seems to become less and less engaging - not a whole lot of intrigue or mystery, just finding out who actually did commit the deed (it was the person they thought it was all along, big surprise) about halfway through, and then just wrapping up what really did happen to Jamie, her brother.

Again, the focus of this book was the romance between Will and Nell - more specifically, wrapping up the romance between Will and Nell. Don't get me wrong, the conclusion of their story is extremely satisfying and romantic, and I loved their scenes together! I loved the complications that were added by the entrance of Nell's former boss and lover, Cyril Greaves. I enjoyed that Will worked so hard to be the kind of man he felt was worthy of Nell, and I was glad Nell finally realized that she deserved to be rid of Duncan. Overall an enjoyable and gratifying read, but more of a romance than a mystery. ( )

Okay, I cried quite a few times in this book. I can't believe this is the last of the series. I'll so miss these characters. A great ending to a very enjoyable series. ( )

3 1/2 stars. The sixth (and sadly last) in the Nell Sweeney series by PB Ryan, A Bucket of Ashes, was not quite as good as the others - it was a bit too rushed at the end. ( )