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I Saw What I Saw: A Harmony Neighborhood Mystery - Book 1

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220 pages, Hardcover

Published November 22, 2021

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
880 reviews61 followers
March 5, 2022
Sheila is inquisitive, thorough and curious. So when an unfortunate event happens right under her nose in the peaceful town of Harmony, you bet she’s going to get to the bottom of it. With her crime reporting history, a group of handy friends and her sharp instincts, Sheila is on the case. But when the case begins to turn into a complex maze, uncertainty sets in and the crime is turning into a situation where the more you look, the less you see. Sheila realizes she needs all her tricks, and that of her team, to stay on top of their leads and find answers.

I saw what I saw by Tony Garritano is a riveting mystery story following an enthusiastic former crime reporter, Sheila, who witnesses a murder. This novel can be categorized as a cozy mystery I suppose, but only because the protagonist is so likable and the atmosphere is not as severe as you would expect from a gritty crime drama. The mystery is still relentlessly intriguing and the story is suspenseful because of it.

With the protagonists history in the field of uncovering truths, she is burdened with the sense of duty to uncover the truth behind the murder. This dogged determination is endearing and makes for very engaging reading as the pieces come together. But for a case that has been swept under the carpet, Sheila has to take the case on herself – not without the help of her trusted deli patrons, cul de sac neighbours, her best friend and mother. This motley collection of characters, once again, serves to lighten the story and provides some interesting people to get to know.

Author Tony Garritano made what could have been a gruesome and triggering story into a light-hearted, brief and jovial one. Never have I been so chipper while reading about a murder. His simple way of describing the day to day activities, scenes, characters, and experiences lures you into a story that seems simple up front, but as the mystery continues to grow the easy storytelling ensures readers are never more than a step behind.

I saw what I saw is a thrilling murder mystery that thrives on the back of its captivating protagonist and the fascinating riddle at the center of the story. Fans of young adult crime fiction stories will find this story interesting to follow as every step and every turn connects to the next unfolding event.
Profile Image for Laura.
113 reviews28 followers
March 23, 2022
I came across “I saw what I saw”, while I was searching for something to read during my leisure time. I found the story pretty interesting and thought of giving it a try. 
The story revolves around a crime in a small town., Sheila Sammartino - a crime reporter witnesses the murder with her own eyes and decides to pursue the case, when the police ignore her story.
Tony has done an excellent job hooking the reader from the first line and that continues to the end while amplifying the curiosity. The story is narrated in the first person and flows at its own pace. It’s written in simple, plain language, and the flow of the story makes it so effortless to read. Tony has used lots of sensation words, and that immerse the reader, allowing the reader to “feel” the story. I love the way he builds the tension, subtly and smoothly, but intensifies with the progress of the story. It was not a boring and serious crime story, thanks to Tony’s excellent use of humor, is a perfect mix of comedy and mystery.
Once done, I felt like I watched a good Netflix, and It gave me a warm cozy feeling which I love. Out of curiosity I read Tony’s Amazon author page and found him to be a winner of four outstanding book awards which is no wonder.
I’m eagerly waiting for the Book 2 of this series, and I hope it will be released soon. Great book and highly recommended!
174 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and the main character, Sheila. She has a wonderful sense of humor and her self-talk is hilarious (as well as motivational)! I personally believe that if I couldn't talk to myself, I would never get anything done. This is also true for Sheila. Her self-talk and thinking helps her put the clues together to not only solve the case, but it also helps her with her career and relationships. When Reggie entered the story, I kept wondering just what role he had in the murders. I thought it was kind of convenient for a new man to show-up - especially one that was so interested in helping her solve the murder(s). The book is a stand-out for me in its readability. The storyline flowed from one area/idea to the next which meant that I didn't have to reread parts because I thought I had missed something or when I had to put the book down for awhile. I also thought the cover design was clever. Quite "eye-catching." I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Judy R.
274 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this first book by this author. This was a fast paced reading as we follow the exploits that Sheila and her friends get themselves into while investigating. I found some of the circumstances the group got themselves into quite humorous. The characters each have their own quirky personalities such as the main character appearing to hear her cat talking back to her. I did come across a few incorrect statements or additional words that did not make sense.

Sheila happens upon some officers beating on a man. Once she reports it, the police who arrive find the man dead. The main detective does not agree with this being a murder so she along with her feels she needs to investigate this murder not mugging as the police believe with her friends. It is interesting that she has a friend at the police department who does help her and provide her information knowing she is only a crime reporter not officer.

I received a free copy of this book to give a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,134 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2022
I Saw What I Saw is Book 1 in A Harmony Neighborhood Mystery by Tony Garritano. This cozy mystery was interesting from page 1 until the last word. I really liked that the heroin of the story, Sheila, is not altogether. She is uncomfortable around men and a little bit single minded. When Sheila saw two police officers beating a man in the ally, she goes for help. Sheila and friends set out to solve murder. I felt that Tony Garritano wrote characters that I liked, the pace was good and I can't wait for book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Deborah.
328 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2022
Not every book is every reader's cup of tea. This cozy mystery was not my cup of tea. The story was cute, but I was ready for it to be over 60% through the book and I didn't have any idea who was the murderer. I found the style of writing choppy and I never warmed up to the characters who just talked too much for my taste.

That said, if you like folksy cozy mysteries, you may enjoy this one. The murderer was someone to whom I just didn't pay enough attention.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alisa Hunninghem.
22 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
Page turner mystery

This story captured my attention from the first pages, and multiple twists kept me guessing until the end. I loved the light mood of the story - everything is happening in the quiet neighborhood, and the characters are very close to each other. Sheila, a protagonist, has a good sense of humor as well as her friends, and it made the reading very smooth. Some murder scenes were described in too bright colors, though, and there were important themes that the author could develop more.
Overall, it was a great read and I recommend it to mystery lovers!
Profile Image for Loretta Miles Tollefson.
Author 19 books27 followers
January 16, 2022
I never thought I'd give a five star rating to a book that switches tenses in the middle of paragraphs. Yet the tense-switching in this novel is so integral to the narrator's quirky character, I merely chuckled and continued to read. To read rather obsessively, in fact. I received a free copy of this book and am looking forward to purchasing other Harmony mysteries. This is a fun novel with a cast of wonderful characters and a sparkling voice.
878 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2022
Unfortunately this book is not for me. I surprised myself by not giving up.

The story itself was OK but the constant doubling up on comments and explanations were really annoying. I guess they were meant to add humour to the story but for me, it just put me off. I also am used to not liking characters, whether intentionally done or not, but I just didn't like Reggie at all.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,295 reviews16 followers
February 16, 2022
This is a new-to-me author. I liked the storyline, the friends, and the mom.

I didn’t like the way that law enforcement bent the rules regarding suspects and reports for Sheila, who is not in law enforcement, and some of the things she and her friends got away with. I won’t go into details and leave any spoilers. There was also quite a bit of repetition in certain things.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
11 reviews
January 23, 2022
Good book that kept moving and kept interest






I received a free copy of this book to give a fair and honest review




26 reviews
January 27, 2022
The book was good and kept my interest,



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,598 reviews14 followers
February 2, 2022
Sheila witness' a murder but the police don't believe her. So together with her best friend and the hunky new neighbor so decides to solve it herself. Enjoyable read with great characters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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