Review - The Mystic and the Missing Girl

 Vikki Vansickle has worked as a bookseller, children's book author, and publishing professional with Penguin Random House Canada. Currently, she lives and writes in Toronto and hosts a book segment on a national morning show.

"Small town secrets, a reluctant psychic, and a cold case that could expose them all."

Author: Vikki Vansickle

Copyright: Sept 2026 (Minotaur Books) 336 pgs

Series: 1st in Drew Benson Psychic Mysteries

Sensuality: Some swearing sprinkled throughout, mild seduction

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Mystical touches

Main Character: Drew Benson, psychic and owner of "Good Vibrations"

Setting: Modern day, lakeside hometown of Stanfield (In Canada I'm guessing)

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review/NetGalley

Book Blurb: "Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects—she just never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case.

Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.

But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain—finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging—could change everything."

My Thoughts:

Drew Benson was a touch of a wild child in small town viewpoints. Returning to the small town after the death of her  famous psychic aunt it was inevitable to cross paths with many from her checkered past. 

Hannah Mystic has crossed over but seemed close as the twenty year anniversary of the case she couldn't solve brings a reporter doing an article about the missing girl and the psychic involved. 

Gigi is Drew's "ride or die" best friend since childhood and is the sort of friend we all wish we had. Drew is happy to be in the same town with Gigi, but not her old disastrous and wealthy boyfriend Foster Banks. Drew struggles with seeing him again.  Then there is the reporter digging up the past, Nick Campbell, a former classmate who spurs Drew to go through her aunt's old notebooks about the case, drawing her into the investigation.  I can't leave out the shop-cat, Willow, as she would never forgive me.

The setting is unobtrusive for the most part, like a watercolor background providing some soft color but not very memorable of itself. The basic plot of a TV psychic providing clues of "lake, saint, gardenia" for the missing girl's location and twenty years later the town is still bitter and blames said psychic for the girl never being found as the reporter digs up the past is a great setup. It provides tension in the town (which is the memorable setting) towards Drew and her shop along with a difficult cold case mystery. 

The pacing is well constructed to keep reader interest and I had a hard time not reading all night and day. 

The reveal had a final twist that also was logical and probable. Hannah's psychic clues finally all fell into place. The scene was slightly tense, mild for me but also more likely.

The wrap-up was particularly well done and I loved it. Overall I would say this debut is stellar on all points, there isn't anything I would change and no parts I would do differently. Well done and dare I say... fun.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

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Review - Scandal in Mayfair

I enjoy this series so much and look forward to each new release.  Let's see how the fifth in the series measures up.  Check out the previous reviews of this series I've done:

1) A Body in the Garden (click here) 

2) Silence in the Library (click here)   

3) Death at the Manor (click here) 

4) Murder at Midnight (click here)  

Release date is August 20, 2024

Author: Katharine Schellman

Copyright: Aug 2024 (Crooked Lane Books) 320 pgs

Series: 5th in Lily Adler Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Historical, historical amateur sleuth

Main Character: Lily Adler, young widow who helps society members discretly deal with problems

Setting: 1815 Regency London, England

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 

Book Blurb:  "London, 1817. The London Season is beginning once more, and Lily Adler’s return to her home on Half Moon Street feels different this year. No longer a recent widow, she has a life and friends waiting for her. Lily also has new responsibilities in the form of her protégée Amelia, the sister of her longtime friend Jack Hartley, who is escaping her own brush with scandal and murder.

It doesn’t take long for Lily’s growing reputation as a lady of quality who can discreetly find what is missing or solve what is puzzling to bring a desperate young woman to her doorstep. But helping her means unraveling a tangled web of family secrets. Soon, a missing will, a dead body and the threat of blackmail leave Lily facing danger every way she turns. 

The glittering society of Mayfair conceals many secrets, and the back alleys of London hide even more. Lily Adler will need to find the connection between them quickly if she wants to stop a killer before it’s too late."

MY Thoughts:

Lily Adler is a delightfully intelligent, witty, and independent young widow taking her life into her own hands. In this addition to the series, she faces a blackmail and  a most challenging case.  Captain John (Jack) Hartley was her late husband's best friend which has been a barrier to them becoming closer.  But in this outing, that situation may change.  The Captain's younger sister, Amelia is staying at Lily's for her aid in being presented during the "season".  Miss Ofelia Oswald of West Indies is the witty side kick again.  The Bow Street Runner, Mr. Page and his family get more attention in this book, which I enjoyed getting more time with him.

The pacing was spot on as I hated putting the book down. The slow-burn between Captain Hartley and Lily gets a little more heated (yeah!), adding to the overall pleasure of this story.  The killer reveal was exceptionally well done and satisfying. A quite unexpected killer. 

A stellar addition to the series with a fine mystery, hints of romance, and delightful characters.  Thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - A Botanists Guide to Society and Secrets

 I love that Ms. Khavari was a teacher once upon a time and as a child she spent a lot of time memorizing Sherlock Holmes’s and Poirot’s greatest quips.

This series has become an automatic read for me.  Here is the third in this riveting historical cozy.

1)  A Botanist's Guide to Parties And Poisons (click here) 

2)  A Botanist's Guide to Flowers And Fatality (click here) 

Author: Kate Khavari

Copyright: June 2024 (Crooked Lane Book) 332 pgs

Series: 3rd in Saffron Everleigh Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth, Historical Cozy

Main Character: Saffron Everleigh, a brilliant botanist 

Setting: 1923, London England

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 Book Blurb:  "Returning from Paris, botanical researcher Saffron Everleigh finds that her former love interest Alexander Ashton’s brother, Adrian, is being investigated for murder. A Russian scientist working for the English government has been poisoned, and expired in Adrian’s train compartment. Alexander asks Saffron to put in a good word for Adrian with Inspector Green. Despite her unresolved feelings for Alexander, Saffron begins to unravel mysteries surrounding the dead scientist.

As if a murder case weren’t enough, her best friend Elizabeth’s war-hero brother, Nick, arrives in town and takes an immediate interest in Saffron. Saffron learns Alexander has been keeping secrets from her, including a connection to Nick, who Saffron and Elizabeth begin to suspect is more than he seems.

When another scientist is found dead, Saffron agrees to go undercover at the government laboratory. Risking her career and her safety, she learns there are many more interested parties and dangerous secrets to uncover than she’d realized. But some secrets, Saffron will find, are better left undiscovered."

MY Thoughts:

Saffron Everleigh came from wealth but is making her own way in academia as a botanist like her father in an era when women were still to stay home having babies, cooking, and cleaning. She is an inspirational character with her intelligence and grit.  

Elizabeth Hale is her best friend and room mate who works as a secretary for a government official. Elizabeth's brother, Nick Hale, makes a surprise visit only to try and recruit Saffron to aid the government in investigating the scientist's murder.  Alexander Ashton, a fellow academia at the same university, is crazy about Saffron but had caused a rift between them insisting that she not assist the police with investigations, only to need her help now to clear his brother of killing the same scientist's murder.  Then there is Dr. Michael Lee who has grown very fond of Saffron and keeps helping her out on investigations. I particularly like Dr. Lee.

The plot continues to get more involved as the story develops. The pacing maintains a steady trot between everyone involved and the individual undercurrents.  The setting is London to begin, then transitions to the Path Lab in the small town of Harpenden.  The Path Lab makes a frightful setting with all the experiments and secrets.  

Elizabeth takes part in the exciting climax and brings some humor to the story. I enjoyed her greater involvement in this book. The climax and killer reveal was tense with quite a twist and was one of those just when you thought everything was done, ooops there's more surprise danger. 

This third book introduces a criminal mastermind and arch-enemy for Saffron.  This ups the ante significantly in these books.  The ending promises another match against this arch-villain.

Ms. Khavari's writing style makes each book more impressive than the last. Excellent and a must read series.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - The Mystery Writer

I have only read one other book by author Sulari Gentill (Edgar Award nominee) and now for my second.

The Woman in the Libary (click here) 

What is a better topic for mystery fans than a mystery author who is caught up in a murder mystery!? That is the short version of this book plot.  Read on to find out my thoughts on the newest Sulari Gentill book.

Author: Sulari Gentill

Copyright: March 2024 (Poisoned Pen Press) 400 pgs

Series: Standalone

Sensuality: Mild, adult situations, TW: old rape case discussed

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, Traditional Mystery, Literary thriller

Main Character: Theodosia Benton, early twenties naive aspiring author 

Setting: Contemporary, Lawrence, Kansas

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 

Book Blurb:  "When Theodosia Benton abandons her career path as an attorney and shows up on her brother's doorstep with two suitcases and an unfinished novel, she expects to face a few challenges. Will her brother support her ambition or send her back to finish her degree? What will her parents say when they learn of her decision? Does she even have what it takes to be a successful writer?

What Theo never expects is to be drawn into a hidden literary world in which identity is something that can be lost and remade for the sake of an audience. When her mentor, a highly successful author, is brutally murdered, Theo wants the killer to be found and justice to be served. Then the police begin looking at her brother, Gus, as their prime suspect, and Theo does the unthinkable in order to protect him. But the writer has left a trail, a thread out of the labyrinth in the form of a story. Gus finds that thread and follows it, and in his attempt to save his sister he inadvertently threatens the foundations of the labyrinth itself. To protect the carefully constructed narrative, Theo Benton, and everyone looking for her, will have to die."

MY Thoughts:

Theodosia is flat as the main character and I've seen it suggested that was so the reader would cast themself as Theo, but it just made her seem like a blank canvas for a lot of the book.  Her main characteristic is incredibly naive.  I felt for Gus, Theo's brother, trying to be big brother and protector while giving Theo space to be herself and then when everything goes to crap he is trying to save his little sister.  Gus was well developed and I could relate to him.  Cormack (Mac) Etheridge is a good friend of Gus and a private investigator that gets involved. Mac comes from a wacky, conspiracy theorist, survivalist family that play into the storyline as well.

Very clever concept for the story and ultimate villain. Kudos there.  The pacing is well done and once the murder occurs the tension is pretty constant with plenty of action to keep the story moving at a good speed.  Kept me turning the pages. I like the writing style in general but at one point I was a bit confused with jumps between Theo's point-of-view and Gus' without any break or notice.  

I thought interspercing the conspiracy theory message board discussions throughout really showed how such wild conjecture played into and was manipulated in the scheme of things.  In this current atmosphere that was a spot-on element.

The climax occured fairly quickly in terms of number of pages, but I think it worked well. I will say that I figured who the villain was shortly after the murder but even with that I thought the suspense was built plausibly.  In this case the wrap-up supplied explanations for all the myriad things that occured, giving the full picture of events.  

I have to say that author Sulari Gentill has a knack for developing pretty unique storylines, but this one had some fantastical elements that some might find a little over-the-top, but I enjoyed it tremendously.

Overall a wonderfully entertaining mystery that I recommend.

Rating:  Excellent - A fun read and enjoyable story throughout

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - A Grave Robbery

 This is one of my favorite historical mystery series and even though I have missed two books out of the nine, I always come back to this series.

1. A Curious Beginning (click here) 

3. A Treacherous Curse (click here) 

4. A Dangerous Collaboration (click here) 

5. A Murderous Relation (click here) 

6. An Unexpected Peril (click here) 

7. An Impossible Imposter (click here) 

Author: Deanna Rayburn

Copyright: Mar 2024 (Berkley) 334 pgs

Series: 9th in Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, no gore

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Veronica Speedwell, an amateur entomologist 

Setting: 1889, London England

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 Book Blurb:  "Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why? 

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?"

MY Thoughts:  

Veronica is irrepresible, determined/stubborn, whip-smart, sharp tongued, a huricane, and a hoot.  Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is Veronica's reclusive and cranky love and sleuthing partner who looks like a pirate but has a vulnerable heart.  They have settled into their couple status and their feelings for each other which has some tender moments.  

Fearless journalist J.J. Butterworth, the British version of Nellie Bly, joins the team again.  Detective Mornaday, often complaining and put-upon, is the only policeman they trust and though he is having a personal rough time, he jumps into the investigation.  A new addition is a golden Marmoset monkey who adores Stoker-but Rose, daughter of their benefactor, likes to dress up the monkey and put bows in her hair, which provides comedic relief throughout.  And this book has laugh-out-loud moments.

The plot is to find out the identity of this poor girl, which becomes a hunt for justice for her.  Both quests take the team on a journey with several twists.  I'm not a fast reader, but I read this quickly (for me) since I was so captivated by the story.  

Ms Rayburn digs up some of the most interesting historical tidbits and in this outing she introduces us to a funeral train which carries the coffin and mourners to the gravesite for internment.  The London Necropolis Railway was the name of the system real life train.  In this book we have an underground version, which provides a great creepy setting for a few scenes.  Fantastic job for a really macabre and chilling backdrop.  Also the world of physically accurate wax models, Anatomical Venuses, for medical training adds to the disturbing and even surreal atmosphere of the investigation.

The climatic killer confrontation was wonderfully tense and hair-raising.  I have to give kudos for every climax in this series has been unique and exciting.  Besides the creativity of a murder victim embalmed as a wax figure!  The wrap up sees things resolved satisfactorily on most every thread.

Now for a note on the writing style. Not only does Ms. Rayburn write historical fiction with accuracy but she inflects the style of speaking without loosing the reader.  I'm not one to rapsidize on beautiful sentences or turns of phrase, but she adds to the time period and Veronica's character with her writing style.

I have read most of the books in this series and I felt this was one of the top three so far.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - Locked In Pursuit

 World War II spy versus spy gets a woman hero who is complex and passionate in Electra McDonnell with plenty of thrills and a slow burn romance.  Check out the newest book in the series and how it measures up.

1)  A Peculiar Combination (click here)

2) Key to Deceit (click here)

3)  Playing it Safe (click here)

Guest Post  (click here)

Author: Ashley Weaver

Copyright: May 2024 (Minotaur Books) 272 pgs

Series: 4th in Electra McDonnell mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy mystery, Cozy Intrigue

Main Characters: Electra McDonnell, a safe-cracking thief aiding the war effort

Setting: 1942, London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review, Netgalley

 Book Blurb:  "Safecracker Ellie McDonnell hasn’t seen Major Ramsey—her handsome but aloof handler in the British government—since their tumultuous mission together three months before, but when she hears about a suspicious robbery in London she feels compelled to contact him. Together they discover that a rash of burglaries in the city all lead back to a hotbed of spies in the neutral city Lisbon, Portugal, and an unknown object brought to London by a mysterious courier.

As the thieves become more desperate and their crimes escalate, it becomes imperative that Ellie and Ramsey must beat them at their own game. Fighting shadowy assailants, enemy agents, and the mutual attraction they’ve agreed not to acknowledge, Ellie and Ramsey work together to learn if it truly takes a thief to catch a thief."

My Thoughts:  Ellie continues looking into her mother's death in jail for the murder of her father, but she is soon busy with helping Major Ramsey which only gets her into bigger trouble.  Major Ramsey the disciplined military man with high society background has stayed away from Electra, but will he remain so stoic as they work together again? Felix Lacey is still in the picture but what is he involved in with travel he won't talk about?  Uncle Mick gets enlisted to aid again and the housekeeper Nacy is the nurturing presence Electra needs in this uncertain, ever changing time.

This outing is just as thrilling as the others and doesn't disappoint.  There is plenty going on beyond just spys around the mission, Electra "Ellie" manages to get herself indebted to a gangster plus another man for favors that could backfire on her.  The pacing is brisk and even though I'm normally a slow reader, I flew through this book.  Several heart-pounding and heart-wrenching scenes that make this a compelling read.  This is a great addition to the Electra McDonnell series, kudos.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - Digging Up Daisy

Today I am reviewing a the debut novel in a new series by Sherry Lynn, who also writes as Holly Danvers and Holly Quinn.  As Holly Quinn she writes the Handcrafted Mysteries and as Holly Danvers she writes the Lakeside Library Mysteries (click here for review of 3rd in series).  Read on to discover my reaction to this new series.

Author: Sherry Lynn

Copyright: April 2023 (Minotaur) 288 pgs

Series: 1st in Mainely Murder Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur sleuth

Main Character: Kinsley Clark, owner of SeaScapes landscaping

Setting: Modern day, Harborside, Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review, Netgalley

Book Blurb: "At twenty-nine, Kinsley Clark is living the dream life she always envisioned for herself. She’s the proud owner of SeaScapes, a thriving landscaping company in wealthy Harborside, set on the rugged coast of southern Maine. Kinsley’s veins are filled with salty air, a myriad of colors, and the fragrance of fresh blooms. But one afternoon, while working at her aunt Tilly’s bed-and-breakfast, the Salty Breeze Inn, Kinsley digs up more than she bargained for—a high-heeled shoe. The once sparkly shoe, now caked in mud, is linked to a case the police had appropriately dubbed the "Cinderella Murder."

Kinsley panics.  Does this mean that her aunt and the inn are somehow connected to this murder? Will it scare away potential guests? Will it subject the inn to a rush of bad press? With Aunt Tilly’s reputation, and possibly her safety, on the line, Kinsley digs deeper into the crime to find out what the shoe was doing on her aunt’s property and who murdered Cinderella, whose real name is Daisy. As she investigates, more suspects rise to the surface, and eventually, Kinsley has to weed out a killer."

My Thoughts:  Kinsley Clark's life is nothing but her landscaping business and her aunt.

Aunt Tilly, owner of the Salty Breeze Inn bed-and-breakfast, raised Kinsley and her brother when their parents died.  Kinsley will do anything for Tilly. 

Best friend Rebecca "Becca" is a real estate agent and has a good head on her shoulders.  The potential romantic interest is a restaurant owner, Pete, but he seems stand offish which isn't explained until the last pages.  I like going against the standard convention of the romantic interest being a cop.  In this case Rachel, Kinsley's brother's ex girlfriend, is the cop and they're friends.

The mystery has enough depth and complexity to keep you guessing and go with a misdirect.  I like the town as a setting, it is brought to life and wraps its arms around the reader.  The climax was my favorite of a suspenseful killer reveal done well and believeably. Kudos.

My biggest complaint is the ridiculous descriptions of the color of anything via flowers - such as eyes the color of "Sweet Tea heucherella leaves" or eyes the color of "blooming blue hydrangea globes".  This became ridiculous and I was done with that on the second such plant reference for a color descriptor when the book is full of them!  This doesn't make an interesting character - it makes her unrelatable unless we are all focused on gardening to that extreme.

Rating:  Good - A fun read with enjoyable characters and town setting.  Solid mystery.

Review - Read to Death at the Lakeside Library

I hadn't read any cozy mysteries with a lake setting and thus this lake location plus a librarian really appealed to me.  This is the third in the series, but I had no trouble picking it up and understanding the people and events.  So join me on a trip to a small lakeside town in Wisconsin. 

Author: Holly Danvers

Copyright: August 2023 (Crooked Lane Books) 288 pgs

Series: 3rd in Lakeside Library Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library

Setting: Modern day, Lofty Pines, Wisconsin

Obtained Through: Publisher (via Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb:  "Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting.

Alongside her sidekick and neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, Rain discovers that the murder is seemingly inspired by the book the club recently discussed Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, Sparkling Cyanide. But who would kill Lily, and more importantly, why?

The deeper Rain dives into the story, the more confusing and complicated the plot becomes. Was Lily murdered to cover up a tragic accident that occurred years ago involving an old classmate? Or were the rumors true—did Lily really possess a priceless original Laura Ingles Wilder manuscript and someone killed her for it? And what about the mysterious letter Lily received just before her death from a supposed long lost relative? Was it a hoax?

With a long list of suspects and motives, Rain realizes that all leads come back to people involved in the book club. Rain and her friends take a page from Agatha Christie’s book by hosting a reenactment of the club’s first meeting to flush out the killer. Will Rain’s plan succeed—or will this librarian’s book be checked out for good?" 

My Thoughts:  This third outing in the series has Rain Wilmot, the main character, is running the library this summer with the help of a small staff.  The library is a family legacy that they offer to the town.  I had not read the two prior books, but that didn't cause any issues in enjoying this book.  

BFF Julia Reynolds is a perfect sidekick and even maybe a bit of a bad influence encouraging Rain to take some risks.  Marge is a mature library volunteer with some spunk that I enjoyed.  Jace Lowe, Julia's brother and a cop, is the romantic interest just getting traction.

I had hoped for more of the lake setting to be pervasive, but it was only a backdrop in a few scenes.  It was just my hope to get more of a lake culture and feel, but it wasn't imperative.  The town of Lofty Pines seems delightful and the library is a dream.  

I enjoyed the premise of the book club reading Agatha Christie's Sparkling Cyanide book as a theme of sorts.  I will have to read that book now (how did I miss it all these years?)  

The mystery had plenty of suspects and aspects so that the killer wasn't easily figured out.  It delivered a tense and dramatic killer reveal and confrontation.  The climax left Rain and Julia in a tight spot and I would have liked to see the ladies step up a little better, but it was realistic overall. I can't say more without serious spoilers.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

I hope your summer is filled with fun and good books!

Here is a relaxing lakeside video.

Review - Mimi Lee Cracks the Code

This is the third book and although I usually like to start at the beginning, I liked the blurb for this book and decided to give it a try.  I had no problem jumping in with the third book at all.  Book one was "Mimi Lee Gets a Clue" and the second was "Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines."  Let's take a break from the cold winter and go to sunny California.  

Author: Jenifer J Chow

Copyright: Nov 2021 (Berkley) 286 pgs

Series: 3rd in Sassy Cat Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Mimi Lee, Owner of Hollywoof Pet Grooming 

Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles, CA

Obtained Through: Netgalley for an honest review

Book Blurb:  "Mimi Lee just found an extra perk to being a pet groomer at Hollywoof (other than cuddling animals all day long, that is). Pixie St. James, one of Mimi’s clients and the investor behind Hollywoof, has offered her and her boyfriend, Josh, a getaway at her vacation home, nestled on beautiful Catalina Island. With the island just outside of Los Angeles but still far enough from the hustle and bustle, Mimi, Josh, and their cat Marshmallow (who, of course, wouldn’t be caught dead in a dingy pet hotel) are excited for their relaxing stay.

 That is, until Pixie’s last renter, Davis D. Argo, turns up dead. Mimi and Josh’s romantic getaway immediately turns into an enormous buzzkill, especially when Pixie asks Mimi for help. The police suspect Pixie, and Mimi knows a thing or two about wrongful allegations. Mimi figures it couldn’t hurt to snoop a little since she’s already there, and soon discovers that a valuable item is missing. Except Pixie isn’t the only one in the neighborhood who has been robbed. There is something strange happening on the island, and Mimi won’t stop until she finds out what it is."

Mimi Lee is a fun character who loves animals and is working hard to make her dreams come true. Alice, her sister is the funny counter to Mimi's more serious character.  Her boyfriend, Josh, is building his career as a young lawyer but they don't get much time together in this book, and go through a rough patch.  Mimi's mother seems to be a reoccuring character who is meddling in her daughter's lives. Of course Marshmallow, her talking cat, is the snarky star of the story who keeps things light, is a great sleuthing partner, and can be counted on in a crisis.

My Thoughts:  This is a delightful and enjoyable cozy mystery. Mimi Lee is very relatable working to make her pet grooming business a success while dealing with her overbearing mother.  Fortunately, since she has a boyfriend her mother isn't constantly trying to set her up. No, that has now fallen upon her poor sister, who relies on Mimi to run interferance.  Sister provides comic relief dealing with their mother.  Catalina is described well and brought my one trip there as a teenager back to me.  My one significant complaint is Mimi's interactions with Detective Brown are over-the-top (i.e. flouncing into his office and telling him who he needs to investigate more because of some little tidbit she uncovered.)  But that is only a couple of scenes and the rest is a fun read.  The reader is getting the clues as Mimi uncovers them and the killer reveal had some good tense moments like I enjoy.  

Rating: A good fun read when you want something lite 

Review - Body and Soul Food

Happy holidays my dear readers.  I will have a holiday book next for review.  Today, from the author of the Ice Cream Parlor mysteries comes a new cozy mystery series.  "In this page-turning new mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby will pull double duty when they take down a killer while preparing to open their new bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits."  Here is a guest post from the author (click here.)  Read on to find out more about this new series.

Author: Abby Collette

Copyright: Nov 2021 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 1st in Books & Biscuits Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, Amateur sleuth

Main Character: Keaton Rutledge, Co-Owner of bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits 

Setting: contemporary Timber Lake, Oregan

Obtained Through: Netgalley for an honest review

Book Blurb: "When Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge were orphaned at age two, they were separated, but their unbreakable connection lingered. Years later, they reunite and decide to make up for lost time and capitalize on their shared interests by opening up a well-stocked bookstore and cozy soul-food café in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. But this new chapter of their lives could end on a cliffhanger after Koby's foster brother is found murdered.

The murder, which occurred in public between light-rail stops, seems impossible for the police to solve. But as Keaton and Koby know, two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to mysteries. With just a week to go before the grand opening of their new café, the twins will use their revitalized connection with each other to make sure this is the killer's final page."

Keaton Rutledge was the fortunate twin who got adopted by estabished and well-to-do parents.  Koby Hill, her fraternal twin, wasn't as lucky and went through the foster care system. He finally found Mama Zola as a foster mother and he flourished, never forgetting he had a twin out there to find.  Mama Zola, Koby's foster mom, is the break-out character I loved.  Imogene, Keaton's adoptive mother who is a psyhchologist, gets out of her head a little and shines as well.  Reef Jeffries, the murder victim, was flirting with Keaton and seemed an all around good guy who clearly liked her a lot.  Reef was also why Koby knew he had a twin because Reef (six years older) told Koby that a girl had come into the first group home with him.  Georgie Tsai, tattoed cooking assistant, and Pete Howers are the only employees.  Homicide Detective Daniel Chow suspects Keaton and Koby and pushs them a little but comes through in a pinch.  

My Thoughts: The plot was interesting and took some unraveling. I liked that the victim wasn't the usual horrible person but a good guy making his way (sad, too).  The fraternal twins having been separated at birth added a lot of depth to Keaton and her twin brother Koby.  The food descriptions are mouthwatering. The climax had some great tense moments as Keaton and Koby realize who the killer is at nearly the same time.  The writing is comfort food itself and enveloped me.  This is a new favorite series and I look forward to many books to follow.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - A Glimmer of Death

From the author of the Tamara Hayle mysteries comes a new series.  Here is a teaser: "In the first of a thrilling new series, one woman’s extraordinary psychic gift plunges her already-troubled present into chaos—and puts her future in someone’s deadly sights... "  This is a brand new series and I love starting with the first book.  Let's see what this author and series has to offer!

Author: Valerie Wilson Wesley

Copyright: Jan 2021 (Kensington Books) 240 pgs

Series: 1st in Odessa Jones Mysteries

Sensuality: mild (suicide is mentioned a few times)

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery

Main Character: Odessa Jones, recently widowed real estate agent

Setting: Modern day, Grovesville, New Jersey

Obtained Through: Publisher via NetGalley for honest review

Book Blurb: "Until now, Odessa Jones’ inherited ability to read emotions and foretell danger has protected her. But second sight didn’t warn her she would soon be a widow—and about to lose her home and the catering business she’s worked so hard to build. The only things keeping Dessa going are her love for baking and her sometimes-mellow cat, Juniper. Unfortunately, putting her life back together means taking a gig at an all-kinds-of-shady real estate firm run by volatile owner Charlie Risko . . .

 

Until Charlie is brutally killed—and Dessa’s bullied co-worker is arrested for murder. Dessa can’t be sure who’s guilty. But it doesn’t take a psychic to discover that everyone from Charlie’s much-abused staff to his long-suffering younger wife had multiple reasons to want him dead. And as Dessa follows a trail of lies through blackmail, dead-end clues, and corruption, she needs to see the truth fast—or a killer will bury her deep down with it." 

Odessa can see "glimmers", aura-like colors that correspond to a person’s emotional state and smell scents that indicate coming events.  Like smelling nutmeg means death is coming. She is grieving loss of her husband, and is starting her baking business on the side. She is a kind soul I'd like as a friend. Lennox Royal, and ex-cop, who runs the diner is a possible love interest.  Aunt Phoenix is her only close relative and source of information about her unique abilities. Daryl, her deceased husband is felt strongly throughout the story. He was a gem and she often recalls him to mind.  Bertie, Vinton, Harley, Juda, and Tanya populate the office and are suspects.

The plot is doled out in dollops as the story unfolds. The subplot of Lennox liking Odessa adds a gentleness to the story I really appreciated. Once I got past all the introductions of the characters and the murder happened, I was hooked.  The pacing is steady and shows an author who knows how to keep you interested.

The killer reveal was different than I expected, but it worked perfectly for who the killer turned out to be.  The wrap-up is the perfect ending.

I am officially a fan of Valerie Wilson Wesley now. She is a skilled author weaving the story and characters into a confection as fine as the cakes Odessa bakes!  FYI, a recipe is included that I just have to try.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I will be more busy on my author Goodreads page, and I would love to see there. Please join me. 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16863152.Avery_Daniels

Review - Dearly Departed

I started with the first book, Toured to Death (click here), when it came out and didn't keep up with the series.  I wanted something with an exciting location and remembered this travel series.  This is the second in the series.  The author did a guest blog (click here) a little while back as well.  Read on and find out how the second book did.

Author: Hy Conrad

Copyright: February 2016 (Kensington) 368 pgs

Series: 2nd in Amy's Travel Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Amy Abel, Widow and owner of Amy's Travel Agency 

Setting: Modern day, Paris, Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India), Hawaii, and New York

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "Fanny and Amy Abel, the dynamic mother-and-daughter owners of a NYC travel agency, have just booked their biggest trip yet. But with danger in the air, the itinerary may include murder...

Paisley MacGregor, a maid to the rich, made a dying request to send all of her wealthy employers on a first-class wake to spread her ashes around the world. Amy has her suspicions about these “mourners,” especially when one has a life-threatening “accident” at the first stop in Paris. And when a mysterious American stranger tagging along with the group has his ticket punched in the shadow of the Taj Mahal, Amy knows she may have a killer on her tour.

Who was this stranger, and what’s the connection to someone in her group? Digging for clues while continuing on with the trip is a lot for Amy to manage, especially when another mourner has a possibly fatal encounter with a Hawaiian volcano. Back in the States, Fanny and Amy start to piece together a secret worth killing for, but someone is hot on their trail, and ready to send them on a one-way trip—to the morgue!"

Amy Abel is timid and learning to stand up for herself, she is the reasonable, calm influence to balance her nutty mother.  Fanny, Amy's mother, is half frustrating and half funny. She writes a blog (TrippyGirl) for the travel agency, supposedly based on real travel adventures - but it is entirely fiction and a wild travelogue.  Amy's boyfriend, Marcus Alvarez, is the charming rogue who opts for a lie when the truth would do. He gets a little page time, and some of it is humorous. Amy's friend, Peter Borg, owns his own agency and asks Amy to help with his trips.  So Amy is on this trip for the money to keep her agency alive. Peter is angling for Amy as girlfriend, but I found him too bossy.   Paisley may be dead, but she is still controlling from the grave.

The settings of Paris, Taj Mahal , Hawaii, and New York are fun and a delightful escape during this pandemic to feel like you got some international sights and culture done.

Weaving a murder plot into a whirlwind travel itinerary is a challenge.  It worked well and added to the danger as you traveled with a killer.  Amy is the one seeing more to circumstances and sensing danger when others are quick to dismiss.  The pacing lagged at times, but I didn't feel the spots lasted too long.

The killer confrontation was nicely tense and suspenseful.  Although, the killer wasn't a complete surprise at that point.  The wrap-up secured the financial future of Amy's Travel Agency.  

This is perfect for the armchair traveler and fans of Maddy Hunter's "Passport to Peril" series will find this fun.  There is light humor, particularly with the TrippyGirl blog escapades Fanny makes up.  This book has an original and intriguing plot that lags in a few spots, but ultimately delivers.  I am looking forward to book three: Death on the Patagonian Express.

Rating: Good - A fun read with original plot.

Here is a short video with the author:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1CaZMh2NXk

Review - Furbidden Fatality

I have read other books by Deborah Blake.  Her Veiled Magic series (click here) and her Baba Yaga series (click here).  This is her first foray into the cozy mystery realm and I jumped at the chance to read and review it. 

Author: Deborah Blake

Copyright: Feb 2021 (Berkley) 288 pgs

Series: 1st in Catskills Pet Rescue Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery

Main Character: Kari Stuart, lottery winner and new owner of  pet shelter

Setting: Modern day, Lakeview New York

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb:  "A lottery winner uses her good fortune to save a local pet sanctuary, but when a body is discovered on the property, she just might be in the doghouse in this first book in a new, charming cozy mystery series from author Deborah Blake.

Kari Stuart's life is going nowhere—until she unexpectedly wins the lottery. The twenty-nine-year-old instant multimillionaire is still mulling plans for her winnings when rescuing a bossy black kitten leads her to a semi-abandoned animal shelter. They need the cash—Kari needs a purpose.

But the dilapidated rescue is literally going to the dogs with a pending lawsuit, hard to adopt animals, and too much unwanted attention from the town's dog warden. When the warden turns up dead outside the shelter's dog kennels, Kari finds herself up a creek without a pooper-scooper.

With the help of some dedicated volunteers, a cute vet, and a kitten who mysteriously shows up just when she needs it, Kari must prove her innocence all while trying to save a dog on death row. Now she just needs to hope that her string of unexpected luck isn't about to run out."

Kari Stuart won the lottery, but still worked as a waitress and lived in her little apartment, until she found her purpose in buying and fixing up the beleaguered pet shelter.  her BFF, Suzanne, is a dog groomer and supportive friend with lavender colored hair who lends her time and talent to the shelter effort.  Volunteer Sara Hanover is a retired ninth-grade English teacher who is somewhat a mother figure.  Bryn, a younger volunteer training to be a Vet-Tech, takes time to warm up to people.  Daisy, the original owner, stays on to train Kari on owning a shelter for a smooth transition.  Angus McCoy is a local veterinarian who volunteers his time to the shelter and is the potential love interest.  Georgia Travis is a disabled former police officer who helps solve the mystery.  Kari's brother Mickey, a drunken but charming mess, makes an appearance.    A little black kitten, Queenie, is the star of the show with personality and a sixth sense. 

Lakeview is a typical small town with plenty of drama, the shelter is in a rural setting that works for providing some atmosphere.  The climax was when all the pieces slip into place and the murderer confronts Kari for a few gripping moments.  The wrap-up is very satisfying and enjoyable to put a smile on your face and have you looking forward to the next book.

I found this debut novel of this new series full of everything that I love in a cozy.  It centers around a solid and hearty mystery, relatable heroine, interesting supporting characters, a love interest that I am cheering for, and a delightful writing style.  The icing and cherry on top are all the heartwarming animals throughout the book.  This is cozy mystery gold.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.