Review - Bear Witness

I love starting at the beginning with a series, and here is a brand new one featuring Alaska and its wildlife.  I jumped on the chance to read and review.

The author is also known as Linda O. Johnston. She is known for writing K-9 Ranch Rescue. She also writes cozy mysteries, including the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery Series and Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, and the Pet Rescue Mystery Series (Beaglemania review-click here) and Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries for Berkley.

Let's see how this new series is shaping up from the debut novel.

Author: Lark O. Jensen

Copyright: May 2022 (Crooked Lane) 313 pgs

Series: 1st in Alaska Untamed Mysteries

Sensuality: Off-page intimacy alluded to

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur sleuth

Main Character: Stacie Calder, Naturalist and ClemTour Boat Guide

Setting: Contemporary, Juneau Alaska

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "No nine-to-five cubicle career will suit Stacie Calder—the naturalist much prefers working in the great outdoors. Specifically, the spacious and spectacular Alaskan wilderness, whose rugged charms she shares with sightseers on the top deck of the tour boat where she works. But one May afternoon, Stacie’s passengers see more than glittering glaciers, frolicking harbor seals, climbing bears and soaring seabirds…they also witness a man lying dead in the frigid Alaskan waters. And it seems likely that someone gave him a fatal push.

    Stacie didn’t know the unfortunate victim, but he sure wanted to know a lot about her. He spent most of his final afternoon bombarding her with questions quite awkward to answer. And when he wasn’t in her hair, he was arguing incessantly with the boat’s beleaguered crew. Which makes for a suspect list about as long as the passenger manifest. Furthermore, as police helicopters relentlessly circle her boat in search of any clues, Stacie is shaken to find herself on that suspect list.

    Before the tour boat reaches shore Stacie—accompanied by her beautiful blue-eyed husky, Sasha—must deduce just who sent the testy tourist tumbling into the turgid waters and have the authorities take custody. Because if she can’t, then the killer might aim a fatal ice-cold stare at Stacie." 

Tour guide and Naturalist Stacie Calder is a bit of a mixed bag. She is definitely very independent with her husky by her side. She has a few work semi-friendships with other guides, but doesn't seem to have a close friend. She is a great pet parent taking care of Sasha, her two y/o husky. But otherwise, the character seemed all about her job. 

Palmer Clementos, tour owner's son and Captain of the tour boat, is a prime suspect and Stacie want's to prove him innocent as her motivation to investigate.  Then there is Liam Amaruq, Alaska State Trooper, leading the investigation.  I don't like a police-boyfriend because it always seems to end up in an argument about sleuthing. But this was the opposite, he encouraged her to ask questions of people. Their relationship seems to develop quickly as well, before long he is staying the night with her.  Those two combined while investigating a murder that she could be a suspect for, seemed unprofessional if not questionable.

The setting is primarily the tour boat and the 7 hour tour - several times. The sights and wildlife made me want to be there.  But after reading through four trips (or was it five?) it was becoming annoying and dry.  I hope the next book isn't the same. 

The pacing suffers a bit because of that.  The plot of figuring out whodunit is hard since the motive is assumed.  It has an exciting killer reveal with danger and jeopardy... aboard the tour boat.  

My Thoughts:  It took three chapters of the same tour to introduce base cast of characters and set up the murder.  That stuck out to me which means I was wanting it to move along a bit. Be aware it has a slow start, so hang in there.  As I mentioned, it dragged in parts due to multiple tours on page in detail that got old. Of course, it was whittling down the suspects, but the same tour several times didn't work well even with breaking it up with questioning people. Stacie Calder as a sleuth was very direct and off-putting in some instances.  She needs a bit more subtlety, maybe a lot more. She seemed to only anger people and didn't seem to uncover much of anything.  Overall it is an interesting premise that has some merit but some parts need smoothed out.  I think the author is great, so I will give the next book a go and see if it finds its groove for me.

Rating: Good - A fun read with beautiful setting but minor flaws.  

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

Review - Murder In Westminster

 "Perfect for readers looking for a darker twist on Bridgerton, this first in a vibrant, inclusive historical mystery series from an acclaimed author Vanessa Riley portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as an aristocrat whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on is named as the prime suspect in a murder case…"

Author: Vanessa Riley

Copyright: Aug 2022 (Kensington Books) 338 pgs

Series: 1st in Lady Worthing Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, otherwise mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy

Main Character: Lady Abigail Worthing, Scottish & Jamaican, is married to a Lord who stays at sea 

Setting: 1806, London England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb:  "Discovering a body on her property presents Lady Abigail Worthing with more than one pressing problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. Although Abigail has little connection with the lady in question, she expects to be under suspicion. Abigail’s skin color and her mother’s notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it.

Abigail can’t divulge that she was attending a secret pro-abolition meeting at the time of the murder. To her surprise, Henderson offers her an alibi. Though he and Juliet were long estranged, he feels a certain loyalty to his late wife. Perhaps together, he and Abigail can learn the truth. . . . Abigail, whose marriage was not a love match, knows well how appearances can deceive—and how treacherous London’s high society can be. Yet who would have killed Juliet, and why? Taking the reins of her life in a way she never has before, Abby intends to find out—but she may uncover more danger than she ever imagined . . ."

MY Thoughts:

Abigail, Lady Worthing, joins the ranks of historical amateur sleuths giving us a mixed race young woman who is a delight but a little bit of a troubled soul. I found her a woman of substance that I would love to sit with and have deep coversations.  Cousin Florentina is a math minded wiz and Abigail's closest friend.  Mr. Neil Vaughn, her godfather, thinks of her and Florentina as his own children and seems a mysterious man who is protective of those he loves.  The next door neighbor, Stapleton Henderson, the recent widower, has the most obvious motive to kill but Abigail finds herself investigating alongside him. He holds everything inside and is hard to figure out.  To lighten things a little is Teacup, Abigail's terrier that only lets Abigail touch him, until Henderson.

There are plenty of suspects as Juliet Henderson had several men and she had more secrets than lovers.  This had a good twist to make this a wonderful mystery. The climax was well done and the wrap-up left me stunned.  Kudos on that.  It left me wanting to immediatedly jump into the next book which is a goal of every author but not often achieved.  I'm a fan and will be reading the second shortly.

Have you read this book?  Share your thoughts in the comments please.

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 - Murder at a Scottish Castle

Traci Hall is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty books across an array of genres, from cozy mysteries to contemporary seaside romances, YA, and nonfiction. She is also the co-author of the Salem B&B Mystery series as Traci Wilton which I have reviewed a few of those.  

This is my first Scottish Shire of hers and I will have to go back to the beginning of this series because I love books based in the UK. Although this isn't the first book in the series, I had no problem jumping in and feeling at home with the story, characters, and setting. 

Author: Traci Hall

Copyright: Jan 2024 (Kensington Cozies) 305 pgs

Series: 5th in A Scottish Shire mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Paislee Shaw, owner/operator of Cashmere Crush Sweater & Yarn Shop

Setting: Modern day, Nairn, Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review, Netgalley

Book Blurb:  "With the summer days getting shorter in the seaside village of Nairn, the annual bagpiping competition at Ramsey Castle promises to be quite the end-of-season blowout. Paisley has snagged a special invitation from the dowager countess, who wants to showcase her cashmere goods in the castle gift shop, and she’s brought her son Brody, Grandpa, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace.

There’s a fierce rivalry between Robert Grant, the Earl of Lyon, and last year’s winner Jory Baxter, with Grant loudly vowing to show up the blowhard Baxter and claim clan bragging rights. But the reigning champion has barely put the reed to his lips when he turns red and collapses, soon to take his dying breath. DI Zeffer suspects foul play."

MY Thoughts:

  Paislee Shaw is a single mother also caring for her grandfather while running her own small business.  She is resilient and has little time nor extra money which is why getting to sell her hand knit sweaters at the castle is a big opportunity.

Her best friend, Lydia, is married and trying to help Paislee date more.  Hamish McCall, Fordythe High Primary's headmaster has gone on two dates with Paisley and is a good guy, steady and dependable.  Detective Inspector Mack Zeffer seems to like Paislee but it is a really slow burn there.  Her son Grady is a good kid and Grandfather is a little eccentric but loves her dearly.  I was afraid Robert Grant, the Earl of Lyon, and head of the Castle would be offered up as a romantic interest, but thankfully that wasn't the direction since he is a suspect.  Sorcha, the dowager countess and Robert's mother, is working hard to bring extra income into the castles accounts since it is expensive to keep and she seems genuine.

The castle and the town of Nairn are charming and you get a bit of insight into the Great Highland Bagpipe (GHB) and other styles of bagpipes.  I thought it was interesting.  This comes in with rumors that the murdered man had cheated at the prior year's competition to win--only how do you cheat at bagpipes?  Plus how do you kill a person in front of everyone during a competition?

The pacing was full with Paislee trying to investigate per Sorcha's request, run her shop, knit special orders, deal with a sudden major home repair, go on a date with Hamish, and deal with a car failing her. 

The killer reveal was a bit scary and unexpected, well done there.  All in all this was full of interesting characters and a good mystery.  A good escape in this story and immersive setting.

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

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

Musings - How do Bestseller Lists Work?

You see the stickers claiming "bestseller" on books all the time, yet often that hasn't been an indication of a book I found enjoyable at all.  I thought this might be interesting to delve into, but from my research I came across some surpising information.  

I didn't do an exhaustive study, so if you have additional information, please leave a comment.  The name "bestsellers list" can be a bit deceptive depending upon the list.  So what exactly do best seller lists measure?  It depends on the list.

New York Times Bestseller

Although this one may have the most name recognition, it isn't really a measure of what is a national bestseller.  It can create a bestseller because appearing on the list can increase book sales by 57% for a debut author and 13%-14% average for established authors, but it isn't a list of what book is selling best across the nation. Why, you ask?  Because they only gather data from a select few bookstores and online retailers (ones they consider important-and not Amazon, Target, or Walmart that's for sure).  The brick-and-mortar independant bookstores are given more weight in their sales and not many if any discount stores.

William Blatty, the noted author of the wildly popular book, The Exorcist--you might have heard of it, sued the NY Times because no matter how many copies of The Exorcist sold they weren't showing it on their list.  Now he had sold far and away enough to have appeared on the list, but nope.  He stated that their decision cost him exposure which equals sales and therefore money.

In the trial the NY Times countered with saying their list was an "editorial product".  In other words its up to their opinion, or judgement, of what's worthy to be on their list.  It was more along the lines of a popularity contest than actually based on sales numbers. Rather surprising, huh?

The NY Times administration has even stated that those independant bookstores they do get data from somehow have more discerning readers and that's why they are so restrictive in who they poll.  It sounds to me it is rather elitist.  If you can't afford hardback or such and get ebooks, depending upon where you purchase it, it may not get counted at all in their listing, or will be weighted as not as important of data if they even like that book at all.  Also, purchases made by libraries don't count, either.

Why, oh why is this such a prestigious "bestseller" list when it is all their opinion??

USA Today Bestseller 

Gets their data from Nielsen BookScan and covers print and ebook sales, but not audio.  At one point they just reported whatever was selling, whether that was a soduku book or maps (remember those), but now they "curate" the listing and remove extraneous things.   

So in many ways this list is more indicative of what we expect in a bestseller list.  But it doesn't provide the full picture, only 75% to 85% of book sales are covered and only counts certain retail sales.  It doesn't count sales to libraries which have their fingers on the pulse of what's popular in books for their communities, plus this doesn't necesarily count non-bookstore sales like gift shops and specialty shops, and doesn't include independant books stores that have older sales software that doesn't report to Nielsen automatically.  Still, compared to the other lists, this is the closest we are likely to get a list of the actual top selling print and ebooks.

Publisher's Weekly Bestseller

This is the publishing industry's standard to track even competitor publishing company's sales, so you would expect it to be very accurate.  You would be wrong.  They use Neilson BookScan as well so it is very similar to the USA Today list except it doesn't include ebooks (say what!).  That's correct.  But ebooks account for roughly 18% of all books sales so that is a significant ding and makes this list considerably less an indication of a bestseller. 

IndieBound Bestseller List

The IndieBound list is compiled by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) which is data from only 550 independent bookstores.  It isn't from book sales.  It looks at what the number one selling books are from each bookstore, no matter the store's size or if it was one hundred sales or only ten sold.  It would look like: 100 stores had ABC as top seller, 125 stores had XYZ so they extrapolate MNOP is the best seller and so on. 

What this can easily reflect is what those sales people are recommending to their customers rather than a true reflection of a book's actual appeal or buzz, particularly with the small amount of bookstores providing the data and not based on the number of books by title sold.  This easily misrepresents because the book they don't think is a bestseller so they don't even list it could be a solid and consistent seller across all the stores and be #1 by number of books sold.  But they don't do their list that way.

Wallstreet Journal Bestseller 

This is prestigious for business books, not as recognized for all other categories such as adult and juvenile titles.  But their bestseller list is what we expect--based on book sales.  

WSJ gets data from Nielsen BookScan who gathers point-of-sale book data from more than 16,000 locations across the U.S.

Print-book data providers include all major booksellers, web retailers, Walmart, and food stores. E-book data providers include all major e-book retailers (except Apple). Free e-books and those sold for less than 99 cents are not included.  The combined lists track sales by title across all print and e-book formats; except audiobooks.  This along with USA Today list are closer to a realistic list of the bestselling books understanding it isn't exhaustive in the data gathered.

There you have it, some lists are more what you expect and others fall significant short.  Was any of this surprising to you like it was to me?  Any thoughts, let me know in the comments.

Musings - Track Your Reading (and so much more)

I have done a few posts of interest for a New Year prior that I'd like to share again:

Create Family Reading Habits and Traditions  

To Be Read Jar  

I am on a few reading/book facebook groups and besides asking for book recommendations, many people ask how they can easily keep track of the books they've read.  What follows are ideas to answer such a question and although not exhaustive, I hope they are helpful and perhaps also fun.

If you only need to track the basics like the following:

Books to read (Notes to remember the many recommendations you get)

Books Completed so you aren't getting the same book in a few months you already bought and read.

Favorite books to know exactly which ones to pick off your shelf on a rainy day.

Then basic tracking is available with Goodreads.com or LibraryThing.com and can handle those tasks for you.  But here are some other options for this as well.

Reading List Bookmark  (click here) is handy and simple.

Book Reading Tracker- Printable (handles 67 books per sheet)

Left column you can set up a color code using markers for the genre of book  (click here).

But if you want to track more, then often times going old school is the simplest answer by using a bullet journal (notebook that has pages with dots or grid) or similar idea like a simple spiral notebook.  

Are there apps that can do this?  Yes, BUT to get the following versatility it will likely cost.  The free features are usually limited to basic tracking like Goodreads.  

A bullet journal is economical and easy, particularly if you find free printable templates.  You can spruce up pages with colored pens, Tombow markers (they don't bleed through), something for drawing straight lines, and some decorative Washi tape.

Following are some ideas of other things you may like to track besides just book titles you've read:

Pages read per day – if you want to make reading a habit and keep you motivated.  (click here) and example (click here)  

Chapters read – Some prefer tracking chapters rather than pages.  Example (click here) and Example 2 (click here):  

Series Books – You can track different book series that you are reading.  You may not want to read through an entire series at once, or you may be waiting for the next one to come out.  You can list out the reading order of the books in a series and check them off as you complete each one. 

Basic example (click here): 

Do you want to track Days you've read? – This helps you form a habit. (click here)

Maybe a reading streak – how many days in a row you've read to reinforce a habit of reading.  Weeks in a row, too.  Maybe note a prize to reward yourself if you read 21 days in a row or similar streak. See above example for tracking days.

Classic Books TBR – I think every reader has a list of "highly recommended" classics that they haven't gotten around to yet.  This makes it easy to refine your list, note which friend recommended it and why, and if it was worth the hype.  Example (click here).  

Reading Challenges – like the alphabet challenge (reading books whose titles start with each letter of the alphabet), book bingo (like regular bingo but with a different book criteria in each square), or others.  If you are into reading challenges make it easy on yourself and track them in one spot.  Example (click here).   

Book Club – You can keep track of all the necessary information.  Create a page that lists things like their website, when you meet, where you meet, when to vote for the monthly book pick, or contact information for friends you meet in the club and want to collaborate with.  Then track how many pages a day to finish, the questions to discuss so you can be prepared before the meeting.

Other examples following

Multiple reading goal tracker (click here)

16 Reading Journal Printables (click here)

Library Due Date book tracker (click here)

Full page per book printable (click here) 

Etsy.com has a lot of creative printables you can instantly download for practically any book tracking need for only a few dollars.  

Check out the many examples on Pinterest too (click here).

Doing your own tracking in a journal can be fun and creative.  I hope these ideas were helpful.  

Happy New Year fellow reading buddies.

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 - The Fatal Folio

Maybe it's me, but every since the book The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, where there was the actual story line alongside a book being read with it's own mystery, there seem to be more books with dual story-telling popping up.  Have you noticed that too??  Share your thoughts in the comments.  This is a new to me series, so keep reading and find out my thoughts.

Author: Elizabeth Penney

Copyright: October 2023 (Minotaur) 288 pgs

Series: 3rd in The Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Molly Kimball, works at family's bookshop

Setting: Modern day, Cambridge, England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review, Netgalley

Book Blurb: "After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including—of course—her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.

His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery—especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.

On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun—at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.

It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…"

My Thoughts: 

This is another story within a story.  There is the discovered novel (A Fatal Folio) contained within this mystery.  

I enjoyed Molly's mother, Nina, and her Aunt Violet.  Her boyfriend Kieran owns a bike shop but his parents are Lord Graham Scott and Lady Asha which intimidates Molly.  I like Kieran so far but feel I didn't get to know him much in this, my first outing without reading the previous books.

There are plenty of suspects and I had an inkling of who the killer was.  There are plenty of atmospheric touches that I really liked.  The killer reveal was quick and over and not very tense.  I found this was an enjoyable read.  

Rating: Good - A fun read with a lot of atmosphere

Review - Shadow in the Glass

The marketing says this series is ideal for fans of Louise Penny and Dorothy L. Sayers.  I've been following this series since it began: 

1) Unkindness of Ravens (click here)

Now let's enjoy the second book in the series in an idealic wedding setting in upstate New York.

Author: M.E. Hilliard

Copyright: April 2022 (Crooked Lane Books) 328 pgs

Series: 2nd in Greer Hogan Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild adult topics

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Greer Hogan, librarian who is recently widowed 

Setting:  Contemporary, Mirror Lake in upstate New York

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Librarian Greer Hogan is on hand to celebrate her old friend Sarah Whitaker’s nuptials at the Whitaker summer home on beautiful Mirror Lake, just outside the upstate New York village of Lake Placid. But Greer has an ulterior motive—to gather information that could reopen the investigation into her husband’s murder, a crime for which she believes an innocent man went to prison. Her plans come to a shuddering halt when a wedding guest goes missing and turns up dead in the lake. The guest, Brittany Miles, was an employee of the Whitaker family whom Sarah had long suspected was up to no good at work.

 The police have no leads, but Greer—an avid reader of crime fiction who possesses an uncanny knack for deduction—begins her own investigation. She learns that the victim was seen with a mystery man right before she disappeared. Then the autopsy reveals that she didn’t drown in the lake after all, but in the reflecting pool in the Whitaker garden.

 The suspect list is as long as the guest list itself, with no apparent motive. Now, Greer must rely on the wisdom of her favorite fictional detectives to tease out truth from lies—and keep herself out of the killer’s sights."

My Thoughts:  There are many cozy mysteries with a library setting or a librarian main character, but this series stands out for me.  The writing style and Greer Hogan lead make this unique.  It is a cozy but has a little more serious vibe without being dark--if that makes sense.    

Greer Hogan not only deals with a suspicious death during the wedding celebration but also faces some inconsistancies surrounding her husband's death. 

Both the debut novel and this second book have atmospheric touches I really enjoy.  There is quite a cast with the core guests but are presented in a manner so it isn't too confusing.  This outing is away from Greer's new library job and I did miss that, but it was still captivating.  I feel I did grow closer to Greer as well.  

The killer reveal wasn't my preferred of a hair-raising tense clash, but it was exciting, emotional, and memorable.  There was only one thing I can think of that I would have changed: Greer keeps going over the time line of events and it drags the pacing at one point.  But otherwise, I didn't have any problem areas.   

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

Review - Death By a Thousand Sips

This is another new-to-me series and author.  It claims it is for fans of Laura Childs, Amanda Flowers, and Cleo Coyle which convinced me to give it a try.  This is the second book in the series and I had no problem jumping in without having read the first book.

Author: Gretchen Rue

Copyright: Sept 2023 (Crooked Lane Books) 312 pgs

Series: 2nd in Witches' Brew Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, food amateur sleuth

Main Character: Phoebe Winchester, owner of The Earl’s Study tea and book shop

Setting: Modern day, small town Raven Creek, Washington

Obtained Through: Library 

Book Blurb: "Ever since she moved to Raven Creek, Washington, Phoebe Winchester knew she would have to grow accustomed to having a lot on her plate. She’s beginning to make the Victorian manor she inherited from her dear and adventurous Aunt Eudora feel more like home, successfully running the bookstore and tea shop, The Earl’s Study, and learning to harness her recently discovered magical powers. But when she discovers a dead body at an estate sale—even Phoebe wonders if this is simply too much.

Rumors of Phoebe’s involvement force her to take action; she needs to find the killer and clear her own name, once again. She enlists Rich Lofting, the handsome private detective and her childhood friend, in her investigation, all while she sorts out her unresolved feelings for him. Is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows of this small tight-knit town? And does Phoebe really want to find out?

With a dash of magic, a pinch of sleuthing skills, and a spoonful of friendly assistance, Phoebe needs to uncover the killer to keep Raven Creek safe once again. But if she doesn’t—will she find herself in even more hot water?" 

My thoughts:  I enjoyed the main character of Phoebe Winchester, she is down to earth and kind.  The romantic interest is Detective Rich Lofting who is becoming more prominent in Phoebe's life.  Plus Honey, a neighboring shop owner, who is mentoring Phoebe in her newly discovered witchy talents make a great core cast.  I must mention the chubby orange cat named Bob who seems a touch magical himself and steals several scenes.  

The mystery and plot were enjoyable and I read the book fairly quickly for me.  It had my favorite; a tense killer reveal with a bit of danger.  Additionally, I really appreciated Phoebe's quick thinking and level head in the killer reveal and showdown.  I do have to say I would have liked less detailed descriptions on the running of the tea shop and book store and more attention to more romantic elements, and witchy touches.  But even with that being said, I found this an enjoyable new series and author.

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

Review - Curds of Prey

I haven't read the two prior books in the series and I had no problem following the storyline at all.  This is a completely new-to-me author and series.

Author: Korina Moss

Copyright: March 2023 (St. Martin) 331 pgs

Series: 3rd in Cheese Shop Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, Amateur Sleuth, food cozy

Main Character: Willa Bauer, owner and proprietor of French inspired Curds & Whey Cheese Shop

Setting: Modern day, small town Yarrow Glan in Sonoma Valley CA

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb: "Yarrow Glen's favorite cheese shop, Curds & Whey, gets to be a part of the social event of the season: Summer Harrington’s wedding. Cheesemonger Willa Bauer is going all out for the wedding shower’s cheese bar. But the eagle-eyed Harrington family is proving to be a pain in her asiago. A last-minute tasting ends in disaster when one of Willa’s potential beaux, Roman, gets in a fight with the groom. Then the shower arrives, and while there’s anything but love in the air, there is plenty of cheese. Oh, and Roman... again. The day officially ends in disaster when Willa finds the groom—who also happens to be the mayor’s nephew—in the stable, dead as a dodo. At the mayor’s request, Willa must follow the trail of cheese curds to find a killer while continuing to walk a tightrope between two of Sonoma Valley’s most powerful families." 

My Thoughts:  Willa Bauer is recreating her time in France at her cheese shop.  She was definitely in a delicate situation between the two families and she managed it well.  Roman Massey is the owner of a brewery and a potential romantic interest, although his motivations were a bit murky at times.  Another potential romantic interest in the police detective.  Interesting secondary characters in the staff of the cheese shop and a neighbor (aka Team Chese) were a great addition and a highlight for me.  

The Harrington's estate was a great backdrop for the primary setting.  The mystery kept me guessing for the most part. The killer reveal was exciting with some tense moments--kudos.  And the wrapup tied up any remaining storylines.

Overall, it is a solid cozy mystery.  I didn't seem to click with the Willa as much as I would have liked, but I have nothing to note against the character.  Not every book strikes the chord with everyone and although this wasn't a home-run for me, I think many will love it.  I enjoyed it and I recommend it for cozy fans since it has all the elements with the foody element, potential romances, and interesting mysteries.

Rating: Excellent - I generally enjoyed it and recommend! 

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.