Mystery Movie Review - Murder Is Easy

This is based on the third of Agatha Christie's lesser known Superintendent Battle books (4 in series).  There was a 1982 adaptation made with Bill Bixby starring as an American in England. Also a 2009 TV version that changed it up to have Miss Marple investigate, which wasn't part of the original book, but features a young Benedict Cumberbatch.  This 2023 adaptation is in two "episodes."  When I saw this advertised I couldn't wait to see it on BritBox.  Full disclosue, I haven't read the book.

Movie Blurb:

Based on the classic Agatha Christie mystery, "Murder Is Easy" follows the story of Luke Fitzwilliam who finds himself on the trail of a serial killer after meeting Miss Pinkerton on a train to London.

What's It About?:

  How can three people be murdered in an English village and nobody notice?  Miss Pinkerton (played by Downton Abbey's Penelope Wilton) is on a train to London with the sole purpose of getting Scotland Yard to investigate three deaths in her village that are all being dismissed as accidents.  She shares her concerns with fellow traveler Luke Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam is relocating to London for an aid job in the British government.  Shortly after exiting the train, Miss Pinkerton is run over on a London street and Fitzwilliam goes to the small town to investigate. 

Released: March 2024

Director: Meenu Gaur

Writer: Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre and Agatha Christie

Starring:

David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam 

Mathew Baynton as Dr. Thomas

Nimra Bucha as Mrs. Humbleby

Morfydd Clark as Bridget Conway 

Penelope Wilton as Miss Pinkerton 

Phoebe Licorish as Rose Humbleby

Douglas Henshall as Major Horton

Reviews:

"What the writer Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre has done well here is to create the strange eeriness of an insular community, ostensibly genteel and polite but in other ways hostile."  Carol Midgley Times UK

"Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre’s adaptation of Murder is Easy falls between two stools. Too bland to excite the violent impulses of the Line of Duty generation, yet insufficiently zippy or playful to stir Christie aficionados."  Nick Hilton

Independent UK

"It's hard to take the novel seriously, and it’s impossible to take this silly... adaptation at its own estimation." Melanie McDonagh London Evening Standard

Trivia (From IMDB):

Filming locations: Sorn Castle, Sorn, Ayrshire, Scotland, UK (Lord Whitfield's House)

Title comes from Miss Pinkerton saying "Murder is easy for a certain type of person."  Another version has it "Murder is easy when nobody thinks it's murder."

Douglas Henshall (playing Major Horton) and Mark Bonnar (playing Rev. Humbleby) appeared together for 7 seasons as key characters in the crime drama Shetland

Tom Riley (Lord Whitfield) previously appeared in episodes of Miss Marple and Poirot

My Thoughts:

David Jonsson's acting as the lead character is stellar and I'll be watching for more from him!  The story is modernized a little by Fitzwilliam being from Nigeria and the remaining prejudices that come with that.  With that said, I hadn't read any of the reviews included here prior to watching, which I'm glad I didn't.  Critics said it remained fairly close to the book, which many didn't like the book to begin with so there wasn't much chance they would like the movie then anyway.

This had wonderful cinematography with great countryside views and interesting camera angles.  Acting was well done.

There are two criticisms I have.  One is the director's vision for Luke Fitzwilliam, actually all the characters, was clearly reserved and lackluster when the actor was giving so much more in the simplest of scenes.  You shouldn't cast fine actors and then hamstring them.  Secondly, there is a lack of zip for the storyline and it's the screenwriter's fault.  This could have been combined and shortened into one feature-length movie and accentuated the danger of a murderer among them to heighten the suspense. 

But with that said, I did enjoy it and was entertained.  That's more than I can say for many movies I ended up wasting time on.  I recommend with caveats that you know what to expect and take it in stride.

 

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

Trailer

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 Hollywood Spy

 I'm behind in this series and starting to catch up.  I'm glad I didn't skip any of the books because this is a powerful addition to the series.  I began with the debut novel and have read and reviewed all these:

#1 Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)

#2 Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here)

#3 His Majesty's Hope (click here)

#4 The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here)

#5 Mrs Roosevelt's Confidante (click here)

#6 The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

#7 The Paris Spy (click here),

#8  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

#9 The King's Justice (click here) 

Plus a wonderful interview with Ms. MacNeal (click here).

Let's join Maggie as she leaves England and travels to Los Angeles to help her former fiancee with a murder investigation.

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Copyright: July 2021 (Bantum) 369 pgs

Series: 10th in Maggie Hope Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical mystery

Main Character: Maggie Hope, American now British Secret Service Fund

Setting: 1943, Los Angeles/Hollywood

Obtained Through: Library

Cover Blurb: "Los Angeles, 1943. As the Allies beat back the Nazis in the Mediterranean and the United States military slowly closes in on Tokyo, Walt Disney cranks out wartime propaganda and the Cocoanut Grove is alive with jazz and swing every night. But behind this sunny façade lies a darker reality. Up in the lush foothills of Hollywood, a woman floats lifeless in the pool of one of California’s trendiest hotels.

When American-born secret agent and British spy Maggie Hope learns that this woman was engaged to her former fiancée, John Sterling, and that he suspects her death was no accident, intuition tells her he’s right. Leaving London under siege is a lot to ask—but John was once the love of Maggie’s life . . . and she can’t say no.

 Maggie struggles with seeing her lost love again, but more shocking is the realization that her country is as divided and convulsed with hatred as Europe. The Zoot Suit Riots loom large in Los Angeles, and the Ku Klux Klan casts a long shadow everywhere. But there is little time to dwell on memories once she starts digging into the case. As she traces a web of deception from the infamous Garden of Allah to the iconic Carthay Circle Theater, she discovers things aren’t always the way things appear in the movies—and the political situation in America is more complicated, and dangerous, than the newsreels would have them all believe."

My Thoughts:  Maggie Hope is doing better emotionally in this addition to the series.  But she is now challenged with seeing her ex-fiance and working alongside him to investigate the death of his romantic interest.  She has come such a long way since the first book and this really shows the new Maggie.  The amazing and talented ballerina, Sarah Sanderson, is Maggie's closest friend and features prominently in this outing.  We see how she is lovely on the inside as well as the out.  RAF Flight Commander John Sterling, Maggie's ex-fiancée, is back after many books without him.  This is a changed John as well and he has some issues to face as they investigate the death of his girlfriend, socialite Gloria Hutton.  

As always, the plots are based in solid facts and this is no exception. Rampant prejudice was spreading like a California wild fire in Los Angeles while we fought the same in Germany and Maggie comes face-to-face with the ugliness as she digs into the death of Miss Hutton. The investigation uncovers so much with twists and turns.

The climax is gut-wrenching and tense, a real nail biter.  Excellent job all around.  This sets up for the further adventures of Maggie Hope as well.

A stellar addition to the series, in my opinion.  I couldn't put it down and devoured it.  This is not only an excellently crafted book but it is a look at the times showing the glitz and the ugliness.  Bravo.  I would love an autographed copy, which is rare for me.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.  Buy a copy for everyone you know, it's that good. 

Review - Witch And Famous

I reviewed the first in this series of witchy mystery fun.  I didn't review the second but here is the third in the series and it doesn't disappoint. 

1) Bait and Witch

 

Author: Angela M. Sanders

Copyright: July 2022 (Berkley) 274 pgs

Series: 3rd in Witch Way Librarian Mystery series

Sensuality: Mature topics

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy paranormal mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Josie Way, librarian and newfound witch 

Setting: Contemporary, small town Wilfred, Oregon 

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb:  "For a tiny town, picturesque Wilfred, Oregon, has everything, including an impressive library housed in a Victorian mansion, a touch of magic in new librarian and fledgling witch, Josie Way, a visiting movie star—and a curious tendency toward murder . . .

 

Josie and all of Wilfred are buzzing with excitement. A-list movie star Daphne Morris has chosen to interview Roz, assistant librarian and novelist, for her book club. But when the glamorous actress quickly charms both Roz’s long-time love and sheriff Sam, the object of Josie’s unrequited affection, Josie turns to the whispers from her beloved books for ideas on revising the plot. Yet soon there’s another twist . . .

 

At a party to celebrate the interview, Daphne’s personal chef is found dead in a scene that all too closely echoes one in Roz’s novel. It’s clear to Josie that someone’s idea of a happy ending means framing her friend. She’ll have to read between the lines with the help of the library’s enchanted stacks, guidance from her magical grandmother’s letters, and her cat familiar, Rodney, to solve this murder before someone decides to stage a deadly sequel . . ." 

My Thoughts:

Josie Way is a fun character learning to control her witchy powers.  She cares about her neighbors and movie star Daphne Morris is turning the town upside down.  Rodney, the cat familiar, is a delightful sidekick.  Josie looks into the murder while navigating the town drama in Daphne's wake, including her romantic interest being swept up by the star.  The plot had enough meat to keep my interest and serve up some twists.  The climax provided some good thrills to top off a solid mystery.  This is a fun mystery with humor and a satisfying plot. 

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

Review - A Brushstroke with Death

As I was looking for some fun cozy mysteries for Halloween to review, I came across this new series.  Check out this witch who is an artist.  I think this may be surprising change for many.  The author, Bethany Blake, wrote six books in the Lucky Paws Pet Sitting mystery series which are going on my TBR list.

Author: Bethany Blake

Copyright: October 2020 (Kensington Cozies) 322 pgs

Series: 1st in An Owl & Crescent Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Willow Bellamy, owner of Owl & Crescent Art Barn 

Setting: Contemporary, Zephry Hollow, Pennsylvania 

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Near the creek that runs behind her Pennsylvania house, Willow Bellamy has converted an old barn into an art school—though the place does still have some animal inhabitants, including Rembrandt, the owl who lives up in the rafters. And while it’s important for any artist to have a vision, Willow can sometimes see things others can’t, just like her mother and grandmother before her. Not that she would exactly call herself a witch . . .

 

When some local merchants gather in the studio for a painting party, they focus their attention on a still life with flowers and an assortment of garden tools, including antique pruning shears that disappear—at the same time despised restaurant owner Evangeline Fletcher is murdered. Willow must use all her gifts to find the killer, although it means teaming up with a handsome, mysterious detective whom Willow fears she may have accidentally conjured from a canvas. This investigation is sure to be a hoot . . ."

Willow Bellamy is an artist and witch like her mother and grandmother. I liked her and felt we could be friends. She is thoughtful, reasonable, and loyal.  Astrid Applebee is the owner of Astrid's Astral Emporium, is one of Willow's coven and her friend.  Pepper Armbruster is a powerful witch from a wealthy family and the third member of the coven.  Detective Lucien Turner is completely an enigma who seems to know a lot about witchy things.  Derek Fletcher was Willow's first love and the victim's nephew who just returned to town.  Handyman George Van Buskirk seems mighty fond of Willow's grandmother Anna.  Willow's mother, Celeste Dinsmore Crockett Bellamy, is the Mayor of Zephry - that's not complicated at all.  Then there are the fantastic animals like Rembrandt, the owl; Mortimer, the rescue pig; and Luna, a petite gray cat with a white cresent-shaped mark on her chest that are Willow's companions.

Zephry Hollow is a good setting, but the Owl & Crescent Art Barn is a fantastic setting. Slightly secluded with the victim's mansion the closest home. The weather and seclusion add some atmospheric touches for a gothic touch.

Of course the plot revolves around Evangeline Fletcher's murder and suspects seem plentiful as Willow asks questions of everyone at the painting party to reveal Evangeline had made a lot of enemies.  I found the pacing kept me interested and wanting to read just one more page again and again.  There were a few twists as the story developed that really sucked me in.

I have to hand it to Ms. Blake.  She pulled off a great twist for the killer reveal.  I hadn't figured out the killer until just before the reveal and it was a surprising revelation.  The confrontation itself was a little nail-biting and blood pumping, just like I prefer it. Loved it.  The wrap-up was bittersweet but I can't go into it more than that.

Great fun with a little witchy business without being focused on only the paranormal. It had a twisty plot with some a good surprise at the climax. This is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy has a good paranormal element.

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

Review - Bait and Witch

 “Zippy and fun, with just enough ambiance to satisfy readers seeking spooks and humor.”

—Kirkus Reviews

In my search for some paranormal mysteries for Halloween, I found this new cozy series.  Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose—she’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble . . .

Author: Angela M. Sanders

Copyright: Dec 2020 (Kensington Cozies) 338 pgs

Series: 1st in Witch Way Librarian Mystery series

Sensuality: Mature topics

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy paranormal mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Josie Way, librarian and newfound witch 

Setting: Contemporary, small town Wilfred, Oregon 

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods . . .

 Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life . . ."

Josie Way is a strong willed gal who suddenly has magic powers as she is hiding for her life. She was easily likeable and relatable.  Rodney is the black cat that has adopted Josie and seems too smart for the average cat.  He steals the show and I can't get enough of Rodney! Darla is the Library Trustee who hired Josie and the owner/operator of Darla's Tavern and Diner as well as owner of the Magnolia Rolling Estates Trailer Park.  Sam Wilfred is the only living descendant of the "Wilfred family" the town was named after. His ancestor's abandoned the town and mill that supported the entire town, so the town hates the family.  Roslyn "Roz" Grover is Josie's right hand gal at library with a secret.  Sheriff Bert Dolby and sister are ever present in the story.  Lyndon Forster is the minimal-talk caretaker of the grounds and library.

The library grounds include a caretaker's cottage and the Big House that are the primary setting with Magnolia Rolling Estates Trailer Park and the Kirby river added.  I love the Library building, but living upstairs was a little unsettling at night. Great use of the old mansion/library. 

The mystery is fairly straight forward, who killed the woman found behind the library and who was she anyway?  Was the victim an assassin after Josie or did somebody mistake the woman for Josie?  Is Josie safe or not?  Is the killer a local? As the story unfolds, things get complicated.  Along with the subplots around Sam acting suspiciously, Roz's secret, the fight to save the library, and Josie's fear of her own powers, the pages flew by.

 The climax was somewhat tense and I had only begun suspecting the villain a couple chapters before the reveal, so great job there.  The wrap-up was great and solves a big problem unrelated to the murder.  

I found this debut of a new paranormal cozy series very enjoyable. The witchy aspects are well done for added oomph to the story. I was surprised at the level of development for the supporting cast. The mystery was well done with a great surprise killer that I really appreciated.  There was an added bonus of a hidden crime being solved in the midst of all this as well.  I also found the economic hard times of the town more true to life for small towns than the rosy image portrayed in most cozy mysteries while still keeping it charming.

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

Review - The Agency: A Spy in the House

Where has this year gone. October already!  I will have many more Halloween-related reviews coming for this month (yay).

I have found this new-to-me series set in Victorian era featuring a resourceful seventeen year old young woman on her first assignment for an all women private investigation agency!  I know this isn't recently published, I think it is very worthwhile and want to share it with you. 

Author: Y.S. Lee

Copyright: March 2010 (Candlewick Press) 276 pgs

Series: 1st in The Agency Mystery series

Sensuality:  Adult topics or situations mentioned

Mystery Sub-genre: historical Suspense, historical amateur sleuth

Main Character: Mary Lang, 17 year old orphan and former thief 

Setting: 1858, London, England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb:  "Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners -- and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust -- or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets -- including those of her own past."

Mary Lang (undercover as Mary Quinn) begins as a hard-luck 12-year-old orphan of half-Asian decent and accomplished thief about to be hung is saved by Miss Treleaven of Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls.  We then pick up five years later - after she has been reformed and educated and asked to be an investigator by the school's leaders.  She did excellent in school and when presented with the chance to be an investigator she is eager to prove herself.  Anne Treleaven is the woman who saved Mary from being hanged, is involved in girl's school, and is a founder of The Agency, an all female investigative service.  Felicity Frame is also is involved in the girl's school, and another founder of The Agency.  Angelica Thorold, the spoiled young lady Mary is posing as her companion to investigate her father, has more to her as the story develops. James Easton, second son of wealthy status, is investigating Mr. Thorold- but his motives aren't clear. He takes an interest in Mary, but what is his game? Even sleepy, sickly Mrs. Thorold has her secrets.

London is presented with the lavish, vain society parties held in vast expensive houses along the river with its gagging stench. Which is a perfect analogy of London with ultra rich existing alongside, but oblivious to, the desperately poor and destitute.  

The plot of an investigation agency that uses young women, who are often overlooked, to investigate cases is a great concept. This first case for Mary seems simple and is supposed to be a gentle entry into the Agency, but quickly becomes complicated.  The story is written well and kept me reading into the night.

The climax shows Mary's bravery and true heart.  It was exciting and tense. The wrap-up is short, answering the remaining questions and solutions to the case.  The potential romance for young Mary will hopefully continue in the next book in the series.

My thoughts:  The mystery is solid with twists and surprises and the characters are fleshed out and defined well.  This book is marketed as age 12 and up, but honestly, this is perhaps young adult but solidly adult with the topics touched on.  Mary's mother turned to prostitution to survive for instance.  Although that is only mentioned and not detailed, that and other references to adult topics move this to an older audience than 12 years old IMHO.  

It boldly portrays class differences, love gone terribly wrong, racial discrimination, even London's growing struggles in the 1850s, and the status of women in society. Historical details bring the time period alive and immerse the reader. I felt deeply invested in the characters and the storyline. The dynamic and flirtation between the Mary and James provided some lighter touches and added to the characters as well as the story.  I highly recommend for historical sleuth fans.

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

Review - Killing Trail

Apparently fans of Nevada Barr and C.J. Box will love this explosive debut.  "This suspenseful series kick-off introduces small-town Colorado's best crime-fighting duo, Mattie Cobb and her police dog partner, Robo"  This is a new for me series although it was published several years ago, so lets see how I felt about this debut.

Author: Margaret Mizushima

Copyright: December 2011 (Berkley) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries

Sensuality: clinical death of a teen, drug mules

Mystery Sub-genre: Police Procedural

Main Characters: Officer Mattie Cobb and pollice dog partner, Robo, 

Setting: Modern day, Timber Creek, Colorado

Obtained Through: Library Find

Book Blurb: "When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

With the help of Cole Walker, local veterinarian and a single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her hometown holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying.

The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn't careful, she and Robo could be next. Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is a gripping read that will have readers clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come. " 

Mattie Cobb comes with wounds having grown up in foster care. Thus she trusts her dog partner, Robo, more than any human. She is the only female deputy, and she also won a cross country endurance test to be Robo's handler. She is all business and doesn't have much of a soft side except towards Robo. She may not be for everyone, but I think she makes an interesting lead.  Robo is a star.  He is well trained, works hard and plays hard, and is loyal to Mattie without question.  

Cole Walker is recently separated and a work-a-holic veterinarian who could be a romantic interest for Mattie. But he needs to grieve before he is ready IMHO.  Detective Stella LoSasso arrives to handle the investigation and becomes a temporary mentor as she works with Mattie.  Sheriff Abraham McCoy is a mountain of a man who sees Mattie's potential and encourages her.  Chief Deputy Brody has never forgiven Mattie for winning the endurance test and being Robo's handler, thus he makes her life difficult at every opportunity.

Mama T is Mattie's foster mom and a great character I want to seem more of in future novels.  And then there is Rainbow, the hippy-raised dispatcher who is the optimist continually trying to make friends with Mattie.

Timber Creek is a smallish town developing a bigger town's drug problems. It sits in the middle of the majestic Rocky Mountains which are well described to place the reader in the splendor. Thus providing the ugly side hiding within the beauty. Well done.

I liked this police procedural more than I usually do the subgenre.  It is well balanced with Robo and the scenes from the Veterinarian's point of view to keep it from being the gritty big city style. The plot shows the struggle to fight the creeping of drugs into the community without being completely jaded. I devoured the book so the pacing kept me glued to the pages.

The climax was a nail biting suspenseful confrontation where Mattie learns to fully trust Robo and he delivers. The killer wasn't entirely a surprise, but wasn't my top choice so, that was well done.  The wrapup sets up for ongoing adventures.

I liked that the romance is a slow burn since both Mattie and Cole have some serious baggage to deal with. I absolutely love Robo and how he is portrayed. Mattie could have been a dark character, but she is evened out with moments of growth and the character has tremendous potential.  I also love that Rainbow and Detective Stella LoSasso are supportive women for Mattie, fantastic touch. 

The opening is my favorite for its humor:

     "Pulling her cruiser up to a stop sign, Mattie stole a quick glance.  Born in Russia, he was a handsome guy: straight black hair, intense brown eyes, and white teeth that flashed when he grinned.  Large and muscular, strong and rugged, he was the only one in the department who could outrun her in cross-country foot race.

     In addition to all that, he could sniff out a missing person.

     He was Timber Creek County's new police service dog, a German shepherd name Robo."

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

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. 

New Covers and Writing New Book

Just to let you know what I have been doing.  I am redoing all of my existing cozy mystery book covers.  I have two covers completed from the illustrator and one in process.  Of course getting them switched out on all the various outlets is quite the chore, so if your online book selling outlet doesn't reflect the new covers, it will happen soon.  You get to see them here first.
Below are book 1 and 2 of the Resort to Murder Mystery series.  Book 3 cover is in the works.  I am loving these new covers.  What do you think?

A celebrity pastor is murdered and Julienne is the prime suspect.

     Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.       She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.  

     Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

 Amazon || B&N || Kobo || Apple || IndieBound

Julienne is snow bound in the middle of the Rocky Mountains with a killer striking at will.

     Julienne LaMere gets to attend a Resort Management conference at a prestigious ski resort in the Colorado Mountains. What should be an enjoyable getaway attending workshops by day and shopping and enjoying the resort by night comes to a screeching halt when a loud-mouthed guest is murdered plus the roads and town shut down for an epic blizzard.

     In addition to attending the conference, dodging a smitten teen boy, and seeking clues among the gossiping - and increasingly tense - guests, her best friend’s heart has warmed to an unlikely man and may get broken. As if her mind isn’t already fully occupied, Julienne and her new boyfriend Mason are skiing down troubled slopes in their relationship. Will Julienne put the scant clues together and unveil the culprit before a murderer gets away?

Amazon || B&N || Kobo || Apple || IndieBound

I will post the new cover for Spiked as soon as it is finalized as well.  

I am finally writing the 4th in the Resort to Murder mystery series, ARROWED.  It takes place at a health and wellness resort just outside Santa Fe.  I'm loving the southwest environment for this story.  

I hope to have it completed and through edits and beta readers to be published in the Jan or Feb of 2021.  Be looking for that cover reveal in about a month, when I will set it up for pre-orders.  

It feels so good to get back into writing again, and with Covid I've finally focused on getting it written.  It gives me a great escape writing it, and I hope you will have a fun escape reading it.

Review - Vampire Knitting Club

 I came across this unique book concept and thought this would be good for Halloween coming up.  This is a completely new to me author and series.  Nancy Warren has 70+ books to her credit and started with Harlequin way back in the day.  So read on to find out more about this new series featuring vampires who knit like fiends.

Author: Nancy Warren

Copyright: October 2008 (Ambleside Publishing) 258 pgs

Series: 1st in Vampire Knitting Club Cozy Paranormal Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Main Characters: Lucy Swift, just inherited a knit shop in Oxford

Setting: Modern day, Oxford England

Obtained Through: Purchase

Book Blurb: "At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.

Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door—including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?

When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 600-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan.

The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat ... or is it ... her familiar?"

Lucy Swift is an average character with a lot of potential to be more memorable.  Her grandmother, Agnes Bartlett, who is now a vampire, is fantastic as a dear older lady who is adjusting to now being a vampire. Her character was much more vibrant and spunky.  Sylvia is the vampire best friend of Agnes and they make a fun pair.  

Rafe Crosyer, vampire and leader of the local fanged residents is only described as "seriously hot".  He is known in the mortal world as an expert in book restoration and a dealer in rare books and manuscripts.  But for the book, he is a close friend to Agnes and seems to like Lucy more than a little.  Detective Inspector Ian Chisholm is the second potential romantic interest and was interesting enough for the limited time on page he received.  Nyx the kitten, her newfound familiar, is one determined cat with some abilities of her own and a fighter.  Nyx is the star of the book in my opinion.

Oxford England is presented as a quaint college town with danger lurking.  I'll be honest, it could have been anywhere in the world with a smattering of older buildings.  The specific setting wasn't utilized but it did provide an old world backdrop.

With this being the first book, time is spent setting up the premise that Agnes was killed in her shop and to save her she was turned by her best friend.  The pacing picks up once Lucy accepts this information, and she switches from mild grief to sleuth almost immediately.  

The killer reveal turns into an opportunity for Lucy to exercise her new-found witchy gifts in self-defense.  This provides a combination of danger and humor.  The wrap up ensures the continuation of Lucy's story as a knit shop owner in Oxford.

If you are looking for a mild paranormal mystery story for a little Halloween fun, this is a good bet.  The idea of knitting vampires is fun and is set up with many of the standard cozy mystery tropes to satisfy most.  This is a fun outing to while away a few hours for a little fun.

Rating:  Well Done - A fun, quick, and easy read I enjoyed.  

Here is an interview with the author writing the series.

https://youtu.be/fITDwCGf9oo?t=394

Review - King's Justice

I have followed and reviewed each of the books in the Maggie Hope series since the beginning:  

#1 Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)

#2 Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here) 

#3 His Majesty's Hope (click here) 

#4 The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here) 

#5 Mrs Roosevelt's Confidante (click here)

#6 The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

#7 The Paris Spy (click here)

#8  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

Plus a wonderful interview with Ms. MacNeal (click here).  

Today I review the newest addition to the series.  Occasionally the Maggie Hope storyline is more of a regular mystery than spying and intrigue.  This is one of those times.  People expecting another great spy adventure be warned, this is a suspenseful search for a killer.

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Copyright: February 2020 (Berkley) 354 pgs

Series: 9th in Maggie Hope Mysteries

Sensuality: Moderate

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery

Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American now British Secret Service

Setting: 1942, London

Obtained Through: Library

Cover Blurb:  "Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders.

London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.

But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past." 

Maggie, who originally started out as Churchill's Secretary and is now a Major and hasn't dealt with her emotional baggage from her many harrowing close calls with death.  She is now acting out and reckless, which I understood.  But  be forewarned, this could turn some off.  Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin is the potential romantic interest.  He is likable and thinks the world of Maggie but worries about her current state.  

1940s London is portrayed like I have never read before as we follow Maggie defusing unexploded bombs that dropped during German air raids but didn't detonate.  The bombed out shells of buildings all around captures England's suffering better than any other I have read.  

The plot of hunting a serial killer during such devastating times of hardship is intense to say the least.  The subplot of Maggie working in bomb disposal and her relationships are fraught with the tragedies of the war add to the overall serious tenor of the book.

The killer confrontation is heart-pounding, an adrenaline rush while reading.  The wrap up is tender and sets up the next book taking place in California.

This Maggie isn't the gal we fell in love with in the first book of the series. She feels betrayed by the government (see  The Prisoner in the Castle) and disillusioned after all she has sacrificed.  I think it was necessary to show how damaged the character is from everything in the last eight books. Which is a whole lot of physical and emotional damage.  I kept reading to see how she deals with her bruised psyche as well as solve the murders.  I appreciate the author giving us a realistic Maggie who struggles and falls down occasionally.  

This novel tackles a few tough issues with a deft touch, I felt.  Questions over the death penalty and conscientious objectors are pondered in the context of the story.  I appreciated bringing to light that British objectors worked in bomb disposal and other life saving areas in service to their nation.  While this is a darker story than the prior books with Maggie's emotional wounds and a serial killer to hunt, it is still a well crafted plot with excellent characterization that wraps the reader in that world.

I must give a caveat to readers who look for mistakes.  Each of these books has reviewers on Amazon who seem eager to find every teensy mistake in the minutest of details.  Yes, Maggie calls it oatmeal not porridge (she is American living in England), or the name of a hospital.  I find the nitpicking of the color of a uniform or such more to build up the reader's ego than a good appraisal of the writing and story.  Please don't read the story at all if such minute mistakes are going to outrage you.  Read a history book, not fiction.  I had to get that off my chest.

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

Here is a video of the author talking about this book at the Poisoned Pen bookstore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDbKeAFCYDM