Review - Death and Daisies

Amanda Flower is the bestselling author of the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries, Living History Museum Mysteries, India Hayes Mysteries, Magical Bookshop Mysteries, and the new Magic Garden Mysteries.  I reviewed the first in this new series, Flowers and Foul Play (click here).  I finally got around to the second book in the series and here is my review.

Author: Amanda Flower

Copyright: Nov 2018 (Crooked Lane Books) 308 pgs

Series: 2nd in Magic Garden  Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery with magical touches

Main Characters: Fiona Knox, recently relocated to Scotland

Setting: Modern day, Duncreigan Scotland

Obtained Through: Library

From the cover:  "Fiona Knox thought she was pulling her life back together when she inherited her godfather’s cottage in Duncreigan, Scotland—complete with a magical walled garden. But the erstwhile Tennessee flower shop owner promptly found herself puddle boot-deep in danger when she found a dead body among the glimmering blossoms. One police investigation later (made a trifle less unpleasant by the presence of handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig), and Fiona’s life is getting back on a steady, though bewitched, track. Her sister Isla has just moved in with her, and the grand opening of her new spellbound venture, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop in Aberdeenshire, is imminent. 

But dark, ensorcelled clouds are gathering to douse Fiona’s newly sunny outlook. First, imperious parish minister Quaid MacCullen makes it undeniably clear that he would be happy to send Fiona back to Tennessee. Then, a horrific lightning storm, rife with terribly omen, threatens to tear apart the elderly cottage and sends Fi and Isla cowering under their beds. The storm passes, but then, Fi is called away from the Climbing Rose’s opening soiree when Kipling, the tiny village’s weak-kneed volunteer police chief, finds a dead body on the beach. 

The body proves difficult to identify, but Kipling is certain it’s that of the parish minister. Which makes Fiona, MacCullen’s new nemesis, a suspect. And what’s worse, Isla has seemed bewitched as of late…did she do something unspeakable to protect her sister? The last thing Fiona wanted to do was play detective again. But now, the rosy future she’d envisioned is going to seed, and if she and Craig can’t clear her name, her idyllic life will wilt away."

Fiona Knox is in the midst of opening her new flower shop when a murder takes place.  Not only does she need to ferret out the real killer who is among them, she discovers more about her relationship between her family and her godfather who left her the magic garden.  Isla, Fiona's sister, has suddenly moved in after her graduation and is a spoiled and pampered character.  Things don't go smoothly between the sisters either. Hamish, the rustic, unassuming, and down-to-earth caretaker of the property is a character I simply love.  Chief Inspector Neil Craig is the cop romantic interest.  And then there are the great animal characters including a mischievous blue-eyed fox that Fiona believes (somehow, someway) is her godfather Ian, a cat who adopted Fiona named Ivanhoe, and Hamish's companion red squirrel, Duncan, that are additional magical touches.

Duncreigan and the nearby town, Aberdeenshire, are charming and picturesque, adding atmospheric and delightful Scottish touches.  The ruins of an old stone church ruins that are to be preserved also lend some creepy additions to scenes.  Nicely done overall.  

The plot is all around who would kill the sanctimonious minister, because it was a minister after all.  The pacing had plenty to keep the story moving swiftly along.  The killer reveal was wonderfully suspenseful and couldn't have been better.  The wrap up answered final questions and was satisfying on all counts.  

Although it is traditionally published, there were a number of typos and out-of-place words.  Which goes to show it isn't just self-published works. That didn't effect the story for me any.  The magical touches are just enough to make the story delightful. This was a delightful second book in the series that is fast becoming one of my favorite cozies.  I can't wait for the next book

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, a fun read that had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - May Day Murder

I have only read one other in the series, the third book Yuletide Homicide (click here).  I was in the mood for a springtime book (aren't we all?) and this hit the spot.  Check out how the book fared in my opinion.

Author: Jennifer David Hesse

Copyright: March 2019 (Kensington) 352 pgs

Series: 5th in Wiccan Wheel Mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Keli Milanni, family law attorney and Wiccan 

Setting: Modern day, Edindale, Illinois

Obtained Through: Netgalley

From the book cover: "Spring is in the air, but for Edindale, Illinois, attorney Keli Milanni, murder is the only thing blooming . . . 

Keli’s looking forward to Beltane, the time-honored Wiccan holiday that celebrates life with feasting, ceremonial dancing, and ancient Celtic rituals. But since recently leaving her law firm and opening her own practice, Keli has more on her plate than simple abundance. Still, she always has time for a friend. Erik, a Druid from a neighboring town, has had a run of bad luck he blames on a curse cast by his ex-girlfriend Denise, a practicing witch whose expertise in the dark arts can’t save her from her own deadly end.

When Keli finds herself a person of interest in the investigation, she begins to wonder if she herself might be cursed. With a little help from her friends, including her devoted boyfriend Wes, Keli aims to find out who poisoned Denise. What she uncovers is a witch’s brew of spells, hexes, and black magic that raises questions about her own Wiccan worldview. As the community gathers for the May Day festivities, it’s up to Keli to stop a killer from springing ahead to another murder . . ."

Keli Milanni is a smart modern gal struggling to  get her solo her law firm financially stable since she left a big law firm.  
Wes Callahan, a tattooed bartender, is Keli's boyfriend and I enjoy the move away from the CRI (Cop Romantic Interest).  Mila is the owner of New Age gift shop Moonstone Treasures and a Wiccan mentor for Keli.  Farrah is her best friend and trusty sidekick who is laid up with a bum knee in this book. The multiple suspects surrounding Erik and the victim Denise provide a colorful cast with a myriad of motives.

Edindale and a neighboring town are the prime setting with a few wilderness areas included.  The beginning of spring blossoms in the book and enveloped me as I read through a snow storm.

The plot begins fairly simple but the motive is murky as police and media complicate matters by claiming it was a witch-on-witch killing.  Subplots include Keli dealing with her Wiccan private beliefs becoming publicly known and how that will affect her new law firm and somebody sabotaging her business in addition to the murder.

The pacing kept a steady forward momentum with just enough twists.  The killer reveal was deliciously tense and dramatic!  Nicely done there, I must say. The wrap up was touching and also left one subplot to carry into the next book as a dangling mystery.  It effectively makes me want to read the next book to see the answer.

Keli is a touch too trusting in this outing.  I found myself thinking in a couple of scenes that she was trusting a stranger too much.  Otherwise, the book has a solid mystery with the subplots that all kept me flipping pages.  This was only the second book in the series I've read and I had no problem understanding references etc. I like the simple weaving of Wiccan beliefs in the story without too much detail.

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

Review - Just Killing Time

This is the first book in a new series featuring a clock shop and all things clocks.  Last Saturday I did the Soundtrack Saturday for this book (click here.)  I like fine clocks, I had a cool grandfather clock growing up, undoubtedly an inexpensive reproduction, but it still fascinated me.  So this new themed series peeked my interest.  See what you think.

Spooktacular Blog Hop is down a few posts.

Author: Julianne Holmes

Copyright: October 2015 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Clock Shop Mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Ruth Clagan, expert clockmaker, new owner of Cog and Sprocket

Setting: Modern day, Orchard Massachusetts (Berkshires)

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Ruth’s grandparents were her rock during her childhood, she adored her grandmother and grandfather Thom (G.T.) passed along his love of timepieces. But, after her grandmother died and G.T. remarried, Ruth and Grandpa Thom became estranged. After her disastrous marriage and divorce, she wanted to reach out, but hadn't done it yet.  Just out of a week-long retreat she finds out G.T. has died, and she missed her chance.  Her grandfather was found dead after a break-in at his shop—and the police believe he was murdered.

Ruth rushes to town and finds she inherited her grandfather's cherished clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, in the small Berkshire town of Orchard, Massachusetts. As soon as she moves into the small apartment above the shop, she realizes G.T. had gotten involved in town politics and stirred up a hornets nest. She doesn't have much choice but to investigate because the shop is being searched and somebody really wants something  badly, probably bad enough to have killed her grandfather.

Ruth is a good heroine, recovering from a bad marriage and divorce, grieving over her grandfather's death. She was raised by her grandparents since her parents were never much for taking care of a child. Ruth is easy to like.  Pat Reed is a long time clock shop handyman who falls under suspicion. Ben Clover, is the owner of the neighboring hair salon and makes a fun potential love interest. Jeff Paisley, by-the-book Chief of Police who shows some interest in Ruth too.  Caroline, the step grandmother, who she hadn't met until now is an understanding lady.   Nancy and Moira Reed run the Sleeping Latte coffee shop diner and are old friends.  I have to mention Bezel, the shop cat who is simply a cool cat who lives at the storefront.

Orchard is a standard small town with it's share of city political strife.  The plot is good and the pacing, after the story gets established, is just right. The mystery unfolds the more Ruth settles in with subtle clues among the red herrings and the killer is a surprise.  Good job.  The wrap up is heartwarming.

I liked this debut novel.  It has depths that are surprising for a cozy. 

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

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The California Wine Club: Try Premier Club and get two bottles of bonus wine in your first shipment and a $25.00 wine credit for future use with code 2EXTRA 

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Review - Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffle

This is a new cozy series that I stumbled across and snatched up.  I have to share this little gem with you.

Author: J. A. Lang

Copyright: April 2015 (Purple Panda Press) 240 pgs

Series: 1st in Chef Maurice Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, humor

Main Characters: Chef Maurice Manchot, owner and head chef at Le Cochon Rouge restaurant

Setting: Modern day, fictional Cotswold village of Beakley

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

Chef goes to call on Ollie, his forager, who is overdue to deliver mushrooms to Le Cochon Rouge restaurant. Chef goes to Ollie's house to find his neighbor and law enforcement already there.  Ollie is missing. Chef Maurice finds his mushrooms in the fridge tagged with the restaurant name, but he also finds a bag of rare and expensive White Alba truffles.  Before long Chef finds his body in the forest, probably during a truffle hunting excursion.  Chef believes that Ollie found the rare truffles growing locally (unheard of) and that got him killed.  So Chef begins a two-pronged agenda.  Get a truffle hunting dog (he has to settle for a pig at the pound), and investigate Ollie's murder to find the truffle location.  The more he investigates Ollie, the more he discovers there were plenty of reasons and people to kill him.

Chef Maurice is eccentric, strong willed, posseses few social skills until he wants something, and is all about the food.  His character is funny, but not too outlandish.  Arthur Wordington-Smythe is Chef's stuffy sidekick friend and restaurant reviewer for the England Observer.  Arthur is the proper, everything-by-the-book character to offset Chef's willful behavior.  The Odd-Couple redux.   Hamilton is the pig that Chef Maurice acquires with the plan of training him to be a truffle-hunting pig.  Hamilton gets a few scenes told from his point of view and he adds to the humor.  Patrick is Chef's sous-chef and likely heir to the top chef mantle, is an gentle soul who becomes smitten with the policewoman investigating the case.  PC Lucy Gavistone is a young policewoman with her hands full with a murder case, let alone with Chef Maurice elbowing his way into the investigation. 

The Cotswalds are nicely portrayed and the eccentric English countryside folks add to the overall atmosphere.  The plot is lighthearted and flows easily.  The book is fewer pages than the average, but it doesn't feel rushed.  I felt the pace was steady without much repetition of going back to the same witness time and again.  The climax wasn't full of suspense or danger, just a confrontation.  But, it was done well.  Questions were answered and I was left wanting more. 

Fun plot and humorous characters make this an entertaining read.  This is my new "go-to" series when I need something light and fun.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

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Review - One Foot in the Grape

I enjoy mysteries set in California wine country, so I was excited to see this new series.  There are a few others, but not many.  So there is room for another with this theme.  Check out Cypress Cove California.

Author: Carlene O'Neil

Copyright: May 2015 (Berkley) 295 pgs

Series: 1st in Cypress Cove Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Penny Lively, former photojournalist newly inherited Joyeux Vineyard

Setting: Modern day, Cypress Cove - California wine country

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Penny Lively lost her job as a photojournalist but is taking up the reins ofJoyeux Winery that her aunt left her.  By her side are her niece Hayley asAssistant Manager and Connor as winery manager.  But the owner of theneighboring winery, and a distant relative, Antonia Martinelli, asks for help with apparent sabotage of her wines.  Her winery is large and influential, but somebody is out to ruin her.  Penny agrees to help, but  she didn't realize what was involved when she finds the Martinelli Tasting Room Manager, Todd Ryan, in the grape crusher.  Penny feels protective since Hayley was the last person with Todd, and thus is a prime suspect.

Penny is in her mid thirties, a head strong person used to being on her own.  She is a likeable character.  Haley complements Penny well and grounds her.  Connor, the Winery manager is the potential romantic interest who harps about Penny's safety.  Antonia is the iron-fisted matriarch of a dysfunctional family that includes daughters Francesca and Chantal, plus Stephen the heir and his wife Veronica. Chief Lucas works the case without being antagonist with Penny.  This cozy has solid characters and less of the eccentric or comic elements, but not as gritty as an amateur sleuth or PI novel.

A good portion of the story takes place during the Autumn Festival, a two-days of wine, food, and judging local vineyards wine entries.  I particularly enjoyed the luscious descriptions of wine country during harvest and decorated in autumn colors.

The plot had several elements in play, so there is no simple solution which made this solid mystery. The pacing was steady throughout, resulting in what felt like a "fast" read.  The mystery resolution and killer confrontation was exciting with some good nail-biting suspense.  The wrap-up tied up the remaining issues.

This is a solid debut with a strong likeable main character, fantastic setting, and multifaceted mystery.  If you enjoy the Wine Lover's Mystery series, check this new series out.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - April 2015

It is the first Monday of the month and time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival.  Now on to this month's blog carnival.  Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review / Legal

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri


Kay's Reading Life reviewed To Dwell in Darkness by Deborah Crombie


Carstairs Considers reviewed The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Edge of Dreams by Rhys Bowen


Booking Mama reviewed A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear




Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review
Mysteries and My Musings reviewed A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart


Carstairs Considers reviewed Wouldn't It Be Deadly by D. E. Ireland


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Counterfeit Heiress by Tasha Alexander


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Steeped in Evil by Lara Childs

Carstairs Considers reviewed At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay


Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Horse of a Different Killer by Laura Morrigan


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Witch Hunter's Tale by Sam Thomas


Carstairs Considers reviewed Death is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Murder Ties the Knot by Christy Fifield




Girl Lost in a Book reviewed Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis


Carstairs Considers reviewed Puzzled Indemnity by Parnell Hall


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis



Thriller/Suspense /Intrigue Fiction Book Review

Booking Mama reviewed Crazy Love You by Lisa Unger


Booking Mama reviewed Woman With a Gun by Phillip Margolin


Booking Mama reviewed Monday's Lie by Jamie Mason





Author Interview

Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by Fran Stewart


Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by Laura Morrigan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"THANK YOU"

to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed to the carnival.  Keep them coming and let's keep this carnival going. 

 

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. 

Please help the newsletter for the blog carnival to get more subscribers. If a blog reviews mystery/suspense/thrillers (even occasionally) then I would like to feature those reviews. I send the newsletter out once a month announcing the deadline for submitting to this blog carnival. Multiple entries from a blog are welcome.


Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - March 2015

It is the first Monday of the month and time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival. 

Now on to this month's blog carnival.  Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review / Legal

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Who Buries the Dead by C.S. Harris

Booking Mama reviewed Hush Hush by Laura Lippman



Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Murder in the Queen's Garden by Amanda Carmack

Carstairs Considers reviewed License to Dill by Mary Ellen Hughes

Kings River Life Magazine reviewed Scorched Eggs by Laura Childs

Girl Lost In a Book reviewed Maple Mayhem by Jessie Cockett

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle

Kings River Life Magazine reviewed Fudge Brownie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Girl Lost In a Book reviewed Shunned and Dangerous by Laura Bradford

Carstairs Considers reviewed Great Smokies by Sandy Dengler

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Feta Attraction by Susannah Hardy


Thriller/Suspense /Intrigue Fiction Book Review

Booking Mama reviewed Into a Raging Blaze by Andreas Norman

Books n' Cooks reviewed Snitch by Brooker T Mattison

Booking Mama reviewed The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Booking Mama reviewed Lethal Code by Thomas Waite


Author Interview

Mysteries and My Musings had a guest post by author Amanda Carmarck

Mysteries and My Mysings had a guest post by Kate Carlisle

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"THANK YOU"

to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed to the carnival.  Keep them coming and let's keep this carnival going. 

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. 

Spread the word far and wide!!!

Please help the newsletter for the blog carnival to get more subscribers. If a blog reviews mystery/suspense/thrillers (even occasionally) then I would like to feature those reviews. I send the newsletter out once a month announcing the deadline for submitting to this blog carnival. Multiple entries from a blog are welcome.

Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Review - Meow if it's Murder

I was intrigued by this new series premise and book blurb.  Here is my take on the new Nick and Nora mystery series (after the old "Thin Man" movies).

Author: T.C. LoTempio

Copyright: December 2014 (Berkley) 305 pgs

Series: 1st in Nick and Nora Mystery series

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Nora Charles former crime reporter, now a small business owner

Setting: modern day, Cruz, California

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger who had been a friend of Nora's mother.  There are some aspects to the reported account of Lola's death while her and her husband were out on their yacht that don't add up for Nora. She also finds a charming tuxedo stray cat she names "Nick" that she tracks to a PI who was hired by Lola's sister to investigate.  Seems nobody has seen the PI for a few weeks and he could be gone for good.  

Nora's crime reporter tendencies won't let the story go, even after a police detective keeps warning her off the case along with her best friend, Chantal, saying her Tarot cards show its dangerous. Indications point towards Chicago mob connections, but how that really works is fuzzy as Nora keeps digging. A fun side plot is how Nick has the eerie talent of leaving clues for Nora, like using scrabble tiles to spell out "FBI."

Nora is a great heroine, she is a milder crime reporter (not hardened) than what I initially anticipated for a Chicago reporter.  But, she works well for this type of mystery.  Nick, the cat who found Nora, picks up as intuitive guide to Nora -- reminiscent of the "Cat Who..." books with Koko giving clues. He is clearly a vital half of the "Nick and Nora" team for this series.  Chantal is Nora's best friend and is an interesting addition too.  Ollie, or Oliver Sampson, is the PI who was partnered with Nick's former deceased owner.  Nora and Ollie become friends and he seems setup to be in next books too.  Detective Daniel Corleone is the standard police/FBI romantic interest.  His character is well done despite being an overused character idea. 

The setting of Cruz California isn't really utilized much other than the marina and yachts.  The plot was surprisingly more complex than I expected and was well developed.  The pacing did a great job of keeping me engaged in the story and turning pages.  The climax had Nick and Nora confronting the killer with some good tense moments.  The wrap-up was short but sweet.

This debut book has a good foundation of a former crime reporter with an intuitive cat sidekick that delivered a good plot idea with creative writing and fun characters.  I am looking forward to many installments in this new series.  If you enjoyed the Lillian Jackson Braun books in their early years, you will probably love this series.

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

Evergreen Hurricane Candles

Bring a touch of elegance to the dinner table or to your holiday display with these simple holiday hurricane candles.


You'll Need:

Glass hurricane candle holder
Evergreen pieces
Spray adhesive
Pillar candles

Before you start make sure you scrub the hurricane glasses completely with window cleaner. Pick nice flat greenery pieces & spray them liberally with the spray adhesive.

Let the greenery set a few minutes until the spray adhesive has become tacky, then carefully seat them on the hurricane glass.

Give it a few minutes time to dry, then trim the bottoms with decent scissors or shears.  I believe that the adhesive spray will keep the greenery from turning brown and brittle, but this is my first time.  If you wish to use artificial, I'm sure that would look just as lovely.

Finally, add a candle!

I found this project at Budget101 (click here).

Review - Stirring the Plot

This is my first book in the Cookbook Nook mystery series.  I felt it gave enough for me to jump right in without being lost not reading the prior books.  

If you are here for the Spooktacular Blog Hop, click here.

Author: Daryl Wood Gerber

Copyright: September 2014 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 3rd in Cookbook Nook Mystery series

Sensuality: some kissing

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Jenna Hart, owner of The Cookbook Nook

Setting: Modern day, Crystal Cove, California

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The entire town of Crystal Cove is gearing up for the annual Halloween fund-raiser luncheon and fair sponsored and organized by the local Winsome Witches, a women's charity group.  They aren't actual witches, or so they say, but they play up the role for the sake of raising money for good causes.  Pearl Thornton, "head witch" of the Winsome Witches, is a popular therapist.  Shortly after the gang is gathered at her house, Pearl is murdered.  Suspects start popping up including her own daughter.  Initially, Jenna grasps at straws with several very improbable and even ridiculous theories.  Those give way to more realistic ideas as she gains more information about the people in Pearl's life.

Jenna seems to have two personalities.  The rational level-headed Jenna, and the slightly silly Jenna.  Perhaps it was that the rational Jenna acted uncharacteristically at times.  Either way, I don't care for silly Jenna.  Aunt Vera is funny, but silly at times too, and it isn't her age either. Cary, Jenna's dad, is actually the best character IMHO.  He was FBI who now runs a hardware store and has a little edge to him, he fulfilled the "stay away from anybody and everybody, heaven forbid you ask a question -- don't be a sleuth or have any curiosity at all" lines.  Rhett, the boyfriend, seemed nice but was essentially just arm-candy for Jenna without much substance to him, at least in this book.  Thankfully, he wasn't the standard cop for a boyfriend.

Crystal Cove, California is a standard small town with not much to distinguish it.  There are a few hints tossed out that the area has some paranormal energies, but very slight mentions which don't really lead anywhere.  The plot is standard cozy murder and motives, although it does take a little bit before the motive comes into focus.  The pacing is a stroll, on par for a cozy.  The climax had some good tense moments, but was over in a flash.  I would have liked a little more attention on the climax and creating more suspense. 

Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying. 

Here are several easy crafts for Halloween.  Some of these are great!

Review - Off Kilter

The interest in all things Scotland is making a return with the wildly popular Outlander books recently turned into a television series on STARZ pay channel.  This new mystery series takes a different approach to the Scottish tartan and bagpipe music laden theme.  Let's see how well the first book in the Scottish Highland mystery series did.  


If you are here for the Spooktacular Blog Hop, it is the post just below (prior) to this review.  Look around a bit, you will find plenty of mystery and suspense book related posts, reviews, and author interviews or guest posts.

Author: Hannah Reed

Copyright: October 2014 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Scottish Highlands Mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Scottish Cozy

Main Characters: Eden Elliott, recently divorced and contracted to author romance novel

Setting: Modern day, Glenkillen Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review
 
Eden has had a terrible year.  Her mother, who she had nursed, recently passed away plus her husband left her.  Her best friend Ami is a romance author and helps her to get a contract to write romance novels, and pays for her to go to Scotland for 2 weeks minimum up to 6 months max as research for her book and a fresh start.  She succumbs to Ami's plans and on the plane trip makes friends with Vicki MacBride who is going to the same small town.  Vicki's estranged father left Vicki his country estate and she is going to the funeral and deal with her inheritance. 

Eden's rental car breaks down and she gets a ride with a local land owner, Leith Cameron, who she decides is perfect to base her book's romantic hero upon.  Her first night she goes to the wake at the pub for Vicki's father, and later Vicki and her stumble over the body of the town's sheep shearer Gavin Mitchell, murdered—clipped with his own shears.  The locals suspect Vicki MacBride and even Eden since they are the strangers in town.  Eden can't believe the friendly and sad heiress is a murderer, but can she be of any help when she doesn't even understand the local police investigation techniques?

Eden Elliot is a refreshing 38 year old divorcee who is intelligent, level-headed, and compassionate.  Her character is delightful as a woman who is reinventing herself and learning to live life a little.  Ami Pederson, Eden's BFF is the bestselling romance author, who even on another continent is checking in and giving input.  Vicki MacBride could be as she appears, a genuinely nice person, or a manipulative murderer as the town's people believe.  Leith Cameron will satisfy Outlander fans with his masculine good looks and kilts.  The gruff and serious Detective Inspector Jamieson is one of the few policemen that would have worked as a jaded romantic interest.  Special Constable Sean Stevens provides some comic relief in his bumbling, but well meaning ways. 

The highlands, featuring the Whistling Inn B&B in Glenkillen and the MacBride Farm, are more than a setting for the story.  Any book set in Scotland has a hefty job to meet reader's expectations, but this novel portrays a strong working knowledge of the land and its unique personality.  The plot is a good standard whodunit for a cozy.  The pace a few sections that raised interested until the next section that slowed too much, making it feel like a stop-and-start loop at times in the story.

The climax was a great killer reveal that had danger and desperation.  The follow up was full of promise for a much longer stay in Scotland for Eden.

This debut novel for a new series packs a lot into it: the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, an American woman getting a new start in a foreign land and making friends while thrown into the middle of murder.  The requisite highlander love interest is supplied and is more than eye-candy in his kilt.  A great setting, characters you want to spend more time with, and a murder plot that engages all make this a very enjoyable story and great start to a new series. 

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

Now for some fun ideas for Halloween enthusiasts, here is a short video with ten quick and easy ideas.  FYI, it is recommended to use gloves when handling dry ice.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - October 2014

It is the first Monday of the month and time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival. 

Now on to this month's blog carnival.  Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review / Legal

Carstairs Considers reviewed Death Valley by Sandy Dengler


King's River Life Reviewed Lost Legacy by Annette Dshofy


Booking Mama reviewed After I'm Gone by Laura Lippman


King's River Life Reviewed The Executioner’s Hood By Loretta Jackson and Vickie Britton



Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed The Wolfe Widow by Victoria Abbot


Thoughts in Progress reviewed Clam Wake by Mary Daheim


King's River Life Reviewed Marked Down for Murder by Josie Belle and The Wolfe Widow by Victoria Abbott


Carstairs Considers reviewed Bloom and Doom by Beverly Allen


King's River Life Reviewed Fat Cat At Large by Janet Cantrell


Carstairs Considers reviewed Maple Mayhem by Jessie Crockett


King's River Life Reviewed Mistress of Lies By Holly West, a historical mystery

Thoughts in Pregress reviewed The Corpse Who Waled in the Front Door by Jackie King


King's River Life Reviewed Groomed for Murder by Annie Knox


Thoughts in Progress reviewed Night of the White Buffalo by Margaret Coel


King's River Life Reviewed Murder of a Needled Knitter by Denise Swanson and Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy


Buried Under Books reviewed Catwalk by Sheila Webster Boneham





Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review


Mysteries and My Musings reviewed No Tomorrow by Tom Wood


King's River Life Reviewed Blackout by Jan Christensen


Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Angel Killer by Andrew Mayne


Tea Time With Marce reviewed Dead Wrong by Allen Wyler, a medical thriller.


King's River Life Reviewed Phantom Limb By Dennis Palumbo


Thoughts in Progress reviewed The Lost Island by Preston and Child


Buried Under Books reviewed Death Spiral by Janie Chodosh


King's River Life Reviewed Cypher By Cathy Perkins


Booking Mama reviewed Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey


Thoughts in Progress reviewed Habor Island by Carla Neggers


Author Interview

Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by Victoria Abbot


King's River Life interviewed Holly West


Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by kathy Aarons



Please help the newsletter for the blog carnival to get more subscribers.  If a blog reviews mystery/suspense/thrillers (even occasionally) then I would like to feature those reviews.  I send the newsletter out once a month announcing the deadline for submitting to this blog carnival.  Multiple entries from a blog are welcome. 

Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

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A huge "THANK YOU" to all the wonderful bloggers out there who contributed to the carnival.  Keep them coming and keep this carnival going. 

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. 

Spread the word far and wide!!!