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 - Death of an Italian Chef

 I usually like to start with the first, maybe second book in a series.  But this time I am jumping into a well established series from Kensington Cozies.  In fact, I didn't realize how far into the series this book was and but I had no problem not having read the prior books.  Please check out my latest review.

Author: Lee Hollis

Copyright: June 2021 (Kensington Cozies) 222 pgs

Series: 14th in Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times 

Setting: Contemporary - Bar Harbor, Maine

Obtained Through: Netgalley for honest review

Book Blurb: "As the food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, it’s Hayley Powell’s job to stay on top of the latest eateries in town. Just in time for the summer tourist season, Chef Romeo, a successful restaurateur from New York City, has opened an establishment called—naturally—Romeo’s. But between his over-the-top temperament and his no-holds-barred diet, Chef Romeo may not live through the grand opening.

 When the chef actually does suffer a mild heart attack, he ends up sharing a hospital room with Hayley’s brother Randy, who’s there for gall bladder surgery. Chef Romeo has tasted Hayley’s cooking and asks her to take over his restaurant while he’s laid up. But this temporary gig may turn permanent, after the chef dies from complications. Only thing is, Randy tells a different story. He might have been sedated, but Hayley’s bro swears he saw someone come into their room and put Romeo out of his misery. Now it’s up to Hayley to find the person who had no reservations about killing the chef . . ."

My Thoughts:  Chef Romeo is quite the character and had a lot of potential, that sadly didn't get utilized.  He is rather a stereo-type of a big and loud Italian.  Hayley is a well developed character that was easy to relate to.  Hayley’s brother Randy came across spoiled and I'm sad to say, complaining. I found his flirting with a nurse when he is in a relationship not cool.  The mystery itself had plenty of suspects and the reader is along for the ride, piecing it together pretty much the same time as Hayley with the way motives and information are doled out.  The killer reveal was exciting, which I always love.  There was one feature in the book I didn't care for.  Interspersed throughout are little micro-stories, unrelated to the current mystery, that introduce a recipe.  I found that practice would distract me from the main story and it didn't work well for me. If you are looking for something light, this is a good bet.  Overall I would say it was enjoyable, enough so that I will probably go back to the first book in the series and catch up.

Rating:  Good - A fun enjoyable read. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Review - In a Peppermint Peril

This new series is advertised as "Perfect for Lorna Barrett and Jenn McKinlay fans, this festive series debut set in small-town Maine introduces book-themed tea party organizer Callie Aspen and her lovable Boston terrier."  Her is a little holiday cheer in February.

Author: Joy Avon

Copyright: Nov 2018 (Crooked Lane Books) 285 pgs

Series: 1st in Tea and a Read Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Callie Aspen, tour guide to world's historic venues job visiting her great aunt

Setting: Modern day, Heart's Harbor, Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher NetGalley for honest review

Book Blurb:  "This Christmas, Callie Aspen returns to her childhood hideout Heart's Harbor, Maine where her great aunt runs Book Tea, a vintage tearoom where every sweet treat contains a bookish clue. Upon arrival in the fairy-tale snowy town, Callie is drawn into the preparations for a special tea party at Haywood Hall, the rambling house of Heart's Harbor's oldest resident, rich but lonely widow Dorothea Finster, who invited her estranged relatives, old friends and the elite of the town to make a mysterious announcement about her will.

Believing they can touch a part of her fortune, everybody is determined to come, despite not liking each other or even their hostess. And Callie's old friend Sheila complicates things by using the tea party to announce her daughter's engagement, even though her daughter isn't sure she's in love with the young lawyer her mother thinks so perfect for her.

Catering to people who each have their own agenda isn't easy for the Book Tea crew, especially once the valuable engagement ring goes missing and a dead body turns up in the conservatory. Can Callie and her great aunt use their love of clues to dig into the crimes and show their unhappy hostess and squabbling guests the true Christmas spirit?" 

Callie Aspen is returning to Heart’s Harbor, Maine after leaving years ago because of a broken heart. She is back after leaving her tour guide to world's historic venues job.  Stephen Du Bouvrais, the man who crushed her heart by marrying someone else, is the heir to Haywood Hall where the murder takes place.  Great Aunt Iphy (Iphigeneia) is trying to help Callie heal while getting her involved in the town.  Deputy Falk is the standard cop romantic interest.  Callie's old friend Sheila, who married Stephen, planned the ring in the cake to "nudge" her daughter to marry.  Callie’s dog – Daisy, the Boston Terrier is the breakout character.

The motive for murder wasn't clear at first.  The picture became more clear as the clues were revealed. Subplots of family troubles were woven throughout.  The story enfolded and slowly took hold of me.  It took several chapters before I was vested in the story.

The climax was like a classic "Murder She Wrote" luring the killer out.  Nicely done. The wrap up has a heart warming element that ties up a significant subplot that played into the motive.  I appreciated that.

Callie is barely introduced in the story when a whole bunch of other characters are coming into play and it was a bit confusing of a start.  Other than the daughter Amber and the elderly widow Dorothea Finster, the characters were a little lack-luster.  A lot of potential with this series and I found it a pleasant book to pickup when you want a distraction.

Rating: Good - A fun read with an entertaining story. 

 

Review - Whispers of Warning

I reviewed the first novel in this new series, Whispers Beyond the Veil (click here) and was honored to have a guest post from the author (click here.)  Now we have the critical second book, which has a lot to live up to from the first.  Let's see how the series holds up with the newest addition.

Author: Jessica Estevao

Copyright: Sept 2017 (Berkley) 331 pgs

Series: 2nd in Change of Fortune Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Characters: Ruby Proulx, a psychic with a "questionable" past

Setting: 1898, Old Orchard-Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "Free from the clutches of her con artist father, Ruby Proulx is starting to settle in at the Belden, her aunt Honoria’s seaside hotel. She loves finally being rooted in one place and also feels a sense of purpose as she helps Honoria keep her business afloat by acting as a psychic medium for the hotel’s metaphysically inclined guests.

When one of the guests, renowned Spiritualist and outspoken suffragist Sophronia Foster Eldridge, checks into the hotel for a monthlong stay, Ruby finds her sense of purpose expands outside the confines of home and family. Sophronia takes Ruby under her wing and mentors her in the mediumistic abilities, encouraging her to fight for women’s rights. 

But not everyone is as happy with Sophronia’s appearance in Old Orchard. When a dangerous act of sabotage is carried out and a body is found floating in the pool of a local bathhouse, Ruby takes it upon herself to find answers— and in the process learns that her new friend has been hiding some deadly secrets of her own."

Ruby has a good heart in spite of her con-artist rearing from her no-good father. She is afraid people will see through the attempts to be good and see the con she used to be.  She doesn't even trust her own psychic abilities.  Aunt Honoria is the family she always wanted, and will do anything for her.  Officer Warren Yancy provides the potential love interest, he struggles with his growing feelings for her.  Lucinda (Lucy) is Officer Yancy's sister who has become Ruby's fast friend and is a great side kick.  

The true seaside town of Old Orchard is a perfect setting along with the  Hotel Belden.  The murder doesn't happen right away, so there are events and conflicts happening leading up to the death. This doesn't slow the story down, but gives it more complexity.  The killer is a surprise I didn't anticipate!  The killer reveal had a few short moments of thrills that I loved, and answered all the questions.  The wrap up leaves a tantalizing tidbit for the next book. 

I love the "scandalous" bicycle outfits that Ruby and Lucy dare to wear.  I also appreciated the coverage of the ugly and even violent attitudes towards those seeking the vote - something we forget too easily.  All this was woven into the story without an agenda, but a tableaux of the era.  The mystery was solid, the historical setting is absorbing, and the characters each so realistic that the mix is truly an exciting escape.  The second book in the series maintains the high bar set by the debut book.  I have to say how I am loving the covers for this series, too.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is a short video of historical photos involving the pier that is about to open during the book.  The pier and pavilion have had a hard time over the years as the video shows.  Tiny text at upper left. 

https://youtu.be/-GnzZs2_72A

Review - Final Settlement

I like discovering new series and this is one I have wanted to read for a while now.  This is the only realtor mystery series out, at least that I know of.  It is based in a small Maine harbor town in the dead of winter.   The cover shows the abandoned lighthouse where death struck on the icy rocks.   Bundle up, it is a chilling read!

Author: Vicki Doudera

Copyright: April 2013 (Midnight Ink) 336 pgs

Series: 4th in Darby Farr Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild references

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Darby Farr, Real Estate Agent

Setting: Modern day, Hurricane Harbor Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher

Darby returns to her hometown of Hurricane Harbor in Maine for her best friend's wedding. She arrives in town as Lorraine Delvecchio's body is discovered tangled in a lobster trap.  Her daily walk out to the abandoned lighthouse on the Manatuck Breakwater turned deadly.  Everyone believes that Lorraine must have slipped on the ice and fallen into the brink where the icy water quickly finished her.  But Chief Charles Dupont doesn't believe it was an accident and enlists Darby's aid to ask a few questions.  Darby discovers that Lorraine had a perfect memory, which she may have used to obtain money through blackmail.  On a personal note, Darby discovers a small box that had once belonged to her mother and tries to unravel some mysterious family history.

Darby is level headed and a savvy business person. She is also from Japanese/American heritage which plays a stronger role in this book as she digs into her family history.  Darby's boyfriend, journalist Miles Porter, comes for a visit and to attend Tina's wedding.  Since this was my first book in the series, I didn't get much of an impression of Miles other than the character has potential.  Darby's best friend, Tina, is a fiery red-head that adds to the story.  Chief Charles Dupont, working his last year before retiring, is a warm and unexpected character with some depth that lends a touch of humanity and forgiveness to the story.   Bitsy Carmichael, the woman who returns to Hurricane Harbor after having run off years earlier is a surprise breakout character.

The setting presents a frozen backdrop for this story.  It is stark and unforgiving, as if reflecting Lorraine Delvecchio's attitude.  But all is not frozen as events unfold.  The bleak setting provides a counter point to much of the events.

The suspects are slowly revealed as Darby unveils more of Lorraine Delvecchio's victims.  There is a good bit going on besides Darby investigating.  There is Tina's wedding that Darby is participating in, the box that Darby finds from her mother and trying to decipher the items within, Miles comes for a visit, and the events in Chief Dupont's life that are changing.  The pacing begins to slow in a few spots, but quickly get back on track. The specific killer is not obvious, which lends some tension at the climax.

There are actually two climatic scenes, because one involves Darby's mother's box and repercussions from what Darby finds inside, and the second climax involves who killed Lorraine.  Both climaxes were realistic, exciting, and dangerous, thus overall well done.  The wrap-up is smooth and natural.  The overall is a well crafted and interesting mystery with some good, suspenseful moments.

Rating:  Good - A fun mystery with interesting twists, highlighted by an original main character.

Here is a short video of a Maine lighthouse in winter for the isolated and cold setting book.

 

Review - Town in a Lobster Stew

While many of us are still experiencing cold temperatures and even some winter storms - let's jump to spring time.  Join me in small town Maine for a murderous stew.

Author:  B.B. Haywood

Copyright: Feb 2011 (Signet) 358 pgs

Series: 2nd in Candy Holliday Mysteries

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Character:  Candy Holliday, Blueberry farmer and writer of the Community Corner for the Cape Crier paper

Setting: Modern day, Cape Willington Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review

Apparently the trend so far in this series is to center the mystery around a town event.  In this installment the town is excited about the approaching Lobster Stew Cook-off competition on Memorial Day weekend.  The person who wins the the Cook-off becomes local royalty.  Wilma Mae Wendell contacts Candy because somebody managed to enter her house and find a hidden drawer containing a ledger with a 13-time prize winning Lobster Stew recipe.  Wilma wants Candy to find that ledger with the recipe - which was given to her by the creator of the recipe - her dear friend and neighbor Mr. Sedley. 

What seems like a mild little problem becomes a murder investigation when Mr. Sedley's body is found...in Wilma Mae's basement.  It appears he was killed in Wilma's house and dumped in the basement.  Now Candy is trying to figure out who would kill over a little recipe, no matter how good it is.

Candy Holliday has a lot of potential as a main character.  It seems as though Candy is a rough character still growing and becoming.  She moves through the book as a pleasant character but one that could be so much more.  I never got a sense for her emotions or passions.  Even when an issue is raised between Candy and her father around Candy being too busy and not relieving him with the blueberry farming duties that he can't keep up with - but it  was quickly dropped.  The opportunities to give Candy a bit more depth aren't explored.  The perfect example was in a surprising meeting with her arch-nemesis where Candy could have revealed more depth - but didn't.

The supporting cast is a bit stronger.  Candy's BFF, Maggie, is a fun character even though she has had her rough spots.  Maggie jumps in to care-take Wilma Mae and shows a touching and funny side.  Candy's dad has only a few scenes in the book but he and his buddies promise to be a continued hoot.  Candy's romantic interest, editor of the small local paper only has a few appearances so it was hard to get a proper feel for him.  What did come across is that there is no "magic" in their dating, even Maggie comments on it.  Candy's arch-nemesis was a good character and I would have liked her showing up past the middle.

The mystery itself had a few twists but I had figured out the killer fairly early.  The road to Candy discovering the killer was a systematic investigation and played out well.  But I do have to say that the ledger was stolen for more than just the recipe contained in it - but we never find out WHAT that was.  That is a large thread left loose.




The setting is used to advantage in this book.  Be prepared to want to spend your next vacation in Maine.  This book subtly envelops you with the beauty of the state.

There was a suspenseful confrontation with the killer, which I do so enjoy.  The wrap-up had some good information revealed.  But I wanted a follow-up from the meeting Candy had with her nemesis - but that never happened.  There was a set-up for elements of this story to come back in another book to bite Candy.  That closing set-up made me wonder if the ledger will be part of the continuation of this story in another installment and then we will find out what was in it.  So it was successful in making me want to read the next story to find out how that plays out.

I had not read the first book so I can't compare this second book to the previous.  This is a good cozy mystery with some missed opportunities to become a really good mystery.  We may see Candy develop depth as the series matures.