Review - Mums and Mayhem

Today I am reviewing the third in the Magical Bookshop mystery series by Amanda Flowers, author of the An Appleseed Creek Mystery, A Living History Museum Mystery, and India Hayes Mysteries as well.

I have reviewed the prior books in series:

1st Flowers and Foul Play (click here)

2nd Death and Daisies (click here)

Guest Post (Dec 2016) (click here)

Guest Post (April 2016) (click here)

Read on to find out how well the third book in the series does.

Author: Amanda Flower

Copyright: Aug 2020 (Crooked Lane Books) 327 pgs

Series: 3rd in A Magic Garden Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Fiona Knox, recently relocated to Scotland

Setting: Modern day, Duncreigan Scotland

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "World-famous fiddle player Barley McFee arrives in blustery Bellewick, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, for a grand homecoming concert organized by jeweler Bernice Brennan.  Fiona Knox, owner of the Climbing Rose Flower Shop, is starting to regret volunteering to help with the concert. Bernice is an exacting taskmaster, and Fiona has enough tension dealing with her parents, who have traveled from Tennessee to visit Fi and her younger sister, Isla, and to reveal a secret about Fi's birth. But when Barley is found dead in his trailer during the concert's intermission, and his death is shockingly tied to Fiona's father, Fiona discovers there are more secrets surrounding her family than she realized. 

Much to the chagrin of handsome Neil Craig, Chief Inspector of the County Aberdeen Police, Fiona delves into the case to clear her father's name. To make matters worse, Fiona learns that Duncreigan, the magical garden that she inherited from her godfather, is dying. At some point during the concert, someone broke into the garden and cut the centuries-old climbing rose--the source of the garden's magic--from the standing stone.

The stakes are higher than ever and Fiona could lose all that she's grown unless she's able to dispel this terrible curse and dig up the truth--fast."

Fiona is struggling with the magic garden dying, her parents visiting, her sister Isla hiding her boyfriend from said parents, and parents not wanting to discuss a major issue.  Additionally she is trying to get her fledgling business viable.  Chief Inspector Neil Craig is the romantic interest and I keep wishing to have him more of a sense of him. Spoiled and pampered Isla is Fiona's sister who is starry eyed in love and is waiting to the perfect moment to tell her parents she isn't going back to the States.  The notable animals included 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.  Duncreigan is isolated and can be scary for Fiona there by herself.  Aberdeenshire is where the murder takes place and all the sleuthing.   These are perfect for a cozy mystery.

There is a lot going on and Fiona's father being implicated makes even more complicated.  The murderer is murky from the start with several suspects.  This kept my interest to find out more page after page.

The killer reveal has its tense moments that I like.  I must say that I only briefly considered this character as the killer and I didn't have the full motive worked out, so kudos there. The wrap up tied up loose ends and gave boyfriends and the folks a chance to get to know each other.  Well done.

This was a little different in that I felt that the magical garden, the magical animals, and Hamish were all back-burnered.  There was only a few scenes with Hamish and Duncan, and the garden seems to take a back seat to the floral shop in town now.  Which is inevitable for Fiona to have murders to investigate.  But I felt like some of the magic was toned down. This was a cozy mystery stable with the small town populated by interesting people, a romance building, a solid murder mystery, a few splashes of magic, and some humorous parts.  This is perfect for a relaxing mystery to read on the weekend, at the beach, or by the fire.

Excellent - Enjoyed it! Solid cozy mystery novel. 

Here is a video of the author discussing this book:

https://youtu.be/ecRwlzrfhTo

Review - Trouble on the Books

This is the debut novel of a new author on the cozy mystery scene.  The setting appealed to me immediately: upstate New York, Thousand Islands region, and a castle on an island!  See what you think.  

#TroubleOnTheBooks #NetGalley

Author: Essie Lang

Copyright: March 2019 (Crooked Lane Books) 332 pgs

Series: 1st in Castle Bookshop Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Shelby Cox, former editor who co-owns a bookstore now 

Setting: Modern day, Alexandria Bay, NY and castle on nearby Blye Island

Obtained Through: Netgalley for honest opinion

Book cover blurb: "Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island.

But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before he strikes again"

Shelby Cox, finds herself half owner of the two bookstores in town. She lives on a houseboat, adopts a stray cat, and can be stubborn.  Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services is the cop romantic interest with a twist.  Aunt Edie is a patient and loyal woman who had knee replacement surgery a month prior and is relying on Shelby.  Matthew Kesler is the caretaker of the castle and grounds with a murky past and primary suspect.  Chief of Police Tekla Stone grounds us in the small town feel with a grudge against Aunt Edie and suspicion of Matthew.

Shelby's living on a houseboat really immersed the story in the seaside location. I was hoping for some Gothic 
atmosphere from the castle, but the grounds were used more in this story.  Looking back, I have a good image of the grounds, but not so much the actual castle interior.  I am hoping to have more castle interior description in the next book.  

The motive for the murder isn't obvious and Shelby's theory that it has something to do with prior smugglers using the island is as feasible as other motives that develop.  The pacing was steady, until the killer reveal.  It seemed Shelby was still in her asking around phase when - bam, it's time to unmask the murderer.  The suspense was pushed aside after only a few sentences to explain the motive.  I love a tense killer confrontation, so that just seemed too abrupt.

Overall it is a light cozy read and good debut of a new series.  I am hoping for more atmospheric touches in the castle in future books and a more gripping killer reveal in the books to come.

Rating: Very Good - A light and fun read.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Spiked (Resort to Murder 3) by Avery Daniels

Julienne needs only three things: successfully pull of a last minute wedding relocated to her resort, work out things with her stubborn ex- boyfriend, and solve the murder of a private investigator found with her business card on his dead body. The wedding she can handle, but it comes with a flirtatious brother of the bride who manages to give Mason the idea she has moved on, and the dead PI was playing with fire before he was poisoned leaving a myriad of suspects. Two suspects are part of a scandal waiting to explode and nobody wants to be in the middle of the fallout.

Can Julienne wade through the various suspects while coordinating the wedding and dealing with a handsome amorous guest before her rival on the local paper exposes her connection and thus damages the resort’s reputation? Will she and Mason find their way to each other?

Reviews of Spiked
"Another fantastic book. Very entertaining, great characters."  Book Hound

"This is another fantastic cozy mystery with warm, well written characters and a fantastic female lead." Katie T

"The characters in this series are believable. I appreciate the fact that the main character is relate-able. There is enough of a mystery that the reader doesn’t guess the culprit right off the bat. In addition, there is a bit of romance but not enough that it becomes the focus of the story." OneReader

"Ms Daniel's has done it again. This series has it all-believable romance, entertaining characters and a mystery to solve"  Darlene

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Kobo || Apple Books

Review - Silence of the Flans

This is the second book in the new Emergency Dessert Squad series.  I have often said that I consider the second book the most difficult, following up even a fair debut carries a tremendous burden to do even better.  I reviewed the first book, Eclair and Present Danger (click here) and we had a delightful guest post by the author (click here).  Read on if you are interested in how the second book did in my humble opinion.

Author:  Laura Bedford

Copyright: March 2017 (Berkley) 300 pgs

Series: 2nd in Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Winnie Johnson, baker and owner of Emergency Dessert Squad

Setting: Modern day, Silver Lake - a small college town somewhere

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "Baker Winnie Johnson does her best work when the heat is on. As owner of the Emergency Dessert Squad, she has a deft touch in the kitchen and a soft spot for lost causes. So when her business professor beau, Jay Morgan, expresses misgivings over having to fail one of his fourth-year students, Winnie cooks up a sweet solution. 

 

She’ll offer an extra credit opportunity in exchange for a little help with her growing business. But when her protégé’s first dessert delivery poisons a student journalist, the publicity threatens to burn Winnie’s business to a crisp. Now the entrepreneur-turned-detective must uncover the ingredients behind a recipe for murder before she crumbles under pressure."

Winnie Johnson enjoys the company of seniors and lives to slave away at a stove.  Renee Ballentine, the stileto wearing single mom is her best friend and cheerleader.  Mr. Nelson is the downtstairs elderly neighbor and another cheerleader who is fighting mad over the town catering to a developer.  Bridget is the elderly newspaper gossip columnist and another cheerleader for Winnie.  Greg Stevens is the hunkie fireman who shows an interest in Winnie and tries courting her in this story since Jay shuts Winnie out.  Jay Morgan, the professor and guy who makes Winnie's heart beat faster, gives her the cold shoulder throughout the story.  I had a difficult time with that scenario and his lame excuse.  Lovey, the cat she also inherited that hisses at her continually is ever present and maybe warming to Winnie a little. 

Silver Lake College is a featured setting other than Winnie's kitchen or front porch. The plot implicates Winnie as a murderer and provides the reason for her to investigate. It is straight-forward with the impact of her business failing and the town (particularly Jay) suspecting her as the  driving urgency.  That resulted in some pacing lulls - as least for me.  

There is no suspenseful killer confrontation or reveal. Winnie realizes she is alone with the killer, then - end scene.  New chapter after killer arrested.  The rest is the wrap-up.  If you have followed many of my reviews, you know a well crafted tense or suspenseful killer confrontation is my favorite.  I can appreciate even the less nail-biting killer reveals, but to not cover it at all?!  I don't know about you, but I feel incredibly cheated by that non-climax.  Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?

I like the quirky premise of this series, a rescue dessert squad that delivers the individual dessert in an ambulance - on a stretcher.  But the concept also requires a significant amount of suspension of disbelief that selling desserts one custom order at a time, custom baked at the time of the order, out of a house kitchen, plus delivery is not only affordable but pays enough to support two employees.  If you can overlook that logical hiccup, then the idea is cute.

Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws as noted. Use your own judgement as to whether these items I noted will be a deal breaker for you.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Purchase some wine here and a portion goes to the cat

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Website: http://littlewineguide.com

Kerrianne (Goodreads) 5 star

"Great and compact intro into the world of wine. Can't wait to tour some local wineries with my new found knowledge. So happy I was able to win this through a Goodreads Giveaway!"

Cynthia Calongne- 5 star

"What a great book - fun content, well-organized and easy to read and digest!" 

Review - Blown Away

It is already the middle of February!!  Time is flying.  Trying to keep up with my reviews...and catch up a little even.  

This is the first book in a new series featuring a kite shop in a beach town.  The author provided a teaser (click here.)  Check out my review and see if this grabs to interest.

Author: Clover Tate

Copyright: Feb 2016 (Berkley) 298 pgs

Series: 1st in Kite Shop Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Character: Emmy Adler owner of Strings Attached kite shop

Setting: Modern day, Rock Point Oregon

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "Emmy is finally living her dream. She’s moved to the coastal town of Rock Point, Oregon, and is starting a kite business. Strings Attached features her own unique designs, inspired by everything from Picasso to Matisse’s colorful cutouts. Her spirits are soaring sky-high the morning of the grand opening—until she stumbles upon a dead man washed up on the beach. 

The body belongs to local chef Miles Logan, and the gash across his chest indicates he’s been murdered. The sheriff suspects Emmy’s best friend, Avery, who used to date the chef.  Emmy is sure Avery would never hurt anyone, but her pal doesn’t have an alibi for the night of the murder. With Avery’s freedom and the fate of her kite shop up in the air, Emmy takes it upon herself to follow the string of clues and solve the murder before the real killer takes flight."

Emmy Adler is stubborn and bit reckless in seeking to clear Avery's name.  She manages to get it wrong a few times too.  Avery Cook, the best friend suspected of murder is so depressed or something that not much can be said about her.  I hope the next book will have the character come alive.  Sherriff Nick Koppen is all kinds of patient with Emmy.  Jack Sullivan, owns the only other kite shop in town clearly likes Emmy and wants to find out who killed his friend Miles too.  Stella Hart is a retired school teacher and new part time employee of Emmy's.  She is the breakout character that I really will be seeking out the next book.

Rock Point seems like the idyllic beach town with a fantastic uncrowded beach, yet plenty of paying visitors and residents to support two kite shops.  Rock Point, with its restaurant Tidal Basin, Brew House, mushroom harvesters, and a gossip loving post office employee all add depth to the town.  

The muder is pretty straight forward, who ever killer Miles also framed Avery.  But who and why is the elusive part.  Miles was a bit difficult as a chef at times, but finding a real reason to kill the man is harder than you might think.  The pacing is steady with only a few times when it started to lag, but quickly recovered.  

The killer reveal is nicely tense and dramatic like I like them.  The wrap up was short and left me with a smile.

This is a solid debut novel with many elements hitting a delightful chord.  I would like to see Emmy learn to think before running head-long in the fray would be my only suggestion for improvement.

Rating:  Good - A fun read with overall enjoyable story line and plotting with some enjoyable characters.

Review - Prose and Cons

I reviewed the first book in the series, Crime and Poetry (click here), and this is fast becoming a "must read."  I am attempting to catch up on my past due reviews, I got behind with the holidays.  Whew.

Author: Amanda Flowers

Copyright: Dec 2016 (Berkley) 352 pgs

Series: 2nd in Magical Bookshop Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery with some paranormal elements
 
Main Character: Violet Waverly, graduate student in American Literature PhD program

Setting: Modern day, Cascade Springs - New York

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest opinion

From the book cover: October in Cascade Springs means tourists are pouring in for the annual Food and Wine Festival, and Daisy hopes to draw those crowds to the store. She asks Violet and the local writing group, the Red Inkers, to give a reading of the works of Edgar Allan Poe in the shop’s back garden to entertain the revelers. Everyone eagerly agrees.

Yet their enthusiasm is soon extinguished when Violet discovers one of the writers dead during the event. After the shop magically tells Violet she’ll need to rely on Poe’s works to solve the murder, she enlists the help of her trusty tuxedo cat, Emerson, and the shop’s crow, Faulkner. But they must act fast before someone else’s heart beats nevermore...

The gang is back with Violet, Grandmother Daisy, persistent Mayor/ex-boyfriend Nathan, tantalizing Police Chief David Rainwater, the writing group Red Inkers play a central role, and the whimsical crow Faulkner and cat Emerson continue to charm.  The character mix is slightly less eccentric and a bit more real than you might expect for a cozy while maintaining the lighter feel.  The characters are welcoming and draw you into their world.

The town continues to provide a rich tapestry for the backdrop and more believable than most "bustling" small towns because of its proximity to Niagara Falls.  I typically have a problem with the usual small town setting that manage small shops with employees and large events, since small towns I've visited struggle to keep shops open at all.  This is more likely in the story with the regular tourist draw of the Falls nearby.  Besides that, the Food and Wine Festival supplies a level of confusion and complication that was utilized nicely.

I was engaged from the first page and that was maintained throughout.  The maze of who the victim really was and possible killers made this second book in the series an iron-strong addition signaling the story-lines will only get better.  I have to say the murder weapon was a surprising twist in itself.  There is a subplot introduced that touches Violet personally that added a deeper dimension.  The balance between characters and plot is perhaps the reason the pacing seemed effortless and smooth.

This had a great killer reveal with a good twist.  I liked it because of the tension and danger that was well constructed, my favorite in a reveal/confrontation.  The wrap-up promises the personal subplot mentioned will be further developed and the Nathan vs. Daniel dilemma is moving towards Violet making a decision.

Ms Flowers writes a novel with finely balanced mix of plot and characters with judicious dashes of magical whimsy topped with a dollop of romance.  Kudos.

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

Review - Tangled up in Brew

I jumped on this new series because of the interesting premise of a lady brew-master.  I reviewed the debut novel, To Brew, or Not To Brew (click here), and a guest post (click here).  The second in the series is out and I again jumped at the chance to review it.  Here is the second in the Brewing Trouble mystery series, see what you think.

Author: Joyce Tremel

Copyright: Oct 2016 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 2nd in Brewing Trouble Mystery series

Sensuality: G rated

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Maxine “Max” O’Hara, Brewmaster and owner of The Allegheny Brew House

Setting: Modern day,  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the Book cover: "Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend, Jake Lambert, are excited to be participating in the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Max hopes to win the coveted Golden Stein for best craft beer—but even if she doesn’t, the festival will be great publicity for her Allegheny Brew House.

Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner."

Maxine “Max” O’Hara has gumption balanced with a kind nature. Jake Lambert, former ice hockey player and childhood friend of her brothers is the romantic interest.  I'm not a romance novel fan, but this is so G rated as to be reminiscent of Nancy Drew with her boyfriend.  But my concern is now Max and Jake are dating, there is no spark or tension between them and seems they will be best buds with a kiss occasionally.  Max's father, Sean Sr., is a police detective that in this 2nd entry in the series is teamed with a young detective, Vincent Falk, who is out to make his reputation - at Jake and Max's expense.  Brothers Father Sean, the Catholic Priest, and Mike are protective and bit walk on roles. There are several colorful characters associated with the Festival as well that keep this interesting.  I was glad that rival breweries and brew pubs got along and Max was one of them.

Pittsburgh is given life with through the interesting tidbits that natives know and take for granted, excellent job there.  The plot is classic with the killer cleverly hidden in plain site. The pacing was effective, keeping me interested and made for a story I had a hard time putting down.  The climax had action and some heroism.  

I like the writing style and Max makes a unique heroine, but the Jake and Max chemistry from the debut was sorely missing which did impact the story for me.  Otherwise a solid mystery to delve into.  I liked the festival theme as the backdrop which bolstered the mystery.

Rating:  Very Good - I enjoyed it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Review - Take the Monkey and Run

I was fortunate to discover this series with the debut novel.  I reviewed the first book in this series, Woof at the Door (click here), the second book A Tiger's Tale (click here), the third book Horse of a Different Killer (click here), and got an author interview (click here), and a guest post (click here.)  Today I am reviewing the fourth in the series.  Let's dive back into the Call of the Wilde mystery series.

Author: Laura Morrigan

Copyright: July 2016 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 4th in Call of the Wilde Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre:  Cozy with paranormal elements

Main Characters: Grace Wilde, Animal behaviorist who speaks with animals telepathically

Setting: Modern day, New Orleans

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Grace Wilde is excited to head to New Orleans for her first “real” case as an animal telepath. She intends to help a woman find her missing sister, but when she attempts to communicate with her client’s cat, Coco.  But before her meeting with Anya the sister, Logan warns her that her client isn't who she says she is and to not show them what she can really do.  When Grace tries to see what the cat Coco has to share, she find a monkey involved somehow, but even the monkey is elusive.

Grace was nervous about a job using her special skills then finds she is over her head with hidden agendas.  She is still dealing with relationship dynamics with Kai.  Sergeant Kai Duncan, Grace's boyfriend is present and their relationship slowly advances.  Emma, Grace's sister shows up in New Orleans to join Grace, and she brings along Kai and Hugh as well as Grace's half wolf.  Hugh is a fellow Veterinarian and Emma's new sweetie.  Logan is the dark, mysterious and dangerous killer who calls Grace "Sweetness".  He shows up to warn Grace of the dangers and we find out more about his murky story.  Belinda, the 6 foot 6 inch drag queen psychic is the breakout star - hilarious.  Of course the Mystery Monkey, Cornelius, is a surprise and very memorable.

Post Katrina New Orleans with both its eerie and mesmerizing sides are on display, the warehouse where Mardi Gras floats are stored was utilized for maximum effect.  The plot gets a little involved and the importance of Cornelius the Mystery Monkey isn't evident at first, but soon I started to suspect his role and it definitely was important.  I felt the pacing kept me captive in the story. 

The killer confrontation was exciting and tense stretched over a few scenes of action, well worth the build up.  The wrap-up was short and well done.  Another great addition to the this consistently riveting cozy series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth outing and can't think of a thing to make it better.

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

Review - An Unhappy Medium

Hard to believe that I had not read the precious three installments in this series!  Too many books and so little time. But I am jumping in on the fourth in the series and had no trouble understanding the characters and town.  Read on for more about murder during a zombie run in the woods!

Author: Dawn Eastman

Copyright: April 2016 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 4th in Family Fortune Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy (slightly paranormal)

Main Character: Clyde Fortune, a former cop and novice psychic

Setting: Modern day, Crystal Haven, Michigan

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

All of Crystal Haven, Michigan, is psyching up to participate in a Zombie Fun Run organized by Clyde’s nephew Seth, but Clyde is fretful about the upcoming event. Her estranged sister, Grace, has unexpectedly returned to town after fifteen years. Plus, Clyde has the nagging feeling that something is about to go wrong.

When one of the zombie runners is found murdered in the same costume as Grace's husband Paul...then both disappear it seems Grace's business troubles she mentioned have caught up with her. Clyde realizes her grim premonition is dead-on. Now, she and her police detective boyfriend Mac must find the murderer.

I really enjoyed Clyde Fortune as the main character. She didn't sugar-coat her issues with her sister - which are beyond sibling rivalries. Mac is very understanding of everything that takes place and sticks by Clyde. I like Mac and want to go back and read their meeting, which is saying a lot for me since I am tired of the cliche cop boyfriend. Clyde's family are all well realized and nephew Seth is a positive element.

The zombie run was spine-tingling atmospheric and the hints of trouble following Grace to town built suspense without being obvious. The plot has several layers for a more intricate story than usual (A+ there). The pacing was finely tuned and had me hooked chapter after chapter. The climax had a good killer reveal and some thrills. The wrap-up tied up most loose ends with a thread left to carry into the next book.

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. A well executed and layered plot alongside engaging characters with some touches of goose-bump worthy settings makes for a strong cozy.

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

Review - Claws for Alarm

I reviewed the first book in this series, Meow if it's Murder (click here), and the author did a guest post for us (click here.)  I was looking forward to this next installment in the series.  So let's see what else Nora and cat sidekick Nick investigate.   

Author: T.C. LoTempio

Copyright: Nov 2015 (Berkley) 291 pgs

Series: 2nd 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's sister Lacey is arrested and Nora runs to her side, determined to uncover the real killer.  The murder victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. The police believe Lacey killer her professor over a low grade and heated argument...of course Lacey being found over the dead body holding the knife didn't help.  There are plenty of suspects from his ex-wife and gambling son, trophy wife who isn't weeping over his death, perhaps a scorned student mistress, over somebody else.  To complicate things, the lead detective is Leroy Samms, a brief fling of Nora's from college.   

Nora shows a more stubborn side in this outing as she races against the clock to clear her sister when the DA is rushing to arraign her for murder.  Lacey and Nora aren't "close" sisters and this ordeal will either make them closer or farther apart.  Detective Leroy Samms, the college fling who is repeatedly telling Nora to stop asking questions or generally being involved.  This gets old real quick.  Oliver, Ollie, Sampson a PI who helps Nora out occasionally joins her for a few scenes.  Aunt Prudence and long time friend Irene are the Odd Couple, bickering back and forth.  Detective Daniel Corleone doesn't get much time in the story, but does make a few cameo appearances.  This seems to be shaping up for a Samms vs Corleone for Nora (I'm team Corleone, declaring it now.)  Nick the cat is still the intuitive wonder, giving Nora clues via scrabble tiles or even torn pages.

Plot and Pacing The plot is standard for a cozy, providing a reason for her to get involved.  But the plot gets progressively more complex.  Nicely done. The pace keeps a steady rhythm and kept me interested.  The killer reveal had some delicious tense moments and the wrap up set the stage for two men vying for Nora. 

This is a delightful mystery with plenty of charm and spunk.  If you are looking for an entertaining light mystery, this is your book.

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


Two-Layer Pumpkin Bread
Go for two layers of pumpkin bread in one recipe. Our Double Decker Pumpkin Bread features great fall spices and a layer of cream cheese for the ultimate in fall baking.

It works great for breakfast or as a fall snack.

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
Next, grease the bottoms and a half an inch up the sides of two 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans.  Then place 4 ounces (that's half an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese) in a medium bowl and add a quarter cup of sugar.

Use an electric mixer set on medium to combine them then add an 8-ounce container of sour cream and 1 egg. Beat everything well then stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger and set the mixture aside. Measure 3 cups of flour into a mixing bowl and then add 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a half teaspoon of salt. Mix it well and set it aside.

Next, measure 2 cups of sugar into a large bowl then add 4 eggs, one 15-ounce can of pumpkin, 1 cup of cooking oil, and a third cup of water with a mixer on low. Combine everything well.

Now begin to gradually add the flour mixture and beat it until the four is fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Spoon 1-1/2 cups of batter into each loaf pan. Divide the cream cheese mixture between the 2 pans, making sure to spread it out evenly. Evenly spread the remaining pumpkin batter on top of each cream cheese layer. Bake each loaf until a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean. This will take about 60 to 70 minutes.

Cool the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes then remove the loaves from the pans. Place each loaf on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Wrap the loaves and store them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing them. Store any leftover double-decker pumpkin bread on the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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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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Review - The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco

The author of the Swift Investigations, the Ballroom Dance mystery series, and Mall Cop mystery series is writing a new mystery series. Here is my take on this debut novel. 

Author: Laura DiSilverio

Copyright: April 2015 (NAL) 336 pgs

Series: 1st in Cook Club Mystery series

Sensuality: all mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Amy Faye Johnson, Event Planner 

Setting: Modern day, Small fictional town (less than ten thousand people) of Heaven Colorado

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Amy Faye, a Southern name for a gal who lives in Colorado, amazes her friends when she agrees to plan the wedding for her ex-boyfriend.  Granted, she had talked to the bride without realizing who the groom would be.  As if that weren't enough, a fellow Readaholic bookclub member-Ivy Donner, dies suddenly and the police declare it suicide ala poison.  That has Amy Faye determined to get to the truth, because she can't accept Ivy took her own life.  

AFaye discovers Ivy had some secrets of her own, but she also had uncovered some corruption in city government and had contacted a reporter to expose it.  Either her little secret or her knowledge might have gotten her killed.  The killer liked the suicide ruling hiding his deed and begins to make AFaye's life difficult...and dangerous.

Amy Faye, 32-year-old native small town gal who has had the same on-again-off-again boyfriend since high school is blind-sided to find out he is getting married. This book shows how loyal a friend she is ultimately.  The standard cop-romantic interest is filled by Detective Lindell Hart  from Georgia.  Al Frink is AFaye's very capable assistant.  The Readaholic members: Brooke Widefield is a former Miss Colorado married into a wealthy family, Lola Paget went to Texas A&M for her degree in Chemistry but returned to save the family farm that she made a successful plant nursery, Maud Bell is sixty-six years old and a conspiracy theorist, and Kerry Sanderson is the Mayor and a successful realtor.

The town of Heaven was previously named Walter's Ford, but they changed the name to Heaven in hopes of cashing in on the wedding business. Mostly town scenes involved.  The plot is okay with Ivy's big secret and her knowledge of corruption that could have made a several people want to kill her.  

There were a few times when the pace slowed a bit, but it wasn't long before it picked back up.  Amy Faye realizes who the killer is about the time she is in serious danger, so there are a few tense moments when the killer is revealed.  The wrap-up felt a bit incomplete for me.  I wanted to know the fallout from the evidence AFaye found that exposed the corruption (who all was involved and did the other people have to answer for their involvement?)  Without this loose-end addressed I felt like the story wasn't quite finished.

Each novel in the series will have the Readaholics book club reading a different classic mystery that somehow plays into the murder they're solving.  A little extra clue of sorts.  This time it was The Maltese Falcon which supplied the "Falcon Fiasco" part of the title.

Rating: Good - A fun read from an accomplished author.

Review - This Old Homicide

This is only the second in a new series.   I reviewed the debut book of the series, A High End Finish (click here) and we were honored to have a guest post from the author (click here).  This time we have a legendary ship wreck and treasure to bring murder to a small town.

Author: Kate Carlisle

Copyright: January 2015 (Signet) 336 pgs

Series: 2nd in Fixer-Upper Mystery series

Sensuality: kissing

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Shannon Hammer, owner of restoration/renovation construction business

Setting: Modern day, Lighthouse Cove California (near San Francisco)

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Shannon is just going about her business, when she realizes her next door neighbor, the uncle of her BFF Jane, hasn't been seen around town.  Worried about him, she checks in next door...and finds him dead and his home ransacked.  The next few days reveal it is a suspicious death and Jesse, a former Navy Seal, had claimed to have found an antique jeweled necklace scuba-diving around a famous shipwreck off the shore of Lighthouse Cover.  Most people thought it was another of Jesse's tall tales, but could somebody be looking for the necklace and Jesse got in the way?  Shannon is once again in the middle of a murder investigation as she realizes somebody keeps sneaking into Jesse's house looking for something, and she is doing her best to help the police catch who may have killed Jesse under the guise of a heart attack. She begins a list of suspects and adds more as she uncovers information. Then there is another suspicious death.

Shanon maintains the strong and spunky persona in this addition, but adds determination to the list, and indecisive between the two men who like her.  She can be suspicious and naive in turns.  Jane, her BFF, is overwhelmed with her uncle's suspicious death and the grand opening of her new BandB.  She reveals her vulnerability.  Chief of Police Eric Jensen is settling into small town life, but still has little tolerance for Shannon's help but is also strung along as a potential romantic interest.  Crime Writer MacKintyre Sullivan is kind-of dating Shannon and lends his support in trying to catch whoever continues to vandalize Jesse's house, kudos there.  Lizzie, Marigold, and Emily are her closest friends along with Jane.  They pitch in to assist their talents too.   Whitney Reid has been Shannon's arch nemesis most of her life and has a few scenes where she is really horrible.  Deputy Tommy, the high school sweetheart of Shannon, is married to Whitney and seems oblivious to how mean-spirited his wife is...which I have a hard time with.  I keep waiting for him to grasp how black-hearted she is and file for divorce...but no, which makes me think he can't be all that nice himself then.

Lighthouse Cove California is a standard ocean-side town, but is set apart in this book by the legendary shipwreck of the Glorious Maiden clipper ship with a Spanish Princess aboard.  The plot is simple and straight forward with a few well placed red herrings to mislead.  The pacing maintained a good clip to keep interest.  The climax was suspenseful and tense, managing to rival the climax in the debut and promising to be a staple for the series. 

Ms. Carlisle has departed from the Bibliophile Mysteries to give us a another great heroine with interesting plots and gripping climaxes, essentially raising the bar for the cozy mystery.

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

Review - Death is Like a Box of Chocolates

This is a brand new series, so here is the scoop.  The author did a guest post for us just a few days ago (click here).  FYI, we are approaching the next Blog Carnival, so please submit your entries (click here).

Author: Kathy Aarons

Copyright: Sept 2014 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in A Chocolate Covered Mystery series

Sensuality: mild references

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Michelle Serrano, chocolatier

Setting: modern day, West Riverdale, MD

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Like many small town cozy stories, the town is preparing for a local event.  In this case it is the Memorial Day Great Fudge Cook-off.  The main character, Michelle, is in charge of this event during the Memorial Day weekend festivities.  The news that Hillary Punkin, a celebrity pastry chef from a cable cooking network has Michelle nervous, since Hillary can make or break her business with a one word.  

In the midst of the preparations, a local photographer, Denise, on the brink of her career taking off with a Washington D.C. gallery showing is found dead in Michelle's chocolate shop, apparently poisoned from a box of Michelle's chocolates.  Michelle is fighting to keep her business afloat, so she and her business partner Erica begin their own investigation.  Yet, the Mayor and town businesses are rabid to have a successful Memorial Day celebration since they need the tourist business they anticipate.  

Side stories are Erica's old high school flame and why they are still angry with each other after all these years, and Michelle getting warm and fuzzy feelings around Erica's brother, a world renowned reporter home visiting.

Michelle, curious but skittish, she feels most comfortable when she is making chocolate and is mortified when having to do a cousin's x-rated chocolates for her bachelorette party.  Erica, the level headed and driven business partner and room mate. She is an integral part of the story and in some ways she is as much a main character as Michelle.  Officer Bobby, Erica's high-school sweetheart who may/may not be pining for Erica is an interesting character.  Leo, Michelle's brother and an Afghanistan war vet missing a leg.  So much potential with this character and I really hope Leo gets more page time!  Benjamin "Bean" Russel, Michelle's childhood crush and Erica's brother who is the well known reporter and newly a published author.  At least he isn't the cliche cop boyfriend. Of course, there is a question as to how long he will stick around and if he is an adrenaline junkie reporter.  Finally there is Reese, a local blog reporter who has had a grudge against Michelle since high school and keeps implicating Michelle as the killer on her blog.

The setting of West Riverdale seems like most any other small town, except it is somewhat close to D.C.  So it doesn't do much more than be the backdrop.  The plot is on par for a cozy...what could a local photographer have done to get killed?  The pacing was steady with multiple suspects and the investigation, Michelle in danger, and the subplots sprinkled throughout. The climax had a twist regarding the killer, which I only partially got right. The wrap up was short but endearing.

This debut novel for a new cozy mystery series combines chocolate, books, murder, and sweet romance in a small town.  What's not to love?

Ratings:  Excellent - A fun read, I enjoyed it!

Here is a decorative idea to celebrate fall, a colorful leaf monogram wreath for your door.  Find out how to make this (click here.)