Review - Claws For Suspicion

I have reviewed this authors other works such as Her Veiled Magic series (click here)  and her Baba Yaga series (click here) that were great.  This is the third in her new cozy mystery series and I jumped at the chance to read and review the newest addition.

Prior books in the series:

1) Furbidden Fatality (click here) 

2) Doggone Deadly (click here)

Author: Deborah Blake

Copyright: May 2022 (Berkley) 285 pgs

Series: 3rd in Catskills Pet Rescue Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery, Pet themed mystery

Main Characters: Kari Stuart, owner of the Serenity Sanctuary

Setting: Contemporary, Lakeview New York

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb: "Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It’s time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.

He comes bearing a shocking revelation—the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings—although he'll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth, or if it’s just another one of Charlie’s lies. 

 

But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they’ve built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?" 

My Thoughts:

Kari Stuart is a kind hearted young woman who works hard to save a pet rescue and shelter. She is easy to relate to and cheer for, particularly against her money-grubbing ex.  Suzanne, Kari's loyal bestie, is a dog groomer and supportive friend with lavender colored hair who lends her time and talent to the shelter effort.  

The volunteers at the shelter are wonderful recurring characters: Volunteer Sara Hanover is a retired ninth-grade English teacher who is somewhat a mother figure.  Bryn, a younger volunteer training to be a Vet-Tech, takes time to warm up to people.  Angus McCoy is a local veterinarian who volunteers his time to the shelter and is the potential love interest.

The story centers around a juicy mystery, relatable heroine you feel invested in, interesting supporting characters, a refreshing love interest I enjoy, and a delightful writing style.  The icing and cherry on top are all the heartwarming animals throughout the book.  This is cozy mystery gold.

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

Mystery Movie Review - Dark Winds

If you haven't been watching the new AMC adaptation of Tony Hillerman's multi-award-winning novels, you are missing out.  Although in 2002 there were three movie adaptations done for PBS (starring the incredible Wes Studi and Adam Beach) based on Hillerman's books, this AMC series has Robert Redford and George RR Martin, as well as the lead actor as executive producers and it shows.  It is already slated for season two in 2023. Watch on AMC+, VUDU, or AmazonPrime.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT

The series is based on the characters and books of Tony Hillerman that center around the Navajo Tribal police on the reservation in New Mexico.  Set in 1970s, it mixes police procedure with native culture and mysticism against the backdrop of a vast and beautiful but harsh landscape.  Thus far season one is essentially one book over several episodes which allows for more in-depth development of the story.  The FBI are pursuing bank robbers who escaped onto the reservation by helicopter while Lietenant Joe Leaphorn is investigating a double homicide, contending with his ongoing grief over his son's death, and a new city-fied officer assigned to him who he doesn't trust.  As the investigation deepens, the twists and mysticism complicate things.

I classify it as a Native American police procedural, but many classify this as more a psychological police thriller.

Rating: 100% Rotten Tomatoes / 88% Audience

Director: Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals) and Sanford Bookstaver

Filming locations: Santa Fe, Española, Tesuque Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, and the Navajo Nation.

STARRING:  

• Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, 
• Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, 
• Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, 
• Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn, 
• Noah Emmerich as FBI Special Agent Whitover

REVIEWS

"McClarnon delivers an intense, if not smoldering performance, that is wonderfully complemented by actors Kiowa Gordon and Jessica Matten. A beautifully done series. ‘Dark Winds’ is the best show on AMC since ‘The Walking Dead’” Vincent Schilling for Native Viewpoint

" 'Dark Winds' may seem similar to other detective shows but it’s more than that. With well-written and sharply defined characters, plus an invigorating and tightly wound story, it’ll be hard to wait a week for each episode to drop." Kristen Lopez for indieWire 

"As both a period piece and a cultural primer for an unabashedly Native American story told through a Native American lens, Dark Winds successfully gives audiences a different perspective and backdrop for a crime drama."  Tara Bennett for IGN Movies

"Dark Winds feels like it will deftly combine a standard murder mystery, tribal traditions and difficulties, and supernatural elements, tied together by a great performance by McClarnon." Joel Keller for Decider

MY THOUGHTS

The fact that this production has Native writers, Native crew, Native talent and Native directors and producers and still consult with Navajo (Dineh) persons for accurace I think gives the adaptation amazing authenticity and depth.  Zahn McClarnon (Fargo, WestWorld, Longmire) is stellar in his portrayal of Joe Leaphorn and he is a large part of the success of scenes grabbing me so deeply.  All the acting is well done.  The script is taut and draws you into the story and the people.  The setting is integral and becomes a character in itself.

The characters are introduced differently than the books, but Anne Hillerman (Tony's daughter who has continued the novels) has okayed the differences and assures that the characters themselves weren't changed significantly.  

The details of the 70s are ever present while the camerawork is deft and modern.  The mysticism and eerie touches are fantastic and true to the novels.  I highly recommend to police procedural fans, but especially to anyone who enjoys any Native American mystery novels or those that incorporate wilderness and sweeping vistas.  If you are a Hillerman fan, it is a "must-see."  I will have a hard time waiting until next year for season two.

TRAILER

Review - A Botanist's Guide to Parties And Poisons

I love starting with the first book in a new series. That's what we have today, a new historical mystery series with a unique and truly smart heroine. 

"The Lost Apothecary meets Dead Dead Girls in this fast-paced, STEMinist adventure.  Debut author Kate Khavari deftly entwines a pulse-pounding mystery with the struggles of a woman in a male-dominated field in 1923 London."

Author: Kate Khavari

Copyright: June  (Crooked Lane Books) 265 pgs

Series: 1st in Saffron Everleigh Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy, historical amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Saffron Everleigh, research assistant at University College London

Setting: 1923, London

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh is determined to blaze a new trail at the University College London, but with her colleagues’ beliefs about women’s academic inabilities and not so subtle hints that her deceased father’s reputation paved her way into the botany department, she feels stymied at every turn.

 When she attends a dinner party for the school, she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon. What she doesn’t expect is for Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives, to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin. 

Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect and evidence quickly mounts. Joined by fellow researcher--and potential romantic interest--Alexander Ashton, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons to clear Maxwell's name.

 Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list, in this entertaining examination of society’s expectations."

My thoughts:

Saffron Everleigh is a woman pioneering in Botany where woman have rarely been allowed before.  She must face condescension, belittling, and pressure for intimate favors by her male scientific brothers.  She is tough, but can she figure out who the killer is and avoid being poisoned herself?  Alexander Ashton is accepting of Saffron and compliments her temperment well as a friend and potential romantic interest.  Dr. Maxwell is a dear character and I hope he is in future adventures.

Miss Khavari's style makes this a delightful story.  The plot is just twisty enough - apparently academia can be deadly!  The acadmeic life are realistically fleshed out along with the trials of women at the time. The climax is nail biting and thrilling, just the way I love it.  I highly recommend for anybody who enjoys historical mysteries, this is an author to remember.

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

My Musings - Favorite Historical Mystery Series Pt 3

This concludes my series on historical mysteries loosely divided by era in today's post.  I love historical mysteries and if you've been looking for a new series, or wanted to jump into this subcategory of mystery perhaps this will help.  This is in no way a comprehensive listing, that would be quite an undertaking.

In part one I covered up through Regency era mysteries (click here).   

In part two I covered the Victorian era (click here).  Now I am sharing the Gilded era through World War I & II mysteries.

Gilded and Progressive Ages (1870-1929)

Silver Rush Mysteries by Ann Parker 

1)  Silver Lies

2)  Iron Ties

3)  Leaden Skies

4)  Mercury's Rise (click here)

5)  What Gold Buys

6)  A Dying Note

7)  Mortal Music

8)  The Secret in the Wall

Change of Fortune Mysteries by Jessica Estevao

This series was fantastic, but publisher didn't continue it further.

1)  Whispers Beyond the Veil (click here)

2)  Whispers of Warning (click here)

Stella and Lyndy Mysteries by Clara McKenna

1)  Murder at Morrington Hall (click here)

2)  Murder at Blackwater Bend (click here)

3)  Murder at Keyhaven Castle

4)  Murder at the Majestic Hotel

 

Counterfeit Lady mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  City of Lies (click here)

2)  City of Secrets (click here)

3)  City of Scoundrels (click here)

4)  City of Schemes (click here)

5)  City of Shadows

6)  City of Fortune

Gilded Age Mysteries by Rosemary Simpson 

1)  What the Dead Leave Behind 

2)  Lies that Comfort and Betray

3)  Let the Dead Keep Their Secrets

4)  Death Brings a Shadow

5)  Death, Diamonds, and Deception

6)  The Dead Cry Justice (click here)

7)  Death at the Falls

Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  Murder on Astor Place

2)  Murder on St. Marks

3)  Murder on Gramercy

4)  Murder on Washington Square

5)  Murder on Mulberry Bend

6)  Murder on Marble Row

7)  Murder on Lenox Hill

8)  Murder in Little Italy

9)  Murder in China Town

10)  Murder on Bank Street

11)  Murder on Waverly Place

12) Murder on Lexington Ave (click here)

...

22) Murder on Trinity Place (click here) 

25 books in the series

Molly Murphy Mystery series by
Rhys Bowen 

1)  Murphy's Law

2)  Death of Riley

3)  For the Love of Mike

4)  In Like Flynn

5)  Oh Danny Boy

6)  In Dublin's Fair City

7)  Tell Me, Pretty Lady

8)  In a Gilded Cage

9)  The Last Illusion (click here)

18 books in series

Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen 

1)   Her Royal Spyness

2)   A Royal Pain

3)  Royal Flush

4)  Royal Blood (click here)

5)  Naughty in Nice (click here)

6)  Twelve Clues of Christmas (click here)

7)  Heirs and Graces (click here)

8)  Queen of Hearts (click here)

9)  Malice at the Palace

10)  Crowned and Dangerous

11)  Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

12)  Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

13)  Love and Death Among the Cheetahs

14)  The Last Mrs Summers (click here)

15)  God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen (click here)

16)  Peril in Paris

Kitty Weeks mysteries by Radha Vatsal 

1)  A Front Page Affair

2)  Murder Between the Lines (click here)

Jane Prescott Mysteries by Mariah Fredericks 

1)  A Death of No Importance 

2)  Death of a New American (click here)

3)  Death of an American Beauty

4)  Death of a Showman

Phryne Fisher mysteries by KerryGreenwood 

1)  Cocaine Blues

2)  Flying Too High  

3)  Murder at Ballarat Train

4)  Death at Victoria Park

5)  The Green Mill Murder

6)  Blood and Circuses

7)  Ruddy Gore

8)  Urn Burial

...

19) Unnatural Habits (click here)

21 Books in the series

World War I & II themed

Maggie Hope mysteries by Susan Elia MacNeal 

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

2)  Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here)

3)  His Majesty's Hope (click here)

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

5)  Mrs Roosevelt's Confidant (click here)

6)  The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

7)  The Paris Spy (click here)

8)  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

9)  The King's Justice (click here)

10) The Hollywood Spy 

Woman of WWII Mysteries by Tessa Arlen

1)  Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders (click here)

2)  Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers

Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear 

1)  Maisie Dobbs

2)  Birds of a Feather

3)  Pardonable Lies

4)  Messenger of Truth

5)  An Incomplete Revenge

6)  Among the Mad

7)  The Mapping of Love and Death

8)  A Lesson in Secrets (click here)

9)  Elegy for Eddie

10)  Leaving Everything Most Loved

11)  A Dangerous Place

12)  Journey to Munich (click here)

... 17 books in series

Electra McDonnell by Ashley Weaver   

1)  A Peculiar Combination (click here)

2)  The Key to Deceit

Sparks & Bainbridge Mysteries by Allison Montclair 

1) The Right Sort of Man (click here)

2)  A Royal Affair (click here)

3)  A Rogue's Company (click here)

4)  The Unkept Woman

Verity Kent Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber 

1) This side of Murder (click here)

2)  Treacherous is the Night

3)  Penny for Your Thoughts (click here)

4)  A Pretty Deceit

5)  Murder Most Fair

6)  A Certain Darkness

I know I haven't even scratched the surface of all the wonderful historical mysteries available.  Please share what are your favorites in the comments.  Are any that my mentioned your favorites?  

Review - Peril at Pennington Manner

When I read "Perfect for fans of Jane K. Cleland and Ellery Adams" I knew I had to read this new series filler with anitiques and artwork.  Author Tracy Gardner is also writing mystery books for Hallmark  now, too.

Author: Tracy Gardner

Copyright: December 2011 (Crooked Lane Books) 304 pgs

Series: 2nd in Avery Ayers Antique Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Avery Ayers, appraiser at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised

Setting: Modern day, Lilac Grove

Obtained Through: Netgalley-Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "Thanks to Aunt Midge’s unlikely friendship with Nicholas Pennington, the Duke of Valle Charme, Avery Ayers and her associates at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised head off to their most glamorous assignment yet—cataloguing and appraising the contents of a castle-like mansion on the Hudson River. But regal splendor becomes a backdrop to mayhem when the precious Viktor Petrova timepiece disappears—and housekeeper Suzanne Vick plummets from a parapet to her death.

 

Avery, her dad William, and colleagues Micah Abbott and Sir Robert Lane soon learn that Suzanne’s predecessor also met with an untimely end. Further, the housekeeper’s suspicious demise coincides with Avery’s discovery that many of the Duke’s most priceless heirlooms have been replaced by fakes.

 

Detective Art Smith lends his expertise, but the suspect list encompasses the Duke’s entire retinue—including his family. Could the killer be someone intimately familiar with the Pennington estate, such as caretaker couple Ira and Lynn Hoffman, the Penningtons’ chauffeur Roderick, or even one of the heirs to the Pennington fortune?

 

Then the duke himself is injured in an inexplicable riding accident, and the clock swiftly ticks toward a reckoning with a cold-blooded killer. A criminal mastermind is making a desperate bid for ill-gotten riches…can Avery bring the culprit to justice before her time is up?"

My Thoughts:

This is the second book and I hadn't read the first.  It is explained well and I understood the issues from the first book that carried into the second without any problems.  Avery Ayers runs the family's appraisal business and is level headed and mature. She doesn't plan on investigating, she is just observant and puts pieces together.  Her sister Tilly is back from college for a spell and clearly there is something troubling her.  Aunt Midge is a treasure and I love her and am looking forward to more of her character.  Detective Art Smith is the romantic interest and is a law enforcment person.  

A large part of the story takes place at Pennington Manor and it is a great setting.  I love the artwork descriptions sprinkled throughout.  The plot initially involves the theft of many artifacts and pieces of art, then a murder occurs and things get dicey.  The killer reveal has some good tense moments and the wrapup is satisfying.  I'm hoping to fit in the first book between books to catch up.  

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