Rosemary Martin (1)

I read this because I used to be in a Lilian Jackson Braun fan group on yahoogroups with the author, and she was very nice. I'm glad I did. There are some sentences that do not ring true, especially in the first few chapters, but once the book hits its stride it is a lot of fun and a better mystery than I expected. Though the heroine's obsession with her boss drives me crazy (I keep wanting to holler, "You can do sooooo much better than this! Pretty is as pretty does," etc), I still found show more her likable and mostly believable. Her father is a bit too much of a caricature, in my opinion, and some of the other characters could have used a little more development. But this isn't intended to be Madame Bovary, and it succeeds at what it is intended to be: a lighthearted, genuinely funny 60s-themed murder mystery. You love the 60s? This has Tang, false eyelashes, Dippity-Do, a very young Neil Diamond, and so much more! It really was a lot of fun. I hope I can find the next one. show less

This 7th installment of the Supper Club mysteries is by far my favorite because we see so much growth (not necessarily their waistlines) in the characters. Tricked by Murphy into being photographed, supposedly for an article in the town newspaper, the club members realize that she has used them again to advertise her next book as well as her new project with developer Ray Edwards, to change small town to resort town. At the same time, there is a reunion of a popular TV series (originally show more filmed in Quincy Gap) but the actors aren't all what they had appeared on screen. When Edwards turns up dead and Murphy the prime suspect, James and the Supper Club know they have to find the real killer. They may not like her, but know she's not a killer.

While all this is front and center, in the background James is dealing with a 10 year old vehicle that is having issues and a wife ready to deliver in the middle of February. I'm sure you can imagine the problems that arise.

Looking forward and hoping for another Supper Club Mystery! show less

Death Comes to Jane Austen Town by Rosemary Stevens is the debut of A Jane Austen Town Mysteries. Jane Austen fans will enjoy this story. There are references to Jane Austen and her works throughout the book. Kay Starling is a determined and spirited Jane Austen fan who aims to save her town of Boring, Virginia. The story features a group of quirky characters who are each developed to some extent. Kay begins solving the mystery, navigating several clues and a few red herrings. I enjoyed the show more sense of community, the cozy atmosphere, and the hint of romance. The story moved along at a good clip and there was satisfying ending. Death Comes to Jane Austen Town is a heartwarming tale with a declining community, colorful characters, a dead developer, a Jane Austen anniversary, adorable animals, a fun festival, and mouthwatering morsels. show less

Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens is the seventh tale in A Supper Club Mystery series. James Henry and his wife, Jane are awaiting the birth of their second child. The Supper Club has decided to start a new Mediterranean diet, but thanks to Murphy Alistair the group gets off to a poor start. They believed she was taking their picture for the Shenandoah Star Ledger. Unfortunately, she used their photos in Southern Style magazine to advertise her upcoming book and Quincy’s show more Gap as one of five undiscovered small towns in America (there goes their small town). Murphy has teamed up with real estate developer, Ray Edwards to build condos, apartments and shops on a local farm. In nearby Cardinal’s Rest is the twenty-fifth reunion of the cast of Hearth and Home. The Supper Club members are attending a special VIP event at Red Bird B&B. Murphy is on the arm of Ray Edwards and the two have overindulged in the liquid refreshment. The next day, James hears that Edwards is dead and Murphy is accused of the crime. Despite the groups dislike of Murphy, they know she is not a killer. When a second person turns up dead at the Red Bird B&B with Murphy present once again, James knows they need to narrow down their suspect list. If they do not identify the killer soon, Murphy will end up wearing an orange jumpsuit for the rest of her life.

Pasta Mortem is an enjoyable cozy mystery. It is nice to visit Quincy’s Gap and catch up with James Henry and the rest of The Supper Club. I like how the members of the group continue to develop. In each book we learn a little more about a different character. I like to see them change (personal growth which helps enrich their lives). The mystery was compelling. It had some unexpected developments that will surprise readers. However, with the aid of a few pointed clues, I was able to peg the killer before I was halfway through the novel. I thought Pasta Mortem was well-written and it had a steady pace. While it can be read alone, you will miss out on the characters back stories. I do recommend reading the books in order or at least reading Carbs & Cadavers first (that way you get the basics). There are many delightful cozy moments in Pasta Mortem that will having you smiling and chuckling. In Pasta Mortem the group is learning new recipes, going to events for Hearth and Home reunion, preparing for Valentine’s Day, Jane is expecting and having difficulties, Eliot is loving school, Lucy is having relationship issues, Luis’ mama has yet to leave town, and so much more. I am giving Pasta Mortem 4 out of 5 stars. I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book. While the murder was wrapped up neatly, another issue was left unresolved. I just loved the name James and Jane picked for their new baby. I hope we get to revisit Quincy’s Gap again soon in another A Supper Club Mystery. show less