Diane Kelly

Getaway with Murder by Diane Kely is the first book in the Mountain Lodge Mysteries and I love so many things about it! First, there’s the gorgeous location and the lodge itself. Then there’s the well developed characters, and I really love that Misty is 50 and the love interest is 47. The two animals Yeti, the cat, and Molasses, the dog are adorable and add a fun element to the story… especially Yeti, since we get to see a bit into her world.

I also really enjoyed that Kelly has one of show more Misty’s employees being a Wiccan. It is wonderful when readers can learn about new things in a way that is not pushed down their throats. And we also get to learn a bit about common poisonous plants, which as an herbalist, I really appreciate.

The mystery was very well done too, but Kelly left enough clues that if you are paying attention you may be able to solve it before Misty and the gang. And in regards to the mystery I really liked that the sheriff and the love interest didn’t continually try to dissuade Misty from asking questions. That is soooo refreshing!

I did find myself skimming more than I would have liked when it came to Misty going over the suspects repeatedly and thinking about their motives. While this is done in every cozy, I would have been fine with some of it removed and the book shortened by about 50 pages…. But this won’t stop me from reading the next one in the series. Especially since I’m interested to see how Kelly will keep the series fresh when it comes to murders… I mean how many times can a murder happen at the lodge before she has to shut down… although Misty would have true crime and paranormal specialists rushing to stay there. ;) show less

Officer Megan Luz and her trusted K-9 partner Brigit are back in the 9th Paw Enforcement mystery! I love this series. Megan is a feisty, intelligent main character....and Brigit is capable and loyal! They are a well matched team! The plots are always entertaining and a nice mix of background story, investigation and humor.

This time, Megan and Brigit are called to a bloody crime scene. Despite all the gore and an obvious hint at a murder, there is no body. The duo also investigate some home show more repair scammers.

I love the fact that this series doesn't just have the point of view of the main character. Brigit gets to make her opinions and thoughts known, as do the bad guys. I don't usually go for POV flip-flopping, but in this series it really works! This newest book in the series kept my attention from start to finish. The story develops at a nice pace, and there are several side plots woven in as well. Never a dull moment!

I enjoyed this newest book, and look forward to the next!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** show less

Whitney Whitaker is the Property Manager for Home & Hearth Realty. Whitney also moonlights, adding her carpentry skills to her uncle’s business, Whitaker Woodworking, loving the work and working alongside her Uncle Roger and cousins Buck and Owen. While Whitney dreams of owning a home one day, she’s saving money by living in the renovated pool house at the back of her parents’ property. Whitney may have even more opportunities to find a home when she passes her real estate exam. Before show more the upcoming exam, she has a chance to purchase a house to flip and is hopeful that Buck will agree to a partnership on the opportunity and needed renovations. After all, what could go wrong with their combined experience in construction and comfort in working together?

This cozy mystery has many delightful aspects, from the Nashville, Tennessee setting to wonderful characters, beginning with Whitney and the whole Whitaker tribe, the Hartleys at Home & Hearth, and best friend Colette Chevalier. An extra-special mention of love is for Sawdust. His name is purr-fect for the feline sharing Whitney’s life. I loved Sawdust’s intermittent narrative chapters throughout the story, especially when he shared his fear of a demon in his home with Whitney.

I enjoyed the multiple aspects of real estate within the storyline. The twists and turns in the investigation kept spinning, and I didn’t figure it out before the reveal.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this series! show less

The Proof is in the Poison by Diane Kelly is the second A Southern Homebrew Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not had the time to read The Moonshine Shack Murder. I thought The Proof is in the Poison was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like Hattie Hayes and her grandfather, Ben. They are delightful, lively characters especially Ben. Granddaddy as Hattie calls him is a hoot. I like the premise for this cozy mystery. Hattie owns the Moonshine Shack where show more she sells the moonshine she creates. I love the description of her store especially the façade. She has made it look like an old moonshine shack in the mountains (like her ancestors had). The Chattanooga Choo Choo Model Train Convention is in town, and it is an opportunity for Hattie to promote her moonshine. Hattie has arranged to have a mixer at the hotel where many of the conventioneers are staying with coupons to encourage people to visit her shop. She even came up with unique moonshine cocktails with fun names. I enjoyed the descriptions of the model trains, displays, and items for sale. I learned quite a bit about model trains. I loved the train references and puns throughout the story. The author really managed to work in train metaphors throughout the story. There is a great line that ends that book that I especially enjoyed. I found all the information on moonshine to be fascinating. The author knows her history on this topic. The historical details add depth and interest to the story. The mystery was fun. I will admit that it is a cinch to solve. However, I enjoyed the crime and following Hattie as she worked on solving it. I like how Hattie’s mind works. I think, though, that she needs to work on her questioning technique. Hattie needs to be more subtle, so she does not alienate potential clients. The reveal scene was a delight. I laughed quite a bit. I appreciated that she kept Ace (the detective on the case) in the loop. I am glad that Hattie has a good working relationship with the detective on the case. Of course, Hattie has a close relationship with Marlon. I think it is a great touch that he is a mounted officer. There was some repetition regarding the suspects and the case details. Those details do not need to be repeated so frequently. I found the method of murder to be unique. It was clever how it was laid out. We get to learn some interesting information regarding it as well (I would say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). There are recipes at the end for the three drinks served at the convention mixer (railroad themed drinks). I am looking forward to Hattie’s next escapade. All aboard for Hattie’s latest adventure in The Proof is in the Poison with clown car cocktails, railroad replicas, acrimonious competitors, a boorish bully, railway trivia, an exterminated engineer, killer hooch, and a smoky disclosure. show less