A Cup Of Flour, A Pinch Of Death is the third book in Valerie Burns's Baker Street Mystery series.
It's always a heartwarming experience to catch up with the familiar faces of Maddie Montgomery and her friends in New Bison, Michigan.
One day, as Maddie was walking down the sidewalk, she was surprised to see Brandy Denton, the girl who caused Maddie’s fiance to leave her at the altar. A few days later, Maddie's life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers Brandy's body in her bakery, setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful mystery. To clear her anime from any suspicion, Maddie will call on her Baker Street friends to clear her name.
This book also deals with a man approaching Maddie and telling her her life is in danger. He is a friend of her Aunt Octavia. Maddie shortly after this discussion, finds the man’s body washed up on shore near her home.
After hearing about Maddie’s father in books one and two, we finally get to meet him. The Admiral is a very interesting character, and I hope that he appears in future books. And, of course, her Mastiff, Baby, is back and as adorable as before.
I love this series. The characters are all well-written and believable. The story is well-written and plotted, and one will feel like they are right there. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the killer's reveal.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful series.
It's always a heartwarming experience to catch up with the familiar faces of Maddie Montgomery and her friends in New Bison, Michigan.
One day, as Maddie was walking down the sidewalk, she was surprised to see Brandy Denton, the girl who caused Maddie’s fiance to leave her at the altar. A few days later, Maddie's life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers Brandy's body in her bakery, setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful mystery. To clear her anime from any suspicion, Maddie will call on her Baker Street friends to clear her name.
This book also deals with a man approaching Maddie and telling her her life is in danger. He is a friend of her Aunt Octavia. Maddie shortly after this discussion, finds the man’s body washed up on shore near her home.
After hearing about Maddie’s father in books one and two, we finally get to meet him. The Admiral is a very interesting character, and I hope that he appears in future books. And, of course, her Mastiff, Baby, is back and as adorable as before.
I love this series. The characters are all well-written and believable. The story is well-written and plotted, and one will feel like they are right there. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the killer's reveal.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful series.
A Controversial Cover is the eighteenth book in the A Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett.
Tricia has a new love interest, David Price, who has recently been appointed head of the Children’s Department at the local public library. One of the first things Price accomplished for the Children's Department was to invite the children's book author Lauren Barker, author of the popular Cuddly Chameleon series. It was initially planned that Barker would have a reading and sign copies of her books, but when she arrived, she stated that she would just be doing a signing with no personalization. An attendee at the signing, Dan Reed, a conspiracy fanatic, started saying that Barker’s books were provocative and were poisoning the youths that were reading them. This controversial turn of events at the book signing event adds an intriguing element to the plot.
Tension escalated at the event when a retired school teacher, Stella Kraft, praised the school system and teachers for supporting the author. This accusation led to a heated argument, with Barker eventually claiming that the school system had done nothing to help her, further fueling the conflict. As the mystery unfolds, the true nature of the conflict becomes more intriguing.
The signing ends, and after everyone has left the building, Tricia and David head for their car and notice that Barker’s rental car is still parked in the parking lot. When they got up to the car, they could see that Barker was in her car, dead.
Stella show more Kraft is sure she will become a person of interest and asks Tricia to investigate the case and clear her name. Tricia will find several suspects to check out.
I’ve been reading this series since book one and love it. It is well-written and plotted, and I feel I am right there as the book progresses. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end.
Deliciou-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. show less
Tricia has a new love interest, David Price, who has recently been appointed head of the Children’s Department at the local public library. One of the first things Price accomplished for the Children's Department was to invite the children's book author Lauren Barker, author of the popular Cuddly Chameleon series. It was initially planned that Barker would have a reading and sign copies of her books, but when she arrived, she stated that she would just be doing a signing with no personalization. An attendee at the signing, Dan Reed, a conspiracy fanatic, started saying that Barker’s books were provocative and were poisoning the youths that were reading them. This controversial turn of events at the book signing event adds an intriguing element to the plot.
Tension escalated at the event when a retired school teacher, Stella Kraft, praised the school system and teachers for supporting the author. This accusation led to a heated argument, with Barker eventually claiming that the school system had done nothing to help her, further fueling the conflict. As the mystery unfolds, the true nature of the conflict becomes more intriguing.
The signing ends, and after everyone has left the building, Tricia and David head for their car and notice that Barker’s rental car is still parked in the parking lot. When they got up to the car, they could see that Barker was in her car, dead.
Stella show more Kraft is sure she will become a person of interest and asks Tricia to investigate the case and clear her name. Tricia will find several suspects to check out.
I’ve been reading this series since book one and love it. It is well-written and plotted, and I feel I am right there as the book progresses. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end.
Deliciou-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. show less
Requiem For A Mouse is the sixteenth book in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series by Miranda James.
It’s always a joy to visit Charlie, Diesel, his Maine Coon cat, and Charlie’s friends and family.
Athena College recently acquired an extensive collection of books for Charlie to catalog. Tara Martin has been hired to help Charlie catalog the collection. Tara is a young lady who could be more talkative. In fact, at times, she can be rude. But her work is excellent, so Charlie accepts her shortcomings. Tara also works part-time at Helen’s, Charlie’s fiance, bistro.
Sean, Charlie’s son, is having a housewarming party after having the family's old farmhouse renovated. Helen’s bistro will cater the party, and Tara will work there. Things are going well until Tara gets a panicked look on her face and takes off at a run. Charlie heads outside to look for Tara, and after a while, he finds her hiding in the root cellar. Tara tells Charlie that she had a panic attack but offers no explanation as to what caused the attack. A couple of days later, she fails to report for work and is notified by the police that she was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Charlie will ask Melba, a library employee, to help him look into Tara's death.
This book is well-written and plotted and tells an exciting story. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Once again, Diesel will play a role in helping Charlie solve the mystery.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this show more exciting series. show less
It’s always a joy to visit Charlie, Diesel, his Maine Coon cat, and Charlie’s friends and family.
Athena College recently acquired an extensive collection of books for Charlie to catalog. Tara Martin has been hired to help Charlie catalog the collection. Tara is a young lady who could be more talkative. In fact, at times, she can be rude. But her work is excellent, so Charlie accepts her shortcomings. Tara also works part-time at Helen’s, Charlie’s fiance, bistro.
Sean, Charlie’s son, is having a housewarming party after having the family's old farmhouse renovated. Helen’s bistro will cater the party, and Tara will work there. Things are going well until Tara gets a panicked look on her face and takes off at a run. Charlie heads outside to look for Tara, and after a while, he finds her hiding in the root cellar. Tara tells Charlie that she had a panic attack but offers no explanation as to what caused the attack. A couple of days later, she fails to report for work and is notified by the police that she was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Charlie will ask Melba, a library employee, to help him look into Tara's death.
This book is well-written and plotted and tells an exciting story. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Once again, Diesel will play a role in helping Charlie solve the mystery.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this show more exciting series. show less
An Art Lovers Guide To Paris and Murder is the seventh book in the A Countess Of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman.
It’s July 1900, and Francis has suggested that since they didn’t have a honeymoon, they should travel to Paris and visit the World Exposition. George has just received a letter from his Aunt Julia asking him to come to Paris for a private conversation. Francis and George pack and head for Paris. When George learns from Aunt Julia that she was going to ask him to investigate the death of her ex-lover and an artist, Ducasse, his death has been ruled as an accidental drowning, but she feels it was murder. But Aunt Julia has changed her mind. Then, the next day, George witnessed what turned out to be the murder of Aunt Julia. Further enjoyment of the World Exposition will have to wait until Francis and George learn who killed Aunt Julia and determine if Ducasse died from accidental drowning or was murdered.
I love this series. The series is well-written, well-plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed, enjoyable, and are very believable. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing about the killer's identity until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this beautiful series.
It’s July 1900, and Francis has suggested that since they didn’t have a honeymoon, they should travel to Paris and visit the World Exposition. George has just received a letter from his Aunt Julia asking him to come to Paris for a private conversation. Francis and George pack and head for Paris. When George learns from Aunt Julia that she was going to ask him to investigate the death of her ex-lover and an artist, Ducasse, his death has been ruled as an accidental drowning, but she feels it was murder. But Aunt Julia has changed her mind. Then, the next day, George witnessed what turned out to be the murder of Aunt Julia. Further enjoyment of the World Exposition will have to wait until Francis and George learn who killed Aunt Julia and determine if Ducasse died from accidental drowning or was murdered.
I love this series. The series is well-written, well-plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed, enjoyable, and are very believable. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing about the killer's identity until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this beautiful series.
Kill Or Bee Killed is the second book in the A Bee Keeping Mystery series by Jennie Marts.
Bailey Briggs, her grandmother, and Bailey’s daughter Daisy are busy preparing for Humble Hills, Colorado's annual Bee Festival. This year, they have gone all out and are bringing in Rex Rafferty, a famous TV personality. It doesn’t take long for people to realize that Rex isn’t the charming person he appears to be on TV. A festival highlight is a cook-off featuring three Humble Hills eateries. Evie, Bailey’s best friend, is a contestant in the cook-off, has a heated argument with Rex, and threatens his life. Before that day’s competition is over, Rex Rafferty is found dead in a closet. With Evie having issued a threat to Rex that was heard by many of the attendees, she will become the main suspect in the murder of Rex. Much to the chagrin of Bailey’s high school boyfriend and current Sheriff Sawyer Dunn, Bailey will begin her investigation to clear Evie.
This book and series are well-written, plotted, and realistic. The characters are well-developed, enjoyable, and believable. I love all the main characters, especially the great aunts; they bring the reader many smiles and laughs. The best example is when the beauty contest needs more contestants, they enter the competition. And, of course, Daisy continues to be her adorable self. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end about the killer's identity.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also show more included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this excellent series. show less
Bailey Briggs, her grandmother, and Bailey’s daughter Daisy are busy preparing for Humble Hills, Colorado's annual Bee Festival. This year, they have gone all out and are bringing in Rex Rafferty, a famous TV personality. It doesn’t take long for people to realize that Rex isn’t the charming person he appears to be on TV. A festival highlight is a cook-off featuring three Humble Hills eateries. Evie, Bailey’s best friend, is a contestant in the cook-off, has a heated argument with Rex, and threatens his life. Before that day’s competition is over, Rex Rafferty is found dead in a closet. With Evie having issued a threat to Rex that was heard by many of the attendees, she will become the main suspect in the murder of Rex. Much to the chagrin of Bailey’s high school boyfriend and current Sheriff Sawyer Dunn, Bailey will begin her investigation to clear Evie.
This book and series are well-written, plotted, and realistic. The characters are well-developed, enjoyable, and believable. I love all the main characters, especially the great aunts; they bring the reader many smiles and laughs. The best example is when the beauty contest needs more contestants, they enter the competition. And, of course, Daisy continues to be her adorable self. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end about the killer's identity.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also show more included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this excellent series. show less
The Queen Of Poisons is the third book in the A Marlow Murder Club Mystery series by Rober Thorogood.
I would love to visit the Marlow Murder Club and its members. Judith, Suzie and Becks.
Suzie finds herself amid a mysterious meeting of the local planning council. As the members start to gather, Mayor Lushington's actions add an intriguing twist to the scene. Mayor Lushington heads to the coffee maker to make a cup of coffee before the meeting starts. He takes a sip, collapses and dies. It will be learned later that he had been poisoned. Recently promoted Detective Inspector Tankia Malik arrives and begins her investigation. She notices Suzie and knows she will tell Judith and Becks what happened at the meeting. Having worked with the ladies before, Malik knows they will start their own investigation, so she decides to make them Civilian Advisors.
Judith, Suzie, and Becks, with their unique personalities and shared determination, form a formidable team. They quickly identify several potential suspects, setting the stage for a gripping investigation.
I love this series. The Marlow Murder Club ladies are pretty interesting. Judith's home abuts the Thames, and she likes to swim naked in the Thames. Suzie is a dog-walker who produces an occasional podcast, and Becks is a vicar's wife.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Judith, Suzie, and Becks will put a smile on your face. There were enough red herrings that I show more kept guessing till the end who the killer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
I would love to visit the Marlow Murder Club and its members. Judith, Suzie and Becks.
Suzie finds herself amid a mysterious meeting of the local planning council. As the members start to gather, Mayor Lushington's actions add an intriguing twist to the scene. Mayor Lushington heads to the coffee maker to make a cup of coffee before the meeting starts. He takes a sip, collapses and dies. It will be learned later that he had been poisoned. Recently promoted Detective Inspector Tankia Malik arrives and begins her investigation. She notices Suzie and knows she will tell Judith and Becks what happened at the meeting. Having worked with the ladies before, Malik knows they will start their own investigation, so she decides to make them Civilian Advisors.
Judith, Suzie, and Becks, with their unique personalities and shared determination, form a formidable team. They quickly identify several potential suspects, setting the stage for a gripping investigation.
I love this series. The Marlow Murder Club ladies are pretty interesting. Judith's home abuts the Thames, and she likes to swim naked in the Thames. Suzie is a dog-walker who produces an occasional podcast, and Becks is a vicar's wife.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Judith, Suzie, and Becks will put a smile on your face. There were enough red herrings that I show more kept guessing till the end who the killer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting show more series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. show less
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting show more series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. show less
Torn Asunder is the twelfth book in the A Maine Clambake Mystery by Barbara Ross.
The renovations at Windsholme Manor on Morrow Island are complete, and the first wedding will soon be held. The first wedding will be the marriage of Julia's good friends, Zoey Butterfield and Jamie Dawes. In addition to being in the wedding party, Julia is the wedding and venue planner. The wedding is threatened by a horrible storm traveling up the coast to Maine. Everyone hopes the wedding and everyone will be back on the mainland before the storm hits. As the rehearsal dinner guests arrive, it is noticed that an uninvited guest has arrived. The rehearsal dinner is served, and soon, the uninvited collapses and dies. None of the guests are willing to admit to knowing the man, even though Julia saw him in disagreements with a couple of wedding guests. Julia and Tom, her boyfriend and a Maine State Police detective, begin to investigate the death. The storm has rolled in, and everybody is confined to the island. With everyone staying inside due to the storm, it seems that it would be easier to find the murderer, but the more questions they ask, the more suspects they uncover.
I love this series. The stories are all well-written, plotted, and written so that you feel you are right there. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the murderer.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the show more book.
It sadden me to learn that this was the last book in this excellent series. It has been a wonderful time visiting Julia and her family and attending the delicious-sounding clambakes. Ms. Ross does a fantastic job of giving a glimpse into the character's future life. show less
The renovations at Windsholme Manor on Morrow Island are complete, and the first wedding will soon be held. The first wedding will be the marriage of Julia's good friends, Zoey Butterfield and Jamie Dawes. In addition to being in the wedding party, Julia is the wedding and venue planner. The wedding is threatened by a horrible storm traveling up the coast to Maine. Everyone hopes the wedding and everyone will be back on the mainland before the storm hits. As the rehearsal dinner guests arrive, it is noticed that an uninvited guest has arrived. The rehearsal dinner is served, and soon, the uninvited collapses and dies. None of the guests are willing to admit to knowing the man, even though Julia saw him in disagreements with a couple of wedding guests. Julia and Tom, her boyfriend and a Maine State Police detective, begin to investigate the death. The storm has rolled in, and everybody is confined to the island. With everyone staying inside due to the storm, it seems that it would be easier to find the murderer, but the more questions they ask, the more suspects they uncover.
I love this series. The stories are all well-written, plotted, and written so that you feel you are right there. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the murderer.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the show more book.
It sadden me to learn that this was the last book in this excellent series. It has been a wonderful time visiting Julia and her family and attending the delicious-sounding clambakes. Ms. Ross does a fantastic job of giving a glimpse into the character's future life. show less
The Poison Pen is the ninth book in the A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series by Paige Shelton.
Edwin, the owner of a Scottish bookstore, asks Delaney Nichols to visit with his old-time friend, Jolie Lannister. Jolie has found what she feels might be a legendary Crusader Sword that she wants to turn over to Edwin. When Delaney arrives at Jolie’s estate, she finds Jolie is in a discussion with her lawyer, Bowie Berry, and Giles Haig, an auctioneer and his assistant. Jolie is a hoarder, and Berry plans on using that to prove Jolie’s competency. Haig is there to evaluate Josie’s estate. Jolie sends Berry and Haig on their way and takes Delaney to a nearby shed to show her the sword. If the sword is a Crusader Sword, it belongs in a museum, as Scottish law says it is illegal for private citizens to own historical items. As they are returning to the house, they come across Homer, Jolie’s gardener, standing over the dead body of Haig’s assistant. Homer was holding the knife that had killed the assistant. Jolie asks Delaney to investigate the death, and she contacts Inspector Winters to help with the investigation.
When Jolie was a child, a story that was going around was that Jolie was a “love child” of Edward VIII. An aide to Edward VIII reportedly wrote a journal supporting this story. Still, the journal has gone missing, and Delaney wonders whether this might have anything to do with the murder of Haig’s assistant.
I love this series; the books are well-written and show more plotted. The characters are well-developed, believable, and engaging.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this engaging series. show less
Edwin, the owner of a Scottish bookstore, asks Delaney Nichols to visit with his old-time friend, Jolie Lannister. Jolie has found what she feels might be a legendary Crusader Sword that she wants to turn over to Edwin. When Delaney arrives at Jolie’s estate, she finds Jolie is in a discussion with her lawyer, Bowie Berry, and Giles Haig, an auctioneer and his assistant. Jolie is a hoarder, and Berry plans on using that to prove Jolie’s competency. Haig is there to evaluate Josie’s estate. Jolie sends Berry and Haig on their way and takes Delaney to a nearby shed to show her the sword. If the sword is a Crusader Sword, it belongs in a museum, as Scottish law says it is illegal for private citizens to own historical items. As they are returning to the house, they come across Homer, Jolie’s gardener, standing over the dead body of Haig’s assistant. Homer was holding the knife that had killed the assistant. Jolie asks Delaney to investigate the death, and she contacts Inspector Winters to help with the investigation.
When Jolie was a child, a story that was going around was that Jolie was a “love child” of Edward VIII. An aide to Edward VIII reportedly wrote a journal supporting this story. Still, the journal has gone missing, and Delaney wonders whether this might have anything to do with the murder of Haig’s assistant.
I love this series; the books are well-written and show more plotted. The characters are well-developed, believable, and engaging.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this engaging series. show less
Three Fudges And A Baby is the twelfth book in the A Candy Coated Mystery series by Nany Coco.
Allie’s BFF, Jenn, is two weeks overdue for the birth of her first child. Jenn has decided to have her child on Mackinac Island and has engaged a doula, Hannah, and a midwife to be there for the delivery. Jenn has an appointment with her doula, and Allie decides to walk Mel and walk part of the way with Jenn. They soon find Jenn’s doula sitting on the stairs to her apartment holding a gun and her fiance lying dead close by. Allie carefully removes the weapon from Hannah’s hands and places it safely out of reach. When the police interviewed nearby residents, no one had heard a gunshot, but one person had heard them having a loud argument that morning. When Hannah is arrested and jailed, Jenn pleads with Aliie to investigate and get Hannah out of jail.
Allie has to manage her hotel, make fudge for her fudge shop, and try to solve the recent murder case. She also has to deal with her mother showing up for a visit with Allie’s former boyfriend. Her mother thinks that Allie should marry her ex-boyfriend. Her mother explains that he has plans for a career in politics and would be a much better choice than the chief of police of Mackinac Island. Allie continuously tells her mother there is no way she will start seeing her ex again, but her mother does not seem to know what NO means.
I love this series and am always looking forward to reading the next book. The story is show more well-written and plotted so you feel you are right there with Allie and the island residents. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable.
The book also includes delicious-sounding recipes for the fudges that Allie produces at her shop.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Allie’s BFF, Jenn, is two weeks overdue for the birth of her first child. Jenn has decided to have her child on Mackinac Island and has engaged a doula, Hannah, and a midwife to be there for the delivery. Jenn has an appointment with her doula, and Allie decides to walk Mel and walk part of the way with Jenn. They soon find Jenn’s doula sitting on the stairs to her apartment holding a gun and her fiance lying dead close by. Allie carefully removes the weapon from Hannah’s hands and places it safely out of reach. When the police interviewed nearby residents, no one had heard a gunshot, but one person had heard them having a loud argument that morning. When Hannah is arrested and jailed, Jenn pleads with Aliie to investigate and get Hannah out of jail.
Allie has to manage her hotel, make fudge for her fudge shop, and try to solve the recent murder case. She also has to deal with her mother showing up for a visit with Allie’s former boyfriend. Her mother thinks that Allie should marry her ex-boyfriend. Her mother explains that he has plans for a career in politics and would be a much better choice than the chief of police of Mackinac Island. Allie continuously tells her mother there is no way she will start seeing her ex again, but her mother does not seem to know what NO means.
I love this series and am always looking forward to reading the next book. The story is show more well-written and plotted so you feel you are right there with Allie and the island residents. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable.
The book also includes delicious-sounding recipes for the fudges that Allie produces at her shop.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Ill-Fated Fortune Cookie is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow.
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she Ill-Fated Fortune Cookie is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow.
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she has added personalized fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me.
Ill-Fated Fortune Cookie is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow.
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she has added personalized show more fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me.
has added personalized fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me. show less
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she Ill-Fated Fortune Cookie is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow.
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she has added personalized fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me.
Ill-Fated Fortune Cookie is the first book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series by Jennifer J. Chow.
Felicity Jin works in the family “magic” bakery, where most customers experience a happy feeling when eating the pastries from the bakery. Felicity has had some big disasters in the past and fears that the magic touch in baking has escaped her. Felicity finally has produced some tasty fortune cookies, to which she has added personalized show more fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me.
has added personalized fortunes. But her first customer is found dead after eating his fortune cookie.
The book was well-written and plotted, but it was not for me. The characters just did not appeal to me. show less
Murder in Masquerade is the second book in the A Lady Of Letters Mystery series by Mary Winters.
Widowed two years ago, Lady Amelia pens an advice column as Lady Agony in a penny weekly. Also living in Lady Amelia’s home is her Aunt Tabitha and Lady Amelia’s late husband’s niece, 11-year-old Winifred.
Amelia and her handsome neighbor, Lord Simon Bainbridge, will attend the opera. Simon is attending the opera to keep an eye on his sister, Marielle, who has been stepping out with George Davies. Davies is a former horse trainer for the Bainbridge family. Simon has recently learned that Davies wants Marielle to run off to Gretna Green and get married. Simon considers Davies a no-good gambler and social climber. When the opera ends, Simon notices that Davies has left and Marielle is still in Lord Burton’s box. He and Amelia collect Marielle and head for the carriage to return home. As they near the carriage, they see a disturbance in a nearby narrow alley. As they enter the alley, they find that Davies has been stabbed in the chest and is dead. They do find a large amount of cash on Davies. The question in their minds is whether it was a robbery gone wrong or a case of outright murder.
This book is an excellent start to an enjoyable new series. I particularly liked the letters to Lady Agony and also her replies. The story was well-written and plotted. I enjoyed the characters and thought they were well-developed and very believable.
I’m looking forward to the next book show more for more letters to Lady Agony and seeing if there will be a romantic connection between Amelia and Simon. show less
Widowed two years ago, Lady Amelia pens an advice column as Lady Agony in a penny weekly. Also living in Lady Amelia’s home is her Aunt Tabitha and Lady Amelia’s late husband’s niece, 11-year-old Winifred.
Amelia and her handsome neighbor, Lord Simon Bainbridge, will attend the opera. Simon is attending the opera to keep an eye on his sister, Marielle, who has been stepping out with George Davies. Davies is a former horse trainer for the Bainbridge family. Simon has recently learned that Davies wants Marielle to run off to Gretna Green and get married. Simon considers Davies a no-good gambler and social climber. When the opera ends, Simon notices that Davies has left and Marielle is still in Lord Burton’s box. He and Amelia collect Marielle and head for the carriage to return home. As they near the carriage, they see a disturbance in a nearby narrow alley. As they enter the alley, they find that Davies has been stabbed in the chest and is dead. They do find a large amount of cash on Davies. The question in their minds is whether it was a robbery gone wrong or a case of outright murder.
This book is an excellent start to an enjoyable new series. I particularly liked the letters to Lady Agony and also her replies. The story was well-written and plotted. I enjoyed the characters and thought they were well-developed and very believable.
I’m looking forward to the next book show more for more letters to Lady Agony and seeing if there will be a romantic connection between Amelia and Simon. show less
The Last Word is the first book in the A Deadly Deadlines Mystery by Gerri Lewis.
Winter Snow is a free-lance obituary writer. Winter receives a call from Mrs. Arlington, a local philanthropist, asking Winter to write her obituary. Mrs. Arlington(Lottie) informs Winter that she should not bother coming to see her if she can’t finish the obituary by Friday. Winter has to drive through a tropical storm to reach Lottie’s home to gather information on Lottie’s life. Shortly after arriving, the storm knocked out power at Lottie’s home. Even though the generators have started, Winter wants Lottie to go home with her. Lottie refuses, saying that she has to work on her memoir. The next day, Winter returns to Lotties to check on her and obtain additional information on her life. When there is no response to her knocking, Winter finds the door unlocked. She enters and finds Lottie’s near-lifeless body at the foot of the stairs. The police come to investigate, and Officer Kip Michaels seems to want to check out Winter’s story, while Officer Tom Bellini is more concerned with proving her guilty of murder.
Winter will start to investigate who might have killed Mrs. Arlington. Winter soon learns that Lottie has included facts that these people would like to keep secret in her memoirs. She must discover who might have the most to lose when the memoirs become known.
The story is well-written and plotted and reads at a nice pace. The characters are well-developed and very show more believable.
I will be watching for the next book in this interesting series. show less
Winter Snow is a free-lance obituary writer. Winter receives a call from Mrs. Arlington, a local philanthropist, asking Winter to write her obituary. Mrs. Arlington(Lottie) informs Winter that she should not bother coming to see her if she can’t finish the obituary by Friday. Winter has to drive through a tropical storm to reach Lottie’s home to gather information on Lottie’s life. Shortly after arriving, the storm knocked out power at Lottie’s home. Even though the generators have started, Winter wants Lottie to go home with her. Lottie refuses, saying that she has to work on her memoir. The next day, Winter returns to Lotties to check on her and obtain additional information on her life. When there is no response to her knocking, Winter finds the door unlocked. She enters and finds Lottie’s near-lifeless body at the foot of the stairs. The police come to investigate, and Officer Kip Michaels seems to want to check out Winter’s story, while Officer Tom Bellini is more concerned with proving her guilty of murder.
Winter will start to investigate who might have killed Mrs. Arlington. Winter soon learns that Lottie has included facts that these people would like to keep secret in her memoirs. She must discover who might have the most to lose when the memoirs become known.
The story is well-written and plotted and reads at a nice pace. The characters are well-developed and very show more believable.
I will be watching for the next book in this interesting series. show less
Murder At The Blarney Bash is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series by Darci Hannah.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Beacon Harbor, and everybody is seeing leprechauns–it seems.
Lindsey is on her way to the groomer's to pick up her dog Wellington, who had gotten skunked earlier. The grocer tells Lindsey she had just seen a leprechaun looking in the salon window. Then, as Lindsey was passing a group of children dressed as leprechauns, a leprechaun ran into the side of her car. She stops to see if the person is hurt, but he has run off. Mrs. Hinkle comes running from Village Hall, calling out to Lindsey that Fred Landry has been brutally beaten.
At the Beacon Bakeshop, Lindsey’s boyfriend, Rory, is visiting with his Uncle Finn and cousin, Colleen, who have just moved to Beacon Harbor from Ireland. Uncle Finn plans to open a pub, while Colleen will open a gift shop featuring Irish goods. An evening meal is planned to welcome Finn and Colleen to Beacon Harbor. Uncle Finn doesn’t arrive until the dinner is almost over. He tells everyone that he is late because he tricked a leprechaun and took his pot of gold, which he put on the table. But when a man dressed as a leprechaun is found dead on a sand dune with Uncle Finn’s shillelagh near his body. Uncle Finn will become the prime suspect, and Lindsey and Rory must set off to find the killer.
This is a delightful series with a wonderful cast of characters. They are well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. In show more the previous books, I had enjoyed Kennedy, Lindsey’s BFF, who has returned for a visit. But in this one, I was put off by her. She seemed protective of her boyfriend, Niall, while simultaneously being jealous that Tuck, a local policeman, and Colleen were showing interest in each other. The book is well-written, plotted, and descriptively written, and I felt I was there with the characters. The book reads at a good pace. Wellington has a new playmate, Bailey, Finn, and Colleen’s dog. Hopefully, the next book will be in the Spring/Summer, so Lindsey’s parents will be in town along with their two Westies.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this engaging series. show less
It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Beacon Harbor, and everybody is seeing leprechauns–it seems.
Lindsey is on her way to the groomer's to pick up her dog Wellington, who had gotten skunked earlier. The grocer tells Lindsey she had just seen a leprechaun looking in the salon window. Then, as Lindsey was passing a group of children dressed as leprechauns, a leprechaun ran into the side of her car. She stops to see if the person is hurt, but he has run off. Mrs. Hinkle comes running from Village Hall, calling out to Lindsey that Fred Landry has been brutally beaten.
At the Beacon Bakeshop, Lindsey’s boyfriend, Rory, is visiting with his Uncle Finn and cousin, Colleen, who have just moved to Beacon Harbor from Ireland. Uncle Finn plans to open a pub, while Colleen will open a gift shop featuring Irish goods. An evening meal is planned to welcome Finn and Colleen to Beacon Harbor. Uncle Finn doesn’t arrive until the dinner is almost over. He tells everyone that he is late because he tricked a leprechaun and took his pot of gold, which he put on the table. But when a man dressed as a leprechaun is found dead on a sand dune with Uncle Finn’s shillelagh near his body. Uncle Finn will become the prime suspect, and Lindsey and Rory must set off to find the killer.
This is a delightful series with a wonderful cast of characters. They are well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. In show more the previous books, I had enjoyed Kennedy, Lindsey’s BFF, who has returned for a visit. But in this one, I was put off by her. She seemed protective of her boyfriend, Niall, while simultaneously being jealous that Tuck, a local policeman, and Colleen were showing interest in each other. The book is well-written, plotted, and descriptively written, and I felt I was there with the characters. The book reads at a good pace. Wellington has a new playmate, Bailey, Finn, and Colleen’s dog. Hopefully, the next book will be in the Spring/Summer, so Lindsey’s parents will be in town along with their two Westies.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this engaging series. show less
Murder At A Scottish Castle is the fifth book in the A Scottish Shire Mystery series by Traci Hall.
Paislee Shaw, a knitting shop owner, is excited to visit the castle of Laird Grant, where the Dowager Countess has asked her to sell her knitting at the castle. Also attending are Grandpa, her son Brodie, and Wallace, their Scottish terrier. They will be staying to listen to the annual bagpipe competition that Lord Grant sponsors. Lord Grant had won the competition for several years until last year when he lost to Jory Baxter. Even though there were rumors that Jory cheated the previous year, he has returned to this year's competition, claiming he will win again. Shortly into this year's performance, Jory collapses on stage. Members of the audience rush to attend to Jory and Paislee phones for an ambulance. Paislee’s yarn delivery man, Jerry McFadden, puts the bagpipes under a bench to keep them out of the way of people crowding around the scene. Jory is rushed to the hospital, where he dies shortly after arriving. The police will have a murder case on their hands. But when they go to retrieve the bagpipes, they are gone. The question now is, who moved them and why?
Paislee will naturally want to start her own investigation. She is surprised when DI Zeffer shows up to lead the police’s investigation. She has worked with Zeffer before, and though they have gotten along in the past, she would rather work with someone else. Paislee will find no shortage of suspects as she show more investigates.
Paislee also has problems at home. Paislee has been out on a date with Hamish McCall, headmaster at Brody’s prior school. As they are standing in the kitchen, the ceiling falls on them. No one is hurt, just embarrassed. I have a feeling that maybe some romantic interest is developing for DI Zeffed from Paislee, finally, in my opinion.
I love this series, and it has terrific and well-developed characters. The story is well-written and plotted. It reads at a good pace and is hard to put down. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I kept guessing who the killer was until the end. Most of the regular characters are back in this book. I especially like the Scottie Wallace.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Paislee Shaw, a knitting shop owner, is excited to visit the castle of Laird Grant, where the Dowager Countess has asked her to sell her knitting at the castle. Also attending are Grandpa, her son Brodie, and Wallace, their Scottish terrier. They will be staying to listen to the annual bagpipe competition that Lord Grant sponsors. Lord Grant had won the competition for several years until last year when he lost to Jory Baxter. Even though there were rumors that Jory cheated the previous year, he has returned to this year's competition, claiming he will win again. Shortly into this year's performance, Jory collapses on stage. Members of the audience rush to attend to Jory and Paislee phones for an ambulance. Paislee’s yarn delivery man, Jerry McFadden, puts the bagpipes under a bench to keep them out of the way of people crowding around the scene. Jory is rushed to the hospital, where he dies shortly after arriving. The police will have a murder case on their hands. But when they go to retrieve the bagpipes, they are gone. The question now is, who moved them and why?
Paislee will naturally want to start her own investigation. She is surprised when DI Zeffer shows up to lead the police’s investigation. She has worked with Zeffer before, and though they have gotten along in the past, she would rather work with someone else. Paislee will find no shortage of suspects as she show more investigates.
Paislee also has problems at home. Paislee has been out on a date with Hamish McCall, headmaster at Brody’s prior school. As they are standing in the kitchen, the ceiling falls on them. No one is hurt, just embarrassed. I have a feeling that maybe some romantic interest is developing for DI Zeffed from Paislee, finally, in my opinion.
I love this series, and it has terrific and well-developed characters. The story is well-written and plotted. It reads at a good pace and is hard to put down. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I kept guessing who the killer was until the end. Most of the regular characters are back in this book. I especially like the Scottie Wallace.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Hammers And Homicide is the first book in the A Hometown Hardware Mystery series by Paula Charles.
Dawna Carpenter Has continued the family business, Carpenter’s Corner Hardware store in Pine Bluff, Oregon, after her husband’s death. One morning, as she arrived near the store, she heard a loud argument from a nearby real estate company. Arriving at work, Dawna is surprised to see that her lone employee, Steve Harrison, has not arrived as yet. Later in the morning, she goes to use the bathroom, and to her horror, she finds a dead body with severe head injuries caused by a framing hammer lying next to his body. The bathroom is shared with Darlene Lovelace, who owns a pricey boutique next door. The body is quickly identified as Warren Highcastle, a real estate developer in town trying to buy the old Emery House opera theatre and convert it into a hotel. A women’s club in Pine Bluff had attempted to buy the opera house, but the offer was rejected. Dawna is a member of that club. With the murder happening in the hardware store and with easy access to the weapon, Dawna will become the prime suspect.
Dawna and her adult daughter, who recently moved back to Pine Bluff, will set out to clear Dawna's name from suspicion. But when the owner of a construction company that was going to work on the project is arrested, Dawna and April will also start to work to clear his name. Dawna will soon find many other suspects to clear her name.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series. I show more particularly liked how well Dawna and her daughter worked together. Also, I enjoyed how Dawna sensed her late husband's presence and how talking to him helped her in her investigation. The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are all well-developed, engaging, and entirely believable. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. show less
Dawna Carpenter Has continued the family business, Carpenter’s Corner Hardware store in Pine Bluff, Oregon, after her husband’s death. One morning, as she arrived near the store, she heard a loud argument from a nearby real estate company. Arriving at work, Dawna is surprised to see that her lone employee, Steve Harrison, has not arrived as yet. Later in the morning, she goes to use the bathroom, and to her horror, she finds a dead body with severe head injuries caused by a framing hammer lying next to his body. The bathroom is shared with Darlene Lovelace, who owns a pricey boutique next door. The body is quickly identified as Warren Highcastle, a real estate developer in town trying to buy the old Emery House opera theatre and convert it into a hotel. A women’s club in Pine Bluff had attempted to buy the opera house, but the offer was rejected. Dawna is a member of that club. With the murder happening in the hardware store and with easy access to the weapon, Dawna will become the prime suspect.
Dawna and her adult daughter, who recently moved back to Pine Bluff, will set out to clear Dawna's name from suspicion. But when the owner of a construction company that was going to work on the project is arrested, Dawna and April will also start to work to clear his name. Dawna will soon find many other suspects to clear her name.
I enjoyed this first book in a new series. I show more particularly liked how well Dawna and her daughter worked together. Also, I enjoyed how Dawna sensed her late husband's presence and how talking to him helped her in her investigation. The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are all well-developed, engaging, and entirely believable. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. show less
Deadly To The Core is the first book in the A Cider House Mystery series by Joyce Tremel.
Kate Mulligan is nearly healed from injuries received in a horrible automobile accident that killed her husband. Kate has recently learned that she has inherited her uncle’s apple orchard in Orchardville, PA. Kate decides to move to the farm to live her dream–to run a cider house. Kate arrives at the farm and meets Carl, the orchard’s manager. During their conversation, Kate learns that the orchard is making money and that Carl looks forward to helping with the cider operation. But her lawyer informs her that the orchard is barely breaking even, adds that he has received a very generous offer for the orchard, and strongly suggests that she accept the offer. But Kate is determined to have her cider house.
One day, Kate took off for Carl’s cabin’s cabin to discuss the orchard further. She finds the front door open and music blaring indoors when she arrives. Kate calls out and enters the cabin, only to find Carl lying in the kitchen, dead. The sheriff will find Kate’s cane, which she had left the day before, had been used to murder Carl.
Daniel, the owner of a neighboring orchard, has been helping Kate construct her cider-making business and will also help her look for the murderer. Kate will also get help from her childhood friend Margurite. Many neighboring orchard owners have also received very generous offers for their orchards, and Kate will use the information she gets show more from them to solve the murder of her uncle. She will also get help from some of the Orchardville residents.
The book is a wonderful start for this new series. The book is well-written and plotted, and you feel you are right there with Kate as she investigates. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. There are enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the final reveal at the end.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series to see what her next adventure might be and if a romantic interest will be developed for Kate. show less
Kate Mulligan is nearly healed from injuries received in a horrible automobile accident that killed her husband. Kate has recently learned that she has inherited her uncle’s apple orchard in Orchardville, PA. Kate decides to move to the farm to live her dream–to run a cider house. Kate arrives at the farm and meets Carl, the orchard’s manager. During their conversation, Kate learns that the orchard is making money and that Carl looks forward to helping with the cider operation. But her lawyer informs her that the orchard is barely breaking even, adds that he has received a very generous offer for the orchard, and strongly suggests that she accept the offer. But Kate is determined to have her cider house.
One day, Kate took off for Carl’s cabin’s cabin to discuss the orchard further. She finds the front door open and music blaring indoors when she arrives. Kate calls out and enters the cabin, only to find Carl lying in the kitchen, dead. The sheriff will find Kate’s cane, which she had left the day before, had been used to murder Carl.
Daniel, the owner of a neighboring orchard, has been helping Kate construct her cider-making business and will also help her look for the murderer. Kate will also get help from her childhood friend Margurite. Many neighboring orchard owners have also received very generous offers for their orchards, and Kate will use the information she gets show more from them to solve the murder of her uncle. She will also get help from some of the Orchardville residents.
The book is a wonderful start for this new series. The book is well-written and plotted, and you feel you are right there with Kate as she investigates. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. There are enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the final reveal at the end.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series to see what her next adventure might be and if a romantic interest will be developed for Kate. show less
The Dog Across The Lake is the ninth book in the Paws And Claws Mystery series by Krista Davis.
Hollie Miller has been busy organizing a birthday party for her Oma, Liesel Miller, at their Sugar Maple Inn. Her father, Sam; mother, Nell; her aunt, Margaret; and Margaret's son, Josh, will attend the birthday party at Sugar Maple Inn.
One morning, Holly awakes to find a strange dog in bed with her, her dog Trixie, and her cat Twinkletoes. Oma is sure that it belongs to Josh, and Hollie takes Radar, the dog, to a campsite on a campsite on the other side of the lake where she had seen it the prior day. On the way to the campsite, she encounters a fisherman who asks where he can find a boat to go fishing. When Hollie arrives at the tent where she had seen Radar, she finds her cousin Josh and his girlfriend, Dana. The following day, when Hollie awakes, Radar is in her ned again. Hollie returns to Radar, but this time, she finds the fisherman's body in Josh’s tent and Jash and Dana nowhere around.
With Joah and Dana missing and seemingly on the run, they become prime suspects in the murder of the man in the tent. Hollie will begin to ask questions to learn the killer's identity, thereby clearing her cousin's name. Hollie will find several suspects to question.
I love this series. I would enjoy being able to visit a community like Wagtail. The story is well-written and plotted and has a cast of excellent, believable, enjoyable characters. The story had many twists and turns that show more kept me guessing until the end and the killer's reveal. I particularly enjoy reading about the interaction of the animals. The book was hard to put down.
There are delicious-sounding recipes included in the book.
I am looking forward to the book in this delightful series. show less
Hollie Miller has been busy organizing a birthday party for her Oma, Liesel Miller, at their Sugar Maple Inn. Her father, Sam; mother, Nell; her aunt, Margaret; and Margaret's son, Josh, will attend the birthday party at Sugar Maple Inn.
One morning, Holly awakes to find a strange dog in bed with her, her dog Trixie, and her cat Twinkletoes. Oma is sure that it belongs to Josh, and Hollie takes Radar, the dog, to a campsite on a campsite on the other side of the lake where she had seen it the prior day. On the way to the campsite, she encounters a fisherman who asks where he can find a boat to go fishing. When Hollie arrives at the tent where she had seen Radar, she finds her cousin Josh and his girlfriend, Dana. The following day, when Hollie awakes, Radar is in her ned again. Hollie returns to Radar, but this time, she finds the fisherman's body in Josh’s tent and Jash and Dana nowhere around.
With Joah and Dana missing and seemingly on the run, they become prime suspects in the murder of the man in the tent. Hollie will begin to ask questions to learn the killer's identity, thereby clearing her cousin's name. Hollie will find several suspects to question.
I love this series. I would enjoy being able to visit a community like Wagtail. The story is well-written and plotted and has a cast of excellent, believable, enjoyable characters. The story had many twists and turns that show more kept me guessing until the end and the killer's reveal. I particularly enjoy reading about the interaction of the animals. The book was hard to put down.
There are delicious-sounding recipes included in the book.
I am looking forward to the book in this delightful series. show less
Deep Fried Death is the twelfth book in the A Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day.
Robbie and her employees, Danna and Turner, built a rustic outhouse mounted on two wheels. They entered it in an outhouse race at the Abe Martin, a Hooiser cartoon character from a hundred years ago, Festival on Memorial Day. Danna will be riding in the outhouse, but first, she and Turner start to push the outhouse to the starting line when they bump into a curb. The door on the outhouse pops open, and a body falls out along with a skillet. The body is quickly identified as Evermina Martin, and the skillet is quickly determined to be the murder weapon. Evermina owns the restaurant across from Robbi’s Pans ‘N Pancakes, and her fondest wish was to put Robbie out of business. At first, the police are interested in Robbie. Still, when Robbie’s brother-in-law comes under suspicion, she decides that even with her being with child, she will cut back on her involvement but will do some investigation. Robbie will discover several subjects that she will need to investigate.
I love this series; it has wonderful, engaging, and well-developed characters. I particularly liked that Robbie took into consideration her pregnancy and stayed away from putting her life and her future baby’s life in danger. Of course, Buck is there with his “down home” witticisms. Even his cousin, Wanda, had a few of her own to contribute. The story is well-written and plotted. I feel I am there with the show more characters in each book in the series. The story has enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end who the killer was.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this fun series. show less
Robbie and her employees, Danna and Turner, built a rustic outhouse mounted on two wheels. They entered it in an outhouse race at the Abe Martin, a Hooiser cartoon character from a hundred years ago, Festival on Memorial Day. Danna will be riding in the outhouse, but first, she and Turner start to push the outhouse to the starting line when they bump into a curb. The door on the outhouse pops open, and a body falls out along with a skillet. The body is quickly identified as Evermina Martin, and the skillet is quickly determined to be the murder weapon. Evermina owns the restaurant across from Robbi’s Pans ‘N Pancakes, and her fondest wish was to put Robbie out of business. At first, the police are interested in Robbie. Still, when Robbie’s brother-in-law comes under suspicion, she decides that even with her being with child, she will cut back on her involvement but will do some investigation. Robbie will discover several subjects that she will need to investigate.
I love this series; it has wonderful, engaging, and well-developed characters. I particularly liked that Robbie took into consideration her pregnancy and stayed away from putting her life and her future baby’s life in danger. Of course, Buck is there with his “down home” witticisms. Even his cousin, Wanda, had a few of her own to contribute. The story is well-written and plotted. I feel I am there with the show more characters in each book in the series. The story has enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end who the killer was.
Delicious-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this fun series. show less
The Lace Widow is the first book in the An Eliza Hamilton Mystery series by Mollie Ann Cox.
This series deals with the life of Eliza Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton. Read the Author’s Note to learn the author’s approach to the series.
The story starts shortly after the Hamilton-Burr duel. Eliza Hamilton is on her way home when her carriage is stopped. Eliza gets out to see what the problem is and sees that the body of John Van Der Gloss is being dragged from the river. She knows he was murdered as she sees that Van Der Gloss's throat has been cut. It hits her hard as he was a good friend of Alexander and to be murdered so soon after her husband's death. Arriving at home, Eliza finds that a constable brought Alexander Jr. home, saying Alexander had been in a fight with Van Der Gloss the previous evening. Alexander claims he only hit him once and ran from the tavern. The constable will take Alexander, Jr. into custody for the murder of Van Der Gloss. When another of Alexander’s friends dies from hanging, Eliza suspects that someone or a group is trying to discredit Alexander and get rid of those who know the truth.
Eliza will start asking questions to clear her late husband’s and her son's names. She will work with the Widow’s Society, a group of widows who need help and live in a home on Pearl Street. When Eliza experiences a rock thrown through her bedroom window, she feels this is a threat to her life and takes up residency at the Widow’s Society show more home. From there, she will go undercover in search of the people who are trying to frame her son for murder.
The book is well-written, plotted, historically accurate, and moves at a good pace. The author does an excellent job showing how men treated their wives and women in the 1800s. The characters are well-developed, believable, and engaging. There were enough twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures Eliza will have next. show less
This series deals with the life of Eliza Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton. Read the Author’s Note to learn the author’s approach to the series.
The story starts shortly after the Hamilton-Burr duel. Eliza Hamilton is on her way home when her carriage is stopped. Eliza gets out to see what the problem is and sees that the body of John Van Der Gloss is being dragged from the river. She knows he was murdered as she sees that Van Der Gloss's throat has been cut. It hits her hard as he was a good friend of Alexander and to be murdered so soon after her husband's death. Arriving at home, Eliza finds that a constable brought Alexander Jr. home, saying Alexander had been in a fight with Van Der Gloss the previous evening. Alexander claims he only hit him once and ran from the tavern. The constable will take Alexander, Jr. into custody for the murder of Van Der Gloss. When another of Alexander’s friends dies from hanging, Eliza suspects that someone or a group is trying to discredit Alexander and get rid of those who know the truth.
Eliza will start asking questions to clear her late husband’s and her son's names. She will work with the Widow’s Society, a group of widows who need help and live in a home on Pearl Street. When Eliza experiences a rock thrown through her bedroom window, she feels this is a threat to her life and takes up residency at the Widow’s Society show more home. From there, she will go undercover in search of the people who are trying to frame her son for murder.
The book is well-written, plotted, historically accurate, and moves at a good pace. The author does an excellent job showing how men treated their wives and women in the 1800s. The characters are well-developed, believable, and engaging. There were enough twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures Eliza will have next. show less
Death By Demo is the first book in the A Home Renovation Mystery series by Callie Carpenter.
Jaime Moore is recently divorced after having caught her husband having an affair with their construction company’s receptionist. They spent fifteen years building their construction/ interior design business. After signing a prenup agreement, all Jaime has to show for the fifteen years is a rundown Queen Anne house and her original small cash contribution for the fifteen years. She loves the old home, even with all the work needed to renovate it. She has been sleeping on her BFF, Lara, sofa since her marriage fell apart.
Jaime has decided it is time to start the project with Spring arriving in Green River, North Carolina. With her trusty sledgehammer, Jaime and Lara head to the house to begin work. Their first project is in the kitchen, where Jaime has decided that if a wall is removed, there will be more usable space. After a couple of swings with the sledgehammer, the wall crumbled to the floor. After the dust settled and the debris removed, they were shocked to find that someone had placed the body of a female and then built the wall to hide her. The police arrive, and it doesn't appear that the female died of natural causes, and the police will declare the house a crime scene, stopping any more work from being done. It will soon be learned that the body is that of Cilla, a friend from high school. Since Jaime and Lara knew the deceased, they felt compelled to see if they show more could learn who they might be.
They will find several suspects, including Jaime’s ex-husband, her rumpled attorney, and her neighbor.
This book is a well-written and plotted story in this new series. The characters are well-written and plotted with interesting characters. show less
Jaime Moore is recently divorced after having caught her husband having an affair with their construction company’s receptionist. They spent fifteen years building their construction/ interior design business. After signing a prenup agreement, all Jaime has to show for the fifteen years is a rundown Queen Anne house and her original small cash contribution for the fifteen years. She loves the old home, even with all the work needed to renovate it. She has been sleeping on her BFF, Lara, sofa since her marriage fell apart.
Jaime has decided it is time to start the project with Spring arriving in Green River, North Carolina. With her trusty sledgehammer, Jaime and Lara head to the house to begin work. Their first project is in the kitchen, where Jaime has decided that if a wall is removed, there will be more usable space. After a couple of swings with the sledgehammer, the wall crumbled to the floor. After the dust settled and the debris removed, they were shocked to find that someone had placed the body of a female and then built the wall to hide her. The police arrive, and it doesn't appear that the female died of natural causes, and the police will declare the house a crime scene, stopping any more work from being done. It will soon be learned that the body is that of Cilla, a friend from high school. Since Jaime and Lara knew the deceased, they felt compelled to see if they show more could learn who they might be.
They will find several suspects, including Jaime’s ex-husband, her rumpled attorney, and her neighbor.
This book is a well-written and plotted story in this new series. The characters are well-written and plotted with interesting characters. show less
Murder Of An Amish Bridegroom is the first book in the An Amish Seamstress Mystery series by Patricia Johns.
Petunia Yoder is known as the youngest old maid in all of Blueberry, PA. Petunia is outspoken to think for herself, whereas, in the Amish community, the man handles everything outside the home. Plus, her cooking, for the most part, definitely needs improving, but her ice cream usually turns out fine. Her father has an Amish tour business, and when the day’s tours are complete, the tourists are brought back for ice cream. Petunia needs to make ice cream for today's tourists, but first, she needs to visit Ike Smokers Ice House. When she arrives at the ice house, she sees her close friend Eden standing in the doorway and has blood on her hands and dress. Once inside the ice house, Petunia finds Ike Stoker, Eden’s boyfriend, dead, having been stabbed in the chest with an ice pick. Eden says she came to visit Ike and found him dead. The police are called, Asher Nate arrives, and Eden is soon taken off to the police station to be questioned. Petunia is sure that Eden didn’t kill Ike during Petunia’s interview with Det. Nate said that since he is relatively new to Blueberry and an Englisher, Petunia suggests she be with him when he interviews the Amish. Based on Petunia's information at the scene and shared with Nate, Petunia might be a valuable asset and agrees that they team up. Petunia shares with Nate that Ike was not well thought of in Blueberry. He was known show more to borrow money and not pay it back and was known to be a womanizer.
Murder Of An Amish Bridegroom is a beautiful start to a new series. The characters were well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. I particularly liked Petunia’s father. For the most part, he wasn’t happy that Petunia was working with the police, but on the other hand, it was something that she needed to do, and that she would do an outstanding job. The book is well-written and plotted. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end as to the killer's identity.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m anxious to see how Petunia and Asher get on the next time. show less
Petunia Yoder is known as the youngest old maid in all of Blueberry, PA. Petunia is outspoken to think for herself, whereas, in the Amish community, the man handles everything outside the home. Plus, her cooking, for the most part, definitely needs improving, but her ice cream usually turns out fine. Her father has an Amish tour business, and when the day’s tours are complete, the tourists are brought back for ice cream. Petunia needs to make ice cream for today's tourists, but first, she needs to visit Ike Smokers Ice House. When she arrives at the ice house, she sees her close friend Eden standing in the doorway and has blood on her hands and dress. Once inside the ice house, Petunia finds Ike Stoker, Eden’s boyfriend, dead, having been stabbed in the chest with an ice pick. Eden says she came to visit Ike and found him dead. The police are called, Asher Nate arrives, and Eden is soon taken off to the police station to be questioned. Petunia is sure that Eden didn’t kill Ike during Petunia’s interview with Det. Nate said that since he is relatively new to Blueberry and an Englisher, Petunia suggests she be with him when he interviews the Amish. Based on Petunia's information at the scene and shared with Nate, Petunia might be a valuable asset and agrees that they team up. Petunia shares with Nate that Ike was not well thought of in Blueberry. He was known show more to borrow money and not pay it back and was known to be a womanizer.
Murder Of An Amish Bridegroom is a beautiful start to a new series. The characters were well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. I particularly liked Petunia’s father. For the most part, he wasn’t happy that Petunia was working with the police, but on the other hand, it was something that she needed to do, and that she would do an outstanding job. The book is well-written and plotted. There were enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end as to the killer's identity.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m anxious to see how Petunia and Asher get on the next time. show less
Sniffing Our Murder is the first book in A Bailey The Bloodhound Mystery series by Kallie E Benjamin.
Priscilla(Pris) Cummings has decided, with her children’s book series Adventures of Bailey, Pet Detective based on her Bloodhound, Bailey, hit a Best Sellers list, she decides to buy a house in her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, has decided to quit teaching and turn to become a full-time author. Bailey is a trained therapy dog and often attends school with Pris; he frequently goes to the local library to have children read to him and demonstrate his tracking skills.
Pris is not looking forward to the last day of school as she has a parent-teacher meeting with Joe and Whitney Kelley. Whitney was the “bad girl” in high school and was Pris’s nemesis. Joe and Whitney’s niece is not doing well, and Pris will recommend repeating the grade. This does not go over well with the Kelleys, and Whitney, recently appointed school board president, says they will fight this decision. She also says she will cut funding for arts and special education, especially the use of dogs in reading programs.
Pris and Bailey head for the Blue Plate diner, which Pris’s Aunt Agatha owns. A short time later, Joe and Whitney enter, and Whitney engages Pris in an argument. During the argument, Whitney deliberately steps on Bailey’s tail, which causes him to lunge. Police Chief Martin also happens to be the diner and Whitney orders that he have the dog put down and Pris arrested for having a show more vicious dog.
The following morning, as Pris is walking Bailey in a local park, he breaks loose and ends up partially digging up the body of Whitney. Soon, Chelsea, Whitney’s sister, is accusing Pris of killing Whitney.
Even though Police Chief Martin isn’t making Pris nervous about being the prime suspect, she will start her own investigation into the death of Whitney. Pris will soon find several suspects.
This book is a beautiful start to a new series. The book is light-hearted and provided this reader with several chuckles. The story is well-written and plotted. The characters were well-developed and believable. The story is written, so I was with the various characters. I particularly enjoyed the time spent in The Big Tease, the local hair salon. The owner and the stylist were great characters. And Bailey was very adorable.
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful new series. show less
Priscilla(Pris) Cummings has decided, with her children’s book series Adventures of Bailey, Pet Detective based on her Bloodhound, Bailey, hit a Best Sellers list, she decides to buy a house in her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, has decided to quit teaching and turn to become a full-time author. Bailey is a trained therapy dog and often attends school with Pris; he frequently goes to the local library to have children read to him and demonstrate his tracking skills.
Pris is not looking forward to the last day of school as she has a parent-teacher meeting with Joe and Whitney Kelley. Whitney was the “bad girl” in high school and was Pris’s nemesis. Joe and Whitney’s niece is not doing well, and Pris will recommend repeating the grade. This does not go over well with the Kelleys, and Whitney, recently appointed school board president, says they will fight this decision. She also says she will cut funding for arts and special education, especially the use of dogs in reading programs.
Pris and Bailey head for the Blue Plate diner, which Pris’s Aunt Agatha owns. A short time later, Joe and Whitney enter, and Whitney engages Pris in an argument. During the argument, Whitney deliberately steps on Bailey’s tail, which causes him to lunge. Police Chief Martin also happens to be the diner and Whitney orders that he have the dog put down and Pris arrested for having a show more vicious dog.
The following morning, as Pris is walking Bailey in a local park, he breaks loose and ends up partially digging up the body of Whitney. Soon, Chelsea, Whitney’s sister, is accusing Pris of killing Whitney.
Even though Police Chief Martin isn’t making Pris nervous about being the prime suspect, she will start her own investigation into the death of Whitney. Pris will soon find several suspects.
This book is a beautiful start to a new series. The book is light-hearted and provided this reader with several chuckles. The story is well-written and plotted. The characters were well-developed and believable. The story is written, so I was with the various characters. I particularly enjoyed the time spent in The Big Tease, the local hair salon. The owner and the stylist were great characters. And Bailey was very adorable.
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful new series. show less
Murder Wears A Hidden Face is the eighth book in the A Gilded Age Mystery series by Rosemary Simpson.
Prudence MacKenzie has passed the New York bar exam and can now practice law in New York, adding a new facet to the private investigative firm with Geoffrey Hunter.
Prudence and Geoffrey have an invitation to the grand opening of Chinese artifacts and the introduction of Lord Peng, A Chinese diplomat, and his wife, son, and two daughters. Lord Peng had just arrived from a posting in England and would be traveling to Washington, DC. A man quickly approaches Lord Peng, and before anyone takes notice, the man pulls out a knife and stabs Lord Peng to death. The man leaves as soon as he arrives and escapes capture. Soon, Lady Peng hires Prudence and Geoffrey to find her husband's killer. They soon get the Peng family settled in the home of a dangerous Tong leader. Prudence and Geoffrey will be undercover in Chinatown's most hazardous warrens.
The book is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough red herrings that I kept guessing who the killer was until the end of the book. The Author’s Notes at the end of the book provide an excellent look at how Ms. Simpson determines the storyline.
I love this series. I always learn something about the history of America.
I’m looking forward to the next exciting book in this series.
Prudence MacKenzie has passed the New York bar exam and can now practice law in New York, adding a new facet to the private investigative firm with Geoffrey Hunter.
Prudence and Geoffrey have an invitation to the grand opening of Chinese artifacts and the introduction of Lord Peng, A Chinese diplomat, and his wife, son, and two daughters. Lord Peng had just arrived from a posting in England and would be traveling to Washington, DC. A man quickly approaches Lord Peng, and before anyone takes notice, the man pulls out a knife and stabs Lord Peng to death. The man leaves as soon as he arrives and escapes capture. Soon, Lady Peng hires Prudence and Geoffrey to find her husband's killer. They soon get the Peng family settled in the home of a dangerous Tong leader. Prudence and Geoffrey will be undercover in Chinatown's most hazardous warrens.
The book is well-written, plotted, and historically accurate. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough red herrings that I kept guessing who the killer was until the end of the book. The Author’s Notes at the end of the book provide an excellent look at how Ms. Simpson determines the storyline.
I love this series. I always learn something about the history of America.
I’m looking forward to the next exciting book in this series.
Murder On Tour is the ninth book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series by V. M. Burns.
Samantha's (Sam) first historical mystery, Murder At Wickfield Lodge, has just been published, and she will be attending her first-panel discussion and book signing at the North Harbor Book Festival. Sam begins to doubt whether she should be there when she hears she was a last-minute pick when another author could not attend, and she was local and an easy fill-in. Regardless, Sam decides to stay and make the best of it.
Shortly after the start of the first festival, Sam hears an argument between two of the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper, and Scarlett MacDonald. Judith accused Nora of stealing her manuscript, which became a best seller for Judith. When threats are made to kill Judith, Sam calls upon her grandmother, Nana Jo, and her posse of friends from Shady Acres Retirement Home to keep an eye out for anyone who might be trying to murder Judith.
At the awards banquet, the authors are gathered around sipping on champagne. When someone bumps into Clark Cunnigham, Judith’s publicist, causing him to spill his drink. Judith hands him her drink, and moments later, he is dead. The police are called, and soon Det. Bradley “Stinky” Pitt arrives. Pitts believes that he was poisoned and asks Sam to recount what had happened that evening. Before the evening is over, Pitt tells Sam that it is her case to solve. Maybe against his better judgment, but with Sam having been involved show more in previous cases, he informs her it is her case to solve. He’s sure with all the literary people involved, Sam will be able to get more out of them quicker and easier.
Sam will gather Nana Jo and her posse from Shady Acres, her sister, Jenna, and her fiance, Frank, to help her with the investigation.
I love this series because Ms. Burns includes excerpts from Sam’s latest Wickfield Lodge mystery series, set in 1939 England. The book is well-written and plotted and describes the events well. The characters are well-developed and believable and will provide many chuckles. There are many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to the identity of the murderer. I found the book hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Samantha's (Sam) first historical mystery, Murder At Wickfield Lodge, has just been published, and she will be attending her first-panel discussion and book signing at the North Harbor Book Festival. Sam begins to doubt whether she should be there when she hears she was a last-minute pick when another author could not attend, and she was local and an easy fill-in. Regardless, Sam decides to stay and make the best of it.
Shortly after the start of the first festival, Sam hears an argument between two of the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper, and Scarlett MacDonald. Judith accused Nora of stealing her manuscript, which became a best seller for Judith. When threats are made to kill Judith, Sam calls upon her grandmother, Nana Jo, and her posse of friends from Shady Acres Retirement Home to keep an eye out for anyone who might be trying to murder Judith.
At the awards banquet, the authors are gathered around sipping on champagne. When someone bumps into Clark Cunnigham, Judith’s publicist, causing him to spill his drink. Judith hands him her drink, and moments later, he is dead. The police are called, and soon Det. Bradley “Stinky” Pitt arrives. Pitts believes that he was poisoned and asks Sam to recount what had happened that evening. Before the evening is over, Pitt tells Sam that it is her case to solve. Maybe against his better judgment, but with Sam having been involved show more in previous cases, he informs her it is her case to solve. He’s sure with all the literary people involved, Sam will be able to get more out of them quicker and easier.
Sam will gather Nana Jo and her posse from Shady Acres, her sister, Jenna, and her fiance, Frank, to help her with the investigation.
I love this series because Ms. Burns includes excerpts from Sam’s latest Wickfield Lodge mystery series, set in 1939 England. The book is well-written and plotted and describes the events well. The characters are well-developed and believable and will provide many chuckles. There are many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to the identity of the murderer. I found the book hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. show less
Murder In A Cup is the second book in A Crystals And CuriosTEAS Mystery series by Lauren Ellicott.
Shay enjoys growing tea for and packaging various blends she sells in her shop. There were some poisonous plants in her greenhouse on the roof of her building, and she donated them to her friend Dr. Mia Harper, a botanist at the local university, so they weren’t accidentally used when she packaged her tea blends. A group of women called the White Gloves come in for tea every morning. One day, a new member, Jasmine, the girlfriend of Peter Graham, the father of Shay’s part-time teenage employee, Tissi, joined the White Gloves. Peter is in Bray Harbor to take custody of Tassi and take her home to Carmel. Peter wants her to meet and get to know her soon-to-be stepmother, but Tassi wants nothing to do with Jasmine. In addition, Peter doesn’t want her working for a witch. Shay doesn’t feel comfortable reading tea leaves yet, but Jasmine finally talks Shay into reading her tea leaves. Tassi serves Jasmine her tea, and just as she is about to hand the cup to Shay, she collapses and dies. It seems that Jasmine had been poisoned. Tassi is quickly considered a suspect as she served the tea and made a comment that was construed as threatening.
Liam, who owns the pub next door to Shay’s shop, has returned from Ireland and has brought his Gram to Bray Harbor. Gram is also a seer and knew Shay’s grandmother and mother and will share Shay’s family history with her. Gram will show more also support Shay as she works to develop her powers.
The book is well-written, plotted, and exciting. The story also reads at a nice pace. Most of the characters from the first book are back again. The characters are well-developed and believable. The reader will also learn more about the backstory of Shay and Tassi. Once again, Shay’s German Shepard will play an integral part.
I’m looking forward to more visits to Bray Harbor. show less
Shay enjoys growing tea for and packaging various blends she sells in her shop. There were some poisonous plants in her greenhouse on the roof of her building, and she donated them to her friend Dr. Mia Harper, a botanist at the local university, so they weren’t accidentally used when she packaged her tea blends. A group of women called the White Gloves come in for tea every morning. One day, a new member, Jasmine, the girlfriend of Peter Graham, the father of Shay’s part-time teenage employee, Tissi, joined the White Gloves. Peter is in Bray Harbor to take custody of Tassi and take her home to Carmel. Peter wants her to meet and get to know her soon-to-be stepmother, but Tassi wants nothing to do with Jasmine. In addition, Peter doesn’t want her working for a witch. Shay doesn’t feel comfortable reading tea leaves yet, but Jasmine finally talks Shay into reading her tea leaves. Tassi serves Jasmine her tea, and just as she is about to hand the cup to Shay, she collapses and dies. It seems that Jasmine had been poisoned. Tassi is quickly considered a suspect as she served the tea and made a comment that was construed as threatening.
Liam, who owns the pub next door to Shay’s shop, has returned from Ireland and has brought his Gram to Bray Harbor. Gram is also a seer and knew Shay’s grandmother and mother and will share Shay’s family history with her. Gram will show more also support Shay as she works to develop her powers.
The book is well-written, plotted, and exciting. The story also reads at a nice pace. Most of the characters from the first book are back again. The characters are well-developed and believable. The reader will also learn more about the backstory of Shay and Tassi. Once again, Shay’s German Shepard will play an integral part.
I’m looking forward to more visits to Bray Harbor. show less
I Heard A Fly Buzz When I Died is the second book in An Emily Dickinson Mystery series by Amanda Flower.
Emily Dickinson and Dickinson’s maid, Willa, are back and solving a mystery again.
Emily’s brother, Austin, and his new bride, Susan, have returned from their honeymoon and have set up residency in Evergreen, the home Mr. Dickinson had built for them. They will host Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is in town to deliver a literary symposium at the local college. Also traveling with Emerson is secretary, Luther. One afternoon, Willa overhears an argument between Emerson and Luther. Emerson accused Luther of stealing some of his works, telling him he was fired when their current visit ended. That evening, everyone is gathered for the evening meal when suddenly Luther excuses himself, saying he’s not feeling well and needs some fresh air. Shortly after that, a gardener asks to speak with Willa and informs her that Luther is lying dead in the garden. No one can believe this, as Luther had made it known when he first arrived how allergic he was to pollen. The police will discover that Luther was poisoned. Emily asks Willa to help her find the killer, as the murder could damage the Dickinson family’s reputation. Emily and Willa had worked together a year before to find the killer of Willa’s brother. Emily remembers that maids seem invisible to their employers, so Willa should be able to overhear conversations and gather backstairs gossip from other maids and workers.
They show more soon learn that Luther was a “lady's man” and have several suspects to pursue. Some suspects could include family, close friends, and an immigrant peddler.
This series is an astounding addition to my favorite historical cozy mysteries. I love how well Emily and Willa work together. I feel sorry for the family cook as Emily is constantly removing her from her kitchen duties. I found the book to be well-written, charming, and historically accurate. The characters are interesting, believable, and well-developed.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series. Mainly to see if any romantic interest will develop between Willa and Matthew, a local policeman. show less
Emily Dickinson and Dickinson’s maid, Willa, are back and solving a mystery again.
Emily’s brother, Austin, and his new bride, Susan, have returned from their honeymoon and have set up residency in Evergreen, the home Mr. Dickinson had built for them. They will host Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is in town to deliver a literary symposium at the local college. Also traveling with Emerson is secretary, Luther. One afternoon, Willa overhears an argument between Emerson and Luther. Emerson accused Luther of stealing some of his works, telling him he was fired when their current visit ended. That evening, everyone is gathered for the evening meal when suddenly Luther excuses himself, saying he’s not feeling well and needs some fresh air. Shortly after that, a gardener asks to speak with Willa and informs her that Luther is lying dead in the garden. No one can believe this, as Luther had made it known when he first arrived how allergic he was to pollen. The police will discover that Luther was poisoned. Emily asks Willa to help her find the killer, as the murder could damage the Dickinson family’s reputation. Emily and Willa had worked together a year before to find the killer of Willa’s brother. Emily remembers that maids seem invisible to their employers, so Willa should be able to overhear conversations and gather backstairs gossip from other maids and workers.
They show more soon learn that Luther was a “lady's man” and have several suspects to pursue. Some suspects could include family, close friends, and an immigrant peddler.
This series is an astounding addition to my favorite historical cozy mysteries. I love how well Emily and Willa work together. I feel sorry for the family cook as Emily is constantly removing her from her kitchen duties. I found the book to be well-written, charming, and historically accurate. The characters are interesting, believable, and well-developed.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this engaging series. Mainly to see if any romantic interest will develop between Willa and Matthew, a local policeman. show less
Trotting Into Trouble is the second book in the A Horse Rescue Mystery series by Amber Camp.
Mallory Martin runs a horse rescue farm with two volunteers, Tanner and Ashley. Mallory first gets a call from her old friend, Sheriff Grady Sullivan, telling her they had investigated a possible meth lab and found an emaciated hose and asked if she could come and get it and bring it to her farm.
A few days later, Mallory gets another call from the sheriff saying a horse is loose in a wildlife area and asks if she would come and capture it. They arrive and quickly track the runaway horse, but the horse takes off every time they get close. As Mallory is looking for the horse, she trips over something and quickly realizes it is a body. Looking closer, Mallory realizes it is the body of her former high school math teacher and retired basketball coach, Doug Griggs. Sheriff Sullivan is quick to rule that it was a hunting accident. But Mallory doesn’t believe so, as she found an encrypted flash drive attached to the horse’s gear. When Mallory stops by his widow to offer her condolences and to offer to return Grigg’s horse, his widow asks Mallory to look into her late husband’s murder.
Tanner has developed a business plan for the rescue that will make people more aware of the rescue, which will help generate more donations so that they can rescue more horses. Mallory has a romantic interest, starting up with Andy, her lawyer. But will all her time spent on the investigation cause a show more breakup?
The story is well-written and plotted, giving great insight into the running of a horse rescue farm. The cast of characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the final reveal. The book reads at a nice pace. The book was hard for me to put down.
I am looking forward to the next book in this exciting series. show less
Mallory Martin runs a horse rescue farm with two volunteers, Tanner and Ashley. Mallory first gets a call from her old friend, Sheriff Grady Sullivan, telling her they had investigated a possible meth lab and found an emaciated hose and asked if she could come and get it and bring it to her farm.
A few days later, Mallory gets another call from the sheriff saying a horse is loose in a wildlife area and asks if she would come and capture it. They arrive and quickly track the runaway horse, but the horse takes off every time they get close. As Mallory is looking for the horse, she trips over something and quickly realizes it is a body. Looking closer, Mallory realizes it is the body of her former high school math teacher and retired basketball coach, Doug Griggs. Sheriff Sullivan is quick to rule that it was a hunting accident. But Mallory doesn’t believe so, as she found an encrypted flash drive attached to the horse’s gear. When Mallory stops by his widow to offer her condolences and to offer to return Grigg’s horse, his widow asks Mallory to look into her late husband’s murder.
Tanner has developed a business plan for the rescue that will make people more aware of the rescue, which will help generate more donations so that they can rescue more horses. Mallory has a romantic interest, starting up with Andy, her lawyer. But will all her time spent on the investigation cause a show more breakup?
The story is well-written and plotted, giving great insight into the running of a horse rescue farm. The cast of characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the final reveal. The book reads at a nice pace. The book was hard for me to put down.
I am looking forward to the next book in this exciting series. show less
Murder Checks Out is the eighth book in the A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert.
It’s nearly Christmas time in Taylorsford, North Carolina. Amy Muir is busy finishing Christmas shopping, co-directorship of the local library, managing their 5-year-old twins, and the town Winter Festival. Richard, Amy’s husband, is helping with the twins, as he and his dance partner are producing the Nutcracker Suite, and the twins, Ella and Nicky, will be dancing in the production. Also, Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, will be coming to spend Christmas with Amy, Richard, and her grandchildren.
A group of environmental activists are at the festival to protest the development of prime mountainside property by Wendy Blackstone’s Blackstone Development. The group opposes the plans to cut down the standing trees and bud ManMansions on the land. Wendy is at the festival, and someone pushes her down some stairs. She dies from injuries suffered in the fall. Amy, when listening to various people talking about Wendy’s death, learns that several people would like her dead. When her brother-in-law comes under suspicion and disappears, she has to begin to investigate, hoping to find the murderer.
This book is a wonderful addition to this engaging series. The book is well-written, plotted, and delightful. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace. Amy and Richard’s twins were especially adorable. Fiona’s visit show more particularly touched me. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the final reveal about who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to more books in this series. show less
It’s nearly Christmas time in Taylorsford, North Carolina. Amy Muir is busy finishing Christmas shopping, co-directorship of the local library, managing their 5-year-old twins, and the town Winter Festival. Richard, Amy’s husband, is helping with the twins, as he and his dance partner are producing the Nutcracker Suite, and the twins, Ella and Nicky, will be dancing in the production. Also, Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, will be coming to spend Christmas with Amy, Richard, and her grandchildren.
A group of environmental activists are at the festival to protest the development of prime mountainside property by Wendy Blackstone’s Blackstone Development. The group opposes the plans to cut down the standing trees and bud ManMansions on the land. Wendy is at the festival, and someone pushes her down some stairs. She dies from injuries suffered in the fall. Amy, when listening to various people talking about Wendy’s death, learns that several people would like her dead. When her brother-in-law comes under suspicion and disappears, she has to begin to investigate, hoping to find the murderer.
This book is a wonderful addition to this engaging series. The book is well-written, plotted, and delightful. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace. Amy and Richard’s twins were especially adorable. Fiona’s visit show more particularly touched me. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the final reveal about who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to more books in this series. show less
Murder In Williamstown is the twenty-second book in The Phryne Fisher Mystery series.
I love this series, and it’s always enjoyable to visit with Phryne, Dot, and Phryne’s adopted children.
This book provides the reader with a trifecta of mysteries.
Phryne has received threatening note cards in her letter box condemning her lifestyle. The cards have used letters cut from newspapers. Phryne and her adopted son, Tinker, determine the letters on the note cards were cut from two newspapers. Tinker will set out to learn who is sending the note cards to Phryne.
Ruth and Jane, Phryne’s adopted daughters, will be volunteering at the Blind Institute. Ruth, who is adept with cooking, is assigned to help in the kitchen while Jane is assigned to the music department. When Jane learns that the bookkeeper suspects possible embezzling at the Institute, she volunteers to work in the accounting department. She finds some suspicious entries and discusses them with Phryne, who offers some suggestions to Jane.
Phryne has been invited to dinner at the home of university professor Jeoffrey Bisset. On the way to Bisst’s home, Phryne is walking through a park when she comes across an opium pipe, which she reports to the police. After arriving at Bisset’s home, they decide to walk along the beach when they come upon a dead Chinese man. The police are called, and Phryne’s friend, DI Jack Robertson, arrives to handle the investigation. Robertson and her occasional boyfriend, Lin Chung, tell show more her not to investigate the death of the man.
A week or so later, Phryne and Jeoffrey attend a party at the home of another lecturer at a university. They are enjoying the other guests, music, and dancing when the host ends up being stabbed to death. Phryne can't help but start searching for the killer.
I found the book well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I particularly liked that the adoptive children got to solve their own mysteries. Dot is concerned that her fiance might be having second thoughts about marriage.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series. show less
I love this series, and it’s always enjoyable to visit with Phryne, Dot, and Phryne’s adopted children.
This book provides the reader with a trifecta of mysteries.
Phryne has received threatening note cards in her letter box condemning her lifestyle. The cards have used letters cut from newspapers. Phryne and her adopted son, Tinker, determine the letters on the note cards were cut from two newspapers. Tinker will set out to learn who is sending the note cards to Phryne.
Ruth and Jane, Phryne’s adopted daughters, will be volunteering at the Blind Institute. Ruth, who is adept with cooking, is assigned to help in the kitchen while Jane is assigned to the music department. When Jane learns that the bookkeeper suspects possible embezzling at the Institute, she volunteers to work in the accounting department. She finds some suspicious entries and discusses them with Phryne, who offers some suggestions to Jane.
Phryne has been invited to dinner at the home of university professor Jeoffrey Bisset. On the way to Bisst’s home, Phryne is walking through a park when she comes across an opium pipe, which she reports to the police. After arriving at Bisset’s home, they decide to walk along the beach when they come upon a dead Chinese man. The police are called, and Phryne’s friend, DI Jack Robertson, arrives to handle the investigation. Robertson and her occasional boyfriend, Lin Chung, tell show more her not to investigate the death of the man.
A week or so later, Phryne and Jeoffrey attend a party at the home of another lecturer at a university. They are enjoying the other guests, music, and dancing when the host ends up being stabbed to death. Phryne can't help but start searching for the killer.
I found the book well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I particularly liked that the adoptive children got to solve their own mysteries. Dot is concerned that her fiance might be having second thoughts about marriage.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series. show less