Review: The Silence of The Chihuahuas by: Waverly Curtis

Title: The Silence of the Chihuahuas
Author: Waverly Curtis
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Barking Detective Mystery #5
Pages: 288
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & Great Escapes Book Tours

Description:

“Savvy sleuths come in small packages…”

Pepe, aspiring P.I. Geri Sullivan’s muy clever Chihuahua, has stopped talking. But why now, with Geri’s best friend Brad missing and her ditzy sister in grave danger? Geri’s lost without Pepe’s dogged detective work, especially when a client of Brad’s expires under very murky circumstances.

Luckily, Pepe turns out to be an excelente blogger, and his nose for clues soon has the detective duo chasing down leads. But they’ll have to put a bite on crime quickly, because danger’s afoot – and it’s making tracks in their direction . . .

My Thoughts:

Pepe and Geri have a private detective work they do but right now Pepe isn't talking and Geri doesn't know why and takes him to the vet to try to figure it out but when that doesn't work she finds herself looking into a mystery involving Geri's sister who calls asking for help.  It's up to Geri and Pepe to figure out what is going on that and find out what happened to best friend Brad who is missing.

This book was a fun adventure finding out how the mystery would get solved and would Pepe ever talk to Geri again or would she find out why he went silent?  Definitely a great book for mystery lovers who love animals in their mysteries!  Can't wait to see what is next for this dog raising duo!

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Interview: Empty Nest Author Mary Wingate

Recently I had the chance to sit down and interview Mary Wingate author of the book Empty Nest here's the interview:

What genre do you write?

I write traditional (also called cozy) mysteries. In traditional mysteries, the main character is usually an amateur sleuth, not a police officer or detective. In traditional/cozy mysteries, setting and characters play an enormous role and violence is downplayed. I love writing characters and their stories, and making the setting – whether it be a grand house or a village pub – a place the reader would like to visit.

How did you come to write cozy mysteries?

I suppose it’s true with many authors – we write what we love to read. And what cozy mystery writer doesn’t like to read Miss Marple? And I’m a big of series (such as Dorothy L. Sayers’ Harriet Vane) where each book has a story arc, but there’s also a story arc (the growth of the main character) that spans the series.

Who is your favorite character to write about?

Quite possibly whichever character is in the scene of the moment. In Empty Nest, apart from Julia Lanchester, the protagonist, I’ve got to say that Thorne, the butler at Hoggin Hall, is near and dear to my heart. Oh wait – and Gavin Lecky, leather-clad birdwatcher who wear one earring in the shape of a hovering kestrel.

Who inspires your books?

Inspiration comes from all quarters – friends, family, places, real-life events. Everything gets tossed into the hopper (my brain) and mixed up until it comes out as a story.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

My husband and I travel – usually to England, Scotland or Ireland (surprise) where I do loads of research. I also lead garden tours to those countries; it gives me the opportunity to spend time outdoors and talk with people. And I read, of course.

If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you take?

I’d take my iPad filled with books and a solar charger. And a toothbrush.

Thank you,
Paula

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Review: Smart, But Dead by: Nancy G. West

Title: Smart, But Dead
Author: Nancy G. West
Publisher: Henery Press
Series: Aggie Mundeen Mystery #3
Pages: 246
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & Great Escapes Book Tours

Description:

Skirting forty and appalled by the prospect of descending into middle-age decrepitude, Aggie Mundeen blasts off to the local university to study the genetics of aging. In addition to providing youthful hints for readers of her column, “Stay Young with Aggie,” Aggie is doggedly determined to stay young.

Despite conflicts with her professor, she learns about the Human Genome Project and DNA. When she discovers a dead body, Detective Sam reminds her not to “help” with the investigation. But dangerously curious and programmed to prod, she races to solve the crime, winds up the prime suspect and is on target to become next campus corpse.

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), amateur sleuth books, book club recommendations, Southern humor, Southern living, and humorous murder mysteries.

My Thoughts:

Aggie has decided she is going to stay young and writes a column on tips on aging.  Aggie decides to go to the university and study about aging.  When the professor dies in the classroom Aggie is determined to prove the professor was murdered.  This book was full of mystery and fast paced and her curiosity at times lands her sticky situations.  This book would be great for anyone who loves mystery and adventure.  I can't wait to see what comes up next with Ms. West such a great adventure she takes you on trying to find out who killed the professor!

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Review: Cover Shot by: LynDee Walker

Title: Cover Shot
Author: LynDee Walker
Publisher: Henery Press
Series: A Headline in High Heels Mystery #5
Pages: 312
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & Great Escapes Book Tours

Description:

It’s been a slow news month in Richmond, and crime reporter Nichelle Clarke is enjoying the downtime when ominous messages and a dead body kick things into high gear. And that’s before the guy with the rifle takes a hospital full of people hostage.

Up to the top of her knee-high Prada boots in leads, Nichelle finds her favorite detectives under pressure to make an arrest, but it doesn’t add up—and ignoring the “why” of this story could cost Nichelle the most important person in her life.

With too much to lose, a shot at the story of a lifetime, and a missing bullet that might be the key, landing this headline could save the day, but can Nichelle dig up the truth before the killer buries her with it?

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.

My Thoughts:

In this book Nichelle Clark finds herself getting weird twitter messages which have her wondering why someone is singling her out with the texts add that a death of an older man.  This book was full of so much going on between a guy with a riffle takes creates a hostage situation at a hospital.  This book like previous books always has you on the go wanting to know what more is going to happen while Nicelle gets to the bottom of it.  I love reading this series to see where it going to go next and this one didn't fail.  A definite edge of your seat ride that I will take again and again!  Can't wait to see what is next for Nichelle Clarke!

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Review: Pain in the Tuchis by: Mark Reutinger

Title: Pain in the Tuchis
Author: Mark Reutinger
Publisher: Alibi
Series: A Mrs. Kaplan Mystery #2
Pages: 215
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & Great Escapes Book Tours

Description:

Combining the classic charms of Agatha Christie with the delightful humor of M. C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin novels, Mark Reutlinger’s Mrs. Kaplan mystery series returns as a notorious crank meets an untimely fate.

Yom Kippur is a day of reflection and soul searching. But at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors, Vera Gold misses this opportunity to atone for her many sins when she up and dies. Indeed, Vera was such a pain in the tuchis to all those around her that when her sister claims Vera was deliberately poisoned, the tough question isn’t who would want to kill her—but who wouldn’t? 

Having already solved one murder with her dear friend Ida, Rose Kaplan has a sleuthing reputation that precedes her. It’s only natural that Vera’s sister turns to Mrs. K for help. So do the police, but when her conclusions conflict with theirs, they tell her to butt out! This case has more twists than a loaf of challah. And with a homicidal scoundrel on the loose, Mrs. K has to act fast—or she might be the guest of honor at the Home’s next memorial service.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Mrs. Kaplan Mystery series.  In this book one of residents of the Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors Vera Gold winds up dead, mind you Vera was a tough nut to get along with, she fought with many people anyone from other seniors to the staff and everyone in between, luckily she didn't fight with Mrs. Kaplan or Ida.  Ida tells this story from her view point while Mrs. Kaplan plays Sherlock Holmes of sorts.  When Vera's sister comes to Mrs. Kaplan and Ira to inquire in their investigative services in finding out whether or not her sister was poisoned with a little nudging they quickly find out that Vera was poisoned and it's up to the senior duo to find out who poisoned Vera Gold.  With no shortage of suspects and the police apprehending Vera Gold's son will Mrs. Kaplan and Ira figure it out or will they meet their demise instead?

I love this series as it is heavily Jewish but with the jewish phrases you also learn what they mean.  I enjoy both Ira and Mrs. Kaplan and enjoy the story as with the other one I'm in the middle of they are written very well and descriptive and really hold your attention and want to know who the bad guy or gal is.  Can't wait to see what Mr. Reutinger comes up with next in this series!

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Review: Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore by: Rose Pressey

Title: Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore
Author: Rose Pressey
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Haunted Vintage Mystery #2
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

This looks like a job for the fashion police!

A hot-ticket charity fashion show is the perfect chance for Cookie Chanel, proud owner of It's Vintage Y'All, to show off her stylistic savvy for a good cause. But when a famous fashionista is fatally flattened, and the ghost of a former private investigator asks for Cookie's help, she has to scurry to sew up a solution. With clever clues from Wind Song, her psychic cat, and sassy suggestions from Charlotte, her ghost-in-residence, Cookie must unravel the sinister stitches of a deadly design--before she becomes the next fashion victim...

My Thoughts: 

Cookie Chanel has her hands full with her ghosts and finding out who killed someone at a charity fashion show?  Was it the model or someone more sinister and why was a gumshoe's hat there?  Cookie is trying to get to the bottom of it hopefully get rid of her ghosts that keep her investigating at the same time.

This book had everything mystery, adventure, bad characters and ghosts added to the mix.  I really enjoyed reading this book it was loads of fun and great for vintage lovers and mystery lovers alike!

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Interview: Wrong Crowd by; Richard Goodwin

Today we had the pleasure at Community Bookstop of stopping and chatting with Richard Godwin who is releasing his book Wrong Crowd.  We look forward to hearing how well his book is!

What genre do you write?

I am known for writing psychological thrillers. I also write Noir, literary satire, horror, straight crime, mystery, hybrid and slipstream.

How did you come to write (said) genre?

It was a natural evolution.

Who is your favorite character to write about?

I do not have one. I like finding new characters and ensuring they are all realistic and dramatically functional.

Who inspires your books?

No one. I am exploring the human condition.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

So many things, apart from the usual, reading, travelling.

If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you take?

A flare, enough food, a gun loaded with hollow points.

Thank you,
Paula  

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Review: A Dickens of A Murder by: Joyce and Jim Lavene

Title: A Dickens of A Murder
Author: Joyce and Jim Lavene
Publisher: J. Lavene
Series: Canterville Book Shop Mystery #1
Pages: 201
Format: e-book ARC
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours

Description:

Christmas at Canterville! 

Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia. 

What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together. 

Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin. 

But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years. 

Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels. 

My Thoughts: 

First I want to take the time to offer our condolences to Jim Lavene for the loss of his wife Joyce recently.  She was a pleasure to work with in both of your various book series.  She will deeply missed.

This book follows Lisa Wellman whose working with Simon Canterville to open a book shop when they discover someone hanging from their roof not long into it Simon finds himself in trouble and Lisa finds herself wanting to find out who killed the victim and why they are framing Simon!  What she wasn't counting on is her ex-husband Daniel Fairhaven investigating the crime. 

I love the books Jim and Joyce write they never fail to deliver they always leave you wanting more or wishing the book was longer this one was full of all sorts of intrigue and mystery trying to figure out who the killer was and why they did what they did.  As always a gem of a book and one for cozy lovers old and young!

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Review: Look Both Ways by: Carol J. Perry

Title: Look Both Ways
Author: Carol J. Perry
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Witch City Mystery #3
Pages: 352
Format: e-book ARC
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours & NetGalley

Description:

In Salem, Massachusetts, there are secret everywhere--even in the furniture. . .

When Lee Barrett spots the same style oak bureau she once had as a child on the WICH-TV show, Shopping Salem, she rushes to the antiques shop and buys the piece. Just like the beloved bureau she lost in a fire, this one has secret compartments. It also comes with an intriguing history--it was purchased in an estate sale from a home where a famous local murder took place.

The day after the bureau is delivered, Lee returns to the antiques shop and finds the owner dead. The police suspect the shop owner's unscrupulous business partner, but Lee wonders if the murder is connected to her new furniture. At least part of the answer may be revealed through a mirror in the bureau, tarnished and blackened, allowing Lee to tap into her psychic visions. Using this bureau of investigation, Lee may be able to furnish her policeman beau with the evidence needed to catch the killer--before the next one to be shut up is her. . .

My Thoughts:

This book follows Lee Barrett whose living with her aunt in Salem and working on decorating her apartment when she buys a dresser that matches one she had a child including hiding spots in it.  The dresser mirror is trying to tell Lee something but she's not sure what and when the antique store owner winds up dead it's up to Lee to figure out what is going on before she winds up the next victim.

I enjoyed this book reading about Salem and the people Lee interacts with from her aunt, her boss, Her boyfriend and her friend River North.  I love how this book also dealt with an old crime as well and a missing pink diamond. 

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BOTM: Chasing Clarity by: Sylvia Stein

Title: Chasing Clarity
Author: Sylvia Stein
Publisher: Pressbooks.com
Pages: 257

Synopsis:

What happens when you lose the person most important to you and are left to pick up the pieces?

Mia Gerard had always wanted to be a trained dancer yet she has just lost the love of her life in a tragic accident. Leo Dancy was her best friend and soul mate. As she tries to deal with losing him, she finds his absence unbearable and she feels lost without him.

But then a great opportunity arises for Mia that she just can’t turn down.
She is accepted into the New York Dance Academy of performing arts.
At first she is overwhelmed but once she gets there she begins to allow herself to heal.

This is when she comes across Henry Watson a painter with aspirations of acquiring his own exhibit one day. While she ponders her feelings for Henry, will she be too late? or will she find the clarity she needs and chase after him?

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