Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Review: A Story To Kill by: Lynn Cahoon

Title: A Story To Kill
Author: Lynn Cahoon
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Cat Latimer #1
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & GEBT

Description:

A new series from the author of the Tourist Trap Mysteries!

Former English professor Cat Latimer is back in Colorado, hosting writers’ retreats in the big blue Victorian she’s inherited, much to her surprise, from none other than her carousing ex-husband! Now it’s an authors’ getaway—but Cat won’t let anyone get away with murder…

The bed-and-breakfast is open for business, and bestselling author Tom Cook is among its first guests. Cat doesn’t know why he came all the way from New York, but she’s glad to have him among the quirkier—and far less famous—attendees.


Cat’s high school sweetheart Seth, who’s fixing up the weathered home, brings on mixed emotions for Cat…some of them a little overpowering. But it’s her uncle, the local police chief, whom she’ll call for help when there’s a surprise ending for Tom Cook in his cozy guest room. Will a killer have the last word on the new life Cat has barely begun?

My Thoughts: 

This is the new series from Lynn Cahoon who wrote the Tourist Trap Series.  In this book Divorcee/widower Cat Latimer who is working on her new business a writer's retreat.  Writers can get away for a week and be with Cat and Shauna her cook and benefit from being allowed access to a college library, quiet uninterrupted privacy to work on their books.  While the first group is interesting to say the least, one is famous author Tom Cook who use to go to college in Aspen Hills, another is a sister writers who seem to love the whole ordeal.  Then there is another writer named Sara who seems to be up to something but no one knows who, there is another writer Billy Williams, who seems to have a grudge against Tom Cook and is determined to work on his own story.  When Tom Cook winds up dead it's up to Cat to figure out what is going on?  Add to the fact that Cat's dead husband seems to be finding ways or reaching Cat or is someone playing a sick trick on Cat?  And to what degree will they go?

I really enjoyed this story and going another adventure that Lynn Cahoon creates she has such a way with her small town mysteries and this one didn't fail.  This had mysteries inside of other mysteries.  I really enjoyed the journey it took you on to Aspen Hills meeting new people and learning about the characters and what they offer to this new series I can't wait to see what will be next for Cat and Shauna, Cat's Uncle and Seth the cute construction worker and Cat's ex-boyfriend from when she's a teenager!


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Interview with Lynn Cahoon author of A Story to Kill


Recently I had a chance to sit down with Lynn Cahoon author of the Tourist Trap Mysteries and the recent author of A Story to Kill.  Thank you Lynn for stopping by Community Bookstop.  Thanks for having me over. 

What genre do you write?

Cozy Mysteries – Light on gore, light on sex, high on fun. I have two mystery series, The Cat Latimer series which starts with A Story to Kill.  And the Tourist Trap series, which starts with Guidebook to Murder.

I also write sweet to saucy small town romance. 

How did you come to write cozy mysteries?

I’ve always loved reading cozies so I wrote Guidebook to Murder and then sold it in 2013. The series has just expanded and since I love writing the small town of South Cove, it drew me into mystery.

The Cat Latimer series started because I was driving to my old stomping grounds and wondered what if I stopped and started a new life in Colorado. 

Who is your favorite character to write about?

I adore writing Toby, the part-time deputy, part-time barista. He’s a dreamboat and knows it but he really cares about his friends and it’s nice to have a solid guy around you can talk to. 


Who inspires your books?

I wouldn’t say who – but where. I’m moved by setting first, then character, and finally plot. I love writing the little college town of Aspen Hills because it makes me feel like I’m in the mountains, waiting to take off on a hike.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love going to our cabin and riding the side-by-side with my husband.  Of course I love reading and for my TV preferences, I’m more of a reality competition nut. I love Project Runway, Top Chef, and shows like that. And I love to cook, when I have time.

If you were stuck on a deserted island what three things would you take?
A good seafood cookbook; a kindle filled with books, and a quilt. I’m always cold. 


Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Review: Betting Off Dead by: Tonya Kappes


Title: Betting Off Dead
Author: Tonya Kappes
Publisher: Krew Publishing
Series: Spies and Spells #2
Pages' 250
Format: Kindle e-book ARC
Source: Author Request

Description:

And their off! 
Gambling on horse racing is Kentucky's number one sport but when Kentucky Derby Thoroughbred picked to win the Derby, Rails and Nails, ends up poisoned, SKUL special agent Mick Jasper and rookie witch Maggie Park, who keeps her witch powers a secret, are called in to investigate a world of illegal gambling where a run for the roses can prove to be deadly.

My Review:

This book was incredible it follows Maggie Park whose family are witches and she finds her path with Skul and Special Agent Mick  Jasper.  This time they find themselves investigating the horses in the Kentucky Derby and who is hurting them?  This book really pulls you in and has you wondering who is harming the animals and how Maggie and Mick will figure it out?  This book was written so well you don't even realize how quickly the book is going by.  I flew through this story in one day and found myself wanting more.  I also enjoyed watching the family dynamic and how Maggie and her mom and aunt would work through mortal and magical issues.  Definitely looking forward to what is next for the Park family!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTVkZjZlZTZjY2ZmY2M4MTdmOGIyNTkzNmIxZWE1OjE2/? 

Author Tonya Kappes:


Tonya has written over 20 novels and 4 novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor, and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband and a teenage boy (her other three boys have spread their wings in college) and two very spoiled schnauzers in Kentucky.
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Saturday, August 27, 2016

Review: Final Sentence by: Daryl Wood Gerber

Title: Final Sentence
Author: Daryl Wood Gerber
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Cookbook Nook Mystery #1
Pages: 304
Format: e-book
Source: Purchase

Description:

In need of a change, Jenna Hart leaves the high-pressure world of advertising to help her aunt, Vera, open a culinary bookshop and café. Back with her family in Crystal Cove, California, Jenna seems to have all the right ingredients for a fresh start—until someone adds a dash of murder.

As a marketing expert, Jenna wants to make sure the grand opening of the Cookbook Nook draws a crowd, and no one is better at getting attention than her old college roommate, celebrity chef Desiree Divine. But when Desiree arrives in quiet Crystal Cove to do a cookbook signing, the diva stirs up more trouble than business…especially when she turns up dead.

Known for stealing husbands and burning bridges, Desiree left behind plenty of suspects—including Jenna. Though the celebrity’s life always appeared to be an open book, Jenna will have to read between the lines in order to clear her name, and catch a killer before another body is served cold.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Jenna Hart whose opening a cookbook store with her Aunt.  She even recruited her old roommate Desiree Divine to help make her store opening great.  Of course Desiree stirs up trouble and finds herself dead and Jenna works to find out who killed her friend.  Jenna knows Desiree has made a lot off enemies from the women she has wronged by stealing their husbands. Could one of these women have killed Desiree and why?

I enjoyed this story and meeting the people of Crystal Cove and seeing how they interact with Jenna who is trying to figure out who killed her friend Desiree.  There are no shortage of options and Ms. Gerber really builds up the suspense of not knowing who the bad guy is whether it's male or female and why.  I really enjoyed watching it all play out and learning about all the different chracters!  Can't wait to see what is next for Ms Gerber.  Next up is:


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Friday, August 26, 2016

Review: Cracked To Death by: Cheryl Hollon


Title: Cracked To Death
Author: Cheryl Hollon
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery #3
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

When a treasure hunt leads to deadly plunder, it's up to glass shop owner Savannah Webb and her trusty investigative posse to map out the true motives of a killer . . . 

It's the dog days of summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Webb's Glass Shop proprietor Savannah Webb has an eco-friendly plan to help locals escape the heat--a recyclable bottle-crafting workshop taught by reticent store manager Amanda Blake. Turns out, the class is a bigger smash than expected, thanks in part to a pair of staggeringly old bottles brought in by snorkeler Martin Lane . . . 

Linked to a storied pirate shipwreck, the relics definitely pique Savannah's interest. But intrigue turns to shock when Martin's lifeless body washes ashore the next morning, another glass artifact tucked in his dive bag. With cell phone records connecting Amanda to the drowning, Savannah must voyage through unchartered territory to exonerate her colleague and capture the twisted criminal behind Martin's death . . .

My Thoughts:

This book follows Savannah Webb owner of Webb's Glass Shop as she is helping her manager Amanda Blake launch her first class, after a slow start Amanda finds her grove which allows Savannah head over to Webb Studio for people who want to work on longer projects with glass.  Of course this is where you see Jacob more.  Jacob was introduced in the first book in the series as a Autistic person who loves making things with glass and has great detail for imperfections.

Before Savannah left the shop she was asked by Martin Lane arrives to the glass he brings out the wine bottles he had which he found diving under the ocean two cobalt blue bottles which he asks Savannah to look into it's history and value.  Not long after that Martin Lane is found dead and Savannah is asked by the local police to investigate another glass bottle to see what it had to do with Martin's death.  Who could kill over cobalt blue wine bottles?  Was it his business partner/  fiancée or was it his friends who thought there was value in the bottles?  Or it could it have been Martin's estranged sister he hadn't seen in years? Add to this Amanda's secrets and what her motive is in all this and it really keeps you on your toes.  Amanda seems to be hiding alot but is she hiding that she killed someone as well?  As the secrets spill out Savannah, Jacob and Edward find that Amanda is compromised when it comes to investigating the situation so they decide to continue with out her in order to free her from the crime looming over her head!

I love this series learning more about everyone who enters the Glass Shop and Studio, and learning the history with these cobalt bottles and their connection to the crime in question.  This book really kept me entertained trying to figure out who killed Martin and why? This book is definitely great for those who love reading about Florida, divers who love looking for treasure and those who love re purposing glass products!  Can't wait to see what is next for Savannah, Amanda, Edward and Jacob!

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Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Review: Spies and Spells by: Tonya Kappes

Title: Spies and Spells
Author: Tonya Kappes
Publisher: Krew Publishing
Series: Spies and Spells #1
Pages: 305
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Request

Description:

While Maggie waits for her Witchy Hour, she works at the family diner with her mom, aunt Meme and Lilith, her sister - all witches. Soon Maggie gets entangled with a mysterious handsome stranger, Mick Jasper, and his secret U.S. organization, SKUL. Has she found her calling?

My Thoughts:

This new book series of Tonya Kappes brings us to Louisville KY, where Maggie Park lives with her mother, sister and aunt.  Day by day Maggie spends her days working for her aunt with her sister Lilith while awaiting her and her sister Lilith's path of life atleast their witchy path.  Maggie finds hers while trying to perform a cat spell of the mysterious Mick Jasper when the spell back fires twice Maggie finds herself stealing a package and the package goes alot further than Maggie knew about.  She finds herself deep in mystery and also trying to figure out Mick Jasper and what he really wants with her?

I really enjoyed this book I loved Vinni the vintage car who seems to have a lot of snark under that hood!  I also enjoy the witches and what they have to offer with the series!  There is a none stop action/adventure with this book so you don't put it down no matter what else is happening you want to get to the end to see how it plays out for Vinni, Maggie and Mick.  Can't wait to see what is next in this adventure!  Next is:


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Sunday, August 21, 2016

Review: Murder at the Mansion by: Janet Finsilver


Title: Murder at the Mansion
Author: Janet Finsilver
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Kelly Jackson Mystery #2
Pages: 190
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley & GEBT

Description:

Fortunes, fineries, and foul play . . .

It’s whale-watching season in Redwood Cove, and B&B manager Kelly Jackson’s battening down the hatches for the tourist rush at Redwood Heights—a Victorian-style estate owned by her boss. And due to recent jewelry thefts, her duties include keeping track of the many dust-covered artifacts spread throughout the property. But when Kelly finds Sylvia Porter’s lifeless body, menial tasks don’t seem so terrible. Enlisting the help of a ragtag group of brainy retirees, aka the “Silver Sentinels,” Kelly’s on the hunt for clues hidden behind the mansion’s glamorous façade. . .and for a killer who may want to make history of her next!

My Thoughts:

Kelly Jackson is back at Redwood Cove to run the B&B but while the B&B is finishing up she's helping out at Redwood Heights a mansion owned by her boss.  While there a woman Sylvia Porter,  has an accident on the stairs and Kelly investigates to see what is going on which proves to be nothing or is it?  Next thing Kelly knows within 24 hours Sylvia Porter is dead and no one knows who did it.  Who had the most to gain by killing Sylvia?  Was it the staff or a guest?  So many questions.  Add to that when Kelly goes to a birthday party one of the Silver Sentinels is mugged for something and Kelly's car is broken into and Kelly begins to wonder what is really going on?, and is it enough to steal for?

I loved spending time with Redwood Cove and their townsfolk and people that work with Kelly and was very intrigued by this mystery.  In it you have a woman who gets murdered one of the Silver Sentinels gets mugged Kelly gets her car attacked and gets into some touchy situations for a mystery that began a long time ago, and the rumors that fly about the family who owned that mansion was great.  I loved the period stuff Kelly was taking inventory on and the lawsuit that she learned about.  It was such a pleasure to read and can't wait to see what is up next for Kelly and the Silver Sentinels!
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Saturday, August 20, 2016

Review: Random Acts by: J.A. Jance

Title: Random Acts
Author: J.A. Jance
Publisher: Witness Impulse
Series: Joanna Brady # 16.6, # Ali Reynolds # 11.5
Pages: 112
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Publisher Request

Description:

From New York Times bestselling author

J. A. JANCE 

comes an all- new novella, 

in which Sheriff Joanna Brady and investigator 

Ali Reynolds join forces to solve a crime that 

has hit dangerously close to home 


Sheriff Joanna Brady has a lot on her plate—she is up for re-election as sheriff, pregnant with her third child, and her eldest is packing up to leave for college. Then Joanna is woken in the middle of the night by a call reporting a motor vehicle accident. Her mother and stepfather’s RV ran off the road at high speed and hit the pillar of an overpass.


Something about the accident seems suspicious, though, and when Joanna gets a call from Ali Reynolds, a journalist turned investigator, she accepts her offer to help. They come up with a plan to find out who was responsible…even if that person is not the villain they’d expected.

 My Review: 

As Sheriff Joanna Brady is getting ready to send her daughter to college and win her re-election to be Sheriff again she finds herself dealing with alot quickly.  A call in the middle of the night shakes Joanna and their family when they hear Joanna's mother Eleanor and Step-father George have been in automobile accident they fear the worst as Joanna and her husband rush to Phoenix.  There she learns more about the accident and her mother gives her clue to looking into the accident.  One of the people that reach out to her is Ali Reynolds who is another character from J.A. Jance's world.  

With the help of Ali and their surveillance systems Joanna and Ali find out who hurt Joanna's family.  What they find is not what they expected.  I really enjoyed this look into the lives of both Joanna and Ali.  I have been kicking myself for months for not experiencing these two strong women before and will definitely be flowing them more closely!  Can't wait to see what is next for both Ali Reynolds and Joanna Brady!

Next up for Joanna Brady is: 



Next up for Ali Reynolds is:


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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Review: Death of A Wolfman by: Susan Boles


Title: Death of A Wolfman
Author: Susan Boles
Publisher: Argent Ocean Publishing
Series: Lily Gayle Lambert #1
Pages: 198
Formaqt: e-book
Source: GEBT

Description:

The first book in the Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery series. Quicker than she can stitch together the threads of a genealogy project she's just signed on to research, Lily Gayle Lambert finds herself embroiled in investigating the murder of a stranger who suffers from 'wolfman syndrome’. And, when a member of a prominent family turns up dead soon after the 'wolfman', Lily Gayle must find the link between the two and solve the mystery before she becomes the next target. Escaping from a trailer in the woods owned by two good ole boys and a confrontation with the eldest son of the town's wealthiest family have Lily Gayle hot on the trail of the killer…much to the consternation of her cousin. Who just happens to be the County Sheriff. With the help of her lifelong best friend, Dixie, and town busybody, Miss Edna, she pieces together the clues leading to a conclusion that shocks the entire town.

 My Thoughts: 

This book follows Lily Gayle Lambert whose cousin is the Chief of Police and before she meets him for dinner Lisbeth Mitchell shows up at her house to hire her to look into her genealogy which Lily thinks will be incredible as no one knows much about the Mitchell's.  After her dinner with her cousin she goes with him to a police call not realizing it's a murder scene and Lily recognizes something from a CSI episode in the victim.  Who killed the wolfman and how does it apply to the Mitchell family?

I loved reading this book and meeting Ben, Lily, Lily's best friend Dixie and Miss Edna who seems to know what is going on in town and wont be shut down by the young people around her.  It was great to read and enjoy the adventure this book takes you on.  I think many people will find themselves pulled in wanting to know what happened.  Can't wait to be at Dixie's next time a murder happens.  They seem like an incredible group of people!
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Review: Die, Die Birdie by: J.R. Ripley


Title: Die, Die Birdie
Author: J.R. Ripley
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Series: A Bird Lover's Mystery #1
Pages: 302
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:



For Amy Simms, hatching a birding shop in her hometown of Ruby Lake, North Carolina, hasn't exactly been a breeze. But could a deadly discovery clip her wings for good? 

It's just days before Amy plans to open Birds & Bees on the first floor of her creaky Victorian house, but delayed seed shipments have prevented the fledging owner from stocking her shelves. And it doesn't help that Amy's best friend and business partner is out of town indefinitely. With locals skeptical about the niche shop taking flight, the last thing Amy needs now is a dead man in her storeroom—or for a crotchety tenant to catch her holding a bloody birdfeeder hook over his body . . .
Pigeonholed as a leading murder suspect by police and lacking a solid alibi, Amy's delving into the victim's ugly past and buzzing around Ruby Lake for clues on his killer . . . before she ends up like so many of her beloved feathery friends—trapped behind bars!

My Thoughts: 

Amy Sims is working hard at getting her new bird shop in town open with doing it alone while her friend and partner Kim is in Florida taking care of her ailing mother.  When Amy finds the lights out in her store, she discovers a body in her store room closet of course her crotchety renter is quick to blame Amy for the murder and of course the police have no problem hauling Amy off to the police station.  Where Amy finds herself being questioned and her mother hires her a lawyer Derek Harlan and his father Ben Harlan.  Amy also finds her friend Kim stuck in the middle of the murder investigation from long ago.  Who killed Matt Kowalski the victim from the closet.  Who killed Matt and why?  Why did they kill him in Birds and Bees?

While Kim and Amy are trying to figure out who killed Matt and why Amy keeps finding really weird things like that someone was squatting in her attic, and the Mayor roaming around her house and the realtor and an car dealer discussing something on the street!  Why is the realtor so eager to get the property back what does she hope to accomplish with the property? What does a car dealer have to do with anything going on?

I totally enjoyed this story and didn't realize I was at the end so quickly I loved learning about the people in this small town as Amy and Kim work on opening their store and meet all sorts of people some honest some not so honest.  I loved how we got to know people and things weren't left hanging too much in the end.  I was surprised to learn who the murderer was and why.  It really kept me wondering as Kim and Amy narrowed down the suspect poll down until they were stuck at square one with Amy and Kim on the hook.  Definitely a great book for bird lovers who love a great mystery.   Can't wait to see what is next with Amy and Kim!

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Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Review: Until Summer Ends by: Elana Johnson

Title: Until Summer Ends
Author: Elana Johnson
Publisher: Cleis Press
Series: Redwood Bay #1
Pages: 312
Format: e-book 
Source: Book Tour

About UNTIL SUMMER ENDS: 

Sophie Newton is determined to prove herself to her father, who insists she could never run a successful business. She opens a beachside taco stand called The Sandy Tortilla and plans to make her own way, one burrito at a time.

When she loses her summer help, Sophie rushes to find somebody to help take orders. She finds that somebody in Montgomery Winters, a struggling actor from LA. Mont takes the job; the money's useful, though he finds that his curvy boss is what really keeps him around.

As Sophie and Mont work together, they discover an intense attraction between them. But when Mont's agent calls him about a career-making audition, he decides he must pursue the opportunity, even though he can't get Sophie out of his head. Now, Sophie must choose between chasing after the man she's falling in love with and the business she's fought so hard to build.

My Review: 

This book follows Sophie Newton whose running The Sandy Tortilla and finds herself in need of a assistant when her current worker breaks a leg and she searches the beach to find a handsome guy blowing up balloons and begs him to work for her offering ridiculous amounts of money to do so.  Montgomery Winters the handsome balloon blower is taking a break from LA and waiting tables only to get lured into assisting Sophie who he finds an attraction to.  Sophie and Montgomery both have deep secrets and aren't willing to let them go so quickly but they find something in each other.

I enjoyed watching as both Sophie and Mont grew within themselves and each other and didn't let past relationships deem their current relationship.  Mont who was betrayed by his ex-girlfriend Amber who seemed more content hooking up with an old buddy of Mont's to Sophie dealing with her ex-fiance Clint who made Sophie feel she wasn't good enough cause she loved her taco stand.

Definitely a great book for those who love a good clean romance.  This one kept me hoping these two would find their way to each other without loosing sight of what they wanted in life.  Can't wait to see what is next in this series!

Buy Links:

Paperback comes out on May 9, 2017.


About Elana Johnson: Elana's work includes the young adult dystopian romance series Possession
, Surrender, Abandon, and Regret, published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster). Her popular ebook, From the Query to the Call, is also available, as well as a young adult dystopian short story in the Possession world, Resist.
  
Her newest release is the beginning of a new adult fantasy series. ECHOES OF SILENCE came out with Amazon Publishing on May 3, 2016. See all of her books here.
  
Elana also writes inspirational western romances under the pen name Liz Isaacson. Check out all 5 books in the Amazon #1 Bestselling Three Rivers Ranch Romance series, and get ready for the rest of the series by the end of 2016.

Her newest release is UNTIL SUMMER ENDS, a contemporary romance novel from Cleis Press/Start Media.

Find her online:
Join her romance-only newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b9f1vv (get a free novella when you do!)


Giveaway for the blog tour: Kindle Paperwhite. http://elanajohnson.com/giveaways/paperwhite 
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Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Review: Maple Frosted Murder by: Susan Gillard

Title: Maple Frosted Murder
Author: Susan Gillard
Publisher: Guardian Publishing
Series: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery #2
Pages: 218
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:


A professional and very public rivalry with the owner of the corporate cookie cutter donut shop owner, leaves Heather as the prime suspect in his murder, when his body is discovered. 

Health inspectors, shady business practices and a tangled web of intrigue unfold as Heather dives headfirst into the case, determined to clear her name and uncover who is the cold storage killer. 

My Thoughts:

This book picks up not long after the first book in this book Heather is dealing with another donut shop who is trying to taint people's opinions of her donuts.  While Heather is trying to deal with the rival owner she finds the following day he's been killed.  There are no shortage of suspects.  There is his wife who doesn't seem too broken hearted over his death to his business assistant who is not pleased with him or his accountant who he's alienated as well.  Who had the most to see him dead and why?

I enjoy this series so far each book adds more to the characters and the mystery they involved.  They are just enough to pull you in and want you reading more to find out what is next from Heather, Amy and Det. Shepard.  Can't wait to see where they will go next.  Next in the series is:

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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Review: Strawberry Cream Murder by: Susan Gillard

Title: Strawberry Cream Murder
Author: Susan Gillard
Publisher: Guardian Publishing
Series: A Donut Hole Cozy Mystery #1
Pages: 218
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Author Request

Description:


Donuts, deceit and the potential murder of a former assistant find Heather Janke at the center of a mystery in which she is a potential suspect and possibly the only one capable of discerning the truth. 

Was her former assistant Christa murdered and if so, why? 

Follow Heather as she searches for clues to get to the bottom of this sweet caper. 

My Review: 

This book follows Heather Janke as she owns a donut shop and finds out her former assistant Christa was murdered.  Heather finds herself wanting to find out what happened to Christa.  Was it Christa's brother who was cut out of his father will recently due his drug abuse?  Her mother who seems to side with Christa's brother about his innocence of drug issues recently?  Or her former boyfriend who lied about his connection to Christa?  About all Heather knows is that Christa took off with recipes that Heather gave her to open a donut shop of her own.  Who would kill her and why?

I loved this series and how we got to meet Heather and her friends and people who frequent her shop, along with her good friend Amy who helps Heather make sense of the murder and who had the most to gain.  It reminded me of Jessica Beck's Donut series I really loved it so much can't wait to see what's next for Heather and her friends!

Next in the series is:

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Thursday, August 4, 2016

Title: Spell Booked by: Jim & Joyce Lavene

Title: Spell Booked
Author: Jim & Joyce Lavene
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Retired Witches Mystery #1
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:


Once upon a time in Wilmington, North Carolina, three witches ran a curio shop named Smuggler’s Arcane. But as the years passed, their magical powers started to fade—leaving them no choice but to conjure up a retirement package…  

Before they could blink their eyes or twitch their noses, Molly, Elsie, and Olivia somehow became eligible for AARP. But they can’t fly off to Boca Raton just yet. First they must give up their magic, recruit and train three new witches, and pass on their cherished spellbook.
They’ve barely begun to consider potential practitioners when Olivia winds up dead and their spellbook is stolen. To honor their friend and reclaim their spells, Molly and Elsie are about to go wand-to-wand with a dangerous young witch more powerful than the trio was in their prime. And this time they’re going to need more than magic up their sleeves…

My Thoughts: 

This book was bittersweet I bought the book when I heard Jim had died, technically I've bought it twice I had it on iBooks but then saw it at Barnes & Noble and had to have a physical copy of it.  If for nothing else then to remember them in my own way.  Now on to my review :)

I enjoyed this book which follows Molly, Elsie and Olivia who need to retire as their magic is dwindling and the accidents they are creating with there magic are getting silly. They are spying on a local librarian Dorothy Lane who they think has magical abilities and wound make a great young witch.  

When Olivia winds up dead having last been seen with Brian a local college guy.  Molly and Elsie are adamant that this man did something to her.  After futile attempts to find out why he did it and where their spellbook is they discover that there is a rogue witch whose dying running around stealing magical things and killing witches for their powers.

They team up with Brian whose also a witch and Dorothy to find the rogue witch and get their book back what they find is so much more than they bargained for!  Will they escape in time or find themselves under the bad witches power or worse yet death??

I loved this book and was glad to be able to get it and read it.  While it was sad because I'm not sure what will happen with this series I can totally see Jim and Joyce working on this together.  I enjoyed the suspense and was really at a loss when the witch was revealed!  I also managed to get the second book in the series so I can't wait to start that one!


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