Review: Crepe Factor by: Laura Childs and Terrie Moran

Title: Crepe Factor
Author: Laura Childs and Terrie Moran
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery #14
Pages: 310
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace...

  

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a thrashing man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon...

My Thoughts:

This book follows Carmela and Ava who are visiting the booths at the Winter Market and encounter a fight between Quigg and Martin Lash a local reviewer who seems to always write bad reviews of restaurants when Martin Lash winds up dead being forked to death!  Quigg begs Carmela to figure out what is going on and who murdered Martiner Lash.

Carmela investigates and it leads her all over New Orleans and Bayou.  It leads to meeting the new owner of the paper and the hold Martin had over her.  It also shows his side things he was involved with protecting the bayou.  Then as the heat is on Carmela has to search for the truth no matter where it leads!

I love the friendship between Carmela and Ava they are great together.  I also love how the girls worked with Moony and Squirrel as well.  Such a great team of friends.  Can’t wait to see what the girls are up to next!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Review: Murder on the Toy Town Express by: Barbara Early

Title: Murder on the Toy Town Express
Author: Barbara Early
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Series: Vintage Toy Shop Mystery #2
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Liz McCall has come to love running her father’s vintage toyshop back home in East Aurora, NY, so when the Train and Toy Show comes to town, she’s all aboard for a fun toy-filled weekend. The only hitch is that her childhood bully Craig McFadden, now local business rival, has set up a booth next to hers. But the fun and games are over when Craig falls from the ceiling in a publicity stunt gone wrong.

What was initially thought to be a fatal accident proves much more sinister. Pulled into the case by her feelings for both Ken, the police chief, and Jack, her high school sweetheart whose brother is one the prime suspects, Liz dives headfirst into the investigation. But as she digs deeper, she’s shocked to learn her father may have been the intended target.

The trouble train is barreling down and Liz may have just bought herself a first class ticket in Murder on the Toy Town Express, Barbara Early’s delightful second installment in her Vintage Toyshop mysteries.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Liz and her father Hank as they are spending time at the Train and Toy Show.  When funny things begin happening like Craig an old nemesis of Liz's winds up taking a leap into  a train track.  As Liz and Hank try to put the pieces together which lead to more questions instead of answers!  Who killed Craig and why?

This book had so much going on.  There were so many puzzles and searching out the clues was a lot of fun.  I really found myself following along with Liz wondering where it would lead.  Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Read More

Title: Death of A Toy Solider by: Barbara Early

Title: Death of A Toy Solider
Author: Barbara Early
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Series: Vintage Toy Shop Mystery #1
Pages: 304
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Liz McCall grew up in a playful winter wonderland but it was never her dream to manage her father’s vintage toyshop. However, after he sank his entire police pension into the business, someone needed to help him turn his dreams into reality—and keep him from sneaking off to patrol the not-so-mean streets of East Aurora, NY.

The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz’s business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who’s playing for keeps.

Now, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for the neighborhood kids if Liz can't wrap up the case in Barbara Early's delightful debut Death of a Toy Soldier.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Liz McCall and her dad Hank who use to be the cheif of police and likes to on very bad days go patrolling looking for bad guys.  In this book a man stops by to drop of a box of old toys to get pricing on their value.  He hands Liz a card and leaves.  Later that night Liz finds the body of the man with the toys and her dad in her shop one is dead one is knocked out.  Who was the toy man and what did he want in the shop that late?  Why didn't the alarm go off?, and what is her father up to now?

This was a fabulous new series which led you to a small toy store and Liz and Hank and all they go through interviewing people to get to the bottom of the murder.  Who had the most to gain and was it related to another recent death?  It was such fun with the puns and the father daughter relationship.  I wish I could go to this toy shop and be friends with Liz and follow them around as the search out clues along the way.  Great for the toy lover in all of us!

Read More

Review: Eggnog Murder by: Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis & Barbara Ross

Title: Eggnog Murder
Author: Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis & Barbara Ross
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Lucy Stone #23.5
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

With the fireplace crackling, the tree twinkling, and the carols humming, few things in life are as picture perfect as Christmas in Maine—until murder dampens the holiday spirit. It must be something in the eggnog . . .

EGGNOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

When a gift-wrapped bottle of eggnog—allegedly from the Real Beard Santa Club—proves to be a killer concoction for a Tinker’s Cove local, all Lucy Stone wants for Christmas is to find the murdering mixologist who’s stirring up trouble.

DEATH BY EGGNOG by LEE HOLLIS

Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell has never cared much for Bar Harbor’s grouchy town librarian, Agatha Farnsworth. But after the Scroogy senior has a fatal—and suspicious—allergic reaction to supposedly non-dairy eggnog, it’s up to Hayley to ladle out some justice.

NOGGED OFF by BARBARA ROSS

Julia Snowden’s tenant Imogen Geinkes seems to be jinxed. First, her poorly named “Killer Eggnog” gives all her co-workers food poisoning at the holiday party, then her boyfriend’s body shows up in Julia’s moving truck as she’s headed back to Busman’s Harbor. Now Julia has to get moving to catch the cold-hearted culprit. 

Cozy up with a glass of eggnog and enjoy the spirit of murder and mystery in a Yultide treat perfect for those winter holidays . .

My Thoughts:

This book was a great three stories for those who love Christmas themed books all three women are fabulous Lucy Stone. Hayley Powell, and Julia Snowden are all looking forward to Christmas baring they can each solve their own Christmas mystery.  In some cases like Hayley and Julia that proves to be more challenging.  Definitely great stories and if you haven't read these ladies yet you are truly missing something great.  I love these women and what they accomplish even with Christmas on the way!  

Read More

Review: Midnight Mysteries: Nine Cozy Tales by Nine Bestselling Authors

Title: Midnight Mysteries: Nine Cozy Tales by Nine Bestselling Authors
Authors: Rita Ames, Morgana Best, Karen Cantwell, Carolyn Haines, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Larissa Reinhart, Connie Shelton, Maria Grazia Swan, LynDee Walker
Publisher: Kindle
Series: Orgainized Mysteries, The Kitchen Witch Mysteries, Sophie Rhodes mystery, Sarah Booth Delaney, Cherry Tucker Mysteries, Samantha Sweets Magical Cozy Mysteries, Lella York Mysteries, Nichelle Clarke Mysteries,
Pages: 377
Format: Kindle e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Ritter Ames – “Organized for Masked Motives” (Organized Mysteries series)
Kate McKenzie never dreamed when she started her business, Stacked in Your Favor, she’d spend nearly as much time crime solving as organizing. But with Halloween approaching and too many items on the to-do list, she and Meg Berman find themselves in another puzzling dilemma—where every answer leads to another question.

Morgana Best – “No Time to Witch” (The Kitchen Witch mystery series)
In a historical mystery prequel to the novel MISS SPELLED, Thelma Spelled must discover the mystery around a murder that entangles her and her husband. The paranormal tale reveals more about the magic of the house and early 20th century Australia.

Karen Cantwell – “It Takes a Ghost” (tie-in to the Sophie Rhodes mystery series)
New detective Brenna Sage can’t solve a series of robberies—until she gains a partner in the guise of Marmaduke Dodsworth. While Marmaduke is better versed in decorum and refinement than forensics and interrogation, he has one decidedly clear advantage: He can walk through walls.

Carolyn Haines – “Clacking Bones” (Sarah Booth Delaney series)
When Jitty’s husband, Coker, goes missing from the Great Beyond, Sarah Booth Delaney, Tinkie, and all the animals sign on to find out why the spirit is AWOL. Sarah Booth has to dig deep into the past to find the answer to this puzzling mystery.

Eleanor Cawood Jones – “Salad Days, Halloween Nights” (author of A Baker’s Dozen)
A vegetable-loving chef has cooked his way into trouble when a Halloween treat leads to murder. If he wants a happy future, he must first make sure the police don’t have him down as the main ingredient in a recipe for a prison sentence.

Larissa Reinhart – “The Vigilante Vignette” (Cherry Tucker Mystery series)
When Cherry pays a mercy call on a neighbor, she’s roped into a quid pro quo deal—if she recovers a stolen family heirloom both somewhat embarrassing and due to be discovered missing very shortly, the neighbor will use family clout to help her with zoning issues. But if she fails, the expression “someone’s got her goat” takes on a whole new meaning. And when she discovers a thievery ring, illegal auctions, and green-eyed emotions after spotting Luke where he’s not expected—it’s another hilarious day in Halo, Georgia.

Connie Shelton – “Spellbound Sweets” (Samantha Sweets Magical Cozy Mysteries)
It’s Halloween, one of the busiest times of the year for Samantha Sweet and the crew at her pastry shop, Sweet’s Sweets. The gang looks forward to a gala costume party at the neighborhood bookstore, but the evening takes a different turn when a guest is murdered, a rare book vanishes, and Sam finds herself in the midst of another mystery.

Maria Grazia Swan – “Weeping Moon” (Lella York Mysteries series)
Lella York has a way of getting herself into trouble, even when she’s doing volunteer work. Who's the mysterious storyteller, and what's going on at the senior living center? Will Lella find out before it’s too late?

LynDee Walker – “Frightening Features” (Nichelle Clarke Mystery series)
Not a patient recovery patient, while Nichelle Clarke waits for an injury to heal all she really wants is a story to write and research—hard news to get her mind occupied. Instead, her boss gives her a fluff piece. Not her idea of fun. But with Nichelle snooping around, it’s not surprising her soft story takes a decidedly hard turn.

My Thoughts:

This great novella compilation covers so many great authors from LynDee Walker we get Nichelle Clarke whose writing a story while her leg heals and stumbles upon a mystery to solve.  All the way to Clacking Bones by Carolyn Haines Sarah Booth has her hands full finding out where Jitty's husband goes missing from the great beyond and Sarah has to figure out why.

This set of stories is great if your looking into various authors but want to learn more about them in these little novellas you get a taste of the adventure you could go on.  You also may find yourself seeking out a series after reading some of these stories I know I did and couldn't be happier with some of them.  One of the new authors I stumbled upon with this was Connie Shelton with Spellbound Sweets you meet everyone is Samantha Sweets world and it was great.  Some were authors I read before and was pleasantly surprised to revisit them again.

Definitely great series for Halloween lovers and cozy mystery lovers who want a break from a full novel and can enjoy the short stories and one to definitely keep around.

Read More

BOMT: September Portrait of A Dead Guy by: Larissa Reinhart

Title: Portrait of A Dead Guy
Author: Larissa Reinhart
Publisher: Past Perfect Press
Series; A Cherry Tucker Mystery #1
Pages: 280
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  | iBooks | Kobo

Description:

Laugh-out-loud funny and as Southern as sweet tea and cheese grits

***A Daphne Du Maurier finalist, The Emily finalist, Dixie Kane Memorial Winner, and Night Owl Review top pick***

“Reinhart is a truly talented author and this book was one of the best cozy mysteries we reviewed this year…We highly recommend this book to all lovers of mystery books.” – Mystery Tribune

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than buckshot rips from a ten gauge — but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival. 

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry finds herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

“An entertaining mystery full of quirky characters and solid plotting...Highly recommended for anyone who likes their mysteries strong and their mint juleps stronger!” – Jennie Bentley, New York Times Bestselling Author of Flipped Out

“The tone of this marvelously cracked book is not unlike Sophie Littlefield’s brilliant A Bad Day for Sorry, as author Reinhart dishes out shovelfuls of ribald humor and mayhem. It takes a rare talent to successfully portray a beer-and-hormone-addled artist as a sympathetic and worthy heroine, but Reinhart pulls it off with tongue-in-cheek panache.” – Mystery Scene Magazine

“Don’t miss Portrait of a Dead Guy by Larissa Reinhart! Portrait is pure enjoyment, a laugh out loud mystery with some Southern romance thrown in. Five stars.” — Lynn Farris, National Mystery Review Examiner at Examiner.com

“Laugh-out-loud funny and as Southern as sweet tea and cheese grits, Larissa Reinhart’s masterfully crafted whodunit, Portrait of a Dead Guy, provides high-octane action with quirky, down-home characters and a trouble-magnet heroine who’ll steal readers’ hearts.” – Debby Giusti, Author of The Captain’s Mission and The Colonel’s Daughter

“A sweet, southern stroke of brilliance…Action, humor, mystery and a dash of romance all packed into one quirky creation. Trust me when I tell you—don’t miss this one.” — The Book Boost

“Reinhart’s debut sparkles with wit. A fun, fast-paced read and a rollicking start to her Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. If you like your stories southern-fried with a side of romance, this book’s for you!” — Leslie Tentler, Author of Midnight Caller 

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

Books in the Cherry Tucker Humorous Mystery Series:

QUICK SKETCH (novella in HEARTACHE MOTEL) 

PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (#1)

STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (#2)

HIJACK IN ABSTRACT (#3) 

DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE (#4)

THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE (#5)

THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE (novella)

A COMPOSITION IN MURDER (#6)

A VIEW TO A CHILL (novella) (less)

Read More

Review: The Chesapeake Bride by: Mariah Stewart

THE CHESAPEAKE BRIDE

11^th in The Chesapeake Diaries series

Mariah Stewart

Pocket Books

August 29, 2017

ISBN 9781501154355

$7.99

Synopsis:

Architect Cassidy Logan has sworn off good-looking adventurers. Newly divorced, she’s focused on building ecologically friendly, historically accurate homes on the Chesapeake Bay for her father’s construction company. Traveling to Cannonball Island—where there has been no new construction in nearly one hundred years—Cass is sensitive to the heritage of the island, and has come up with plans so perfect she’s determined to buy a home for herself. Even the fact that Owen Parker—a local who she dismisses as a lightweight and a player—seems to be everywhere isn’t enough to deter her from building her dream house.

Owen Parker is and always has been sinfully handsome and wickedly clever, a magnet for mischief as well as girls. He’s a rolling stone, going and doing whatever appeals to him, from flying a mail plane in Alaska, to working on a cattle ranch in Australia, a shrimp boat in Louisiana, and surfing and diving in Costa Rica. When an old friend offers him a job salvaging a sunken ship on the Chesapeake Bay, Owen gladly accepts. Something’s been telling him it was time to head home to Cannonball Island, and a job is as good an excuse as any. And he’s totally smitten by the pretty architect on the scene, but it seems he’s finally met a woman who’s immune to his charms. Sooner or later, Owen will have to face the reason why he always runs, because this time, leaving just might be harder than staying.

My Thoughts: 

I loved this book it followed Owen Parker whose back in Chesapeake Bay helping out his old friend with a ship that sunk under water.  When he meets Cassie Logan whose developing old houses into better houses for people who want a small cottage to get away for the weekend or live there permanently.   When the two collide Cassie is very wary of putting her heart out there again especially to someone she deems a player.  Overtime she learns he's not a player.  Will the two learn to love one another or is it too late?

Also mixed into this is a big old mystery that haunts Owen and he will have to decide what to do and how to handle his past coming back to haunt him!  Will he be able to figure it all out or will he find himself in over his head without a way out?

Such fabulous writing and characters that really hold your attention.  These two really keep you reeling waiting to see what they deal with next!  

Praise for The Chesapeake Bride, Book 11 in The Chesapeake Diaries:

“Stewart succeeds in giving both Owen and Cass a smooth blend of strength and vulnerability, and the setting of this heartwarming romance will draw readers in with its island-life charm.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Strengths: Noteworthy historical content; Engaging characters; Strong Romance; HEA…Measure of Love: Teaspoon…Mood: Poignant and lighthearted…Why You Should Read this: Definitely will appeal to readers wanting a strong romance. And the genealogy and historical aspects are a perfect addition to a pleasing story!”

—Heroes and Heartbreakers Women’s Fiction Best Bet for August 2017

“The Chesapeake Bride is a small-town romance which will leave readers wanting more of the charming characters and unforgettable story. I enjoyed this book so much that I am still running some of the scenes through my head, which shows how fantastic the story is. Another great read by an outstanding author. A Recommended Read!”

—Romance Junkies, Five Heart Review

“The romance is slow and sweet…the lack of unnecessary melodrama, angst, and over-the-top gestures makes this a refreshing contemporary romance between two adults who act as such.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Driftwood Point, Book 10 in The Chesapeake Diaries:

“This second-chance-at-love romance is gentle and sweet…The colorful friendship between the family matriarchs…charms. Stewart seamlessly checks in with former series protagonists and introduces future romantic pairings without stealing attention from Lisbeth and Alec.”

—RT Book Reviews

Praise for That Chesapeake Summer, Book 9 in The Chesapeake Diaries:

“[That Chesapeake Summer] deftly uses the tools of the genre to explore issues of identity, truth, and small town kinship…Stewart offers a strong statement on the power of love and trust, a fitting theme for this big-hearted small town romance.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A touching story of self-discovery and homecoming that is sure to warm readers’ hearts…fans are sure to feel right at home in Stewart’s idyllic seaside setting and follow this emotional journey with avid interest.”

—RT Book Reviews

Praise for The Last Chance Matinee, Book One in The Hudson Sisters Series:

“The popcorn, the red velvet seats, the glittering Hollywood stars on-screen…I’ve enjoyed all aspects of going to the movies since I was a kid…so when I saw a vintage theater on the cover of this book, I quickly swiped it up…The tale was a sweet reminder of the importance of family. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!”

—First for Women magazine, July 2017

“[This] lively, warmhearted series starter will have readers eagerly awaiting the second installment.”

—Booklist

“A good read, with a nice blend of mystery, family drama, and romance.”

—Library Journal

ABOUT THE BOOK:

New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart returns to the cherished Maryland shores of St. Dennis with THE CHESAPEAKE BRIDE (Pocket Books; August 29, 2017; $7.99), the charming story of a jaded architect who meets the one man who could finally melt her heart—if she’s willing to let him in.

Cassidy Logan has sworn off good-looking adventurers, having just divorced the one she’d married. Now working with her father’s construction company to build ecologically friendly, historically accurate homes on the Chesapeake Bay, she’s designing them for Cannonball Island. Knowing there’s been no new construction on the island in almost one hundred years, Cass is sensitive to the heritage and history of the sparsely populated island, and has come up with plans so perfect she’s determined to buy one for herself to live in. Even the fact that Owen Parker—whom she dismisses as a lightweight and a player— seems to be everywhere she goes isn’t enough to deter her from building her dream house.

Owen is and always has been sinfully handsome and wickedly clever, a magnet for mischief as well as the girls in St. Dennis. He’s also a rolling stone, going and doing whatever appeals to him, from flying a mail plane in Alaska to working on a cattle ranch in Australia and a shrimp boat in Louisiana, to surfing and diving in Costa Rica. When an old friend offers him a job salvaging a sunken ship in the Chesapeake, Owen gladly accepts. Something’s been telling him it’s about time to head home to Cannonball Island, and a job is as good an excuse as any. He’s totally smitten with the pretty architect, but it seems he’s finally met a woman who’s immune to his charms. Sooner or later, Owen will have to face the reason why he always runs, because this time, leaving just might be harder than staying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories.  A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens.  Visit her website at mariahstewart.com, like her on Facebook at AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram at mariah_stewart_books.

END OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY:

We’re celebrating The Chesapeake Bride and Summer 2017 with one giveaway for Driftwood Point, 10^th  in The Chesapeake Diaries Series by Mariah Stewart! The last day for entries will be Friday, September 22^nd (the official last day of summer!) The winner will receive one copy of Driftwood Point. U.S. only, please. You can enter at the participating blogs listed below – but you can only win once!

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

AUGUST 28

USA TODAY’S HAPPY EVER AFTER - EXCERPT

HEROES AND HEARTBREAKERS – WOMEN’S FICTION BEST BET FOR AUGUST 2017

AUGUST 29

A MIDLIFE WIFE

ROMANCING THE READERS

AUGUST 30

THE LIBRARIAN TALKS – Q&A

BOOK BITCH

ABIGAIL BOOKS ADDICTION

MY NOVELESQUE LIFE

AUGUST 31

DIRTY AND THIRTY

BOOK MAMA BLOG

SUZY APPROVED BOOK REVIEWS

COLLECTORS OF BOOK BOYFRIENDS

SEPTEMBER 1

SOS ALOHA

MARGIE'S MUST READS

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BOOKWORM

SEPTEMBER 4

READING BETWEEN THE WINES

SEPTEMBER 5

FRESH FICTION

SVETLANA’S READS AND VIEWS

BIBLIOTICA

MRS LEIF'S TWO FANGS ABOUT IT

SEPTEMBER 6

READ YOUR WRITES

REVIEWS BY CRYSTAL

BRAINFARTS AND BOOKS

IN PATTI’S IMAGINATION

BOOKJUNKIEMOM

SEPTEMBER 7

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC

LORI'S READING CORNER

HAPPYMOMBLOGGER’S BLOG

HARDLY A GODDESS

NOTES ON MY SHELF

SEPTEMBER 8

READING FRENZY BLOG

THOUGHTS IN PROGRESS

DIVATUDE

UP ‘TIL DAWN BOOK BLOG

SEPTEMBER 12

SATISFACTION FOR INSATIABLE READERS

LINDA’S BOOK OBSESSION

CARLA LOVES TO READ

LORELEI’S LIT LAIR

SEPTEMBER 13

KATHERINE’S BOOK UNIVERSE – Q&A

BOOKTALK WITH EILEEN

REVIEWS FROM THE HEART

KT BOOK REVIEWS

SHANNON’S BOOK BLOG

BIGREADERSITE’S BLOG

GRANNY LOVES TO READ!

I WISH I LIVED IN A LIBRARY

SEPTEMBER 14

SCANDALICIOUS BOOK REVIEWS

ITCHING FOR BOOKS

COMMUNITY BOOKSTOP

BOOKS TO CURL UP WITH

SEPTEMBER 15

ROMANTIC READS AND SUCH

SUSIEQLAW’S BLOG

DEVILISHLY DELICIOUS BOOK REVIEWS

BOOKFAN

LOVEY DOVEY BOOKS

Read More

Review: Hair Brained by: Nancy J. Cohen

Title: Hair Brained
Author: Nancy J. Cohen
Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Series: Bad Hair Day Mystery #14
Pages: 342
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT

Description:

When hairstylist Marla Vail’s best friend is hurt in a suspicious car accident, Marla assumes guardianship of her infant son. No sooner does Marla say, “Baby want a bottle?” than she’s embroiled in another murder investigation. Her husband, Detective Dalton Vail, determines the crash may not have been an accident after all. But then, who would want Tally—or Ken in the car with her—out of the way? As Marla digs deeper into her friends’ lives, she realizes she didn’t know them as well as she’d thought. Nonetheless, it’s her duty as their son’s guardian to ensure his safety, even if it means putting her own life at risk. Can she protect the baby and find the culprit before someone else ends up as roadkill?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Marla Vail and her husband Dalton as they are celebrating New Years they hear news that Marla's best friend Tally and Ken are missing.  Not sure where they are or what has happened Marla assumes responsibility for Tally's baby Luke.  Within 24 hours they find out Tally and Ken were in a car accident and Ken didn't make it as the clock ticks and they await knowing the fate of Tally.  Marla digs deeper into finding out what happened to her best friend and her husband. Who wanted Tally or Ken out of the picture and why?

As Marla digs deeper she wonders if the accident was work related or personal?  There seems to be tension at work for Ken and his staff which makes Marla wonder what was going?  Then finding out Tally was into somethings Marla knew nothing about, makes her wonder if her relationship with Tally was very one sided.  Time is running out and Marla needs to get to the bottom before someone else ends up getting into another accident.

This series is so great as Marla struggles to raise Luke, find out what happened with Tally and Ken and pray that Tally wakes up.  Tally doesn't offer up much in this book as she is struggling to stay alive so the pressure is on Dalton and Marla to figure it out regardless of where the road turns.  It also gives Marla insight into her theory of not having kids.

I really enjoyed this book and anyone who does hair dressing or just loves a great cozy mystery will love this one!  This one had me pulled in and I couldn't let it go until I found out like Marla what happened that night and why!  Definitely a page turner which kept me turning the pages very late at night!

Read More

Review: Death of A Pumpkin Carver by: Lee Hollis

Title: Death of A Pumpkin Carver
Author: Lee Hollis
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #8
Pages: 320
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

For Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, Halloween is all about costume parties and holiday treats—until a killer crashes the party...

This Halloween, Hayley can’t imagine a worse trick than her ex-husband Danny returning to Bar Harbor. Her kids may be happy to see their dad, but Hayley’s determined not to be taken in by his charms, and suspects he’s in financial trouble—again.

Still, the haunted holiday is about to get a whole lot scarier after Danny’s moonshine-making uncle is found lying dead next to a tombstone in a cemetery—and Danny quickly becomes the prime suspect. To prove her ex is innocent, Hayley will have to dig deep into her own bag of tricks to unmask the real culprit . . . before anyone else—including her—ends up in the graveyard...

My Thoughts:

Hayley is getting ready for Halloween her favorite time of year with lots of candy when she arrives home and finds carved pumpkins at her house which is sure fire sign that Danny Powell is back in Maine.  She finds him at his uncle's house.  Determined to win her back regardless of what she wants but Hayley is waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Add to this a couple of guys are following Danny and making Danny very uneasy.  When Danny tries to leave Sergio informs Hayley of the death of Danny's uncle which causes him to stay but when he tries to leave soon after Sergio drags him back and requests Hayley to let him stay with her.  Who killed Danny's uncle and why?  What does this have to do with Danny's arrival in Maine?

I love Hayley and her friends are family are so fun to read about and see what they are up to next this one didn't disappoint and shed some life to her mysterious ex-husband and what he's been up too.  This book also went deep into the world of authors and watching as Hayley's son Dustin submitted his novel to a popular author and where that led.  Can't wait to see where Hayley winds up next!

Read More

Interview: Julie Chase Author of Cat Got Your Secrets

What genre do you write?

I write cozy mysteries and romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue.

How did you come to write cozies & Harlequin Intrique?

 I fell in love with Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books and the Harlequin Intrigue line. I knew I wanted to write those kinds of stories, so now I do.

Who is your favorite character to write about? 

This would be like choosing a favorite child. I can’t. I love them all for different reasons. I love writing about Lacy in the Kitty Couture Mysteries because she has such spunk and a giant heart for people, animals and her community.

Who inspires your books? 

My mind is a busy place. Stories just pile up there and eventually spill out. My stories aren’t inspired by anyone. They’re more likely the result of nearly two decades of sleep deprivation.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Mostly, I manage the lives of my three super-busy non-driving children, husband and puppy. I also consume vats of black coffee and say how tired I am quite often.

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

Sunscreen, a tent, food rations … I’m just kidding. I have no idea. I’m a total indoor cat who wouldn’t survive an hour on a deserted island.
Thank you,
Paula



Cat Got Your Secrets, Kitty Couture Mystery, book 3

Lacy Marie Crocker has settled into a comfortable groove back home in New Orleans, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, she’s busier than ever running a thriving pet boutique, helping her mother organize the upcoming National Pet Pageant, and untangling her complicated love life. But when delivering a king-sized order of dreidel-shaped doggy biscuits for a Saint Berdoodle’s bark-mitzvah, Lacy stumbles into yet another murder scene―and the last person to see the victim alive was her own father.

It’s up to Lacy to clear her dad’s name from the suspect list before Detective Jack Oliver has to cage him for good. But just when she starts pawing at the truth, she receives a threatening letter from a mysterious blackmailer bent on silencing her with her own secrets. And Lacy’s not the only one with bones in her closet.

Time’s running out in this deadly cat-and-mouse game in Cat Got Your Secrets, the delightfully funny third novel in Julie Chase’s Kitty Couture mystery series, perfect for “all those feline fanciers who love to read Rita Mae Brown” (Suspense Magazine).

About the author:

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey.

Read More

Review: Death of a Cupcake Queen by: Lee Hollis

Title: Death of a Cupcake Queen
Author: Lee Hollis
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #6
Pages: 315
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

As the food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, Hayley Powell attends a lot of events—but this one will be murder…

On the eve of her high school reunion, Hayley dreads seeing the trio of mean girls who used to torment her: Sabrina Merryweather, Nykki Temple, and former prom queen Ivy Foster. These days Ivy wears a different crown as the cupcake queen—and flaunting her success is just the icing on the cake.

But maybe the prom queen should have been voted Most Likely to Die. At the reunion, Ivy is found murdered, cupcakes scattered around her. Is a killer out to teach the mean girls a lesson? As Hayley tries to get the scoop, she’ll have to be careful…or someone may be writing this columnist’s obituary next.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Hayley, Liddy, and Mona who are getting ready for their twentieth reunion.  Of course Mona in all her glory doesn't want to go at all.  She gets tricked into going by Gemma Hayley's daugter.  Which was hilarious to see.  Of course the trio really could do with out the mean girls Nykki, Ivy and Sabrina who have not been the nicest in school.  While Sabrina was a good friend to Hayley when they were young that all changed when high school hit.

When one of the mean girls is found dead in the kitchen at the reunion. Hayley wonders who would be angry enough with Ivy to kill her.  And what does this have to do with high school.  Hayley ends up digging real deep into history of the year after they graduated to an actors death and what really happened!  Will Hayley figure it out in time or is the reunion going to be the last thing Hayley remembers?

I love this series it's great to see what the girls are up to.  Who winds up dead and why?  Also in this book are fabulous cocktails and food recipes to try at home.  These books are definitely ones you can't put down even if you tried because you never know what you will miss!  My favorite go to mystery.

Read More

Review: Death of A Christmas Caper by: Lee Hollis

Title: Death of A Christmas Caper
Author: Lee Hollis
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Hayley Powell Food Cocktails Mystery #5
Pages: 336
Format: e-book
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

Who better than food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell to book a caterer for the Island Times holiday party? But Hayley's quest for a cook turns into the pursuit of a killer who caters to no one. . . 

Office Christmas parties can sometimes mean career suicide--but they rarely lead to murder. Hayley thought Garth Rawlings would be the perfect caterer for this year's bash, but when the gourmet sees her budget, he goes galloping. 

Unfortunately his run is short-lived. Garth is found dead on the floor of his kitchen, with his delectable creations burning in the oven. Faced with a spread of suspects, Hayley is determined to discover who would want to take out the Christmas caterer, because--no matter what the season--justice must be served. . .

My Thoughts:

In this book Hayley Powell is getting ready for Christmas when she gets roped into planning the Island Times Holiday party after bombing out with a local chef due to what she is given financially to work with Hayley sets out to cook food for the party.  When local chef Garth Rawlings hears about it through twitter he hires Hayley to help out at the years bash.  What Hayley didn't count on was finding Garth dead!  How does a man die of homicide in a locked warehouse kitchen? Will Hayley figure it out or will this be the death that never gets resolved?

This book had a lot going with the holidays coming.  Hayley's daughter Gemma in a holiday pageant. Also this one has Hayley knee deep trying to figure out what happened with Garth, who kill him and why?  Hayley isn't one to sit on the sidelines while a murderer runs around free.  This book involved a cheating spouse, a sparse relationship between Hayley and the corner Sabrina, and two loves in Hayley's Christmas tree.  Hayley will have to weed through the people involved to get to the bottom of it and make a decision in her personal life!

I love this series especially Hayley, Mona and Liddy they are such great friends to one another/  This book didn't disappoint with the story.  They can really make you laugh along with Hayley english challenged brother in law Sergio who tries so hard with english but hasn't toally mastered it yet!

Read More

Review: All The Little Liars by: Charlaine Harris

Title: All The Little Liars
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Series: Aurora Teagarden #9
Pages: 229
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

#1 New York Times bestseller Charlaine Harris returns to her Aurora Teagarden mystery series with a fabulous new book featuring the small-town Southern librarian.

Aurora Teagarden is basking in the news of her pregnancy when disaster strikes her small Georgia town: four kids vanish from the school soccer field in an afternoon. Aurora’s 15-year-old brother Phillip is one of them. Also gone are two of his friends, and an 11-year-old girl who was just hoping to get a ride home from soccer practice. And then there’s an even worse discovery—at the kids’ last known destination, a dead body.

While the local police and sheriff’s department comb the county for the missing kids and interview everyone even remotely involved, Aurora and her new husband, true crime writer Robin Crusoe, begin their own investigation. Could the death and kidnappings have anything to do with a group of bullies at the middle school? Is Phillip’s disappearance related to Aurora’s father’s gambling debts? Or is Phillip himself, new to town and an unknown quantity, responsible for taking the other children? But regardless of the reason, as the days go by, the most important questions remain. Are the kids still alive? Who could be concealing them? Where could they be?

With Christmas approaching, Aurora is determined to find her brother…if he’s still alive. 

After more than a decade, #1 New York Times bestseller Charlaine Harris finally returns to her fan-favorite Aurora Teagarden series with All the Little Liars, a fabulously fun new mystery.

My Thoughts:

This book follows beloved librarian Aurora Teagarden her husband Robin Caruso and her half brother Philip Teagarden in this book Philip and his friends Joss and Josh and a young girl Liza all go missing and the mystery of them is really building up.  Who kidnapped these kids and why?  Aurora is dealing with her new pregnancy and wondering what is going on with her brother Philip and his friends who would want to take them and why?  All signs point to something going on with the kids in school especially when Joss's girlfriend Tammy winds up dead.  Who killed her and why?

This series gets better every time I read it.  Aurora is at it again trying to figure out what is going on in town.  Which leads to a ransom of one of the kids and a bunch of other kids keeping secrets and to what degree will it take to get the other kids involved to start talking?

I can't wait to see what is next in the series especially with Aurora being pregnant and what the impending parenting will look like.  Such a fun series with so much going on!

Read More

Review: Tightening by A Thread by: Lea Wait

Title: Tightening By A Thread
Author: Lea Wait
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Mainely Needlepoint #5
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

In the coastal town of Haven Harbor, blood runs thicker than water--and just as freely . . . 

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never unspooled the truth about her past to anyone--not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she's searched for all her life--family. And now she and long-lost half-brother, Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection . . . 

Ted's adult children are suspicious of their newfound aunt Sarah--especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned to death during a lobster bake, everyone assumes she's guilty. If Sarah and Angie can't track down the real murderer in time, Sarah's bound to learn how delicate--and deadly--family dynamics can truly be . . .

My Thoughts:

This book follows Sarah Byrne who in the previous book was very absent from everything going on, in this book we find out why that Sarah's had a different life and has been trying to find her family which leads her from Australia to England to Maine.  In Maine she learns who her Uncle is.  Her Uncle is none other than Ted Lawrence a wealthy artist and gallery owner.  Ted has decided it's time to tell his children about their cousin whether they like it or not.  Into a weekend of birthday events everything is going some what ok when at the Lobster Bake Ted ends up coking and dying.  The police get called in when the following day Ted's daughter Abbie's husband Silas Reed ends up dead.  Who killed the two men and why?  Angie will have to pull the threads apart on the Lawerence family to get to the bottom of the situation.  Will she uncover the murderer in time?

This book was definitely different then others most of the needlepointers were cameo appearance not front in center except for Sarah and of course Patrick was there as well. It was definitely interesting to learn about foster care system back in the day and where it led Sarah.  Also was intriguing to learn about the Lawerence family and all their issues.  Definitely can't pick your family and they aren't always happy like on tv.

I loved going back to Maine to see what everyone was up to and this one didn't disappoint.  We got to see what is coming of Angie's relationship with Patrick and how that will play out.  Having to support Sarah through her adventure and see where the chips landed in the end!  Can't wait to see what is next for this series!

Read More

Review: Dangling by A Thread by: Lea Wait

Title: Dangling By A Thread
Author: Lea Wait
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Mainely Needlepoint #4
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

The Mainely Needlepointers are about to learn that no man is an island—especially when greedy developers want his land . . . 

Hermit Jesse Lockhart lives alone on King’s Island, three miles east of Haven Harbor, Maine, where he’s created a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants. But when a wealthy family wants to buy the island and Jesse’s cousin Simon petitions for power of attorney to force him to sell, Jesse is the one who becomes endangered.

Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry, who befriended Jesse in the VA hospital, rallies the group to his defense. Angie Curtis and the ravelers stitch “Save the King’s Island Cormorants” pillows and sell T-shirts to pay for Jesse’s legal counsel. But tragically, on a visit to the island, Angie and Dave find Jesse dead. Now the search is on for a common thread that can tie the murdered man to his killer . . .

My Thoughts:

This book follows Jesse Lockhart who lives alone on King's Island.  When Angie Curtis spots him landing in Haven Harbor she wonders who he is and what he's doing?  She follows him as he goes to the Post Office and is even more cuirous finding out only that he gets his mail at Haven Harbor.  Later when she goes to see Dave she learns alittle more about Jesse as he almost runs into her as she visits Dave.  Angie still trying to get use to being alone finds out from Jesse that he needs their help.  Someone wants to buy King's Island where Jesse lives with Cormorants a special bird.

After Dave gets hurt attempting to talk to Jesse to let him know what is going on it's up to Angie, Dave and the other needlepointers to find out what is going when Jesse winds up dead.  This leads to Angie talking to Patrick West whose Uncle wants to buy the island to turn into a summer retreat.  The big question being who wanted Jesse dead and why?

This book had so much going on the mysterious Jesse Lockhart and who he is?  Then the Wests coming back into town was always a nice treat for everyone whose gotten to know Patrick and Skye.  This one really had me wondering who the killer was and why go to the extreme or killing someone trying to protect birds!  I also found myself feeling bad for the realtor and his wife who really need the income of selling the property!  Definitely great for bird lovers and mystery buffs alike!  I have loved this series from day one and don't think I will quit to the last book is written hopefully with lots of great mysteries still to come!

Read More

Review: Iced Under by: Barbara Ross

Title: Iced Under
Author: Barbara Ross
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Maine Clambake Mystery #5
Pages: 297
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

The snow is deep in Maine’s Busman’s Harbor and the mighty rivers are covered in ice. Snowden Family Clambake Company proprietor Julia Snowden and her mother, Jacqueline, are hunkered down for the winter when a mysterious package arrives—heating up February with an unexpected case of murder . . . 

Inside the mystery package is an enormous black diamond necklace that once belonged to Julia’s great-grandmother and disappeared in the 1920s. Who could have sent it—and why? Julia’s search for clues takes her on a perilous journey through her mother’s troubled family history, from a squabble over the family fortune in “frozen water” to the recent unexplained death of Jacqueline’s long-lost cousin Hugh—who’d been missing and presumed drowned for more than forty years. To protect her mother’s inheritance, Julia must fend off a small army of feuding relatives, solve the mystery surrounding Hugh’s demise, and get back home before the next blizzard buries them all . . .

My Thoughts:

As winter is in full affect at Busman's Harbor Julia is settling down with her mother beating out various snowstorms when her mother receives a package and upon opening it finds a beautiful expensive black diamond necklace with a message for Windsholme which is a empty house on Morrow Island.  Julia and her mother can't figure out who it's from but the story takes them back to Julia's mothers childhood.  Julia wanting to help her mother finds herself traveling to Boston to figure it out.

In Boston she finds family members they didn't know they had and a long lost cousin who supposedly died in Maine.  They also find a murder mystery as their cousin died a couple of days ago, but the police are adament it was murder.  Who killed Hugh the long lost cousin and why?

This book was incredible I couldn't put it down I loved the history that was incorporated into it, and learning more about Julia's mother and relatives.  This book was so fabulous anyone who loves history with a cozy mystery will definitely love this book!  Ms. Ross is a catch of a writer and I can't wait to see what she cooks up next!

Read More