Review: Murder at Archly Manor by: Sara Rosett

Title: Murder At Archly Manor
Author: Sara Rosett
Publisher: Self Published
Series: High Society Lady Detective  #1
Pages: 247
Format: e-book
Source: GEBT

Description:

A high society murder. A spirited lady detective. Can she out-class the killer before an innocent person takes the fall?  

London, 1923. Olive Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job—looking into the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred. 

Alfred burst into the upper crust world of London’s high society, but his answers to questions about his past are decidedly vague. Before Olive can gather more than the basics, a murder occurs at a posh party. Suddenly, every Bright Young Person in attendance is a suspect, and Olive must race to find the culprit because a sly murderer is determined to make sure Olive’s first case is her last. 

Murder at Archly Manor is the first in the High Society Lady Detective series of charming historical cozy mysteries. If you like witty banter, glamorous settings, and delightful plot twists, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s series for Anglophiles and mystery lovers alike.

Travel back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with Murder at Archly Manor.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Olive Belgrave whose trying to find a job.  When she receives a message that her cousin needs her help.  Her cousin is engaged to a man named Alfred.  Irene's family isn't keen on the marriage and are hiring Olive to get the goods on the fiance.  When a murder to occurs and Olive's cousin winds up on the hook.  Olive has to investigate to clear her cousin.

This back is alot of fun and enjoyable mystery.  I really felt captivated to the story wanting to find out where the story would lead and can't wait to see what is the next in this fabulous series!

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Review: A Merry Murder by: Mary Angela

Title: A Merry Murder
Author: Mary Angela
Publisher: Camel Press
Series: Professor Prather Mystery #3
Pages: 258
Format: e-book
Source: GEBT

Description:

It’s December in Copper Bluff, and from hillside to hallowed hall, everyone is merry—or will be as soon as semester break arrives. Students are studying, professors are grading, and Emmeline Prather is anticipating the university-sponsored holiday concert. Friend and colleague Lenny Jenkins will be accompanying the visiting quartet, Jazz Underground, and Em can’t think of a better way to kick-start the holiday season. 

But before she can say “Jingle Bell Rock,” trouble arrives at Candlelight Inn, the bed and breakfast where the quartet is staying. One of the band members dies unexpectedly, and suspicion falls on Em, whose altercation with the man ends with him on the floor. He never recovers, and now she’s worried her reputation might not either.

When Emmeline starts to see parallels between an Agatha Christie novel she’s teaching and the victim, Lenny claims she’s read one too many mysteries. But as the clues unravel, so does the murderer’s patience. Em is close to finding the truth, but will the truth—or the murderer—push her over the edge? It will take a Christmas miracle to solve this case, but if there’s one thing in surplus this time of year, it’s faith.

Book Three of the Professor Prather Mystery Series

My Thoughts:
This book follows Professor Emmeline Prather whose getting ready for Christmas and grading papers at college.  Not long into the book a murder occurs and Emmeline finds herself being accused of murder.  Emmeline has her work cut out for her if she wants to have any kind of life and not the one behind bars!

This book was definitely cute with the descriptions of Christmas and how the people celebrate the holidays.  Along with solving a mystery and add an Agatha Christie novel to the mix and it's bound to be a great adventure!

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Review: Assault and Beadery by: Mollie Cox Bryan

Title: Assault and Beadery
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Cora Crafts Mystery #4
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

All of Cora Chevalier's dreams are coming true. Since moving to Indigo Gap, North Carolina, the busy crafting maven has been blessed with a great boyfriend, a lovely home, and a booming craft retreat business. But on the eve of her first Crafty Mom's Escape Weekend, tragedy strikes again in Indigo Gap. This time, it's curtains for Stan Herald, the disagreeable director of the local theater group, who's murdered on the opening night of their new production. Worse, Cora's friend Zee is accused of the crime.

Cora is determined to prove her friend's innocence, but Zee's mysterious past is making that difficult. And with a list of suspects longer than a double spool of satin cording, getting a bead on the real culprit won't be easy. With her friends Jane and Ruby at her side, Cora must string together the clues and solve Stan's murder before the killer gives an encore performance.

Includes crafting tips!

My Thoughts:

This book follows Cora and Jane who are hosting a retreat focusing on beads when they help out Zee whose running a play for Fiddler on The Roof what no one counted on was the director getting killed and Zee on the hook for the murder.  Of course Cora can't help getting involved when her dear friend is on the hook for this horrible crime.  Cora definitely has her work cut out for her working her retreat and helping her friend get off a murder charge.

This book was such a fun read and really kept me captivated until the end of the story.  The characters in this story are such fun and down to earth very to relate too.  Of course the other fun part is the retreats than I think anyone would love to be part of!  Can't wait to see what is next in this incredible series!

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Review: Glitter Bomb by: Laura Childs & Terrie Farley Moran

Title: Glitter Bomb
Author: Laura Childs & Terrie Farley Moran
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery #15
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

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Description:

An exploding Mardi Gras float has got to be the strangest murder weapon scrappy sleuth Carmela Bertrand has ever encountered in this latest Scrapbooking Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author. 

It's Mardi Gras in New Orleans and scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is excited to be attending the Pluvius Parade along with her best friend Ava. Carmela's ex-husband Shamus rides by the duo on his float at the head of the parade, when suddenly the revelry turns to disaster. Shamus' float crashes and explodes, and although Shamus escapes unhurt, a member of his krewe is killed.

Carmela and Ava plunge into an investigation of the krewe-member's death, but as they dig deeper it starts to look less like an accident and more like a murder....and Shamus seems less like a victim, and more like a suspect.

My Thoughts:

While Ava and Carmela are enjoying the Mardi Gras float the one carrying Carmela's ex-husband and his krewe explodes and sends the men flying and one of the men dies.  The krewe's captain Hughes Wilder winds up really dead and Carmela's ex Shamus is on the hook for the murder and begs Carmela to help him.  Carmela can't help herself and the more she investigates the more she begins to wonder if someone else had more to gain by killing Hughes.  Hughes has ticked off a lot of people with bad investments of their money.  Then there is Hughes wife who is stepping out with another man could that be who killed Hughes?  There are definitely no shortage of possibilities as to who wanted him dead!  Who could have planted the bomb and why?

I love this series it's so entertaining mixing in New Orleans and mystery.  As you read it you can't help feel like your a bestie of Eva and Carmela's and walking around with them trying to get to the bottom of the crime.  The girls writing this book have such a great flare for mystery telling.  Such fun!  It kept me reading until the end!

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Review: Trimmed To Death by: Nancy J. Cohen

Title: Trimmed to Death
Author: Nancy J. Cohen
Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Series: Bad Hair Day Mystery #15
Pages: 288
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT

Description:

Savvy hairstylist and amateur sleuth Marla Vail enters a charity bake-off contest at a fall festival sponsored by a local farm. While she waits to see if her coconut fudge pie is a winner, Marla joins a scavenger hunt where people playing character roles are the targets. Instead of scoring points with a live person, she finds a dead body planted face-down in the strawberry field. Who would want to cut short the life of food magazine publisher and fellow bake-off contestant Francine Dodger? As she investigates, Marla learns there’s no shortage of suspects. A celebrity TV chef, food critic, olive oil importer, food truck owner, pastry chef, and cookbook author may be stirring up more than their next recipe. Can Marla unmask the killer before someone else gets trimmed from life?

Recipes Included!

My Thoughts:

Marla Vail is back and this time she has entered a cooking bake off to win a food themed package.  Marla is hoping to expand her saloon to include food to keep people in saloon longer.  When Marla stumbles on a dead body she begins to wonder if she was killed by mistake as she was wearing someone else's jacket.  There are no shortage of suspects from fellow bake off contestants to a cooking show hostess, to bloggers and reviewers.  The victim Francine Dodger who works at a local magazine.  Who would want to kill Francine and why?  As Marla digs deeper she wonders if they will ever weed out the suspects.  Hopefully Marla can figure it out and figure out why she's not feeling well.  Is it food poisoning or something else completely?

I love this group of people watching as Marla and Dalton get to the bottom of the people they've gotten to know in this book along with seeing what their daughter is up to now.  This book had so much going on and I couldn't put it down until it was over and the murder was definitely not who I had pegged for the crime.  Such a great adventure to go on!

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Review: The Ghost and The Bogus Bookseller by: Cleo Coyle & Giveaway

Title: The Ghost and The Bogus Bookseller
Author: Cleo Coyle
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Haunted Bookshop #6
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Penelope Thornton-McClure and her bookshop's ghost-in-residence Jack Shepard are back on a new case in this delightful paranormal mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

A big bestseller leads to small town trouble.

Bookshop owner Penelope Thornton-McClure didn't believe in ghosts, until she was haunted by the hard-boiled spirit of 1940s private investigator Jack Shepard. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful... 

After an elegant new customer has a breakdown in her shop, Penelope suspects there is something bogus behind the biggest bestseller of the year. This popular potboiler is so hot that folks in her tiny Rhode Island town are dying to read it--literally. First one customer turns up dead, followed by another mysterious fatality connected to the book, which Pen discovers is more than just fiction. Now, with the help of her gumshoe ghost, Pen must solve the real-life cold case behind the bogus bestseller before the killer closes the book on her.

My Thoughts: 

In this book Jack is working on another one of his cases.  In this one a dame wants helping finding her dog.  In present time Penelope is helping a woman with some books at her store when she gets a look at the author of the latest book is adamant it is herself and runs out with the book.  When Penelope tracks her down she finds the woman is dead.  What happened to Emma Hudson?  Who killed her and why?  Or did she just commit suicide!

As Pen delves into this latest adventure Jack shows her not everything is what it seems.  When Pen's son shows up home with a friend in tow she finds out that Amy's father died and her mother shipped her off instead of letting her go to his funeral.

Pen also learns alot about the author of the latest book or in this case various authors who contributed to the story and in this case the story is more real than fiction.  Which leads Pen to learn about Emma and what she was hiding.  This also brings Pen and Jack to 1947 and a case Jack had which led to a woman hiding from her past.

I love the way this book is part in current times part in Jack's time.  The relationship between them is so cute even if it is impossible.  As Jack is dead and Pen is very much alive.  If only they were alive in the same time they could definitely have something.  I think in some ways Jack helps Pen feel more alive than her deceased husband did.  Can't wait to see what will be next for Pen and Jack, of course hopefully we won't have to wait as long!

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Review: Shattered At Sea by: Cheryl Hollon

Title: Shattered At Sea
Author: Cheryl Hollon
Publisher: Kensington
Series: A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery #5
Pages: 304
Format: e-book ARC
Source: GEBT & NetGalley

Description:

A Mediterranean cruise gives glass shop owner Savannah Webb a chance to demonstrate her expertise—and fire up her skills when it comes to foul play . . .

When Savannah signs on to perform glassblowing on a ship, part of the appeal is that she’ll get a chance to reconnect with her boyfriend Edward’s family. An added bonus is that Edward’s cousin, Ian, will be joining them on board. But when Ian disappears at the beginning of the cruise, the ship’s authorities initially consider it suicide. 

Savannah tries to balance her growing suspicions with work on her shows, but her relationship with the other glass artists begins to crack. And she can’t let love color her judgment when Edward suddenly jumps to the top of the suspect list. His fate is in Savannah’s hands, and she’ll do everything she can—on land and sea—to clear his name . . .

My Thoughts:

Savannah Web and Edward Morris are headed to a wonderful cruise while Savannah works at glassblowing.  With a quick trip into England where they meet up with Ian Edward's cousin and Edwards parents.  There she learns more about England and Edward's family.  Ian, Savannah and Edward are going on the cruise.  Quickly on the cruise Ian goes missing.  Where did he go and why?

The security on the cruise ship is determined that Ian committed suicide.  Savannah and Edward aren't so easily convinced.  Finally word from Florida cops gets to the cruise ship and they agree to let Savannah help them.  This story really leads into learning more about Ian and Edward from when they were kids.

I love reading about glassblowing and also enjoy the contributes made by Jacob who goes beyond what people think he can do.  It paints a positive light on Asperger's syndrome.  I also loved reading about the twins Ruth and Faith they crack me up with their zest for wanting to help even if it is very unorthodox.

I can't wait to see what is next for Edward and Savannah!   They are so cute together and I think these books just get better over time.  Definitely look forward to the next one in this incredible series!

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Review: Merry and Bright by: Debbie Macomber

Title: Merry and Bright
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine
Pages: 224
Format: e-book
Source: Hardcover

Description:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Christmas is the season of the heart, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber is here to warm yours with a delightful holiday novel of first impressions and second chances.

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her—minus her photo—and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects—or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

My Thoughts:

Merry Knight has a busy schedule helping her family with their needs plus working at a firm where the boss is a stickler for all sorts of details.  She does her best to avoid him but that isn't always the case and it gets worse with her family when they sign her up for a dating site  There she meets a man and gets to know him and when she finally goes to meet him she's is shocked by who shows up.  Unable to deal with seeing the mystery man she takes off.

This was such a cute romance at Christmas time.  As we watch Merry and her boss Jay work around each other and get to know one another. Definitely a book you can read time and again especially at the holidays!

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Review: Die Like An Eagle by: Donna Andrews

Title: Die Like An Eagle
Author: Donna Andrews
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Series: Meg Langslow #30
Pages: 293
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

Meg is Team Mom and Michael is coach of their twin sons' youth baseball team, the Caerphilly Eagles. Meg tangles with Biff Brown, the petty, vindictive league head. On opening day, Biff's lookalike brother is found dead in the porta-potty at the ball field. So many people think Biff's scum that it would be easy to blame him, but he has an alibi--and Meg suspects he may actually have been the intended victim.

With Die Like an Eagle, readers can look forward to another zany Meg Langslow mystery--this one filled with the spirit of America's pastime and Donna's eagle eye.

Like Meg Langslow, the blacksmith heroine of her series, Donna Andrews was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia. She introduced Meg to readers in her Malice Domestic Contest-winning first mystery, Murder with Peacocks, and readers are still laughing. This novel swept up the Agatha, Anthony, Barry, and a Romantic Times award for best first novel, and a Lefty for funniest mystery.

My Thoughts:

Baseball season has hit and Meg is definitely a Team Mom doing everything she can to help the Eagles have a successful season!  With Michael coaching the team including their twins it's bound to be fun.  The only wrinkle in the baseball season is Biff Brown who is a real pill.  He's the president of the summerball league and won't take anyone's suggestions to improve the league.  In fact usually just the opposite!

When Meg finds what she thinks is Biff dead in a porta potty on Opening Day she quickly learns that's his half brother Shep who is a dead ringer for his brother so it begs the question was someone trying to kill Biff or Shep and why?

Biff has no shortage of enemies from parent's he's ticked off by crappy field to play in or lack of equipment or rules against having practices at one another's house.  Or was it work related due to shotty work or unfilled contracts?

Of course this brings Meg into the fold as she is trying to get a meeting with Biff to see where he's coming on the town square restoration work.  Biff is avoiding Meg like the plague.  Why is he being so mysterious?  Of course Meg being Meg dig deep to get the bottom of things.

I really enjoy this series it's fun, and has tons of adventure and a small town that is starting to rival Cabot Cove with the murder rates.  But I still love it anyway especially with all the quirky residents who really keep you on your toes!

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Book Blast: A Crafter Knits A Clue by: Holly Quinn

Book Blast

A Crafter Knits a Clue: A Handcrafted Mystery by Holly Quinn

About the Book

A Crafter Knits a Clue: A Handcrafted Mystery 

NEW COZY MYSTERY SERIES SET IN WISCONSIN 

Crooked Lane Books (October 9, 2018) Hardcover 

ISBN-10: 1683317718 ISBN-13: 978-1683317715 

Digital ASIN: B078LZ5ZM5 

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is Holly Quinn’s Handcrafted series debut.

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

About the Author

Holly Quinn is both an avid reader and crafter. Holly sells her artistic creations locally and dreamed of one day opening a gift shop to sell local artist’s handiwork. Instead, she began writing about it and thus her journey of the Handcrafted Mystery series was born.

Visit her @ www.authorhollyquinn.com 
Author Links -  Website - www.authorhollyquinn.com
  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HollyQuinnbooks/
  GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7940795.Holly_Quinn

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!!! Amazon | B&N| IndieBound| BAM| Powell's | Walmart | BookBub

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Review: Flower Power Fatality by: Sally Carpenter

Title: Flower Power Fatality
Author: Sally Carpenter
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
Series: A Psychedelic Spy Mystery
Pages: 236
Format: e-book
Source: GEBT

Description:

The Cold War gets cozy in this retro-cozy spy caper set in 1967, a year of music, miniskirts-and murder! Actress Noelle McNabb works at the Country Christmas Family Fun Park in Yuletide, Indiana, but she longs for the bright lights of Hollywood. Real-life drama comes her way when a stranger with a fatal gunshot wound stumbles across her doorstep. When she attempts to finds the man's murderer, Noelle encounters a super-secret spy agency, SIAMESE (Special Intelligence Apparatus for Midwest Enemy Surveillance and Espionage). SIAMESE recruits Noelle on a quest to find missing microdots under the guidance of a street-wise agent, Destiny King. As Noelle goes undercover in a cheesy nightclub and faces the enemy in late-night chases, she uncovers family secrets and finds her moral values put to the test. Along with her pet cat, Ceebee, and the kooky residents of Yuletide, Noelle discovers it takes a village to catch a killer.

My Thoughts:

Noelle has big dreams of making it as an actress right now it is only working at a Fun Park as a wicked Witch.  That night at home she has a mysterious stranger show up and collapses in her house from a gun shot wound.  Next thing Noelle knows she is being contacted by Dash who works for the mysterious company Siamese and needs her help with some undercover work.  This talent utilizes all the actress skills Noelle has in her pocket.  Who killed the mysterious man and why?  Will Noelle figure it out or will she be snuffed out?

I loved this book with it's trip down the lane of the 60's with hippies, war veterans and people who avoid the draft.  Noelle is a quirky character trying to help where she can even if she has no idea what she is doing and the only thing she goes by is what she has seen on Mission Impossible.  I also love her younger brother and his Star Trek obsession it was hilarious at parts.

Definitely a great mystery that went by faster than the Enterprise can fly I couldn't put it down at all!  Can't wait to see what is next for Noelle and where she will wind up!

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Title: Rough Weather by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Rough Weather
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #36
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

Hired as a bodyguard at an exclusive society wedding, Spenser witnesses an unexpected crime: the kidnapping of the young bride, which opens the door for murder, family secrets, and the reappearance of an old nemesis.

My Thoughts: 

Our intrepid hero is off to his next case which leads to Heidi Bradshaw inviting Spenser to be her bodyguard at her daughter's upcoming wedding.  He brings his beloved Susan Silverman with him.  Of course when they get there they meet the Gray man whom Spenser as gone up against before.  Not long the priest and groom are killed and Spenser is fighting for his life and to rescue Susan.  Once back in Boston Spenser begins trying to figure out what the hell happened and where is the bride?

This book was typical Spenser fashion he's ticked everybody off until people started showing they knew more than they implied they knew.  It led to many ex-husbands and an episode of the bride in the hospital 5 years ago.

I love Spenser he's great he's got wit, charm and everything in-between definitely a James Bond of Boston, along with his trusty sidekick Hawk they always get the job done!

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Review: Sixkill by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Sixkill
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G. P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #39
Pages: 293
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

In location in Boston, bad-boy actor Jumbo Nelson is accused of the rape and murder of a young woman. From the start the case seems fishy, so the Boston PD calls on Spenser to investigate. Things don't look so good for Jumbo, whose appetites for food, booze, and sex are as outsized as his name. He was the studio's biggest star, but he's become its biggest liability. 

In the course of the investigation, Spenser encounters Jumbo's bodyguard: a young, former football-playing Native American named Zebulon Sixkill. He acts tough, but Spenser sees something more within the young man. Despite the odd circumstances, the two forge an unlikely alliance, with Spenser serving as mentor for Sixkill. As the case grows darker and secrets about both Jumbo and the dead woman come to light, it's Spenser-with Sixkill at his side-who must put things right.

My Thoughts: 

In this book Spenser gets hired from the Boston PD to look into Jumbo Nelson who is being accused of rape and murder.  Of course Jumbo ain't talkin' so Spenser has his work cut out for him.  He has to decide if Jumbo did the deed.  Of course that puts Spenser in direct contact with Zebulon Sixkill who is Jumbo's body guard.  After failing to protect Jumbo against Spenser he takes Z under his care to see what he can do for the kid.

Alot of people have a lot to gain on this murder case as Spenser digs deeper he finds himself meeting up with some unsavory characters!

This book was fun to read Spenser helping a new kid and helping him find his way while also investigating the crime.  It was weird to have Hawk gone but Z brought a new spin on the story as we learn about Z's rise and fall and how Spenser helps him see the way to be something better than he was!

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Review: Silent Night by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Silent Night
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G. P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #41.5
Pages: 229
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

It’s December in Boston, and Spenser is busy planning the menu for Christmas dinner when he’s confronted in his office by a young boy named Slide.  Homeless and alone, Slide has found refuge with an organization named Street Business, which gives shelter and seeks job opportunities for the homeless and lost.  Slide’s mentor, Jackie Alvarez, is being threatened, and Street Business is in danger of losing its tenuous foothold in the community, turning Slide and many others like him back on the street.  But it’s not a simple case of intimidation. Spenser, aided by Hawk, finds a trail that leads to a dangerous drug kingpin, whose hold on the at-risk community Street Business serves threatens not just the boys’ safety and security, but their lives as well. 

Unfinished at the time of his death, Silent Night was completed by Parker’s longtime agent, whose decades-long association with Parker’s work gives her unique insight and perspective to his voice and storytelling style.  Her contribution also speaks volumes about their enduring friendship.

My Thoughts: 

Christmas is hitting Boston and Spenser has a new client  a young boy named Slide whose friend Jackie needs help.  Someone is trying to put Street Business out of business.  So Jackie hires Spenser to find out what is going on and why

This leads Hawk and Spenser to vicious drug dealer who wants to make the shelter go away and Jackie to do something else besides the pipe dream of a shelter for kids.  Jackie's brothers girlfriend is also deep in this and she needs Spenser to get her out without getting her killed!

I love Spenser his books are great to read and really have funny parts to it.  You get to see what Spenser is up to and how he spends his holiday season!  His books have everything humor, adventure.  and the charm that is Spenser it was also bittersweet as it was the last book he didn't get to finish but you'd never know it!

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Review: The Stonekeeper by: Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stonekeeper
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Publisher: Graphix
Series: Amulet #1
Pages: 192
Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Description:

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

My Thoughts: 

This was a great book about a female stone keeper who has to save her family from monsters I can see why it's people like this book so much.

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Review: Turkey Trot Murder by: Leslie Meier

Title: Turkey Trot Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Lucy Stone #24
Pages: 247
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

It's late autumn in Tinker's Cove, Maine, and the last surviving flowers on Lucy Stone's porch have fallen victim to the first frost of the season. But as the part-time reporter learns, this cold November morning will claim more than potted plants . . .

Besides the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Lucy expects the approaching holiday to be a relatively uneventful one--until she finds beautiful Alison Franklin dead and frozen in Blueberry Pond. No one knows much about Alison, except that she was the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin and struggled quietly with drug addiction. Police blame her death on an accidental overdose, but Lucy can't understand what terrible forces could lead a privileged woman to watery ruin . . .

Alison's funeral service is just as puzzling. Many believe Ed's young--and very pregnant--new wife, Mireille, divided the family, leaving Alison to wither on the vine. Did Mireille truly adore her stepchild as Ed claims, or did she pit father against daughter for personal gain? 

As a state of unrest descends on Tinker's Cove, Lucy is thrown into a full-scale investigation. Now, in a race against time, Lucy must beat the killer to the finish line--or she can forget about stuffing and cranberry sauce . . .

My Thoughts:

Lucy Stone has her work cut out for her in the latest mystery in this one she is preparing for a Turkey Trot 5k run on Thanksgiving.  While practicing she discovers the dead body of Allison Franklin who has drowned.  While everyone is quick to dismiss the death as drug overdose Lucy can't help but wonder if it is something else.

When Allison's father gets the town in an uproar over immigrants and misconceptions about a new family starting a business his prejudice misjudges the family in question.  He accuses them of being immigrants when they are as american as apple pie.  When her father Ed Franklin winds up dead loyalties are torn and divided.  Who killed the father and daughter and why?  Will Lucy figure it out in time or will her time run out?

I love Lucy and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  She finds herself torn about the whole thing.  Wanting to believe that it's not a race issue.  Or a drug issue.  But could it be?  Will her town ever be the same again.  Definitely a series I love to read when I come across it!

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Review: Patterns in The Sand by: Sally Goldenbaum

Title: Patterns in The Sand
Author: Sally Goldenbaum
Publisher: Obsidian
Series: A Seaside Knitters Mystery #2
Pages: 294
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

The follow-up to Death by Cashmere: next in the new mystery series set in a tight-knit seaside community. 

When young fiber artist Willow Adams visits Izzy Chambers's knitting studio, she's immediately embraced by the Seaside knitters, and they see the monthly arts event at Canary Cove as a perfect place to showcase Willow's work. But the idyllic summer in Sea Harbor turns somber when the body of Nick Peabody-owner of a popular gallery-is found in a community garden. Soon all Nick's secrets begin to surface, and the residents of Sea Harbor realize they didn't know him at all. And when Nick's will reveals that his entire estate has been left to Willow, the knitters find that Willow has some dark secrets of her own...

My Thoughts: 

This book follows newest person to show up at Canary Cove Willow Adams.  Willow Adams winds up sleeping at Izzy's studio.  When the women find her they are determined to help her and really wonder why she is there.  When Aiden a gallery owner dies the assumption is made that Willow killed Aiden.  Did Willow kill him or did someone else and why?

Nell, Izzy, Ben and everyone else in town has their work cut out for them trying to figure out who killed Aiden and why?

I enjoy this serious thoroughly.  It's such great fun to go back and see what everyone is up to and this one didn't disappoint.  l would love to be a friend to spend Friday nights at Nell's and see what everyone has been up to or to solve the latest mystery!  Can't wait to see what is next for the Seaside Knitters!

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Review: The Body in The Casket by: Katherine Hall Paige

Title: The Body in The Casket
Author: Katherine Hall Page
Publisher: William Morrow
Series: Faith Fairchild #24
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

The inimitable Faith Fairchild returns in a chilling New England whodunit, inspired by the best Agatha Christie mysteries and with hints of the timeless board game Clue

For most of her adult life, resourceful caterer Faith Fairchild has called the sleepy Massachusetts village of Aleford home. While the native New Yorker has come to know the region well, she isn’t familiar with Havencrest, a privileged enclave, until the owner of Rowan House, a secluded sprawling Arts & Crafts mansion, calls her about catering a weekend house party.

Producer/director of a string of hit musicals, Max Dane—a Broadway legend—is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his seventieth birthday. At the house as they discuss the event, Faith’s client makes a startling confession. “I didn’t hire you for your cooking skills, fine as they may be; but for your sleuthing ability. You see, one of the guests wants to kill me.”

Faith’s only clue is an ominous birthday gift the man received the week before—an empty casket sent anonymously containing a 20-year-old Playbill from Max’s last, and only failed, production—Heaven Or Hell. Consequently, Max has drawn his guest list for the party from the cast and crew. As the guests begin to arrive one by one, and an ice storm brews overhead, Faith must keep one eye on the menu and the other on her host to prevent his birthday bash from becoming his final curtain.

Full of delectable recipes, brooding atmosphere, and Faith’s signature biting wit, The Body in The Casket is a delightful thriller that echoes the beloved mysteries of Agatha Christie and classic films such as Murder by Death and Deathtrap.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Faith Fairchild as she is hired to work for Max Dane a big time Broadway legend.  Max is hosting a special birthday party and is adamant someone is trying to kill him.  When he receives a casket at his secured house he's more determined to find out who wants to kill him.  Samantha Miller is back her mother Pix works for Faith the two wonder why Samantha is back what happened to her job and her boyfriend.  With so much going on you know it will never be dull with Faith.

I like this series alot as Faith is the wife of a minister in small town Massachusetts.  We also see how Faith's kids are doing along with other people in town.  This one also brought alot from the off Broadway play of Heaven and Hell and what the people involved in it are up to now.  Which held all sorts of mystery.  Especially when the cousin of Max's winds up dead with a poisonous snake in a draw as the weapon.

Faith pulls alot from Clue to figure it out and get the murderer before they can strike again.  I really enjoy her stories as they pull you in to other things going on as well!  Can't wait to see what is next for Faith!

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Review A Summer in Sonoma by: Robyn Carr

Title: A Summer in Sonoma
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 368
Fomrat: Paperback
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

They've been best friends since seventh grade. But this summer, teetering on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever.

Cassie has sworn off men after yet another bad date though, deep down, she's still looking for Mr. Right. A long-haired, tattooed biker is definitely not him, so there's no harm in a few Harley rides through Sonoma. Right?

 Julie married her high school sweetheart too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn't enough to sustain the perfect couple.

Marty's firefighter husband takes her for granted, and with her marriage on the rocks, an old flame begins to look mighty tempting. She's seriously thinking of crossing that line. 

Beth is a busy doctor trapped in a body that's betrayed her yet again and she's becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend. She's fighting for her life. Life can change in an instant...or a summer. As these four friends deal with life's challenges, the strength of their bond will see them through.

No one delves into the complexities of female friendship better than #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. 

My Thoughts: 

This book follows four girls who've been friends since grade school.  They have had their ups and downs and they have relied on each other through it all.  This summer seems to really test their friendship in so many ways.

Cassie who has had her last bad date and winds up being saved by someone she would never have guessed a biker who looks so bad could he really be good for her?  Cassie swears she sworn of men but could the right one be right in front of her?

Julie feels like she is drowning with debt and her husband Billy and his happy go lucky attitude isn't helping much.  When she finds herself lashing out and making tough decisions it really shows how much Julie and Billy need to communicate so he can understand what is going on at home.

Marty is so ready to throw her husband to a wall to get it through his head that he use to care more about her and himself now he's seems destined to drive her insane and almost into another's arms.  Can Joe and Marty get past their issues or is it too late for them?  Only time will tell.

Beth who has survived Cancer once before has found herself on a nasty Cancer receiving line.  She's determined to keep her friends away from the Cancer as the first time around it didn't play out very well.  What she really finds out is sometimes you need your friends whether you want to admit it or not!

I really enjoy this book it was such fun to read the woman and see where they are headed in life.  Sometimes having life long girlfriends is the best you can have!  I always look forward to her books whenever I see them available!

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Review: Poisoned Pages by: Lorna Barrett

Title: Poisoned Pages
Author: Lorna Barrett
Publisher: Berkeley Prime Crime
Series: A Booktown Mystery  #12
Pages: 320
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Mystery bookstore owner Tricia Miles learns that nothing kills a good party like a murder in the latest entry in the New York Times bestselling Booktown Mysteries.

Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, throws a housewarming cocktail party in her new apartment and has cooked all the food by herself--quite a feat for someone who previously couldn't boil water. Then one of her guests is poisoned and dies. Tricia's left to wonder if her cooking is to blame or if there's something much more sinister at play. Either way, Tricia's once again in hot water with her ex-lover, Chief Baker.

Meanwhile the charming town of Stoneham is being disrupted by a vandalism crime wave. It's the hot topic in the race for Chamber of Commerce president which sees Tricia pitted against two bitter rivals. With all that's going on can she find the killer before she's the next item on the menu?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Tricia Miles who has finally having her cocktail party at her newly fixed up apartment.  All sorts of residents from town show up.  When the guests are departing a gentleman friend of Frannie's winds up choking and dying.  The town is wondering what killed him and why at Tricia's party. 

Angelica's having her own issues as someone is demanding money or else all her secrets will be made public will Angelica pay or is she finally tired of the secrets in town?  When Tricia tries to advise her Angelica shuts down her sister. Deeming to handle it her own way.

Someone else is running around town vandalizing things.  Tricia wonders if it is because there is an election for the Chamber president and Tricia thrown in her name as well as Russ Smith who is doing it to spite Tricia along with Chauncey who has bad blood with Tricia.  Could it be one of them?  Or is someone else out to hurt people?

I love this book it's such fun especially seeing Mr. E and Pixie Poe come into their own and help out where they can.  I also loved the out come of the story.  Mr. E has his work cut out when he and Grace adopt a cat named Charlie whose at the end of his life/  How much time he has left is anyone's guess but they'd rather have a cat die before they would.  The relationships have come so far between the three and they form a great band together! 

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