Written in Stone by Paige Shelton - 5 Stars!

When Delaney Nichols wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she finds is a man obsessed with the Picts, complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and red hair, recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might explain what the Picts' language really sounded like. Before the deal can close, Dr. Pace is found dead. With the police dragging their feet, Delaney starts to dig into Dr. Pace's past. She discovers Pace’s shady background, selling fake artifacts. Could his past have come back to bite him? Delaney will have to dust off her magnifying glass to uncover the truth behind this case or risk becoming an artifact herself.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery set in Edinburgh, Scotland. The author did a fantastic job describing the setting. She made the weather and the atmosphere seems so real that I could feel myself walking through the streets next to the main character. In actuality I felt the setting was another character in the story. Delaney was a great and fun amateur sleuth to read about. The side characters were also fun, and I can't wait to read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron - 5 Stars!

With the summer season looming, former sitcom writer Dee Stern has one goal, to scrub her motel’s unflattering moniker as the “Murder Motel.” Dee and business partner Jeff Cornetta are excited to introduce a panning activity complete with fool’s gold just in time for the tourist months. But neither could have anticipated the discovery of a real gold nugget or the ensuing frenzy. In a flash, grizzled prospectors, adventurers, and thrill seekers arrive to investigate the abandoned mines. When a visitor is murdered, can Dee find the truth before it's too late?

This was a great cozy mystery with fun characters and an intriguing plot. I loved how Dee used her smarts and worked with the police. This story was very funny and made me giggle. I definitely recommend it to anyone who reads mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Heir by Johanna Lindsey - 5 Stars!

 

Highlander Duncan MacTavish finds himself summoned to the bedside of his dying English grandfather, Lord Neville Thackeray. He finds out that he's betrothed to Ophelia, whose beauty is surpassed only by her cruel nature. He attends a house party where he meets the Honorable Sabrina Lambert and finds her a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, rumors taint Sabrina's family name, ensuring that she will never be able to secure a match. Duncan's only friend to help him endure Ophelia and an endless parade of other eligible women, Sabrina is adept at making him laugh. After all, she spent most of her life diffusing the tension between her battling maiden aunts. But Duncan begins to realize that his feelings for Sabrina are more than friendly.

I've always loved Johanna Lindsey's writing. She was a great historical romance writer whose stories had me staying up late reading. This one was a great example. Her characters were memorable; some I loved and some I loved to hate. She had a knowledge of Regency England and used her words to create an atmosphere where I could feel what it was like to live in that time period. And the romance was always tasteful with just enough heat. I definitely recommend this story to historical romance readers.

Dead at First Bark by Cindy Kirk - 3 Stars!

The town's dog, Jory leads loom shop owner Penelope Penrose to a young barista's dead body. When Penelope’s cousin becomes the prime suspect, she can’t help but start asking questions the police would rather she didn’t. Could this murder be about a lost diamond? Penelope needs to find the truth before time runs out.

This was an interesting cozy mystery. The characters are fun to read about, and I love how Penelope's grandmother had her friends help with the mystery. I honestly thought there should have been more to the mystery. The scenario with the diamond felt like it could have led to more of something. But that part of the plot seemed to fizzle out. There were times as I was reading this story that I felt like I was reading poetry. Some of the sentences were beautifully created, but I felt that there should've been more action, and more clues for the investigation. As I was reading this, I always felt bad for the dog. Maybe Penelope's grandmother can adopt him or something? I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Collar out of Place by Cindy Kirk - 3 Stars!

A collar out of place was about a town's memorial to dogs. A family put a collar with an amethyst stone on the memorial, only to have it stolen. A stray dog helps the main character find the culprit and the collar is returned.

This was an interesting start to a new cozy mystery series. The main character was very likable, and the little mystery was easily solved. Whenever I read these prequels, I always want more. I want to know more about the characters, the mystery, and the setting. A mystery in my mind is very hard to condense itself within the pages of a prequel. I also was a little turned off about having a stray dog wandering the neighborhood. To me, a stray dog needs to be rescued. I've been to places where there were packs of dogs living on the streets begging to anybody that they saw. It seemed very sad because they were always unkempt and I hated seeing their sorrowful faces. I hope that things change for the poor animal in the next installment to this new cozy mystery series. Thanks to the author for this advanced reader's copy.

 

Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns - 5 Stars!

Maddy has turned Baby Cakes Bakery, named for her English Mastiff Baby, into a success, and she’s marrying veterinarian Michael Portman. Plus, a bridal expo has come to New Bison, Michigan, and Maddy has secured a spot for Baby Cakes to showcase their cakes. She’s also entered a contest for a wedding extravaganza offered by wedding planner Serafina. Unfortunately, nasty Serafina makes the worst bridezilla seem like a shy flower girl. But then the wedding planner is found impaled by one of the skewers Baby Cakes uses on their tiered wedding cakes. While Maid of Honor Sheriff April Johnson rounds up suspects at the expo, Maddy and her friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, join forces to unveil a killer hiding in plain sight.

This was a very witty and enjoyable cozy mystery. Maddy is fun to read about and has become one of my favorite amateur sleuths. I love all the side characters and how they pulled together to get the job done. The plot was full of twists and red herrings, and the ending was a complete surprise. I will definitely read more from this series again. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Eggsecutive Orders by Julie Hyzy - 5 Stars!

When NSA agent Carl Minkus dies after eating the dinner Olivia Paras's staff had prepared, all forks point to them. Now the Secret Service is investigating the kitchen and scrutinizing the staff. The timing couldn't be worse with the White House Easter Egg Roll to prep for. Olivia must find the real culprit before she cracks under pressure.

This was a perfect mystery for anybody who likes food and likes a little suspense with their cozy mystery. The main character is a wonderful amateur sleuth, and the setting is very interesting. I will continue to read the rest of this series. I read this previously years ago.