Book Review!

 

Antique Auctions Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poppy McAllister is enjoying the summer season at the Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey. Courtney Whipple and his family of antique dealers return to the area for the annual Cold Spring Village antique show. Courtney’s son, Auggie has a unique item he believes will fetch him a fortune if he can get it authenticated in time. But, rival dealer Grover Prickle insists Auggie stole it from his store. Poppy and her Aunt Ginny attend the auction, hoping to bid on an armoire for the B&B. Strangely, they don’t see either Auggie or Grover, or the mysterious item they both claim to own. Then during the auction, a body falls out of the same armoire Poppy was hoping to acquire. Can she figure out how a dead body wound up in the armoire before another body is found?
This is a funny, puzzling and poignant mystery. I love Poppy and Aunt Ginny. Their antics always make me giggle. Several suspects kept me guessing whodunit, and I was surprised at the end. The one thing that annoyed me was the penchant of one of the side characters to denigrate Poppy. It didn’t seem funny to me. I hoped that Poppy would put her in her place, but she never did. The plot was very entertaining, and I liked how Poppy realized more about herself and her relationship with Gia. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This review is my opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robbie and her new husband Abe O’Neill are enjoying a summer evening in the park enjoying some fireworks. In attendance are senior residents from Jupiter Springs Assisted Living including Roy Bird, father of the town’s Police Lieutenant Buck Bird. Despite his blindness, Roy is a member of his group home’s knitting circle, with his girlfriend, Vi. But when the lightshow ends, she is found dead with a puncture wound in her neck. The poor woman’s death reminds Buck of his mother’s unsolved homicide. Robbie is determined to help solve the case. But someone will stop at nothing to end Robbie’s investigation.
This was a very good culinary cozy mystery. I love reading about all of Robbie’s adventures and the food that she creates at her pancake house. The plot was puzzling, and I was surprised by the revelation of the culprit. I honestly became confused with the many different red herrings in the story. I had a hard time distinguishing one character from the other. I want to read the next one in this series. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Wicked's Scandal by Kathleen Ayers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alexandra Dunforth’s conniving uncle is forcing her to wed a man she doesn’t know. Her uncle is determined, and is threatening to sell Helmsby Abbey, the only home Alexandra has ever known. After years of living in Macao, Sutton “Satan” Reynolds, the Marquess of Cambourne, has finally returned to take his place in society. He finds all the eligible ladies tedious and boring until he meets Miss Dunforth. Miss Dunforth finds Sutton arrogant, and annoying. But, one kiss changes everything. Can Sutton prove his love to Miss Dunforth, and help her save Helmsby Abbey?
I absolutely loved this historical romance. It’s full of romance, intrigue, and dastardly characters. I didn’t want to put this story down, and completed it late into the night. I felt that both protagonists were victims of circumstances beyond their control, but they needed each other to fulfill their true destinies. They were soul mates, and that’s so sweet to read about. I will read more from this series.


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Book Review!

 

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hannah Swenson is escaping her usual routine at The Cookie Jar to help bake pastries at the local inn for a fishing competition. But the fun stops when she spots a runaway boat on the water and, on board, the lifeless body of the event’s celebrity spokesperson. Who would kill Sonny Bowman? Was it his overworked sidekick? Or a jealous husband out for blood?
This was a great story in a series that I’ve read from the start. To me, it was refreshing because we didn’t have the love triangle thing between Hannah and Mike and Norman. They were in the story, but everyone seemed to be just friends. It gave more emphasis on the mystery. I was able to figure out whodunnit by the big reveal in the end. I was proud of myself because most of the time the culprit eludes me. But there is another surprise at the end which makes me wonder what will happen next. I can’t wait until the next installment of this series. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Kelly's Koffee Shop by Dianne Harman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published in 2014. Kelly owns a coffee shop in Oregon and dates the sheriff. When one of her waitresses doesn’t show up, and is found murdered, Kelly is on the case. She will assist her boyfriend in finding out whodunnit. But, if she’s not careful, she will be next on the killer’s list.
I really liked this fast-paced and suspenseful mystery with a great set of characters and a beautiful setting. But there were some problems I had with the plot. For instance, what amateur sleuth would go to a suspect’s house and confess that he’s a suspect? And what sheriff would take civilians to a potentially dangerous apprehension of someone instead of calling in for backup? These problems interrupted the flow of the story. I’m interested about what happens next. I will read the next one in this series.

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Book Review!

 

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Shiloh Bellamy has saved her family's farm from financial ruin. She organizes a fall festival to drum up business. During the event, the body of a prominent townswoman is discovered underneath a scarecrow in a nearby field. And, all of the evidence points to Shiloh's childhood best friend, Kristy, as the prime suspect. Can Shiloh find the truth before her farm goes belly up, and Kristy gets sent to prison?
This cozy mystery was good. The characters are likeable, and the plot is puzzling. I just felt there needed to be more suspense. I will be interested in reading another story in this series. I received an advanced reader’s copy. This review is my own opinion.


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Book Review!

 

No One Like Her by Cindy Kirk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Erika Eads and Wells Pomeroy have always had a difficult relationship because of a lost loved one. On the eighth anniversary of the death, they find themselves sitting at a bar together. One thing leads to another, and Erika finds out she’s pregnant. Can Erika accept Wells’ love, or will she be alone during the birth?
Cindy Kirk has a unique gift of teaching something, some advice, that winds up as the theme in her stories. The theme of this story is the healing through loss and the opening your heart to love again. She weaved this theme through a wondrous plot of beautifully written, yet human characters who, after a while, start feeling like family. This is a contemporary romance that I highly recommend. Ms. Kirk, you’ve done it again… can’t wait for the next one!!


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Cozy Readathon!

 Hey everyone! Mr. Francy from Mr. Francy Reads Youtube channel is hosting a Cozy Mystery Readathon for February. I'm so excited and am participating myself.

Here are the prompts: 

1. Cozy Mystery with food on the cover
2. Cozy mystery by an author you've never read
3. Cozy mystery by an author you've read
4. Cozy mystery on audiobook
5. Cozy mystery with the word "murder" in the title
6. Culinary (cooking) cozy mystery
7. An arts and crafts cozy mystery
8. Paranormal or fantasy cozy mystery
9. A cozy mystery with the prettiest cover

I will have fun with this! How about you? Here is the link to Mr. Francy's video for more information: Im hosting a READATHON in FEBRUARY! - YouTube

Cozy Mystery Releases for February 2022!

 Hey everyone! There are so many great books being released this month. Here are my recommendations:

A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump, published on February 8th

Long Overdue at The Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers, published on February 8th

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower, published on February 22nd

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke, published on February 22nd

Batter Off Dead by Maddie Day, published on February 22nd

Death of a Knit Wit by Peggy Ehrhart, published on February 22nd

Antique Auctions Are Murder by Libby Klein, published on February 22nd

So, if you're in the mood for a mysterious read, try these books. Have Fun!