Book Review!

 

Murder on Parade by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cabot Cove residents are pulling out all the stops for their 4th of July celebration. But during the big event, there is tension too. Joseph Lennon, a very successful businessman, has relocated to Cabot Cove and is funding a big fireworks show and rock concert. Many in town don't like him throwing his wealth and power around to get things done his way. When Mr. Lennon's body is found, Jessica has a long list of potential suspects.
I loved reading this cozy mystery based on my favorite show of all time. The characters are reminiscent of the ones from the show but with minor changes. For instance, Jessica, who never drove a car, has her pilot’s license. These changes don’t take away from the essence of the characters. The plot was very entertaining and I was surprised by the identity of the culprit in the end. I will definitely read more from this series.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1923, Saffron Everleigh, a research assistant at the University College in London, attends a dinner party. She’s shocked when one of the professors’ wives drops to the floor, and is found to be poisoned. Now, Saffron has to find the truth before the wrong professor goes behind bars forever.
This is a very good mystery. Saffron is a very likeable character who strives to make it in a male-dominated world. She’s driven by the love and previous work of her father. The historical setting was very interesting to read about. I liked the plot, although it seemed drawn out and a little boring at times. It’s definitely not a cozy due to some violent scenes. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

A Deadly Deletion by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2021. Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-boyfriend, police chief Grant Baker. Tricia's got some serious thinking to do. Suddenly Marshall is hit by a white pickup truck as he walks across the street and is killed. Grieving, Tricia walks Angelica’s dog and the same truck just misses hitting her. When she finds out that Marshall was a part of the Federal Witness Protection Program and everything he told her was a lie, can Tricia find the truth before the killer succeeds in his attempts on her life?
This was a great cozy mystery full of action and mayhem. Tricia is a strong character who has weathered so many ups and downs, and still comes out on top. It’s inspiring. I loved reading about the bookstore day-to-day activities. It gave the mystery its coziness. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. When the culprit was revealed, I was surprised and dismayed. I didn’t like who the murderer was, the character was one I liked. I will continue to read this series.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Peril at Pennington Manor by Tracy Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Aunt Midge’s friendship with Nicholas Pennington, the Duke of Valle Charme, Avery Ayers and her associates at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised are cataloguing and appraising the contents of a castle-like mansion on the Hudson River. But mayhem ensues when a Viktor Petrova timepiece disappears, and housekeeper Suzanne Vick plummets from a parapet to her death. Then, Avery, and her team discover that many of the duke’s most priceless heirlooms have been replaced by fakes. With Detective Art Smith by her side, can Avery find the culprit before someone else is killed?
This was a great cozy mystery with lots of scenic charm. I loved reading about the mansion with all of the rooms and secret doorways. The author’s descriptions made it easy for me to envision the place. Avery was a very charming, and likeable amateur sleuth. She was fun to read about. The plot was excellent, with clues and red herrings that made it hard to figure out the identity of the culprit. I will definitely read more of this mystery series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Grilling the Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2017. As the Wild West Extravaganza rides into Crystal Cove, California, Cookbook Nook store owner Jenna Hart is ready to indulge her appetite for grilled and barbecued treats. But when the body of one of her father’s neighbors is found smoldering in a bonfire, Jenna needs to find the culprit before her father is the next victim.
This was a great cozy mystery with dozens of delicious food ideas. I loved all of the wonderful community events, and how the different businesses get involved in the celebration. Jenna and her family and friends are fun. Every time I read one of these stories, I feel like I’m visiting old friends. The plot was very clever, and I couldn’t figure out the identity of the culprit. I can’t wait to read another Cookbook Nook mystery.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lucy and Connor moved into a house full of secrets and old family drama. When they find a man’s dead body, will Lucy discover the motive for the murder before she’s next on the list?
When I read a cozy mystery, I want to feel the “coziness” while trying to figure out the mystery. I really didn’t get that feeling. This mystery had a very creepy vibe, and it seemed somewhat intense throughout the book. I also felt a little disconnected from the main character until midway through the story. The plot was very compelling, and I was surprised by the reveal at the end. I will continue reading the rest of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

The Diva Says Cheesecake! by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Old Town’s midsummer events are getting a tasty addition this year. To coincide with a public performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Bobbie Sue Bodoin, the Queen of Cheesecake, has hired Sophie Winston, to organize a dinner with a dessert buffet on the waterfront. Bobbie Sue has only one menu demand: no cheesecake! But her specialty isn’t the only thing missing from the evening, Bobbie Sue’s husband, Tate is not attending the festivities either. But when Tate’s dead body is found, Bobbie Sue states her innocence, and begs for Sophie’s help finding the real killer. Can Sophie find the murderer before another body is found?
This cozy mystery was a tasty edition to my reading list. I loved reading about all the wonderful food created by the main character. I enjoyed reading about Sophie, and how she uses her intelligence to thwart the culprit. I tried to figure out the killer’s identity, and was fooled, and delightedly surprised at the end. This series is one of my favorites, and I recommend it to mystery lovers. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2018. When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide. Then, the driver of the stolen car turns up dead. Can Lindsay discover who the culprit is before her life is threatened?
I absolutely loved this cozy mystery. Lindsay is a very likeable sleuth. She’s honest, kind and resourceful. I love reading about her adventures. I also love reading about her work in the library and her friends and coworkers she sees there. The mystery was ingeniously written, it had so many twists and red herrings. I couldn’t turn the pages any faster. The romantic subplot was sweet. I will be reading more from this series.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2009. Tricia Miles, owner of Haven’t a Clue mystery bookstore, in Stoneham, New Hampshire, has had enough of Pammy Fredericks. She has known her since college. But after Pammy stole $100, Tricia kicks her out. Later that day, Tricia finds Pammy dead in a dumpster. Can she find out why Pammy was killed? This was a fun cozy mystery with a bunch of interesting suspects, and clues that kept me thinking that I figured it out. Tricia, and her sister Angelica are fun to read about. I loved how romance played a part in this story. It lightened the mood of the book and the characters. I felt sad with what some of the characters needed to do to survive economically. Even though it happens in real life, I wish it wasn’t in the story. I will definitely continue reading this series.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a savvy businessman posing as his twin and an oil baron’s niece battle over a family farm sparks fly. Can these two find a way to be together amidst lies, manipulation, and deception?
I really liked this contemporary romance. The characters were unique. The hero seemed open to romance and had a “forever” mentality that I wish happened a lot in real life. It seemed that the heroine was the one who, I felt, was apprehensive with the concept of the relationship. The plot was good. It had enough shenanigans and suspense to keep me interested. The one thing that I didn’t like was the cursing. There are so many other words in the English language that an author could use. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake publishing for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Bed, Breakfast & Bones by Carolyn L. Dean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2016. Amanda Graham inherits a rundown bed and breakfast in Ravenwood Cove, Oregon. As she starts to remodel her new home and business, a workman finds a dead guy buried in her garden. Her deceased uncle is named a suspect. And the mayor rezones her property for residential use only. Can Amanda figure out what happened, and fix her problems with the mayor before she loses everything?
This was a fantastic first book in a cozy mystery series that I will continue reading. I loved the characters; they were fun to read about and memorable. The plot was thoroughly puzzling and engrossing. I wanted to continue reading, and was sad when I read the last page. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fun read.

View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Fudging the Books by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2015. Pirate Week is sweeping through Crystal Cove and keeping Jenna Hart busy. But she’s not too swamped to host the local Chocolate Cookbook Club’s meeting, especially because the guest of honor is her friend and cookbook author Coco Chastain. Jenna whips up a delicious event amidst the festivities, but the mood is broken when a dead body is found. Coco’s editor, Alison is murdered. When Coco is accused of the crime, Jenna hunts for clues to prove her friend’s innocence.
This was a great cozy mystery filled with the ambiance of a pirate festival on the California coast. This author has a knack for describing the setting and I felt that I was there right next to Jenna. The characters are always fun to read about. Every time I read a story from this series; I feel like I’m visiting old friends. I will definitely read more from this author.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

A Midsummer Night's Fudge by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During the Midsummer Night’s Festival, Allie watches as Winona Higer crowns the festival’s queen. Then, when the fireworks get too much, she decides to take her dog, Mal, home to spare her little ears. On her way back, Allie spots Winona Higer’s dead body in the lake. After Allie’s recruited to sub for the late Winona and serve as parade float judge, she hears rumors and gossip, and learns that threatening notes have been sent to some of the other judges. Her instincts kick in and Allie starts an investigation that becomes way too deadly. Will she find out whodunit before she’s in the killer’s crosshairs.
In my opinion, this was a great cozy mystery because it consists of enjoyable characters, a puzzling plot, a wonderful seaside town that embodies the word “cozy,” and chocolate. The main character is a strong woman who doesn’t let anyone push her around, and she always informs the police about the clues she discovers. The mystery is full of interesting plot twists that made me rethink the solution and surprised me in the end. And I love mysteries that take place in a seaside town because it reminds me of my childhood living near the shore. But, fair warning, all the fudge recipes will make you hungry. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader’s copy of this story. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

A Duke for Diana by Sabrina Jeffries
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Civil engineer Geoffrey Brookhouse has unexpectedly inherited the dukedom of Grenwood. But he has a secret that could ruin his family. Hoping to save his sister, he seeks to marry her off to a respectable gentleman. With the London Season imminent, Geoffrey hires Elegant Occasions to orchestrate her debut. Lady Diana Harper, fashion expert, doesn’t know what to make of the handsome, disheveled duke. She needs to make him more presentable because his fashion faux pas might spoil his sister’s chances. Yet Geoffrey’s stubbornness simply inspires Diana to ruffle his feathers, but what she really wants is to open his heart. Can Diana show Geoffrey the love and trust that his heart desires?
This was a sweet historical romance that showcased a working class that included some people of noble birth. It was a breath of fresh air. I loved how the characters assisted their families and were loyal to them. The romance between the main characters was sweet and evident, it wasn’t rushed. Hearing about the different styles of dress was very interesting. As a woman, I’m glad I don’t have to wear the dresses the women in this story wore. The plot was very sweet, and I believe any historical romance would enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader’s copy of this novel. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

The Problem Child by Michael Buckley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Published in 2006. Sabrina and Daphne Grimm come from a long line of fairy-tale detectives. There is one mystery they want to solve above all others: Who kidnapped their parents? Sabrina finds the secret hideaway of the Scarlet Hand, which is a group of Everafters who are holding her parents captive. When she tries to rescue her mom and dad, she's thwarted by the most famous fairy-tale character in the world. With the help of her little sister and a long-lost relative, Sabrina finds a powerful weapon, but discovers that magic comes at a high price.
This middle grade mystery was very disappointing. Even though the characters were interesting, and the plot was good, it didn't hold my interest. I set the book down for two days and only picked it up to finish it. I also felt there was too much negativity between certain characters. I loved the previous books in this series. This one just fell short in my opinion.

View all my reviews

Cozy Mystery and Romance Books Available in May 2022

There are so many good romance and cozy mystery novels coming out this month. Here are my recommendations:

Remember Me in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk, release date: May 9th

The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood, release date: May 17th

 A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman, release date: May 24th

A Duke for Diana by Sabrina Jeffries, release date: May 24th

A Midsummer Night's Fudge by Nancy Coco, release date: May 24th

Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello, release date: May 31st

The Diva Says Cheesecake! by Krista Davis, release date: May 31st

Happy Reading!

Book Review!

 

A Killer Ending by Karen MacInerney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2020. Recent divorcée Max Sayers has used her life savings to start a new chapter with the purchase of Seaside Cottage Books in Snug Harbor, Maine. The morning after the grand opening, where a famous author showed up at the store with Max's ex-husband, her dog Winston finds a dead man on the beach behind the shop. The murder weapon is one of Max's antique bookends. Will Max solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
I absolutely loved this cozy mystery. I love reading about the state of Maine, and this author showcased what I imagine summers in Maine to be like. The lead character is someone who is accepting change in her life and is stronger for it. She’s starting anew by moving to a new area, building a business and making new connections. She’s one of those characters that inspires me. The plot is wonderfully confounding with many twists that kept me thinking about whodunit. I was surprised by the culprit’s identity. I will definitely read more of this series.

View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Sydney's Boxer by Sumi Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Sydney’s father dies, he leaves her his boxing club, the Youngblood Boxing Club. Her father’s boxing career always made Sydney cringe. She didn’t like seeing her father all beaten up. When a new boxer, Dean, walks into the club, he promises he can win titles and help Sydney save the club from financial ruin. But what happens when love gets in their way?
This was a good sports contemporary romance. Both main characters had flaws and I liked them both. I felt their passion grow organically, and the angst that developed between them from hidden secrets. It made turning the pages and reading to the end much easier. But I wanted more. I felt that something was missing. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy of this story.


View all my reviews