Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber - 4 Stars!

The annual crossword puzzle contest has drawn contestants to Crystal Cove, and Jenna Hart watches as puzzle-themed books fly off the shelves at the Cookbook Nook. Her aunt Vera is putting up a cash prize, and no one is more surprised than Jenna to discover there’s bad blood between Vera and the puzzle constructor who’s acting as master of ceremonies. And when the puzzle guru has his throat slit while he’s out hiking, the police instantly peg Aunt Vera as the culprit. Can Jenna find the murderer among all of the puzzlers?

This was a great mystery with fun characters and a beautiful seaside setting. I couldn't figure out whodunit and was surprised in the end. I love reading this series and I can't wait until the next installment. Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Mission to Murder by Lynn Cahoon - 5 Stars!

In South Cove, California, Jill Gardner's property might include the remnant of a centuries-old mission worthy of being declared a historical landmark. But Craig Morgan owner of South Cove's most popular tourist spot, The Castle, contests Jill’s claim. When Craig is found murdered shortly after a heated argument with Jill, she becomes the number one suspect. Can she find the culprit before she's arrested for a murder she didn't commit.
I always love reading this mystery series because they are quick reads with wonderful characters, and a plot that keeps me interested throughout the story. I will definitely read another Tourist Trap mystery.

 

Read to Death at the Lakeside Library - 3 Stars!

It's summer at the Lakeside Library and Rain is holding the first meeting of the book club. But things really heat up when one of the members is found dead.
I liked this mystery because the plot kept me guessing, even though it took a while to get to the end. Rain is a wonderful amateur sleuth who tries to stay out of the way of the police and her hunky boyfriend. Julia, her best friend, is another fun character who always finds herself in deep water during their investigations. I can't wait until the next installment in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy.

 

Lemon Curd Killer by Laura Childs- 5 Stars!

Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning has been tapped to host a fancy tea in a genuine lemon orchard as a kickoff to Charleston Fashion Week. But as the scent of lemon wafts among the tea tables, the deadly murder of a fashion designer puts the squeeze on things. As the lemon curd begins to sour, the murdered woman’s daughter begs Theodosia to help find the killer. Can Theodosia and her Tea sommelier Drayton find the culprit before someone else's life is cooked?
I loved this book because it reminded me why I love cozy mysteries. In fact, Death by Darjeeling (the first in this series) was the first cozy I read. The characters are likeable and intelligent, the setting is hauntingly beautiful, and the plot grabs you and makes you want to know whodunit. A superb read!