The Plot and the Pendulum by Jenn McKinlay - 5 Stars!

Library director Lindsey Norris is happy to learn the Briar Creek Public Library is the beneficiary of the Dorchester family’s vast book collection. When Lindsey and the library staff arrive at the estate to gather the books, one of the bookcases reveals a secret passage, leading to a room where a skeleton is found, clutching an old copy of The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe. Can Lindsey find out the truth behind the skeleton?
This was a fantastic story. I loved the atmospheric creepy vibe of it. The main character is very likeable and intelligent. The plot was very intriguing, and I stayed up late to finish this whodunit. I will continue to read this series.

 

Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs - 4 stars!

Theodosia Browning’s Honey Bee Tea was an elegant affair set in Charleston’s new Petigru Park amid native grasses and a community beekeeping project. But when a phony beekeeper shows up and sprays toxic smoke at the guests, the party erupts in chaos. Worse yet, a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground—dead. Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, is heartbroken. When the police don’t seem to have a clue, Holly begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery’s good name. Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton. But the investigation becomes a hot potato following a second murder. Can Theo find the truth before she's next to be murdered?
This was another great mystery by one of my favorite mystery authors. I love Theodosia, and how her sassiness and intelligence helps her solve mysteries. She always seems to outwit the local police and her detective boyfriend. I love reading about South Carolina, and all of the wonderful, charming places that I hope one day to visit. I honestly wish there was an Indigo Tea Shop, because I would definitely love to meet Drayton, Theodosia and Haley. I was surprised who the culprit was in the end. I will definitely read more from this series.

 

A Match To Fool Society by Laura Martin - 3 Stars!

Jane Ashworth dreams of being an author, yet society insists she become a debutante. Jane finds an unlikely ally in notorious rake Tom Stewart. As a new guardian to his nephew, Tom is out of his depth and intent on remaining a bachelor. They agree to fool society with a pretend courtship, but both are unprepared when the lines of their agreement start to become blurred.
This was a good romance, but I didn't really feel there was a romantic connection between the two main characters. The plot was OK, I just felt there should have been more excitement or suspense. I always love historical London as a setting. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this this advanced reader's copy. This review contains my unbiased opinion.

 

Snuffed Out by Valona Jones - 1 Star!

30-year-old fraternal twins Tabby and Sage Winslow own The Book and Candle Shop in Savannah. Sage is hot-headed and impulsive while Tabby is calm and collected, making them the perfect partnership. When one of their customers is found murdered, from a blow to the head, that partnership is put to the test.
Being a lover of cozy mysteries, I wanted to find a great new series with some paranormal attributes. But I'm sorry to say, this isn't it. First, the characters. Although I liked the main character a lot, I didn't like her sister. She seemed a little mean. Whenever I read a piece of fiction, I suspend my belief somewhat. This novel stretched that to the limit. The characters relied too much on their paranormal gifts instead of using common sense and their intelligence. It's hard for me to believe that these characters can make themselves invisible on a whim. When I question whether I even want to continue reading a story, I know that it's time to stop. To me, life is too short to read something that doesn't appeal to me. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Against The Currant by Olivia Matthews - 4 Stars!

Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, Lyndsay Murray is opening Spice Isle Bakery with her family, and it’s everything she’s ever wanted. The only thing getting a rise out of Lyndsay is Claudio Fabrizi, a disgruntled fellow bakery owner who does not want any competition. On opening day, he comes into the bakery threatening to shut them down. Fed up, Lyndsay takes him to task in front of what seems to be the whole neighborhood. So, when Claudio turns up murdered Lyndsay is the prime suspect. To get the scent of suspicion off her and her bakery, Lyndsay has to prove she’s innocent.
This story was a great Introduction to a wonderful new cozy mystery series. I love the Caribbean food and the vibe of the setting/bakery. Lindsay is a likable character and uses her intelligence and her wits to solve the mystery. I also like her relationship with her family. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Her Best Friend's Brother by Yahrah St. John - 4 Stars!

When travel blogger Wynter Barrington’s wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her best friend's brother. And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn’t do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she’s not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her best friend on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?
I really liked this sweet romance. The characters were well described and likeable. I loved the peek into their lives and their desires. But I wanted more in the story, I felt that more could've been written. I want to read the rest of the series to find out what happened next. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this advanced reader's copy.