Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney - 5 stars!

Herbalist Nora Asquith is delighted to open Ravensea Castle as a bed and breakfast in the village of Monkwell, Yorkshire. When Hilda Dibble, a local luminary, is found dead in the garden, Nora’s business is not only at risk, but she’s a prime suspect. Hilda had opposed the hotel plan, and although she didn’t succeed in stopping it, her disagreements with Nora only further her motive. One of the guests happens to be Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, who is new and finds himself with a murder case in his lap. Nora and her sister Tamsyn decide to investigate. They decide to look into the entangled dealings of their guests. Can Nora and Tamsyn get to the bottom of this mystery while keeping their new business afloat?

I loved this paranormal cozy mystery. The main character seemed extremely smart and capable. I loved her knowledge of herbs and herbal remedies. There were many different foods described that whet my appetite and made me hungry. I would've loved to sit at one of the dinners described in the castle. The setting was both cozy and mysterious, and the paranormal activity was light enough to not be disturbing. I think there were an adequate number of red herrings and suspects to keep me guessing, and I was surprised with the identity of the culprit. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah - 3 Stars!

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought cocktails would be served with her food. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners for the dearly departed. She also discovers abilities to connect with the beyond, which helps her find murderers. Now, she's heading for a haunted Scottish castle where an annual bagpipe competition is being held. As Bunny and her costars hunt for the ghost piper, they hear a scuffle and a body is found at the bottom of the cliff. Can Bunny find the killer before he vanishes into thin air?

This was a very interesting cozy mystery. Even though there was a major paranormal element, I liked that the main character solved the mystery without relying too much on her extrasensory perception. All of the characters were fun to read about and helped move the plot along. The plot dragged in a few spots and made it hard to continue reading until the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Death at the Door by Olivia Blacke - 4 Stars!

Ruby Young is adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her roommate—the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment. They’re both happy they’ve become friends. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job. But, when Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, Cordelia is hesitant to start an investigation for fear that Ruby will be hurt or worse. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light.

This was a good cozy mystery, and the characters were very unique. I felt the author was very imaginative with the rules she put on the ghost characters. It lent a bit of suspense when the ghost character had to do something, not knowing whether she was going to be hurt or there was going to be a consequence for it. I felt that the plot was a little drawn out with some dull moments in the middle of the story. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Tell-Tale Treats by Jennifer J. Chow - 4 Stars!

A group of high school alumnae reunite and reserve rooms at the Pixie Inn for an extended retreat. As part of their pampering package, Felicity Jin delivers a scrumptious assortment of enchanted pastries, including her new almond cookies. But the queen bee of the group is soon found dead in her bathroom after sampling the baked goods. Could Felicity’s almond cookies have set off a fatal nut allergy?

I usually don't go for paranormal mysteries, but this one is a sweet one. Not only because of all the juicy desserts described in the story, but because of the characters and their relationship to each other. It's just so sweet how the amateur sleuth relates to the detective in this story. The animal sidekicks in this story also made me giggle because they were integral in the mystery, yet at first glance, seemed innocuous. If you want a cozy mystery with a little bit of magic, look no further than this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Possibility Wing by Cindy Kirk - 5 Stars!

When librarian Cora Summerbell returns to GraceTown, she expects only a quiet reset. Instead, she discovers a forgotten wing in the old Carnegie Library, shelves lined with mysterious books that reveal the alternate lives she might have lived. Each volume draws her deeper into a spellbinding blend of romance, and what-if possibilities. But the more she explores these other destinies, the more she begins to understand the truth buried in them. The life she’s meant to live is still waiting for her to claim it.

This is a very interesting romance. Cora was a woman at a crossroads in her life, and she felt like she had no direction. That's what sets up the theme and the gist of this story. Every choice we make changes our lives, for the good or for the bad. We must be conscious enough to understand that and to choose wisely. I have said this before; Cindy Kirk is a clever author who has these lessons wrapped up in a gorgeous romance and a beautiful setting. Her writing draws you in and you can't let go until the end of the story. Thank you, Ms. Kirk, for granting me the honor of reading this wonderful romance. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Death on Dickens Island by Allison Brook - 5 Stars!

 

Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, an island in the Long Island Sound. She’s looking forward to helping revitalize her family's general store as well as curating a small book nook. Plus, she wants to reunite with her teenage son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers. Delia’s Aunt Reenie and Uncle Brad, both community leaders, are at odds over the sale of a farm and its future use. When a young woman, new to the town council and friendly with Brad, is found murdered, everything escalates and reaches a new boiling point. With Reenie and Brad both suspects in the case, the townspeople start to take sides. When her grandmother's ghost visits her, Delia learns how past events have impacted the present and it is up to her to expose the farm’s sordid secrets and catch a murderer.

This was a great start to a wonderful new cozy mystery series. Allison Brook has the right formula to keep a reader satisfied until the very end of the story. Delia is a fabulous amateur sleuth who uses her smarts and observations to help solve a mystery that is affecting her community and her family. Being originally from Long Island, I love the setting because it reminds me of home. Delia's grandmother's ghost is an intriguing side character who helps guide Delia with her investigation. The plot was engrossing and made for a satisfying read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah - 4 Stars!

Lindsey Bakewell’s lighthouse bakeshop in Beacon Harbor, Michigan, is hosting a celebrity cookbook author from the UK, British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry. Ms. Lemonberry is trying to renew her career after several scandals. When Lindsey finds her dead body, she realizes that the scandals may have followed her across the pond. Can Lindsey find the true culprit?

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery filled with delicious food and dastardly characters. Lindsay is a great amateur sleuth with a penchant for finding dead bodies. All of the side characters and suspects were interesting, and I wasn't able to figure out whodunit. I was surprised when the murderer was revealed in the end. The paranormal aspect was not at all scary but just be warned there is a ghost. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next one in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Booked on Murder by Allison Brook - 5 Stars!

Carrie Singleton's wedding to Dylan Avery is just a few weeks away. But then a body is found on the lawn of their wedding venue. The victim is Billy Carpenter, a man recently released from prison after serving time for a bank robbery. The police believe Billy’s two alleged co-conspirators, Luke Rizzo and Tino Valdez killed him, and are looking for the money. But then Luke is murdered and Tino is nowhere to be found. With no leads and a week to go before her big day, Carrie is hunting for clues. She hopes to wrap up this investigation before she and Dylan tie the knot.
This story saddens me because it's the last one in a wonderful series that I have enjoyed immensely. As soon as I read that the main character was getting married, I had a feeling of doom because that usually means that the series is coming to an end. I have loved the characters, I have enjoyed the plots, and the settings have made me want to discover and travel to that area of the country. I will always recommend this series but I'm still sad and a little annoyed. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Sign of Four Spirits by Vicki Delany - 3 Stars!

When Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, attends a séance, she finds herself banned and shown the door. Curious, she listens in from outside the room. Gemma hears a voice cut off, a cry for help, and a scream. Gemma bursts into the library to see that someone has collapsed on the table and was murdered. The windows are all locked, and Gemma was guarding the only door. Someone in this room is a killer. But who?
This cozy mystery was very entertaining and had some twists and turns that kept me turning the pages until the culprit was revealed in the end. Gemma Doyle is a great sleuth who's intelligent and observant and when asked to help in this investigation, shows the police that she's up for the challenge. The side characters are fun to read about, and I loved the romantic subplot. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott - 3 Stars!

Shay Myers, proprietor of Crystals and CuriousiTEAS on the Monterey Peninsula, is in trouble when a customer dies after having her tea leaves read. Can Shay's extrasensory perception help her find the truth before an innocent person gets charged with murder?
This was a very good and intelligent cozy mystery full of interesting facts about crystals and herbs. The plot was very intriguing, but I felt that Shay used her ESP to deduce who the killer was, instead of using her intelligence, or her observational skills. I felt that the pacing was slow, and the ending was drawn out. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

The Note Keeper by Cindy Kirk - 5 stars!

Taylor Higgs’ dad always promised that he would always be a guiding force in her life. During her childhood, he frequently wrote her notes of encouragement. After his death, Taylor is in need of some guidance. Then, mysterious notes start appearing in her father's coat. With each message, Taylor finds herself piecing together not just her grief but also her path forward. She discovers strength, resilience, and the power of love to guide her through life's darkest moments.

This was another great story by, in my opinion, one of the best storytellers of our time. Cindy Kirk weaves a wonderfully romantic and mysterious plot around characters that are likable and charming but with problems and flaws that make them relatable. If you want a feel-good romance, look no further.

 

The Youth Elixir by Cindy Kirk - 5 Stars!

At ninety-two, Matilda knows she has reached a time when there are more days behind her than ahead. And that’s okay. Surrounded by beloved friends, she’s grateful for every day. Still, listening to others plan their futures, Til can’t help but imagine, what if? What if she had left Grace Town? What if she had married and had children? What if she had pursued her passions, rather than focusing on bettering the lives of those around her? An encounter with a mysterious stranger offers Til a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a chance to start over and begin anew as a young woman. Til has been many things in life, but never a risk-taker…until now.
There are certain people in this world who have a gift, a gift of showing people the true meaning of life and love through the words they speak or the words they write. Mrs. Cindy Kirk Is one of those people with this gift. Reading her work will make you think, make you feel, and make you experience what is truly wonderful about life. Whenever I feel low, stressed or overwhelmed, I pick up one of her books and I feel better by the end.
The characters in this book are fun to read about. The plot of this book is wondrous, as the town it's set in. Strange things happen in Grace Town, and I can't wait until the next installment to this wonderful series.

 

Books and Bribes by Lucinda Race - 4 stars!

In Pembroke Cove, Maine, everyone has something to hide. When bookstore owner Lily Michaels takes a tumble and hits her head, her cat Milo starts talking to her, and she discovers she’s a witch. When her aunt is accused of murdering the librarian, can Lily find the truth while discovering her new talents?
I really liked this story because it was an easy fun read. The characters were likeable. The plot was intriguing, and there was a smattering of interesting suspects. The one thing that annoyed me was that the main character was able to use her new talents to help save her during the climax. It seemed the resolution came too easily.

 

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.

 

Murder, She Wrote: The Ghost and Mrs. Fletcher by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain and Renee Paley-Bain- 5 Stars!

Jessica’s friend, Eve Simpson, the town’s real estate agent, has recently taken on the task of selling one of Cabot Cove’s oldest properties, the Spencer Percy House. Its current occupant, Cliff Cooper is convinced he’s about to die and wants the house sold so he can give the proceeds to his grandson. But Eve’s got quite a challenge on her hands. Not only is the building in deplorable physical condition, it's also rumored to be haunted. When Cliff passes away, Dr. Seth Hazlitt is not so sure the man died of natural causes. As Jessica tries to get to the bottom of Cliff Cooper’s death, a medium hired by Eve attempts to rid the house of the alleged apparition. But if Jessica isn’t careful, she may be the one who joins the ranks of the dearly departed.
I loved this story because it reminds me about the wonderful TV show. It was fun to read about the characters, and the plot was puzzling. I couldn't figure out whodunit and was surprised when the truth was revealed. I love this series and will continue to read it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Murder, She Wrote.

 

Vampires and Witches, Oh My!

 

Enchant the Dawn by Amanda Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a mysterious man rescues Madison Bainbridge from a random attack, she sees only his broad shoulders, his gray eyes, and his kindness. But as she gets to know him, Madison realizes that he’s keeping secrets. Vampire Dominic Falconer wanted nothing more than a few weeks in New Orleans. He didn’t expect his intense feelings for Maddy, or for his enemies to take advantage of the situation.
This was a great vampire paranormal romance filled with interesting characters, and a plot that kept me interested until the last page. Madison was a very likeable heroine, although she was a little naïve, at times. Dominic was the alpha hero, who was into protecting Madison at all costs. The romance seemed a little convoluted and quick. This story included vampires, witches and spellcasting. There was mild violence, which mostly included biting. I recommend this story to readers of paranormal romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Zebra for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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