A Literary Killing!

 

The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joseph Cabot is a very wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn Wainwright’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt. Since Joseph’s favorite author is Mark Twain, he’s endorsed the first annual Mark Twain Festival. As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Covington Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. The biggest event is a citywide contest to find someone who looks like Joseph. The two men will trade places for a week as part of a publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs. Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.
This was a great cozy mystery read. I love reading about Brooklyn and Derek, and their exploits catching killers. The mystery was very puzzling, with red herrings that confounded me. I was surprised by the identity of the culprit. The setting, San Francisco, was so wonderfully described that I could envision the Covington Library and the parks. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next one.


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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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Costumes and Murder!

 

A Killing in Costumes by Zac Bissonnette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jay Allan and Cindy Cooper were soap opera stars living as husband and wife until the truth about their sexual orientations came to light. They have remained friends, and together opened Palm Springs’ movie memorabilia store, Hooray for Hollywood. To help boost finances, they meet Yana Tosh, an elderly diva of the silver screen who has a collection of costumes and props and is looking to sell. But Jay and Cindy have some competition, a vice president from a big auction house. When he winds up dead, they become prime suspects. With their freedom and livelihoods on the line, Jay and Cindy need to clear their names before they trade in their vintage costume collection for two orange jumpsuits.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Jay and Cindy are really likeable and are a great team. I think the setting (a memorabilia store in Palm Springs) is very unique and integral in understanding how much the main characters miss their previous occupations. The plot was juicy and kept me thinking until the end. I felt that the change in POV, from Jay to Cindy, was confusing, and thought there should’ve been a chapter or section break to assist in reading. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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A Wedding, Tea and Murder!

 

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catering her childhood friend’s beachfront wedding was a dream come true for Everly Swan and great exposure for her new iced tea shop and café. But when the groom is found floating face down in the surf, the locals of Charm, North Carolina turn their suspicions on his new bride. Everly knows her friend couldn’t be behind the murder, but with clues pointing in several directions, she can’t decide which wedding guest is the most likely culprit. But with a killer on the loose and a feeling that someone is watching her café very closely, Everly knows that if she can’t solve this murder soon, her cake might be iced for good.
This was a fantastic cozy mystery that I didn’t want to end. Everly is a likeable main character who’s creating a new life back in her hometown. She lives next to her wonderfully zany aunts who adore her and keep her on her toes. Then, there’s the handsome detective who gives Everly goosebumps whenever he comes around. I believe the best cozies have a little hint of romance. The plot was a puzzle, and I thought I had it figured out. But I was wrong, and the ending was very satisfying. I will definitely read more from this series.


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Suspense in Sapphire Bay!

 

Falling for You by Leeanna Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After six years of focusing on her career, Natalie Armstrong returns to her grandparents’ cottage in Sapphire Bay. But no one told her that part of the cottage was rented to a handsome man. Gabe Lanigan is a former NYPD detective turned crime writer who is being stalked by someone recreating scenes from his books. Can he protect Natalie without falling for her?
I really wanted to like this romantic suspense more. It had a lot of suspense, but it lacked in the romance department. I didn’t feel any sparks between the two main characters, they never changed their behavior towards one another from the first page to the last. The only difference was that they said, “I love you.” I hope to read more books from this series.


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A Killing in Key West!

 

A Dish to Die For by Lucy Burdette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest magazine, is having lunch with a friend outside of town. Afterwards, she discovers her husband Nathan’s dog, Ziggy, has disappeared. She follows his barking and finds him digging at a shallow grave with a man’s body in it. Davis Jager, a local birdwatcher, identifies him as GG Garcia, a Key West local and developer. When Davis is attacked in the parking lot of a local restaurant after talking to Hayley and her friend, Miss Gloria, Hayley is slowly but surely drawn into the case. Can she find the truth and the culprit?
This cozy mystery was a good read. I liked Hayley and how she worked with her husband and the police to solve the crime. Miss Gloria was the standout character to me, being the wise and wild older friend. I loved the descriptions of Key West, Florida, and it’s now on my list of places I want to visit. The plot was a dastardly diabolical puzzle, and I was surprised in the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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My Recommendations of Cozy Mysteries and Romances released in August!

 There are so many good cozy mysteries and romances being released this month. Here are my recommendations:

A Dish to Die For by Lucy Burdette- publication date: August 9th

A Dark and Stormy Tea by Laura Childs- publication date: August 9th

A Killing in Costumes by Zac Bissonnette- publication date: August 9th

Enchant the Dawn by Amanda Ashley- publication date: August 23rd

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower- publication date: August 23rd

Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley- publication date: August 23rd

A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis- publication date: August 30th

With these books I know that I'll have a great reading month. And I hope that your month is full of great reads!