The Game is a Footnote by Vicki Delany - 5 Stars!

Scarlet House, now a historical re-enactment museum, is the oldest building in West London, Massachusetts. When things start moving around on their own, board members suggest that Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, might be able to get to the bottom of it. Gemma doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she agrees to ‘eliminate the impossible’. But when Gemma and Jayne stumble across a dead body on the property, they’re forced to consider an all too physical threat. Will Gemma and Jayne be able to solve the mystery behind the haunted museum, or will they be the next to haunt it?
This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery, and I couldn't put it down. Gemma was a reluctant sleuth in this story, but she was very smart and resourceful. I love how she observes everything and comes up with the answers. I can't wait until the next Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery! Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Baby-sitters' Fright Night by Ann M. Martin - 3 Stars!

 

When the Baby-sitters visit Salem, they learn the mystery of the Witch's Eye, a famous diamond that has been stolen from a local museum. When they launch an investigation, they fear they have become cursed.
This was my first foray into the Baby-sitters' Club books. And it was a great story and kept me interested in finding out about the stolen diamond. The main characters were very likable. The only problem was that there were too many of them. It became confusing, and I couldn't tell the difference between some of the main characters.

Dead and Berried by Karen MacInerney - 4 Stars!

 

Developers have returned to Cranberry Island, and they're planning to wipe out a natural cranberry bog to build a luxury subdivision. Natalie Barnes isn't sweet on the idea of commercial interests souring their cozy oasis, but the innkeeper has other problems: a withering relationship with her best friend Charlene, the sudden appearance of her ex-fiancé with a tempting proposal, and eerie bumps in the night. Worst of all, there's a killer on the loose. When Charlene's lover is stabbed to death, Natalie promises to find the murderer for her heartbroken friend, who's also the number-one suspect.

This was a great continuation to a series that I've missed. Natalie is a great cozy character because she's independent, resourceful, and intelligent. The plot is engrossing and enthralling, I couldn't stop turning the pages. Cranberry Island is a great mysterious setting that seems, at times, like another character in the story. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

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!