Apr 10, 2025

Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein book one in A Layla Virtue Mystery series. First in new series by Libby Klein, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for book 2!

Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, 30-something recovering alcoholic and former cop is trying to reinvent herself as a musician—between AA meetings, dodging eccentric neighbors at her trailer park, and reconnecting with her mysterious dad—in this ​unforgettable new mystery brimming with hilarity and heart for readers of Margot Douaihy, Jane Pek, and Darynda Jones.

Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Though try telling that to the group of local ladies who are in relentless pursuit of Layla as their new BFF, determined to make her join them for coffee and donuts.

Meanwhile, since her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s not easy competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer, while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But Layla isn’t in a position to turn down any gig. Which is why she’s at an 8-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last . . .

Who would want to kill a clown—and why? Layla and her unshakable posse are suddenly embroiled in the seedy underbelly of the upper-class world of second wives and trust fund kids, determined to uncover what magnetic hold a pudgy, balding clown had over women who seem to have everything they could ever want. Then again, Layla knows full well that people are rarely quite what they seem—herself included . . .
What a great start to a new cozy mystery series it was engaging, really well-written, and set in Potomac, Virginia. As most of my friends know I’m a fan girl of Libby’s books and I can see this series becoming another favourite.

I loved the character of Layla with all her faults and insecurities plus her new friends and who can forget Ringo

The mystery had lots of twists and turns with plenty of suspects who wanted the victim dead. I didn’t suspect the killer at all!

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Apr 1, 2025

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence, #1)A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I deviated from my usual reading preferences to dive into "A River Enchanted", a fantasy novel infused with Scottish folklore as it was our March book club pick. This book shattered my expectations with its exquisite writing, enthralling storyline, and captivating characters.

The author had me hooked from the first chapter as she masterfully weaves a tale that seamlessly blends fantasy and folklore, creating a rich and immersive world. There were several wonderful characters in the story but I did love Adaira and Jack the most. Adaira and Jack's journeys are expertly crafted, that you couldn’t help becoming invested in their stories. Their complexities and vulnerabilities make them relatable and endearing.

Upon finishing "A River Enchanted", I immediately ordered the second book and can’t wait to read it tomorrow night. The cliffhanger ending left me eager to discover what's next for Adaira and Jack.

If you're a fan of fantasy, folklore, or simply exceptional storytelling, "A River Enchanted" is a must-read. Be prepared to be enchanted by this captivating series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own

View all my reviews


Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog! I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers. Hugs,

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Mar 29, 2025

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin” is the 8th instalment in the "Death By Chocolate" mystery series by Sarah Graves.
One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, The Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .

Decorations of cobwebs and creatures have blanketed the Eastport’s picaresque houses as the community celebrates Halloween and enjoys the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Browne’s ramshackle mansion known as Stone House. The star of the home repair TV show, Hands On With Hank, and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just in time to witness Hank fall to his death from the house’s widow’s walk.

Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.

And neither does Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a scorned girlfriend, a school bully, and an estranged wife among them. Did any of them dress up as killer this Halloween, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?

I enjoy this series set in the village of Eastport, Maine and really like protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie. Plus I love her family especially Bella.  There was lots of excitement this go around with a haunted mansion, celebrity DIY host and a scared teenager…

There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book was engaging from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the very start.

 I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 






Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends, Today I am reviewing Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein book one in A Layla Virtue Mystery series.  First in new series b...