The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing ”The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols” by Nicholas Meyer. I enjoyed this book and plan on eventually reading the first one.

With the international bestseller The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, Nicholas Meyer brought to light a previously unpublished case of Sherlock Holmes, as recorded by Dr. John H. Watson. Now Meyer returns with a shocking discovery—an unknown case drawn from a recently unearthed Watson journal.

January 1905: Holmes and Watson are summoned by Holmes' brother Mycroft to undertake a clandestine investigation. An agent of the British Secret Service has been found floating in the Thames, carrying a manuscript smuggled into England at the cost of her life. The pages purport to be the minutes of a meeting of a secret group intent on nothing less than taking over the world.

Based on real events, the adventure takes the famed duo—in the company of a bewitching woman—aboard the Orient Express from Paris into the heart of Tsarist Russia, where Holmes and Watson attempt to trace the origins of this explosive document. On their heels are desperate men of unknown allegiance, determined to prevent them from achieving their task. And what they uncover is a conspiracy so vast as to challenge Sherlock Holmes as never before.

I found the story to be slow moving at first but I eventually got into it. Overall I enjoyed it and found it to be an intriguing read that I would recommend to Sherlock fans.  

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Fatal Roots by Sheila Connelly

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing ”Fatal Roots” the 8th instalment in “A County Cork Mystery” series by Sheila Connelly.   I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have purchased a few of the previous books.

Some secrets are too big to stay buried...

A few months ago, Boston expat Maura Donovan was rekindled with her mother after more than twenty years of absence. Since then, Maura has been getting accustomed to Irish living, complete with an inherited house and a pub named Sullivan's. But now, her mother has returned--and she's brought Maura's half-sister in tow. To make matters more confusing, a handful of Cork University students are knocking on Maura's door asking about a mystical fairy fort that happens to be located on Maura's piece of land.

The lore indicates that messing with the fort can cause bad luck, and most everyone is telling Maura not to get too involved for fear of its powers, but Maura is curious about her own land, and she definitely doesn't buy into the superstition. Then one of the students disappears after a day of scoping out the fort on Maura's property.

Maura treads carefully, asking the folks around town who might have an idea, but no one wants anything to do with these forts. She has to take matters into her own hand--it's her land, after all. But when she uncovers a decades-old corpse buried in the center of the fort, nothing is for certain.

Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily so it can be read as a stand alone.  I really enjoyed it and have since purchased a few other books in the series.

The protagonist Maura is a strong, independent woman who is finding out who she is and where her family came from. The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them. The town of Leap in County Cork is interesting, and the author brought the area to life with her descriptions. 

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there are plenty of twists and turns in this story. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on who the body was right to the very end. There is also the secondary story of Maura and her mother Helen, along with half sister Susan and where it is heading. Overall the story moves at a steady pace, but I did take longer to finish than normal and I’m not sure if that was to do with the holidays.

I recommend this book to all my mystery lover friends, and plan on buying the complete series.

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

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Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber

Hello my cozy friends,

Happy Boxing Day! I am forgoing the sales to read and relax at home with all the furbabies. (will post next week about the new additions to our family)

Today I am reviewing "Fan Mail" the 2nd instalment in the “An Aspen Adams” Suspense series by Daryl Wood Gerber. If you haven’t read Desolate Shores yet, you can read as a standalone.

Fan Mail: An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An adoring fan and a string of murders: a demented show of love that leaves no one safe . . .

Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer.

Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I thought all the characters were well developed. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

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A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “A Field Guide to Homicide” the 6th instalment in the Cat Latimer mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. As always I found this story to be a quick and enjoyable read. I love this series and was super happy to get an Advanced Readers Copy.

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat Latimer and her writer’s retreat group go on a hiking trip—but a murderer has been lurking off the beaten path . . .

Cat’s sweetheart, Seth, is going all out on an outing into the local mountains—for the benefit of the writing group Cat’s hosting at her Colorado B&B. But when they try to identify some plant and animal life, they find death instead. The body belongs to a man with a gold claim a few miles away. Instead of striking it rich, he’s been struck down.

To his surprise, Seth recognizes the victim from his military days—and up to now believed he’d already died during his last tour of duty. Now Cat has to solve this mystery before the killer takes a hike . . .

I love the main set of characters Cat, Shauna, Seth and Uncle Pete they feel like family/friends. The characters are well developed and interesting. One thing I like about this series is that we get a look at writing as a profession and what authors have to do to get published.

I was pulled in from the very beginning and didn’t stop till the end. The mystery was well plotted and moved along at an even pace. There are only a few suspects for the murder and you find yourself second guessing on who the murder can be. Overall I found this to be a great story.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

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

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Address For Murder by Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Address for Murder by Tonya Kappes.

Address For Murder by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Address for a murder is the second instalment in the Mail Carrier Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I loved returning to Sugar Creek Gap Kentucky and finding out what’s been happening with Bernadette, Mac, the Front Porch Ladies and we can’t forget Rowena.

Mail Carrier Bernadette Butler makes sure she checks on all of her elderly customers on her mail carrier route during the colder months. It makes her feel good and lets face it, she's trying to keep her mind off the feelings she's having for her deceased husband's best friend, Mac Tabor. Which makes putting everyone before her is easy.

Until she notices one particular customer's dog (Buster) is on the loose, Bernadette takes the dog back and something isn't right. The door is open. Bernadette goes in to check on her customer only to find him murdered!

Bernadette knows someone knows something about the murder in the small knit community. Now that she's help solve one murder, she can't resist to try her hand at it again...of course not without the help of the FRONT PORCH LADIES and Vince!

I enjoyed this instalment so much, it was even better than the first Stamped Out! Tonya Kappes has done it again writing another fantastic mystery series with characters I love and want to get to know better. I love that Bernadette aka Bernie is in her 50’s I can relate to her and life’s situations easier ("We can't help it if we are old and can't sleep.")

I always know that if I need to escape for a little while that I can pick up one of Tonya’s books and be transported into a town with people I want as neighbors and friends. The stories are well written, filled with humour, compassion and a little murder.

There were just enough suspects, twists and turns to keep me guessing and not wanting to put the book down! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Silent Knit, Deadly Knit

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Silent Knit, Deadly Knit by Peggy Ehrhart.

Silent Knit, Deadly Knit by Peggy Ehrhart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Silent Knit, Deadly Knit is the 4th instalment in the “ A Knit & Nibble” Mystery by Peggy Ehrhart. I like this series and enjoyed this book.

When murder silences the Christmas cheer in charming Arborville, New Jersey, Pamela and her Knit and Nibble pals must unravel the most bone-chilling mystery this side of the North Pole . . .

Pamela has been in merry spirits since her artsy daughter Penny returned home from college for the holidays. But their mother-daughter bonding time gets cut short when a terrified Penny stumbles upon the dumped body of Millicent Farthingale, a wealthy craft shop owner who was popular for all the wrong reasons. From a scheming business partner to a seedy husband several years her junior, Millicent attracted scammers so in love with her assets, they’d toss her down a chimney to get their paws on them. Now, with only a hand-knit red scarf connecting the killer to the crime, Pamela and the Knit and Nibblers could use some extra creativity as they find out who’s really naughty or nice in Arborville—because going up against a looming culprit is DIY or die!

The cast of characters are likable and I enjoy the friendship between Pamela and her neighbours Wilfred and Bettina. The mystery seemed to not be the main focus of this book but rather on the characters. The mystery was good, lots of twists and turns and red herrings which kept me guessing till the end. I wouldn't say this is a fast read like some of the cozies I read but one I read over several days.

I look forward to reading the next installment.

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

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An Incantation of Cats by Clea Simon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Incantation of Cats the 2nd book in the “A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery” series by Clea Simon. It can be read as a stand-alone but I found myself wondering what happened in the first book. I have now purchased it and hope to be all caught up.

An Incantation of Cats by Clea Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When two new clients seek Becca’s professional services, the fledgling witch detective is overjoyed. Finally, she can use her skills to help her magical community. But as the young witch finds the new cases intertwining, things grow more complicated. Becca’s three cats – the ones with the real power – can smell something is wrong with these clients. But not even Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful and poisonous root appears – and disappears – in the case. To make matters worse, Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she can’t tell them about an unsettling interaction she’s had with one of the client’s sisters. Is it possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines? What does that mean for Clara’s beloved Becca – and for the potent poison that has already taken one person’s life? In this second Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, Clara and her sisters must learn to work together if they are to save the person they all love.

I enjoyed the setting of Cambridge , along with Becca’s BFF Maddy who tried to keep her out of trouble. The story is told from the cats perspective and I enjoyed that. I found the secondary story was to do with true friendship and how no matter what they stick by you. In the case of the cats it was siblings who learn that no matter what squabbles they have they will always have your back. Clara the chubby calico was the center of the story as she discovered her true abilities as well as trying to protect her person and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!

The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.

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

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Unboxing Tonya Kappes December Cozy Mystery box

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am showing the Cozy Mystery Box I received from Tonya Kappes!

I loved it so much I ordered the February box!

 
If you are interested in getting the next box which I think will be April, sign up for Tonya's newsletter.

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Potions Are for Pushovers

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Potions are for Pushovers” the 2nd instalment in the “An Eleanor Wilde Mystery” series by Tamara Berry. I was able to read as a stand-alone easily but recommend you read Seances Are for Suckers first.

Potions Are for Pushovers by Tamara Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It may have been a ghost that led Eleanor Wilde to set up shop in a quaint English village. But now that she’s established herself as the town witch, Ellie’s contentedly casting spells on anyone desperate enough—or gullible enough—to request her mysterious potions…

Selling mystical elixirs and tantalizing tonics is a pretty good way for a fake medium to earn a living. Or at least it’s Ellie’s main source of income—until a villager turns up dead. The cause? Murder by poisoning. And though Ellie’s concoctions don’t include anything worthy of a skull and crossbones, suddenly she’s the prime suspect. Her only recourse is to find the culprit who did do away with Sarah Blackthorne. No one liked the mean old battle-axe. But did anyone hate her enough to kill her?

It’s enough of a mystery to make Ellie hang up her witch’s hat and take millionaire beau Nicholas Hartford up on his offer to keep her afloat. Except Ellie is not the kind of woman to lean on a man—least of all a man she adores but whose place in her life is uncertain. Besides, Ellie’s taken on two young witches-in-training—apprentices if you will—and both of them are convinced a werewolf is the murderer.

Just as Ellie’s wondering if there really is something otherworldly going on, animals suddenly begin to disappear—including her beloved cat, Beast. Now Ellie’s on the warpath to uncover the wicked truth about the people and the place she’s only just begun to call home…

I enjoyed the setting of the small village is Sussex England. I found the story to be fun and well-written, with quirky characters and a realistic protagonist in Eleanor. We all have flaws and insecurities , and some of us have even felt like an outsider before so I found Eleanor to be a fabulous main character. I love her cat Beast, (just rescued 2 kittens last week I could picture one of them as her familiar). Her apprentices Lenora and Rachel are a hoot as well.

The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries.

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


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Candy Slain By Chelsea Thomas

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Candy Slain” book 6 in the Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery series by Chelsea Thomas.

Candy Slain by Chelsea Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Killed by a Candy Cane”

That's the scariest headline ever written in the Pine Grove Gazette. But this holiday season, it's all too true...

This killer had a sweet tooth. So the December air is crisp and just a bit creepy this year.

Red-faced children throw snowballs. Elderly couples drink hot chocolate in the cold. Chelsea and Miss May speed through town in their VW Bus, hunting yet another killer.

Miss May is a sharp former lawyer, determined to make candy canes sweet again. Chelsea, Miss May’s Watson, just wants to solve the mystery without changing out of her fuzzy red Santa slippers.

Toss in Christmas tree drama, a missing Santa Claus, and buttery holiday cookies?

I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series. I find them to be well written and very entertaining. The plot moves at a steady pace that keeps you engaged.

The characters are well-developed and we learn a little bit more about them each new book. Teeny always evokes a giggle or two, and I rarely laugh out loud so when I do you know I am enjoying the book.

I highly recommend this book/series. It can easily stand alone but I recommend you read the series from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Ten Things My Cat Hates About You

Hello my cozy friends

Today I am reviewing “Ten Things My Cat Hates About You” by Lottie Lucas.  This was a fun read, I chose to read this book because of the title!

Ten Things My Cat Hates About You by Lottie Lucas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not everyone gets nine lives...

So he better be the love of a lifetime!

When Clara’s ginger cat Casper chases yet another romantic prospect out the door she’s ready to give up on love altogether. But then the fussy feline causes two meet cutes in the space of a day and suddenly Clara has two gorgeous men driving her to distraction. But who is in control of happy ever after? Clara, fate...or the cat who started it all?

This book was cute, quirky, and really fun. Romantic comedy in movie or book form always makes you feel better because life can be so stressful and sad..

Casper the cat is a great fictional cat and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!

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

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Lucy and Charlie 

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Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Ale of Two Cities " the 2nd installment in the "A Literary Pub Mystery " series by Sarah Fox. I had not read the first book but had no trouble following along so yes it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading them in order, this way you really get to know the setting and characters.

The Winter Carnival always brings holiday cheer, Christmas joy—and tourists with cash—to picturesque Shady Creek, Vermont. At the center of the glittering decorations and twinkling lights is booklover and pub owner Sadie Coleman, creating original cocktails, hosting a literary trivia evening, and cheering on her loyal employee Melanie “Mel” Costas as she competes in the ice carving competition.

But holiday cheer can’t compete with former resident and renowned chef Freddy Mancini, who arrives with his nose in the air, showing off his ice-sculpting skills like a modern-day Michelangelo. During the artists’ break in the night-long contest, Mel’s tools disappear . . . and Freddy is found dead with her missing pick in his chest.

Although the police turn their attention to Mel, it seems everyone in town had a grudge against Freddy, including his assistant, his mentor, his former flame, and even his half-brother.

Faster than she can fling a Huckleberry Gin, Sadie finds herself racing to make sure the police don’t arrest the wrong suspect—all while sharing a flirtation with local brewery owner Grayson Blake. Their chemistry leads to a heated rivalry at the hockey rink—and to the hot pursuit of a killer.

I really enjoyed this book and the setting of  Shady Creek, Vermont.  I always like a small town setting where almost everyone knows one another.  Makes for a fun range of side characters.

The Protagonist Sadie is a likeable, independent woman who when her bartender Mel becomes the chief suspect in the murder is determined to find out who did it.  I also enjoyed best friend Shontelle, Sadie’s Aunt Gilda and the owner of the neighboring Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson.  Is there going to be a budding romance there...

The story was well paced,  I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. 

Highly recommended. A wonderful second installment from an author I will definitely be following.

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Holiday Roast Mortem by Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing a book from one of my favourite authors Tonya Kappes.

Holiday Roast Mortem is the 7th instalment in the A Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I think this series is tied with the A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series as my favourite!

I really needed an escape this weekend as my little dog had been hurt and needless to say we were all very upset. I started reading really late in the evening and read right through till morning escaping even if for only a little while.

Holiday Roast Mortem by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas is right around the corner.

Fresh off the Christmas Pawrade and Central Park tree lightening, Honey Springs is buzzing with the excitement of the season.

Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane are hosting the ultimate Christmas Day Diner for all of their friends and family at The Bean Hive. Roxy has been so busy with her Jingle Bells Lattes and planning the party that Patrick whisks her off for a romantic dinner at the Watershed for some alone time.

Their dinner turns out to be a headache. They were seated next to Ryan and Yvonne Moore, who fought the entire time.

After dinner, Roxy and Patrick see the couple drive off the road into Lake Honey Springs, Patrick dives into the frigid lake to save the couple only to find Ryan was already dead.

After a preliminary autopsy, Ryan Moore’s death was not an accident, leaving Yvonne Moore the number one suspect.

When Yvonne asks Roxy Bloom to help her figure out who killed her husband, Roxy jumps at the chance to put her Jingle Bell Lattes and holiday planning aside to help out a friend.

One problem, Roxy starts to wonder if Yvonne is really the killer and using Roxy to get away with murder after Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband and defending lawyer for the deceased Ryan Moore, lets her know a big secret that would change the entire investigation.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted. I loved the interaction with Roxy’s aunt and her frenemy Bunny, right down to how everyone seems to be quirky in their own way making for loveable characters which are well developed. I also like the inclusion of fur-babies into the story.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

I have only read a few books in the series even though I own them, but I did just order the first 2 in paperback as I love the series that much!

Please note you could read as a stand alone, but you will want to read them all.

Did I mention Tonya includes recipes in the back and I am definitely try the Burnt Sugar Cake that Jeannie Daniel submitted.

I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see whats new with Roxy and her friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon.

Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Memories and Murder” book 10 in the ”A Tourist Trap Mystery” series by Lynn Cahoon is a quick and enjoyable read.

It’s October in South Cove, California, and the locals in the quaint resort seem to be happily pairing off in the lull before the holidays. Everyone, that is, except for Jill Gardner’s elderly aunt, who just dumped her besotted fiancé—and she won’t say why.

When Jill hosts a talk at Coffee, Books, and More on the topic of elder abuse, all that’s really on her mind is lunch. But the topic hits close to home when she discovers Aunt Jackie has been getting mysterious calls. Jill’s certain the caller is a con artist, of course, but her feisty aunt claims to understand this, though she’s still shaken—and Harrold’s still heartbroken. Who’s behind the scam and why was her aunt targeted? When a volunteer from the Senior Project is found murdered, Jill’s detective boyfriend is on the case—and it soon becomes clear no one is safe when a caller from beyond becomes a killer in their midst.

This go around Jill and her Auntie Jackie are dealing with scams, especially on older citizens. I thought Lynn did a fabulous job of highlighting potential scams that might trap anyone that isn't aware or watching what is happening to them. Now a days you get phone scams or internet scams almost daily so I was glad it showed how people prey on the elderly. It really saddens me when I hear of people abusing or taking advantage of the elderly.

I was surprised when everything came to light and who all was involved. I did suspect but then due to some clever red herrings, doubt myself. I really enjoyed this story and am Happily waiting for the next.

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

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Beyond a Reasonable Stout A Sloan Krause Mystery by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Beyond a Reasonable Stout by Ellie Alexander

Beyond a Reasonable Stout by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beyond a Reasonable Stout is the third Book in the Sloan Krouse Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I have not read the previous 3 but was able to follow along. I’m not a big Kraft beer drinker but I did enjoy this story.

It’s the dead season in Leavenworth, Washington. The throngs of Oktoberfest crowds have headed home, and the charming Bavarian streets are quiet and calm—momentarily. Villagers use the reprieve to drink in the crisp fall mountain air and prepare for the upcoming winter light festival. Soon the German-inspired shops and restaurants will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors will return to the northern Cascades to drink warm mulled cider and peruse the holiday markets. Brewer, Sloan Krause and her partner in crime Garrett Strong are using the slowdown to stock up on a new line of their signature craft beers at Nitro. They’re experimenting with a hoppy holiday pine and a chocolate hazelnut stout. The small brewery is alive with delicious scents and bubbling batches of brew.

Sloan is in her element. She loves the creativity and lowkey atmosphere at Nitro. Only that is soon threatened by the incumbent city council member Kristopher Cooper. Kristopher is running for re-election on a platform of making Leavenworth dry. Everyone in beertopia is fuming. Leavenworth’s economy relies on keeping the kegs flowing. Kristopher wants to banish beer, a policy that might just bankrupt the entire village. However, Kristopher turns up dead days before election night. Sloan quickly realizes that his murder isn’t the work of a stranger. Friends, family, and every other business owner had a motive to kill him, including none other than April Ablin, Leavenworth’s self-described ambassador of all things German. Sloan finds herself defending April and trying to sleuth out a killer amongst a group of familiar faces.

There was 2 mysteries in this story, the main one was the murder of obnoxious wannabe councilman Kristopher Cooper. There were plenty of suspects as he seemed to of blackmailed almost everyone . Then there was the mystery behind Sloan’s biological parents , ( obviously this was mentioned in prior books) . I recommend that you read from the beginning as I feel Sloanes adoption plays a strong role throughout the series.

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

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Santa in a Kilt

Hello my cozy friends

Today I am reviewing Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman.

Santa in a Kilt by Donna Kauffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Santa in a Kilt is book 2.5 of the Hot Scot Trilogy by Donna Kauffman, I had not read the previous books so it can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend you read in order in order to get the most out of the story.

On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world.

Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . . Originally published in Unwrapped

I enjoyed the setting of the Scottish isle of Kinloch, along with the descriptions of clan life, traditional basketweaving, and the friendships of the people. The characters in the story were engaging and I was drawn in enough to want to purchase the previous 2 books.

I loved that Kira hangs in there and makes the most out of her life after her divorce. Plus that she decides to explore her old feelings toward Shay.

Great holiday novella!

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


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Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder" the first book in the "Main Street Book Club" mystery series by Amy Lillard.

Not every murder is by the book…

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.

I found the beginning to be a bit slow but I soon got into the story.  Being as this is the first in series we need to be introduced to the characters.so this could be why.

The setting of  Sugar Springs is wonderful, I always like a small town setting where almost everyone knows one another.  Makes for fun and often quirky characters.  I liked protagonist Arlo and her best friend Chloe as well as the side characters such as the older, feisty ladies of the book club and lets not forget the Amazon parrot!

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting.  It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

I requested and received an Advance Readers Copy from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece by Rose Pressey

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece" by Rose Pressey the first in her new "Haunted Craft Fair Mystery" series.  It has been awhile since I read a book by Rose Pressey and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed them.  This will be another must read series for me as it includes some of my favourite things crafts, ghosts, murder and quirky characters!

 Haunted art is in the eye of the beholder . . .

Artist Celeste Cabot welcomes the chance to show her paintings at a craft fair in her hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she and her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, can park her vintage Shasta trailer and sell her creations, too.

Unfortunately, her sales take a hit when a customer returns a painting, claiming it’s haunted. When a fellow vendor discovers images hidden in Celeste’s artwork—and a ghost pays her a late-night visit—she’s shocked to realize she has psychic abilities. After the grumpy manager of the craft fair is found with a knife in his neck, Celeste’s brushes with the paranormal may help fill in the picture—and make sure the wrong person doesn’t get framed . . .

The protagonist Celeste is a likable, fun main character, with quirky supporting characters her family, her BFF Saddie and her faithful companion Van the Chihuahua. I enjoyed this first installment and was drawn in from the get go.

The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.  Also by the end you could sense a few of the characters have a crush on Celeste...

I enjoyed this book and recommend to my friends and any fan of Rose Pressey.

I requested and received an Advanced Reader 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,

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