Watch the Wall - Miss Seeton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing a Miss Seeton mystery.  I have been reading this series for a very long time, I think I read the first one in 1996 and went through every one I could get my hands on. I liked that it was a lot like Miss Marple with an older Protagonist, I have always loved British mysteries and looked for any I could find.

Sarah J. Mason, writing as Hamilton Crane, (14 books) has truly revitalized the Miss Seeton series that was first penned by the late Heron Carvic.


Watch the Wall, Miss Seeton by Hamilton Crane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watch the Wall, Miss Seeton, the twenty fifth novel to feature intuitive artist Miss Emily Seeton of Plummergen, Kent.. In this installment the protagonist seems to be Superintendent Brinton, the much put upon head of CID at Ashford. as well as Ms. Seeton. She will bumble along thinking the best of everyone and producing her interpretation of events in her scribbles when asked to do so.

It was funny and entertaining and Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. Miss Seeton was amazing as usual and the cast of characters likable, quirky and funny.

I look forward to reading another instalment. in this fabulous series. If you haven't read the originals I do recommend doing so.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Farrago via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

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Who Murdered Uncle Ebenezer?

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing a short story - "Who Murdered Uncle Ebenezer? 18K Small Town Estate Christian Cozy Mystery Series Book 1" by S.F. Nightingale.

If you like clean, wholesome cozy mysteries that keeps you guessing until the very end, you MUST read this book!

 Print Length: 41 pages

When you thought being a Christian was safe...

When a menacing storm is upon Kingsvale, New Hampshire, little does Reverend Devin Grant suspect that there's anything more menacing than the ruthless winds and blinding snowflakes when he arrives at Ebenezer Spencer's estate for final preparations for his friend, Ken's wedding. 

But as evening turns into sinful night, a dead body is found... and the murderer is likely to be in the house. A house no one can leave because of the storm...

Can Reverend Grant get to the bottom of this mysterious death before the snowstorm ends or will evil get away with murder on Uncle Ebenezer's estate?

This is a standalone short story in this fun cozy mystery series with no cliffhangers

Read it now for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Bonus recipe and chapter included!

I enjoyed this debut short story by this new to me author (Sarah Faith S.F. Nightingale). 
Although a short story it felt complete and the characters and the plot are well developed and it will keep you guessing who murdered Uncle Ebenezer and how did they do it.  I hope to read the other 2 installments in the near future.

I received a copy from the author and I am reviewing voluntarily. 

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A Charming Blend: A Magical Cures Mystery and A Killer Coffee Mystery Crossover Mystery

Hello my Cozy friends,

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing another Tonya Kappes book but from the Magical Cures series!  This is the series that got me hooked on Tonya's writing.  Even though I'd missed a few in the series and havent started the Killer Coffee series, I was able to catch on quickly to what was happening.

Kindle Edition, 84 pages

Published February 17th 2019

You won’t want to miss this crossover tale of two of your favorite cozy mystery sleuths, June Heal from the Magical Cures Mystery Series and Roxanne Bloom from the Killer Coffee Series.


When Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane got a gift card at the Full Moon Treesort in Whispering Falls, Kentucky, they figured it’d be a fantastic honeymoon.

When June Heal heard from the Whispering Falls Newspaper report from editor Faith Mortimer that there was a nosy coffee barista coming to town and she needed an eye kept on her, June was quick to put Mr. Prince Charming on the tourist, Roxanne Bloom.

When a dead body is discovered during the annual Whispering Fall tree lightening, Roxy Bloom just can’t seem to keep her nose out of it, even though she feels like something strange is going on in the cozy town.

“A Charming Blend” is a short novella blending two captivating series, Killer Coffee and Magical Cures mysteries.  I found this to be a fun and fast read, if you haven't read either series it can be a great introduction to both.  The story is told in the first person narrative by Roxy and then by June. The name of the narrator is listed at the beginning of each chapter so you can easily double check.  

The plot was quick paced with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.   I love the way Tonya makes the characters relatable, quirky, eccentric and I always seem to fall in love them.  I enjoyed going back to Whispering Falls, Kentucky, would love to live there or visit.

My Rating

"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments." 

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Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

Hello my cozy friends,

As previously mentioned in an earlier posts I am reading the "Campers & Criminals Cozy Series"  by Tonya Kappes.  Today I am discussing Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Book 5) in the series.

Kindle Edition - 253 pages

Published - February 2nd, 2019

Genre - Cozy Mystery

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is . . . NORMAL!

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, never thought she would become an actress like her namesake. Calling herself an actress might be far stretch as she plays a minor role in the local Civil War reenactment BATTLE AT CAMP WILDCAT. 

When the reenactment doesn't go as planned, not one but two of the town's folks aren't playing dead. . .they were MURDERED!
Come to find out there was a prison break and the serial killer is believed to be in Normal and someone has stolen a motorhome from Happy Trails Campground. 

Are these connected?

Mae lets boyfriend and hunky detective, Hank Sharp, follow all the leads about the murders and on the trail of the serial killer because she's got bigger s'mores in the fire. 

The motorhome owners have filed a lawsuit and suing her for the deed to Happy Trails Campground. Mae has embraced Normal and there's nothing or no one going to take her campground. She's determined to find the motorhome and return it to the owners before she hands over any deed to anyone.

Mae just might find out that tapping into her namesake just might come in handy when coming face to face with a serial killer.

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is the 5th addition to the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series. You can read as a stand alone mystery but I recommend reading all these books in order as you get to know all the characters and have a better feel of the town etc. If you are a kindle unlimited subscriber you can read this series for FREE. 

Springtime in Normal means the town is getting ready for the Civil War reenactment. A serial killer has escaped from prison, two murders have occurred and an RV is stolen from the grounds of Happy Trails Campground. What else can go wrong??

The Laundry club ladies as well as the other quirky residents of Normal will have you smiling or laughing frequently throughout this Southern cozy mystery. I like the addition of Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adopted mother, who means well, but her talkative nature can spill the beans. There is plenty of action and suspense throughout this series and I'm never disappointed.

I enjoy Tonya's writing style as it seems to always draw me into the story and hold my attention until the end. I like the setting of the campground and the quaint southern town of normal with its off-beat characters. Growing up we did lots of hiking and camping in the Canadian national parks so I can picture the scene in my mind especially the way it's described in the book. As a dog lover I enjoyed the addition of "Chester" a hunting dog to the story. 

There are recipes and cleaning hacks at the end of the book. I look forward to returning to Normal in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced, unpolished, electronic copy of this book.

I pre-ordered a paperback version to add to my collection because I enjoying the series so much.

My Rating

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.  Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com .  

Visit Tonya:

Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/20857...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter 
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

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Christmas, Criminals, and Campers

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing book 4 in the A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series - Christmas, Criminals, and Campers.

Christmas, Criminals, and Campers by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are back in Normal, Kentucky for Christmas with Mae and The Laundry Club. 
A romance author, a favorite of Abby’s, is coming to stay at the campground!  Abby is heartbroken when she realizes her favorite author does not possess the characteristics she had envisioned. Before long the author has been murdered and Abby is Hank's top suspect

Every book I have read from this author has kept me entertained and Christmas, Criminals and Camping is no exception. Once again Tonya has written a engaging, entertaining, fun mystery. I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book I thought I had it figured out then it would take another turn. I recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers, looking for a quick easy read.

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Free Therapy

I'm not sure about you but I find colouring to be a very therapeutic and relaxing thing to do.

I can spend a long time just filling in the lines, it brings me back to my childhood. For some reason it’s become important to me to persuade friends that coloring-in is a beautiful, relaxing, wonderful pastime for grown-ups.

 I like colouring in using the light first and then the dark. How good a Copic, Stampin' Up! Blendabilities or even a crayon feels in your hand. How tricky it really is to stay within the lines (well, for me it is anyway). In fact, maybe coloring-in is even more fun for us now than when we were children.

Today's cards uses the several different stamp sets.I simply coloured in the using my Copic markers. I coloured them on glossy white paper and cut them out. After I cut them out I used dimensionals on a few of them. I also added either gems or stickles.

  

I am taking the Copic Whimsical Hair and Faces class on September 20th yeah!  

Thank you for stopping by and hope you like the projects. Hugs, Karen

Hallmark Mystery Movies

Hello my cozy friends,

I think my love affair with mysteries started at the age of 5 when I started to read Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys etc.  I was blessed to have parents that believed reading was a treasure and read to me every night.  I remember them reading me the classics at a very young age and always saw both of them with a book. 

I love watching Mystery movies too!  As a child it was Hart to Hart, Diagnosis Murder and can't forget Murder She Wrote!

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries produces some awesome shows and here in Canada we get on a few channels.  We have had Aurora Teagarden, Garage Sale Mysteries, Fixer Upper etc. and I am Happy Happy to say we have some NEW ones coming up!

On February 17th (USA) we have a new one  “Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered” starring Alison Sweeney.  I am not sure when we will get here...

Alex McPherson (Sweeney) returns to the small town in Pennsylvania where she spent her summers as a girl to record the next episode of her true crime podcast, about the disappearance of a childhood friend 20 years prior. However, after teaming up with the local newspaper editor (Ayres), who reluctantly agrees to help her retrace the girl’s last steps, Alex not only uncovers the shocking truth behind the girl’s disappearance, but also a decades-old murder and its cover-up.

Then in March we can look forward to The Crossword Mysteries starring Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott.

A brilliant crossword puzzle editor (Chabert) finds her life turned upside-down when she is pulled into a police investigation after several of the clues in her recent puzzles are linked to unsolved crimes. Proving her innocence means leaving the comfort of her sheltered world and working with a tough police detective (Elliott), puzzling through clues together in order to crack the case, as the two are fish out of water in each other's worlds.

Other series we can look forward to are:

• Hailey Dean Mysteries (On Demand)
• Mystery 101
• Ruby Herring Mysteries (March 2 on W @ 9pm)
• Emma Fielding Mysteries
• Fixer Upper Mysteries
• Morning Show Mystery
• Agatha Raisin Mysteries (Acorn TV)

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Forests, Fishing, & Forgery

Hello my cozy friends,

I am reading the "Campers & Criminals Cozy Series"  by Tonya Kappes.  Today I am discussing Forests, Fishing, & Forgery Book 3 in the series.

Forests, Fishing, & Forgery by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With each new installment in this series I fall in love with the characters and Normal even more. Tonya has a way of bringing her words to life in your imagination and drawing you into the story. I didn't figure out the murderer until the end, lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. 

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy reader friends

View all my reviews

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Flashback Thursday - Happy 80th Birthday Papa

Hello my crafty friends,

My Step-dad "Papa" turned 80 on September 27th, 2014 and I really wanted to make one of those box cards with Balloons and maybe a old looking golfer in the middle. I had watched a few You-Tube videos on how to make it and gotten the dimensions (listed below).

Card in a Box scoring, I must remember this! 

Finished Size when flat: 4-1/2 x 6 ". Individual panels are 2-1/4 " wide. 

• Cut Base: 9.5 x 6 " 
• Score base: 2-1/4, 4-1/2, 6-3/4 & 9 " on long side. Score at 3-1/4 " on short side. 
• Inserts: Cut at 3-1/4 " x 3/4 ". Score at 1/2 " from either end

Box: 

1. Cut piece of cardstock at 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (it's a half sheet of cardstock) 
2. Score this piece with the 5 1/2" side on top at 2 3/4" 
3. Turn and with the 8 1/2" piece on top you are going to score to the MIDDLE LINE (at the 2 3/4" mark) and cut the rest of the way down 

• Score at 2" then Cut 
• Score at 4" then Cut 
• Score at 6" then Cut 
• Score at 8" then Cut 

That's it , now just glue together!

Insert:

• Cut a piece at 2 3/4" x 8" 
• Score at 1/2", 2 1/2", 3", 5" 5 1/2" 7 1/2" 
• Fold into a Z with a flare (the ends of the Z are going to be going the opposite way) and POP it into your box. 

Layered Pieces:

• Back pieces – Cardstock 1 7/8" x 5 3/8" and the DSP is 1 3/4" x 5 1/4" 
• Small Panels – Cardstock 1 7/8" x 2 5/8" and the DSP is 1 3/4" x 2 1/2" 
• cut 6 for outside panels and 4 for inside

This has inspired me to make a cat in a box card to give to one of my cat loving Facebook friends.

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Trouble on the Books (A Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing the book Trouble on the Books (A Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang.

Print Length: 332 pages

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (March 13 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rookie bookstore owner Shelby Cox must hit the books to learn the ropes before she loses a killer in the stacks.

Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island.

But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before he strikes again—in Trouble on the Books, Essie Lang’s clever and captivating series debut.

Trouble on the Books is a good start to a new cozy mystery series. The premise of the story has promise, and I loved the setting of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region. With that said I am hoping as the series goes on the author decides to expand on the castle/bookstore element and the quaint seaside town.

I had a difficult time getting into the book at first but by chapter 10, I finally started to want to know a little bit more and was connecting more with the main characters.  I think the pacing of the novel is slow, which made me become distracted and put the book down.  With that said I fell asleep early this last week, rather than staying up till I finished the book.

The characters are a bit flat but I am hoping that in further instalments the characters will be a bit more fleshed out and the murder not so obvious.  I do intend to read the next instalment to see where it goes.

My Rating

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through Netgalley/Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest opinion.

For 14 years, Linda Wiken owned the mystery specialty store, Prime Crime Books in Ottawa, ON. It was with sadness and a sense of anticipation that she closed the store in 2010.

Now, she's embarked on a life of crime between the pages. Her first novel in the Ashton Corners Book Club mysteries, A Killer Read, was published April, 2012 as her alter ego, Erika Chase, and was shortlisted for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel at the Malice Domestic conference. There are now five books in the series.

She embarked on a new writing adventure in 2016 as the real Linda Wiken with another series, the Dinner Club Mysteries, also from Berkley Prime Crime. The third in the Dinner Club Mysteries, Marinating in Murder is available now.

Now in 2019 she is writing as Essie Lang for the A Castle Bookshop Mysteries..

Her short stories have appeared in the seven Ladies’ Killing Circle anthologies (three of which she co-edited), and in the magazines Mysterious Intent and Over My Dead Body. She has been short-listed for an Arthur Ellis Award, Best Short Story, from Crime Writers of Canada.

Before life in the world of mystery, she worked as an advertising copywriter, radio producer, journalist and community education worker.   ).

As a volunteer with the Ottawa Police Service for over 15 years, she developed a strong, sometimes scary interest in police procedures. She wrote weekly crime stats articles for the local community newspapers for them, along with stories for the OPS internal newsletter.

Keeshas and Mojo, her two Siamese cats, share their house with her in Ottawa, ON where she's lived for over 30 years (she was soooo young when she first arrived in town!).








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