Knot on Her Life by Mary Marks

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am discussing "Knot on Her Life"  the 7th installment in the "Quilting Mysteries" by Mary Marks.  I wasn't sure if I had read any in the series but after a few pages it all came back to me.  I am very glad I read this installment and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Martha and her Tuesday quilting bee.

Print Length: 288 pages

Publisher: Kensington (July 30 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

While quilter Martha Rose awaits the birth of her granddaughter, a neighborhood girl appears at her door with a mystery that can’t be pinned down . . 

  Martha’s eager to finish the baby quilt she’s making for her new granddaughter, but she scraps those plans when a young girl rings her doorbell begging for help. Poppy Halaby, the foster child of Martha’s neighbor, is an orphan whose parents were murdered by a killer who was never caught. When Poppy’s doting foster mom falls suspiciously ill, Martha is determined to keep the child safe. But she’ll have to unravel more about Poppy’s parents to stitch a broken family back together again—and prevent another crime cut from the same cloth . . .

Knot on her Life is the seventh book in the series and I had no problem reading the book as a stand alone novel. But I am planning on reading the other 5 I haven't read in the series 

Protagonist Martha Rose, is a strong, educated woman, and the side characters are realistic, slightly quirky too like her sister Giselle and Sonia.  The characters are/were well rounded.

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 even learnt something about Jewish and Muslim customs and religious life along with quilting tips which is always a binus.

 I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book 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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Digging Up History by Sheila Connolly

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am discussing "Digging Up History" the 8th installment in the "A Museum Mystery" by Sheila Connolly.

Print Length: 221 pages

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing (June 25 2019)
Genre: Historical Fiction , Mystery

The New York Times bestselling author of Dead End Street returns with Nell Pratt discovering one of Philadelphia’s darker buried secrets . . .

When a summer intern at the Preservation Society discovers an aged document hidden in the binding of an antique book, Society president Nell Pratt is intrigued by the possibilities: is it a valuable historic document or just a useless scrap of paper? When analysis reveals that it’s a hand-drawn map of one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods, Nell learns that the area is being excavated for a new real estate development and may hold long-buried secrets from the city’s historic heyday.

Determined to get to the bottom of the map’s origin and what it might tell her about the mysterious plot of land, Nell will have to contend with a construction company owner who disappears, a former Society board member who’s harbored a dark secret her entire life, and a remarkable discovery that may have the dead turning over in their graves . . .

This was the first time I read a book in the "A Museum Mystery" series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Even though I hadn't read the previous books I had no trouble following along, it can totally be read as a stand alone.

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 even learnt something about Philadelphia and american history.

The Protagonist Nell is a strong, educated woman, and the side characters are realistic too.  The characters are well rounded.  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.

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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Manor of Dying by Kathleen Bridge

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Manor of Dying" A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery #4 by Kathleen Bridge.  I highly recommend this book and I purchased the previous 3 books as soon as I finished reading.

Print Length: 185 pages

Publisher: Beyond the Page (June 25 2019)

In a new Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery, Meg Barrett will have to uncover the truth about a long-ago murder before a killer decides she’s history . . .

When decorator Meg Barrett travels to a remote mansion to help select period pieces for a new 1930s-style television mystery series, she’s chilled to learn that the manor was once a mental asylum and the site of a mysterious decades-old murder. And when a fierce blizzard knocks out the power and strands Meg and her cohorts in the home’s rickety old elevator, they emerge to discover that another person has been murdered—in the same macabre manner as the original victim.

With a suspect list limited to those who were also stranded at the manor, Meg begins digging through their backgrounds for clues to both the old and new murder, trying to discover a connection that will lead her to the culprit’s identity. But the more she learns, the more clear it becomes that someone wants to keep the secrets of the past buried, and Meg knows she’ll have to watch her back before a ruthless killer decides to commit her to a grisly fate . . .

Includes scrumptious recipes and vintage decorating tips!

The Protagonist Meg is clever, well developed and down to earth.  There were quirky characters and likeable side characters.  I enjoyed the relationship between Meg and her BFF Elle.

 The description of the Hamptons, vintage clothes and Nightingale Manor was wonderful. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning.

Highly recommended. A fabulous book for an author I will definitely follow in the future.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page 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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Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Strangled Eggs and Ham" the 6th book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day.

Print Length: 416 pages

Publisher: Kensington (June 25 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Robbie Jordan’s rustic country store is growing in popularity. But when a dead body appears, it turns out that Robbie’s home-style cooking attracts hungry customers—and murder!

While Robbie scrambles through breakfast orders for her expanding clientele at Pans ‘N Pancakes, tempers run as high as the sticky August heat in South Lick, Indiana. Real-estate developer Fiona Closs plans to build a towering luxury resort at one of the most scenic hilltops in Brown County, and not everyone can see the sunny side of the imposing proposition—including Robbie’s furious Aunt Adele, who doesn’t waste a minute concocting protests and road blockades. When tensions boil over and a vocal protester is silenced forever at the resort site, Robbie ditches the griddle to catch the killer. But if slashed tires are any indication, she’ll need to crack this case before her own aunt gets served something deadly next . . .  

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 practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.

I love the setting of South Lick, Indiana and the quirky characters. The protagonist Robbie is strong and independent and i especially love her aunt Adele who is spunky as all get out.   The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them.

There were enough twists to keep me intrigued and wanting to know how it ends. The plot and story were good and seemed to flow at a good pace. This has been added to my favourite series pile, I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a cozy filled with down home characters and a small town atmosphere.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington 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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Murder's No Votive Confidence by Christin Brecher

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder's No Votive Confidence" by Christin Brecher. It is a great beginning to a new series. I did feel like it was very familiar and wondered if it was a republishing but not that I can find, either way I really enjoyed it.

Print Length: 400 pages

Publisher: Kensington (June 25 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Nantucket candle store owner Stella Wright specializes in creating unique candles for every occasion. But someone sets the stage for murder when a Memorial Day celebration becomes a wedding to die for . . . 

Jessica Sterling’s candlelight-themed nuptials promises to be the perfect kick-off to the summer’s first official holiday weekend. Stella’s thrilled to have been chosen to provide the decorative centerpiece for the wedding ceremony: a two-foot-tall scented unity candle—a symbol of the happy couple’s love. But it looks like the bride-to-be’s uncle won’t be walking his niece down the aisle after he’s found dead. The murder weapon is Stella’s seemingly indestructible candle, now split in two. 

When a beloved local bartender is arrested, Stella’s sure a visiting police captain running the case made a rush to justice. With superstitious brides-to-be canceling orders and sales waxing and waning at her store, the Wick & Flame owner decides to do some sleuthing of her own. Abetted by a charming reporter and challenged by the town’s sexiest cop, Stella’s determined to shine a light on the truth and uncover a killer who’s snuffing out her own flame.

I really enjoyed this book and the setting of Nantucket.  I always like a small town setting where almost everyone knows one another until tourist season.  Makes for fun and often quirky characters, also throwing in a crafty theme is even better.

The Protagonist Stella is well developed, likeable and her BFF Emily, cousins, along with childhood friend now policeman Alex, are all likeable side characters. 

I found that the story was well paced and if not for my migraines I would have finished in one sitting. I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. The description of the setting and crime scenes are strong and really drew me in. The ending was unexpected although I had sort of figured out whodunit around the same time as Stella. 

Highly recommended. A fabulous first book for an author I will definitely follow in the future.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington 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,

Died in the Wool - A Whisky Business Mystery by Melinda Mullet

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am discussing a new series to me by Melinda Mullet, Died in the Wool is the 5th installment in the A Whisky Business Mystery series. This was the first time I had read one of Melinda's books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the earlier books.

Publisher: Alibi (June 18 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

No good deed goes unpunished in the Whisky Business cozy mystery series as distillery owner Abigail Logan uncovers dark secrets—and murder—at a local charity.

Photojournalist Abi Logan is finally ready to put her hectic career on hold and set down roots in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Studying the business and art of distilling whisky at Abbey Glen and volunteering at the Shepherd’s Rest women’s shelter in her spare time seem a surefire way to find the peace and stability she craves. It’s also the logical way to take her mind off her personal life. Abi’s business partner, Grant MacEwan, is facing a career-threatening disability, and as much as Abi longs to be there for him, he seems to prefer the company of a rival.

But as Abi becomes more involved with Shepherd’s Rest, she discovers that their refuge is elusive. When the shelter is rocked by a murder/suicide, Abi is outraged by the police’s lack of attention to these already marginalized women. Increasingly confident in her own skills as an investigator, Abi steps in to find out what the police will not: who left one young woman dead and another missing. But when more deadly deeds come to light, Abi must race to unravel the connections between the shelter’s benefactors and the women they have pledged to protect—and expose the killer before he strikes again.

This was the first time I had read one of Melinda's books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The protagonist Abigail is a strong independent woman but she seems to find trouble at every turn.  I enjoyed the relationship between Amanda and Patrick and her blossoming romance with Grant.

The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming but I did guess the killer halfway through. The author brought all the characters to life for me and I really love a book that makes me feel like I can see everything in my minds eye.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, and I highly recommend this series to all my cozy mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Alibi 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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Left Fur Dead (A Jules & Bun Mystery Book 1)

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Left Fur Dead" by J.M. Griffin the first book in theA Jules & Bun Mystery series.  It is a great start to a new series and I enjoyed it a lot.

Print Length: 304 pages

Publisher: Kensington (June 25 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she'll need a rabbit to rescue her . . .

Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.

One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children's party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them...

This is the first time I have read anything by JM Griffin and I am glad I gave it a go. Left Fur Dead is a very entertaining story full of twists and turns, a few red herrings that hold your attention from the very beginning.

Protagonist Jules is likeable and I liked Bun (bunny) who is intelligent and communicates with Jules telepathically. I could really relate to this as I always talked to my cats as well as talk to my dog when out walking I get funny looks, so I could see how it could be embarrassing, especially with local law enforcement! There are other interesting characters to round things out like Jess and Molly. I personally can't wait for the next installment.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book 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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The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Black Cat Steps on a Crack" by Kay Finch the fourth book in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series.  I enjoyed this book and have purchased the previous three books so I can start at the beginning and be all caught up.

Print Length: 225 pages

Publisher: Beyond the Page (June 11 2019)

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Sabrina Tate and her cat, Hitchcock, must sort through the clues when a librarian is killed and justice is overdue . . . 

With construction on the town’s new library nearing completion, mystery writer Sabrina Tate is thrilled that local book lovers, and her own forthcoming novel, will soon have a fresh new home. But tensions are rising at the site as the headstrong new librarian insists on telling the construction crew how to do their jobs, bringing work to a standstill. When Sabrina’s cat unearths the dead body of the librarian not long after—and a good friend’s husband is named as the main suspect—she finds herself being pulled into a murder investigation yet again.

While virtually all the workers at the site had a motive to commit the dark deed, Sabrina turns her attention to the victim’s background looking for clues, but hits a dead end when she can’t locate any of the woman’s family. As a string of planted evidence and a murky collection of malicious characters starts to surface, Sabrina knows she and Hitchcock will have to tread carefully, before the library killer decides to check them out for good . . .

Includes delicious dessert recipes! 

Even though I haven't read the previous books in this series, it didn't cause a problem as this can be read as a stand-alone.  I think this will be one of my favorite cat mystery series.  

I like the Protagonist Sabrina Tate a mystery writer and her black cat Hitchcock who once again are at the center of a murder.  I appreciated the focus the author put on the stigma associated with black cats as my mum was actually just telling me how in the UK they are lucky! 

The characters are well developed and very likeable, such as her Aunt Rowe and who doesn't love a cat named Hitchcock.  I enjoyed the small town setting of Lavender, Texas 

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning. I cant wait for the fifth installment in this series, I recommend this to cozy lovers.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page 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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