Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly

Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had started this series at the end, rather than the beginning. With that said I think the series should be read in order but they can be read as standalone.

Buried in a Bog is the first instalment in Sheila Connolly's “A County Cork Mystery“ series. I have read a few in the Museum series but I must say this is my favorite. 

This instalment is more than a mystery--it's the story of a young woman from Boston USA whose dealing with the loss of her grandmother and finding her way as well as a story of a small village in Ireland where she goes because that was her grandmother's last wish. It's a story of past and present relationships, generations, and family. I think the author did a good job of setting the stage for this series as we have the back story with respect to Maura and now we can enjoy the Ireland along with her.

I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends 


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Death on the Page by Essie Lang

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Death on the Page” the 2nd instalment in the “A Castle Bookshop Mystery” series by Essie Lang.

Thousand Islands bookstore owner Shelby Cox sleuths the slaying of a true-crime writer who may have learned too much about a murder case that should have stayed shut.

There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle--until he was found dead in the island Grotto.

But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?

I love the setting of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region.  I liked the idea of two bookstores and having a book signing, then overnight stay in the castle. But there were several side plots that distracted me from the murder without adding a interest to the story. I am hoping the characters will be developed more as the series progresses.

I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series, and I look forward to the next instalment to see where it goes.

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

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Peaches and Scream by Chelsea Thomas

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Peaches and Scream” book 8 in the ”Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery” series by Chelsea Thomas. I love spending time in Pine Grove, NY with Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May. I know I’m in for some humour mixed in with some murder.

Bite into a big, juicy murder. 

This is the first year for peaches at the orchard and everyone's got that warm and fuzzy feeling. Miss May is even throws a "Peach Party" to celebrate.

The whole town turns up for the big bash. They get full on Peach pie, they get tipsy on Peach Sangria. Everything is, well, peachy. Until...

...a dead body turns up in the bakeshop.

The bake shop is locked from the inside. Every window is locked. There are no signs of a struggle. But it's clear to everyone that this was a murder.

One big problem...

...Chelsea and Miss May are the only people who have keys to the bake shop.

So they're suspects number one and two in this investigation. It's crazy. No matter how many murders our girls solve, they just can't earn the respect of Chief Flanagan and her crony cops.

This story has murder, intrigue, and police corruption that will make your head spin. Plus, it's got a happy dog, a cute little cat, and a tiny horse that will make your heart grow two sizes.

Will Chelsea end up in prison for a crime she didn't commit?

What would that mean for her love life?

Life's a peach. Murder is the pit.

This go around we have psychic who thinks everyone is out to kill her, and low and behold Chelsea finds her dead in the bake shop! I enjoyed this book even more than the previous ones, the characters are well-developed and we continue to learn a little bit more about each of them. My favourites are still Teeny (always evokes a giggle), auntie May and Chelsea. I like the addition of the happy dog and cute cat to the farm family.

The mystery has so many twists and red hearings that you are kept guessing until the very end. I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series. I find them to be entertaining and the plot moves at a steady pace that keeps you engaged.

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

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A Study in Murder by Callie Hutton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “A Study in Murder” by Callie Hutton the first instalment in the " Victorian Book Club Mystery". A great start to a new series by a new to me author!

A mystery author is charged with murder--and the plot thickens faster than anyone can turn the pages--in USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton's new series debut, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ellery Adams.

Bath, England, 1890. Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement.

Two evenings later, as Lady Amy awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty--until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest.

Lord Wethington arrives to find Lady Amy screaming and sends for the police, but the Bobbies immediately assume that she is the killer. Desperate to clear her name, Lady Amy and Lord Wethington launch their own investigation--and stir up a hornet's nest of suspects, from the gardener who served time in prison for murder to a vengeful woman who was spurned by St. Vincent before he proposed to Lady Amy.

Can they close the book on the case before the real killer gets away with murder?

I was enjoying the story so much I read in one sitting.  I found myself becoming invested in what happened to Lady Amy, as she was super likeable, smart and independent for Victorian times.  I also liked her relationship with William.

The setting of Bath, England was also a nice place to visit. The mystery was well plotted, entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  

I can’t wait for the next instalment, definitely a author I will be following in the future.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

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

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Murder in the Storybook Cottage” by Ellery Adams the 6th instalment in the "Book Retreat Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and have been slowly buying the whole series. 

Storyton Hall, Virginia, is a top travel destination for book lovers and the perfect spot for literary events. But as a children’s book publisher hosts a gathering there, some folks aren’t going to live—happily ever after or otherwise . . .

Jane Steward’s resort is hopping—not only is Peppermint Press’s conference in full swing, there are also lots of families staying on the premises, bringing their kids to events like a scavenger hunt through the Fairy Tale Forest.

Then a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood is found dead from a plot device straight out of a fairy tale—with a rare and valuable copy of Grimms’ Fairy Tales in her basket. Not long after, a second victim is killed, with yet another treasure nearby—a volume by Hans Christian Andersen worth thousands of dollars. It looks like a big bad wolf may be lurking among the guests, and Jane can’t just wait for a handsome prince to come to the rescue . . .

I found myself enjoying the story, I love the premise of a town and hotel devoted to reading. The way it’s described I feel like I’m there with them.  One of the things I love about this series is the characters you have Fins, Templar, but the whole town is like one big family.  I want to be a Cover Girl and be part of their book club.

The mystery was interesting and well plotted, the idea of a fairy tale murder was good and I did not suspect the killer till Jane did.  

My favorite quote from Murder in the Storybook Cottage was in the epilogue when Eloise answers Jane by opening her copy of “The Great Alone“ to a page marked by a sticky note and read, “‘Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I’ve got books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.’”

I liked the hint at the end of the book that two characters from one of Ms. Adams' other series are going to make an appearance at Storyton Hall maybe in the next book. I look forward to seeing how Olivia and Jane get along.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books 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 in Waiting by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Murder in Waiting” by Lynn Cahoon the 11th instalment in the " A Tourist Trap Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and this authors other series too.

Bookshop café owner Jill Gardner contends with a best friend-turned-bridezilla while trying to solve a local historian’s untimely date with death . . .

At Coffee, Books, & More, Jill’s the boss. But as Amy’s maid-of-honor, she can barely keep up with marching orders--and now she’s in charge of organizing an epic bachelorette! Adding to Jill’s party-planning panic, the South Cove Heritage Society just unceremoniously dumped her historic landmark bid. While vying proposals rush in from a loaded land developer and a pushy travel guide company, Jill finds an unexpected ally in Heritage Society expert, Frank Gleason. But their happy union is cut short when Frank is mowed down in a suspicious hit-and-run. With Amy’s big day on the horizon, Jill vows to catch the killer before she has to catch a bouquet.

Visiting South Cove, California and Coffee, Books & More is always a pleasure.  I love the main set of characters Jill, Amy, Aunt Jackie, Greg and Toby they feel almost like family now. There was a lot happening with the couples in this instalment but I was happy to see the natural progression in their relationships.

I loved the subtle hint that Deek is saving up to attend a writers retreat in Colorado.  I think that would be an awesome crossover between the two series to have him arrive as a quest at Cat Latimer's B&B.

As for the mystery I found it to be well plotted and it moved along at an even pace. There were several 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 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,

All She Wrote By Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “All She Wrote” the third instalment in the Mail Carrier Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I loved returning to Sugar Creek Gap Kentucky and visiting Bernadette, the Front Porch Ladies and we can’t forget Buster and Rowena.

All She Wrote by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One quote in book I resonated with was when iris and Bernadette say “We can be just two old biddies together.” Iris winked at me. “Promise?” I knew Iris and I would always be together no matter what. Through thick and thin. (My BFF and I are always saying this )

I enjoyed this instalment so much, Tonya Kappes has done it again writing another wonderful story 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 I want to learn to knit at the Social Knitwork with her. Hell I want to rent the house next to Bernie and hang out with them!

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 and a little thing called 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’m looking forward to book four “Return to Sender” releasing in June, there’s so much more I want to know...

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

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The Secrets of Bones by Kylie Logan

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Secrets of Bones” by Kylie Logan the 2nd instalment in the "A Jazz Ramsey Mystery“ series. I really enjoy this series and plan on buying book one “The Scent of Murder“.

The Secrets of Bones is a riveting mystery following Jazz Ramsey as she trains a cadaver dog.

Assembly Day at St. Catherine’s dawns bright and cloudless as professional woman gather from all around Ohio to talk to the schoolgirls about their careers ranging from medicine, to NASA, to yoga. Jazz Ramsey has also signed up to give the girls a taste of her lifelong passion: cadaver dog training. Her adorable new puppy Wally hasn’t been certified yet, so she borrows the fully-trained Gus from a friend and hides a few bones in the unused fourth floor of the school for him to find.

The girls are impressed when Gus easily finds the first bone, but then Gus heads confidently to a part of the floor where Jazz is sure no bones are hidden—at least not any that she’s put there. But Gus is a professional, and sure enough, behind a door that no one has opened in ages, is a human skeleton. Jazz recognizes the necklace the skeleton is wearing, and that it belonged to Bernadette Quinn, an ex-teacher at the school who’d quit her job abruptly one Christmas break. But now it seems Bernadette never left the school at all, and her hiding place makes it clear: this was murder.

Bernadette in life had been a difficult personality, and so there are a plethora of suspects inside the school and out of it. As Jazz gets closer to the truth she can’t help but wonder if someone might be dogging her footsteps...

Even though this was the first book I have read by this author, I was able to read it as a stand-alone with no problem. I found myself engrossed in the story right away and reading it in almost one sitting.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters of Jazz and sister Eileen which are well developed. I also liked learning about cadaver dogs and the training that is involved.

Kylie Logan is definitely an author I will be following in the future and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out.

I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur 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 mystery lovers.

Hugs,

Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing  “Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse“ by Kate Young the 2nd instalment in the "A Marygene Brown Mystery" series.

On Georgia’s picturesque Peach Cove Island, a killer is serving up a two-for-one special . . .

 
After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away—her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.
 
But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .
 
Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!

I was excited to visit Peace Cove Island, Georgia again and the Peach Diner. I love the island setting and Marygene and her diner family. The story is filled with quirky characters, and the addition of Aunt Vi was a hoot. I like the little bit of island lore and spirit aspect that is in this series.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Marygene did. 

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

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,

Evil By The Sea by Kathleen Bridge

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Evil By The Sea” the 4th instalment in the (A by the Sea Mysteries Series) by Kathleen Bridge. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on reading the complete series.  Even though it can be read as a standalone I do recommend reading in order.  

Liz Holt is bewitched, bothered, and bewildered when a wicked killer objects to a wiccan wedding ... 

Island life can get pretty weird. Wiccan weddings, psychic brides, mermaid parades, eccentric parrots . . . Novelist Liz Holt has gotten used to it since moving back to the barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida, and once again working in her family's hotel and emporium, the Indialantic by the Sea. But one thing she'll never get used to is murder.

Groom-to-be and leader of the Sunshine Wiccan Society, white warlock Julian Rhodes is poisoned at his rehearsal dinner on the hotel's sightseeing cruiser. His psychic bride, Dorian Starwood, never saw it coming. An old friend of Liz's great-aunt Amelia, the celebrity psychic engages Liz to find out who intended to kill her intended. With her Macaw, Barnacle Bob, squawking "Pop Goes the Weasel" at Dorian's pet ferret, and the streets teeming with mermaids in tails, Liz has got to wade through the weirdness and cast a wide net for the killer—before she's the next one to sleep with the fishes . . .

Recipes included!

Even though this is the first book I have read in the series I was able to follow along easily and having the character list in the beginning really helped.  I really enjoyed it and practically read in one sitting and have since purchased the other books in the series.

The protagonist Liz is really likeable and the rest of the eccentric family characters at the Indialantic were fun, plus I loved all the fur babies. The barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida and the Indialantic seemed fun and an interesting place to visit or even live.

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 recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends, and fans of Kathleen Bridge’s A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery series.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Lyrical Press 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 Most Maine by Karen MacInerney

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing  “Murder Most Maine” by  Karen MacInerney the 3rd instalment in the "Gray Whale Inn Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and have been slowly buying the complete series.

It's springtime on Cranberry Island — and love is in the air. It seems like every woman has the hots for buff trainer Dirk De Leon. He and his equally-gorgeous business partner, Vanessa Black, are leading a weight-loss retreat at the Gray Whale Inn — forcing innkeeper Natalie Barnes to lighten up her butter-laden breakfast menu.

The mood on the island darkens when two grisly discoveries are made. The first is a skeleton walled up at the island's lighthouse. The second is a corpse of the fresh variety — the handsome Dirk! Could the spirit that once embodied the skeletal remains — perhaps the lighthouse keeper who disappeared a century ago — be responsible for Dirk's death?

The police pin the blame on Natalie's boyfriend who — to her dismay — had a long-ago fling with Vanessa. To find the true killer and ease her own aching heart, Natalie must untangle the knot of jealous girlfriends and spurned admirers that once surrounded the hunky trainer.

I love the characters of Natalie, her bff Charlene and her niece Gwen.  The setting of Cranberry a Island Maine seems idyllic, and the descriptions make it so you can envision  being on the island. 


I enjoyed the pace thought it moved along steadily. I was so engrossed that I read it practically in one sitting and I can’t wait to read the rest! I did think I knew who was the killer early on and ended up being correct.  But overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

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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