Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Little Black Book" the 15th instalment in the "A Bibliophile Mystery” series by Kate Carlisle.  I really enjoy these mysteries and how can you resist this cover.

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is on the case when a rare edition of Rebecca leads to murder in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.

Brooklyn and her hunky husband, security expert Derek Stone, have just returned from a delightful trip to Dharma, where the construction of their new home away from home is well underway, when a little black book arrives in the mail from Scotland. The book is a rare British first edition of Rebecca, and there’s no return address on the package. The day after the book arrives, Claire Quinn shows up at Brooklyn and Derek’s home. Brooklyn met Claire when the two women worked as expert appraisers on the television show This Old Attic. Brooklyn appraised books on the show and Claire’s expertise was in antique British weaponry, but they bonded over their shared love of gothic novels.
 
Claire reveals that during a recent trip to Scotland she discovered her beloved aunt was missing and her home had been ransacked. Among her aunt’s belongings, Claire found the receipt for the package that wound up with Brooklyn and Derek. Claire believes both her own life and her aunt’s are in danger and worries that her past may be coming back to haunt her.
 
But just as Brooklyn and Derek begin to investigate, a man who Claire thinks was following her is found murdered, stabbed with a priceless jeweled dagger. With a death on their doorstep, Brooklyn and Derek page through the little black book, where they discover clues that will take them to the shadows of a medieval Scottish castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Under the watchful gaze of a mysterious laird and the irascible villagers who are suspicious of the strangers in their midst, Brooklyn and Derek must decode the secrets in Rebecca to keep their friend’s past from destroying their future....

I loved this story from San Francisco to The shores of Loch Ness, Scotland.  There were two mysteries to this story, I felt one being where was aunt Gwynn and the mystery in the black book and then the murder. 

Overall the mystery was interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.

Had the perfect amount of twists and turns to me guessing till the end. 

I feel like some of the side characters are taking on some life changing events and I cant wait for the next book to see how things have progressed.

I was happy that recipes were included for 4 soups as well as cheese scones.  Yummy 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group 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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A Secret Scottish Escape by Julie Shackman

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing A Secret Scottish Escape by Julie Shackman.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day. 

Escape to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for a heartwarming and feel good cosy romance that will whisk you away from lockdown!

When Scotland’s sleepiest hamlet becomes the centre of hot gossip, Layla Devlin finds herself caught in a mystery…

When Layla’s fiancée has an unexpected heart attack and dies – in another woman’s arms, no less – Layla is determined to pack up and leave Loch Harris, the village she’s always called home. But an unexpected inheritance and love for her quiet corner of Scotland send her down a new path.

Now Layla finds herself facing a whole new kind of drama. Rumours swirl that a celebrity has moved into Coorie Cottage and Layla is determined to have him headline her opening night at local music venue The Conch Club. But the reclusive star is equally determined to thwart Layla’s efforts. Rafe Buchanan is in hiding for a reason, and soon his past comes to Loch Harris to haunt him…

The setting of a tiny village called Loch Harris in the Scottish Highlands sounded breathtaking, I could picture it in my mind.  It had everything you could want in a story love, loss, regret, laughter, sadness, forgiveness, friendships and families.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I highly recommend this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter 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, 

Beauty Expos Are Murder by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Beauty Expos Are Murder" the 6th instalment in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein. I love this series and I think this was best one yet!

Gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister is about to see the ugly side of beauty expos...

Easter weekend on the Jersey Shore is hopping. Poppy's Bed and Breakfast is busier than ever, but she needs to leave things in the hopefully capable hands of Aunt Ginny--and paws of Figaro the black smoke Persian. She's selling her paleo muffins and keto cookies at the Health and Beauty Expo in Cape May's Convention Hall. Normally sharing a booth with the love of her life would be a treat, but she's recently discovered secrets that throw her new romance into chaos.

But more secrets are about to be exposed at the expo. In his keynote address, prominent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Lance Rubin reveals his breakthrough anti-aging technology. Unfortunately, someone has one-upped him with a truly foolproof anti-aging formula: murder. With the plastic surgeon dead under his own UV mask, and bedlam reigning in the hall and back at the B&B, Poppy needs to follow a twisted trail marked by glowing footprints to unmask a killer...

I love visiting the Jersey Shore and Poppy, Sawyer, Aunt Ginny, and the "Biddies"! Plus we cant forget about her mischievous cat, Figuro! This time around we are at a Beauty Expo and Poppy is still struggling from relationship complications with Gia .  From meddling wives to vandalism Poppy has her work cut out for her this go around. At the B&B - Portia, a champion show kitty joins in the chaos and captures Figuro’s heart.

I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait till the next instalment comes out and finding out what Poppy does next! 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover 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,

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Death of an Italian Chef by Lee Hollis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Death of an Italian Chef” by Lee Hollis the 14th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series which releases on June 29, 2021.

The charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, has a fancy new Italian restaurant--and a nasty new murder...

As the food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, it's Hayley Powell's job to stay on top of the latest eateries in town. Just in time for the summer tourist season, Chef Romeo, a successful restaurateur from New York City, has opened an establishment called--naturally--Romeo's. But between his over-the-top temperament and his no-holds-barred diet, Chef Romeo may not live through the grand opening.

When the chef actually does suffer a mild heart attack, he ends up sharing a hospital room with Hayley's brother Randy, who's there for gall bladder surgery. Chef Romeo has tasted Hayley's cooking and asks her to take over his restaurant while he's laid up. But this temporary gig may turn permanent, after the chef dies from complications. Only thing is, Randy tells a different story. He might have been sedated, but Hayley's bro swears he saw someone come into their room and put Romeo out of his misery. Now it's up to Hayley to find the person who had no reservations about killing the chef...

I love this series, I have only read the last 5 but have purchased the previous 9 and hope to catch up. The stories always catch my attention and pull me in right away.  This instalment was no different I read over a few hours.

Plus the recipes ! They make me want to cook pasta!  Linguine is a favourite as is bacon carbonara and I told hubby we needed to order in Italian as craving so much after reading this story.  I’m definitely going to try at least one recipe from the book.

I suspected the murderer but didn’t fully guess until Haley did. This was a great mystery filled with lots of twists and turns. I love how Haley, Liddy and Mona and their long friendship with all the stories, we meet a few new characters that I hope to see on future books.  Haley also might make one of her dreams come true ...

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

My rating 

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

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

Hugs, 

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A New Leash on Life by Chelsea Thomas

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A New Leash on Life by Chelsea Thomas, book one in the Dog Groomer Mystery series.  This is a spin off from their popular Apple Orchard Mystery series featuring Amy the dog groomer and her poker loving Granny Petunia.  I love the apple orchard series so thought I would give this one a try,  part of me wondered if I would like Amy and Petunia as much as I do Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny...

Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed.

Every person, and every pet, loves Amy...

...except the guilty.

In a small town, where dog parks are plenty, every street is tree-lined, and if you throw a frisbee, ten cute puppies chase it down, there are still secrets behind every bend.

Murder echoes loudest in small towns.

Amy’s heartbroken, dead broke and as positive and joyful as they come. She’s opening a pet salon with her grumpy Granny after a stressful stint in Pine Grove. But when Amy’s first and only customer is murdered, she realizes if she doesn't catch the killer, the grand opening of her pet salon could be ruined.

Who would have killed Amy’s customer?

Hot shot rookie cop Michael Fine thinks Amy committed the murder. Amy and Granny know he’s wrong, but they don’t have proof. There’s a killer on the loose in their little slice of heaven and if the ladies don't solve the mystery they could lose their business...or worse.

You’ll adore this clean cozy because everyone loves funny mysteries with tons of cute, tiny animals.

I really enjoy the main characters and their interactions with each other had me laughing a couple times.  I love the relationship that Amy and her Granny have with each other and find it to be very realistic. The new characters like Betsy, I found to be just a quirky and funny. 

I also enjoyed hearing fluffy the cat tell his story every other chapter.

The plot is very good it pulled me in right away and moves at a steady pace.  I can imagine the character coming to life in my mind as if I was really there. 

I thought I had identified the killer early in the book but as I read on there were red herrings galore that I second guessed myself. When the murderer was finally revealed had been right.

I highly recommend this series to all my fellow cozy mystery lovers. 

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

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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Dead on Target by Lily Webb

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Dead on Target” the 5th instalment in Lily Webb's new Paranormal Cozy Mystery series. I can’t say this enough Lily’s books have become one of my favourite paranormal cozies!

Don't shoot the messenger...

Psychic Selena feels like she's finally settling into her new life at the paranormal Kindred Spirits Inn — until a hair-raising hound swipes one of her guests. The only problem? No one can track down the shapeshifting suspect.

When a hunting party begins a search for the lethal lycan, Selena fears things aren't what they seem — and what she discovers raises her hackles.

Someone's hounding after the werewolf for all the wrong reasons, and they'll stop at nothing to make sure they bag the beast. 

Can Selena's visions spare the shapeshifter? Or will she be the next to take a silver bullet?

I loved this instalment, Selena and Thorne discover a Lycan in their woods. Things go from bad to badder once Blair hires a Beast hunter Tommy and he brings a lot of chaos with him it seems.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep you engrossed till the end.

Overall this was a great paranormal cozy and I can’t wait to read book 6 later in 2021!

I highly recommend this series to all my friends.

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

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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Reserved for Murder by Victoria Gilbert

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing "Reserved for Murder" the 2nd instalment in the "A Booklover's B&B Mystery" series by Victoria Gilbert. I think this series will be on my must read list, I really enjoy the setting and am beginning to like the main characters.

More bloodshed at a bibliophiles' bed-and-breakfast as Victoria Gilbert's delightful series continues.

Meeting your favorite author in the flesh can be the chance of a lifetime. But for one unlucky fan, her plum place in line at a book signing will lead to her untimely demise.

Beaufort, North Carolina, is home to Chapters Bed and Breakfast, owned and operated by former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed. This historic 18th-century inn draws in voracious readers from far and wide with its lovingly curated special events celebrating a host of genres and authors.

On this sunny July weekend, a visit by one of the biggest names in romantic fantasy attracts throngs of admirers to the quaint coastal village. That's not ideal, as the author retreated to Chapters to get away from it all for a while. No matter--she'll appease her fans with a "Tea and Talk" meet-and-greet at the B&B celebrating her bestselling series (starring a devilishly dashing, time-traveling pirate), follow that up with a quick book signing at Bookwaves, the hip indie bookstore across town, and spend the remainder of the weekend in delightful repose.

But when the president of the reclusive writer's fan club is found dead in the harbor by the Beaufort docks--done in by a blunt-force blow to the head--it's up to Charlotte Reed, her neighbor Ellen, and Ellen's trusty Yorkshire terrier to sniff out the killer. Because if they can't, a spectacularly successful book series--and its author--may come to a sudden, lethal conclusion.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a couple of days. As a booklover , would love to be staying at a B&B along with one of my favorite authors.  Learning the ins and out as well as the pitfalls of trying to make it as a writer these days.  

I loved the characters of Ellen and Charlotte and the bond that’s forming as we slowly find out more of their backstory in each new book.  Could there be a bit of romance in charlottes future...    

Overall the mystery was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  I didnt guess the killer before Charlotte this time!

I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are at Chapters B&B in Beaufort, North Carolina.

I highly recommend this book 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,

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Wartime with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing Wartime with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker the first in the feel-good new Cornish Girls series.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in a day. 

1941. The Blitz rages over London. 

And even in Cornwall, the war is being fought…

When Violet loses her sister in the Blitz, she must take her nieces to safety in Cornwall. On the coast, she meets carefree chorus girl Eva, who is also running from the dangers of London.

But Porthcurno hides a secret military base, and soon Violet and Eva realise there’s a battle to fight in Cornwall, too.

Together with local Hazel, who works on the base, they must come together to help the war effort. But will their friendship be enough to keep them safe?

The perfect uplifting wartime read for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas.

‘A fascinating story, beautifully written, with interesting characters I really liked. A most enjoyable read!’ Kitty Neale, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Daughter’s Ruin

‘A warm-hearted story – at times I laughed and at others I held my breath … I loved the characters and I’m delighted it is the first in a series’ Pam Weaver, Sunday Times bestselling author of Goodnight Sweetheart

The story follows the lives of three women who end up together in the Cornish town of Porthcurno where a top secret military base is running during WW2.  Growing up my gran and mum told us stories about the rationing, air raids over london and my mum being sent out to the country to be safe, because of this I was attracted to this book. 

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. 

I will definitely read other books by this author, i am excited to read “Christmas with the Cornish Girls” on November 25, 2021.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Avon Books UK 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, 

The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing The Art of Betrayal the 3rd instalment in the “A Kate Hamilton Mystery” series by Connie Berry, this was my second time reading a book by this author and I was super happy to find out there was a new one. This can be read as a stand-alone but I find its always better to read in order.

In Connie Berry's third Kate Hamilton mystery, American antique dealer Kate Hamilton's spring is cut short when a body turns up at the May Fair pageant.

Spring is a magical time in England--bluebells massing along the woodland paths, primrose and wild thyme dotting the meadows. Antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is spending the month of May in the Suffolk village of Long Barston, enjoying precious time with Detective Inspector Tom Mallory. While attending the May Fair, the annual pageant based on a well-known Anglo-Saxon folktale, a body turns up in the middle of the festivities.

Kate is even more shocked when she learns the murder took place in antiquity shop owner Ivor Tweedy's stockroom and a valuable Chinese pottery jar that she had been tasked with finding a buyer for has been stolen. Ivor may be ruined. Insurance won't cover a fraction of the loss.

As Tom leads the investigation, Kate begins to see puzzling parallels between the murder and local legends. The more she learns, the more convinced she is that the solution to both crimes lies in the misty depths of Anglo-Saxon history and a generations-old pattern of betrayal. It's up to Kate to unravel this Celtic knot of lies and deception to save Ivor's business.


I loved visiting the village of Long Barstow in Suffolk again, Berry’s descriptions made you feel like are there in the rain of England. I also enjoyed learning a bit about antiques as well as local folklore. 

Protagonist Kate is level headed, kind hearted and very talented at seeing little details and putting clues together to solve crimes.  I really liked the side characters of Ivor Tweedy , Lady Barbara, Vivian and Fergus (pug).   I enjoyed the ending of the story but wont give out any spoilers.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. I did suspect the killer early on but there were lots of twists and turns to keep me absorbed in the story.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good traditional British cozy mystery with a historical background.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy 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, 

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Post Mortem by Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Post Mortem the 6th instalment in the Mail Carrier Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes.  I absolutely love this series, featuring Rowena a marmalade tabby just like my Charlie. 

Sugar Creek Gap is a southern small town where everyone puts their differences aside in order to come together for the greater good of the cozy knit community. But when a citizen, Jeff Faulkner, goes missing from the annual Sugar Creek Gap High School fundraiser, the rumor mill starts to turn faster and faster, churning up the past that puts Jeff Faulkner in the spot light.

Bernadette Butler, a local mail carrier, hears all the gossip swirling around while delivering the mail on route. Hearsay says Jeff ran off because his payment for an old gambling debt came due or he ran off with another women making both assumptions irrelevant after Rowena, Bernadette's feline, finds Jeff's lifeless body. 

Heartbroken for Jeff's family, Bernie knows all too well what it feels like to become a widow and a son fatherless. Bernie can't help but collect clues with all the gossip flowing faster than she can deliver the mail, putting her smack dab in the middle of the investigation that has more twists and turns than the roads where Bernie drives her mail carrier truck.

Includes recipes...

I absolutely loved returning to Sugar Creek Gap Kentucky and visiting with Bernie, Mac, Iris, Buster and Rowena the cat. I must say this might be my favourite one yet in the series. I really enjoyed Gertrude and, Revonda Gail’s part in the story. 

Revonda Gail helped Bernie out this time, and there were lots of suspects as well as twists to keep us entertained and guessing. I had no idea who the killer was until Bernie did!  Also there were a couple of surprises and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy loving friends especially if they like an older herione. 

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author. 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 Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Bookstore on the Beach” by Brenda Novak. I don’t think I have read any books by Brenda Novak before and now I am wondering why not.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day. 

A page-turner with a deep heart."—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Summer

How do you start a new chapter of your life when you haven’t closed the book on the previous one?

Eighteen months ago, Autumn Divac’s husband went missing. Her desperate search has yielded no answers, and she can’t imagine moving forward without him. But for the sake of their two teenage children, she has to try.

Autumn takes her kids home for the summer to the charming beachside town where she was raised. She seeks comfort working alongside her mother and aunt at their bookshop, only to learn that her daughter is facing a huge life change and her mother has been hiding a terrible secret for years. And when she runs into the boy who stole her heart in high school, old feelings start to bubble up again. Is she free to love him, or should she hold out hope for her husband’s return? She can only trust her heart…and hope it won’t lead her astray.

"A heart-tugging romance. Readers are sure to be sucked in.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review  

The story is told from three generations of women—a grandmother, a mother and a daughter. It had everything you could want in a story love, regret, laughter, sadness, forgiveness, friendships and family however that might look.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. I must admit I choked up and even wanted to know more 

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harlequin 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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