A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing "A Deadly Dedication ” the 3rd instalment in the "An Open Book Mystery" series by Margaret Loudon. I love this series, I really enjoy the setting and I really like the main characters.

When murder taints writer-in-residence Penelope Parish’s charming British bookshop, she must follow the clues to catch a killer before tempers boil over.

Penelope Parish thought she’d turned the page on her amateur sleuthing days but when the owner of Upper Chumley-on-Stokes’ proposed first high-end gourmet shop is poisoned, the American novelist starts to wonder if she and her quaint British town are in for another rewrite. It turns out that not everyone was a fan of Simeon Foster’s farm-sourced charcuterie and imported pastries—many of the locals were outraged by the potential new competition.

With a full menu of suspects on her hands, this just might be Penelope’s toughest case yet. Luckily, her friends at the Open Book are there to help with every twist of the poisoned pen.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a couple of days.  Overall the mystery was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  

I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are at the Open Book Bookstore and Upper Chumley-on Stoke. 

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

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Berkeley 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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QUESTIONS, QUARRELS, & QUANDARY by Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Questions, Quarrels & Quandary” the 32nd instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.  I absolutely love this series!

Buy here

The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility.

Local woman Etta Hardgrove, a consignor at the Tough Nickel thrift shop, catches the eye of a Cowgirl Camper with her distinctive jewelry. But when Etta is found dead, the Campers swiftly become suspects, mired in a town teeming with those who harbored ill-will against Etta. The mystery deepens, and no one can be trusted.

Meanwhile, campground owner Mae and her partner Hank have their hands full. Hank is preoccupied with a missing teenager's case while Mae is entangled in wedding plans and premarital counseling that she's not particularly invested in, much to the dismay of her friend Mary Elizabeth.

As whispers of suspicion turn towards the nomadic Cowgirl Campers, Mae, Dottie, and the intrepid Laundry Club Ladies embark on a mission to unravel the truth behind Etta's untimely death. They dig deep into Etta's past and scrutinize the traveling campers, all to ensure the safety of their beloved Normal, Kentucky.

The  mystery was really good, with several suspects and a few red herrings thrown in.  

I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Witness, Woods, & Wedding Book 33 as I want the wedding to happen!

I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. 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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Mischief Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Mischief Nights Are Murder" the 8th instalment in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein. I love this series and I think this was best one yet!

It’s spooky season, and gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny are preparing some pranks for Cape May, New Jersey’s annual Mischief Night at their B&B. But jokes and games are pushed aside when a killer strikes…

Poppy is none too pleased when her B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Though her knack for finding dead bodies has given the place a spooky reputation, the Murder House is a completely undeserved nickname. At least it used to be . . .

While Poppy wrangles with some guests who can’t stop squabbling with each other—including a paranormal researcher, a very quirky pet psychic who freaks out her portly Persian, and an undercover tabloid reporter eager to catch her staff in a lie—one of them winds up facedown in a plate of tiramisu. And now she has bigger worries than getting her house TP’d . . .

I love visiting the Jersey Shore and Poppy, Gia, the adorable Henry, Aunt Ginny, and the "Biddies"! Plus we cant forget about her mischievous cat, Figuro! This time around Poppy has been roped into hosting an Haunted House Dinner event for a week and Poppy really wishes she wasn’t as she already had a lot on her plate!

We have a new addition to the household Kenny Love , who I picture looking like carrot-top the comedian.  I’m looking forward to knowing more about him in the coming books.

From a houseful of quirky paranormal enthusiasts, disappearing  items and mysterious Halloween mischief on the front lawn Poppy has her work cut out for her.  Enter her arch nemesis Joanne who ends up helping her along the way…. Is there hope for them yet. 

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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Steeped in Malice by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Steeped on Malice” by Vicki Delany the 4th instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of Vicki Delany’s books.  I’m excited that Ms. Delany will be in Calgary August 5th and doing book signing , I’m looking forward to meeting her.

Thanks to the Great Teacup Shortage, Cape Cod tearoom proprietress Lily Roberts is already feeling the strain. But when a family fracas turns deadly over an antique tea set, she’ll really have to pour through the clues before another crime is brewed up.

Afternoon tea isn’t just about flavorful brews and delicious treats. It’s also about presentation—fine china teacups (never mugs!), with carefully coordinated saucers and plates. With her fragile stock running low, Lily has an excuse to indulge in one of her favorite hobbies: visiting an antiques fair for replacements.

Among other finds, Lily snaps up a charming Peter Rabbit-themed tea set in a wicker basket, perfect for children’s events. But a few days later, a woman named Kimberly marches into the tearoom, rudely demanding to buy it back—then later returns and removes an envelope hidden in the basket’s lining.

An acquaintance of Lily’s named Rachel is on the trail of the tea set too. Apparently, she and Kimberly are half-sisters, searching for their mother’s final will. To her annoyance, Lily is dunked into the middle of this mess—especially when her ex-boyfriend turns out to be involved. But it’s more than a storm in a teacup when one of the sisters is found dead on the grounds of the B&B owned by Lily’s grandmother, Rose.

Is this a simple case of greed boiling over, or are there other suspects in the blend? It’ll take some savvy sleuthing from Lily, Rose, and their allies to find the answers before a killer shatters more lives . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end.  I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie.  People from Lily’s past show up causing drama, especially her ex Wesley.  

I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you.   Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy

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.

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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New Beginnings on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ New Beginnings on Railway Lane” by Alison Sherlock.  This is book 2 of the series where we meet back up with earlier characters so I would recommend reading the first one if you can. 

Buy here 

Welcome back to Railway Lane.
A feel-good story of new beginnings set in an idyllic English country village.

When high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!
After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!

But a job’s a job. Right?

Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour.

Returning home to try to pick up the pieces of his parents broken marriage, he soon discovers that his family home, the railway station, is close to financial ruin Can Katy use all of her skills and find a way to save the railway station?

And can Ryan rediscover his passion of cooking once more?

As winter in Cranfield begins to sprinkle its magic, perhaps Katy and Ryan can find their very own new beginning on Railway Lane.

What can I say other than I really enjoyed it and read in one day.  This is a heartwarming story of family, friends and new beginnings.  I will definitely read other books by this author.

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

Death of a Clam Digger by Lee Hollis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Death of a Clam Digger ” by Lee Hollis the 16th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series which releases on July 25, 2023.

As the tide rolls out in the coastal touristy town of Bar Harbor Maine, the tasty clams are plentiful–and so is murder in the latest Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails mystery from bestselling author Lee Hollis.

Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell usually reserves judgement for local cuisine, not the people who serve it. But staying neutral isn’t so easy when caught between the biggest seafood rivals in town—her BFF Mona Barnes and the successful Leighton clan. Adding to a bitter decades-old surf-turf war between family businesses, a modern Romeo and Juliet story unfolds as Mona’s son gets engaged to the daughter of her sworn enemy . . .

Spiteful patriarch Lonnie Leighton is also steamed about the arrangement—enough to go to dangerous lengths to break it up. At least, until he’s discovered face down and dead in the clam flats. With unanswered questions swirling, accusations flying in both directions, and a young couple stuck in the middle, Hayley has bigger fish to fry than determining who sources the best shellfish in Bar Harbor. Because someone wants to get away with murder . . . and send whoever else gets in their way to a muddy grave.

I love this series, the stories always catch my attention and pull me in right away.  This instalment was no different I read over a few hours.

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.

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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Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Honey Drop Dead” the 27th instalment in the A Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I absolutely love this series!

The murder of a political bigwig at a Honey Bee Tea sends Theodosia Browning buzzing for answers in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia’s Honey Bee Tea was an elegant affair set in Charleston’s new Petigru Park amid newly planted native grasses and a community beekeeping project. But when a phony beekeeper shows up and sprays toxic smoke at the guests, the party erupts in chaos. Worse yet, a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground—dead.

Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, is understandably heartbroken. A man is dead, her guests are angry and injured, and the paintings that were on display are left in tatters. When the police don’t seem to have a clue, when old-line politicos don’t want questions asked, Holly begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery’s good name.

Between hosting a Wind in the Willows Tea and a Glam Girl Tea, Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton. This includes Booker, an angry outsider artist; Lamar Lucket, Claxton’s political opponent; and Mignon Merriweather, the dead man’s soon-to-be ex-wife. But the investigation becomes a political hot potato following a second murder, the revelation of a messy affair, a chase through a swamp, and a vandalized shop.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

The story grabbed me from the beginning as we start off at Theo’s Honey Bee Tea and an art show where things go from good to bad quite quickly. I love protagonist Theo, the Indigo Tea Shop,  Drayton, and Haley and we can’t forget Earl Grey! I did notice Haley seemed nervous and a bit unsettled throughout this book, is she keeping a secret or was it because she was worrying about Ben.  Will she leave the tea shop and set out on her own, we will have to keep reading to find out.

As for the mystery itself I found it entertaining and well thought out. 

Make sure you have a hot cup of tea and a snack when reading as I’m always hungry when I hear Haley’s menus! Good thing there are recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.

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

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkeley 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 Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing "A Cryptic Clue" the 1st instalment in the "A Hunter and Clewe Mystery" series by Victoria Gilbert. I think this is a great start to a new series.

A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.

Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.

Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.

Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  I did guess the killer before Jane but I still found this to be a fun easy read.

I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are going for Jane, Cam and the rest of her new found friends. 

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,