Apr 26, 2024

A Limited Edition Murder by Lauren Elliott

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Dedication to Murder” the 10th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.
While in England, a first edition of Emily BrontĂ«’s Wuthering Heights leads bookstore owner Addie Greyborne to a murder on the moors . . .

Although enjoying her extended stay working at Second Chance Books and Bindery in West Yorkshire, Addie still feels adrift—far from home, her friends, and her own beloved bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios. The engagement party of her dear friend, Tony, at Milton Manor promises to be a joyful distraction. But there’s an ill wind blowing at the estate: When Tony presents his fiancĂ© with a special copy of Wuthering Heights as an engagement gift, the lord of the manor insists the book was stolen from his library . . .

Things go from troubling to tragic when Addie takes her Yorkipoo, Pippi, out for a walk on the moors and stumbles across the body of a young woman. When the police suspect Tony of foul play, Addie vows to get to the bottom of what’s going on. But it’s a twisted, treacherous path to the truth and Addie will need to watch her every step . . .

I loved this latest instalment in the series!  Addie has been living and working at Second Chance Books and Bindery in West Yorkshire.  I do suggest you try to read from the beginning as there are lots of characters and back stories you will want to know plus it’s a great mystery series.

The mystery was interesting and well plotted, I did suspect who the killer was halfway through, but this was an amazing puzzle to figure out alongside Addie and her new friends, along with a few old ones. 

Plus the ending oh my goodness! I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next for Addie as she has some pretty big decisions to make going forward.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I can’t wait to read book 11!


I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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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Apr 21, 2024

The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Diva Goes Overboard” the 17th instalment in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis.
New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis returns with a delicious new Domestic Diva Mystery set in Alexandria, Virginia’s charming Old Town neighborhood and featuring entertaining guru Sophie Winston, who loves hosting and event planning but prefers to keep things simple–if only she could…

In Old Town Alexandria’s unlikeliest match, Natasha Smith’s free-spirited mother, Wanda, is engaged to notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth—leaving Natasha to plan the entire wedding, beginning with an elaborate engagement party. For the extravagant affair, Natasha splurges on trendy food boards created by rising social media star, Stella St. James. The sumptuous boards go way beyond basic cheese and crackers, as Stella dazzles guests with picture-worthy butter boards, dessert boards, and even doughnut boards. Just as Natasha planned, the food is to die for—until someone actually does.

When the groom collapses, it seems as if a heart attack is to blame. Then guests discover Orson was poisoned, and suddenly Stella’s bespoke boards look a lot less appealing. But with an event this big, the spread of suspects is sure to be impressive. Could Orson’s killer be a jilted ex-lover? A money hungry relative? A bitter former business partner? When even Sophie is not above suspicion, she knows it’s time to get on board and scrape together an investigation of her own . . . before murder becomes the town’s next trend.

Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!

I really enjoy this series!   I really like Sophie, she is relatable, interesting and I love her relationship with her BFF Nina and her ex Mars as well as several other residents of Old Town. I liked how the characters were there for each other, no matter what was happening.

The mystery itself was interesting, full of twists and turns, red herrings all of which completely drew me into the story.   I didn’t want to put the book down and read it till the wee hours.

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

My rating 

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

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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

Hugs,

Apr 20, 2024

The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Krista Davis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Dog Who Knew Too Much” the 6th instalment in the "Paws and Claws” Mystery series by Krista Davis.  This is one of my favourite cozy series, I love Trixie and Twinkletoes and the whole concept of Wagtail.
When a famous pooch comes to Wagtail for some downtime, inn owner Holly Miller learns that murder never rests in this all-new Paws & Claws mystery in the New York Times bestselling series.

America's favorite dog comes to pet-friendly Wagtail for some rest and relaxation, but Holly quickly discovers that this perfect pup is a total scamp who takes every opportunity to run off and misbehave. During an outdoor treasure-hunting game, the star dog and Trixie, Holly's beloved Jack Russell terrier, stumble across a dead body.Holly has more than murder to worry about, though, when a man shows up after reading an article featuring Trixie in a magazine and claims that he is the dog's rightful owner. Holly will need to prove that she is her pup's only parent and catch a killer to restore peace to her pet-loving happy place.
As with all the books previously I read in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are like old friends and then Pippin and his TV entourage invade Wagtail.  I have a little terrier mix, and I could totally see us living there.  I love the antics that Trixie and Twinkletoes get up to around the hotel.

We had dog nappings, two murders and per usual Holly and Trixie are in the middle of things.
I never know who committed the murders until the end, and the food always makes me hungry - would love to vacation in a place where you and your dog are welcome everywhere.  Wagtail is definitely somewhere I would love to live or visit.

 I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.  I can’t wait till the next book!


I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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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Apr 15, 2024

Lights, Camera, Bones by Carolyn Haines

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing  "Lights, Camera, Bones" by Carolyn Haines the 27th instalment in the "A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery" series which releases on May 21st.  I absolutely love this series!
The latest novel in the series that Kirkus Reviews characterizes as “Stephanie Plum meets the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” featuring sassy Southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney.

Delaney Detective Agency gets a taste of the spotlight when they are called to a case on a movie set in Greenville, MS, right on the Mississippi River. Marlon Brandon, heir to a wealthy and influential political family, has brought a film crew to town to film a drama about the 1927 flood that submerged a great deal of Greenville. Marlon wants the world to know the story of the flood—and the heroic role the Brandon ancestors played in rescuing dozens of local residents from drowning.

Or at least that was the plan until he disappeared. If this weren't concerning enough, the situation appears even more dire when a severed foot is discovered in the Mississippi River, and clues indicate that Marlon may have fallen victim to a freak bull shark attack. 

But as rumors swirl around the Delta about Marlon's motives for making the film, Sarah Booth and Tinkie have to wonder whether a shark is to blame, or an equally ferocious human offender. The show must go on, and Sarah Booth and her crew will have to investigate all manner of creatures, over land and sea, in order to solve the mystery and save the day.

I always enjoy visiting with Sarah and Tinkie it’s like coming home to old friends.  I always learn something about the history of the Deep South and this time the flood of 1927 in Greenville.  Sarah Booth and Tinkie investigate the disappearance of the Marlon the writer and star of the movie.

There were plenty of twists and turns and lots to keep you intrigued.  I found this book to be a real page-turner, and reading in one day. I love Jitty Sarah’s “Haint” she played a few tricks on Sarah that were mean but funny at the same time …. Did I mention there was also a Bull Shark loose in the Mississippi River.

I’m looking forward to the next instalment 
 
I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy mystery friends. 


I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martins Press and NetGalley . All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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

Hugs,




Apr 7, 2024

An Intrigue of Witches A Secret Society Mystery by Esme Addison

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “An Intrigue of Witches” by Esme Addison the first instalment in A Secret Society Mystery
.  What a great start to a new paranormal adventure mystery series.
 
National Treasure meets A Discovery of Witches . . .


Introducing the Secret Society mystery series, and kick-ass red-headed heroine Sidney, a Black historian poised on the brink of discovering her true past . . . and her hidden witchy powers!

"Poignant and entertaining, this one is loaded with intrigue – a feast for anyone, like myself, who loves action, history, secrets and conspiracies. A stellar read" New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry

Thirty-year-old Black woman Sidney Taylor is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She's also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?

So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure - with a million-dollar pay out at stake - it's one she can't refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it's been too long since she's paid her a visit.

Soon, Sidney's on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she's searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Sidney starting to feel like she's at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn't understand?

The answer blows Sidney's world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.

Definitely 4.5 stars 

I loved Esme Addisons other series An Enchanted Bay Mystery series and am saddened it’s not continuing.  Which in turn made me excited to read Intrigue of Witches , at first I was iffy until I hit the 25%  mark in the book.  It seemed to political, and conspiracy theories that float around today, but I really got into it in the end.  It felt like Dan Browns Di Vinci code type of adventure thriller full of conspiracy, intrigue, history, lost treasure, magic  and did I mention time travel. I tried to stay awake to finish but kept falling asleep then I would wake up read another few chapters fall asleep but at 4am I made a cup of tea and had to see how it ended.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters.   I’m sure we will learn more about the characters in further books and I look forward to Sidney’s next adventure.   I can see these books as a movie too!

I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends. I am looking forward to book two. 

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

Apr 5, 2024

Welcome to Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Welcome to Hollyhock Farm" by Georgina Troy. What can I say other than I enjoyed it and read in one day.  Who doesn’t want to escape to a small farm on an island in the English Channel…

Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley...

When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale.

Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breathe in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.

But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.

But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…

The setting of a small farm on the Island of Jersey sounded breathtaking.  It had everything you could want in a story love, family, community and second chances.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional.  You had her childhood crush Brodie back on the island as the local vet, then the fireman Joe who all wanted to help Lettie with the farm while her parents were away.  The story was told from Lettie’s perspective as well as Brodies .

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, 

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Apr 1, 2024

Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "
Brie Careful What You Wish For” the 4th instalment in A Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly set in the town of Balsam Dell, Vermont. This is definitely one of my favourite series.
When a mean and quarrelsome woman is found murdered in her own home, most of the residents of Balsam Dell can only say feta late than never . . .

With the summer heat sizzling, grilled cheese restaurant owner Carly Hale is thrilled to have Ross Baxter delivering her sandwiches to local seniors. She’s never met a more polite or hardworking young man, and she brushes it off when one of her more difficult customers complains about him. But then Ross returns to the woman’s home to make another delivery—and finds her dead body. The police and half the town immediately suspect he killed her, so Carly steps in to investigate, determined to prove them wrong.

Carly soon learns that the victim had an estranged stepson and stepdaughter, both of whom needed her money to get their lives back on track. Worse still, in her younger days the dead woman had a reputation for preying on other women’s husbands, leaving broken marriages in her wake—and a list of suspects a mile long. But Ross’s fingerprints were found on the murder weapon, leaving Carly hungry for any clue she can find. Until she comes face-to-face with the killer, and realizes this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .

Includes melt-in-your-mouth sandwich recipes!
I really like the characters in this series and they are what have made me fall in love with it.  Especially the Protagonist Carly, her bff Gina, and her co-workers Grant, Suzanne and Valerie.

The mystery was interesting and there are plenty of red herrings, and  twists to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next. 

I read the book in one day it was that good, You will crave a grilled cheese while reading the book, I know I did. Luckily there are recipes at the back.

I cant wait for the 5th instalment.  I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.


I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Poisoned Pen 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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The Antique Store Detective by Clare Chase

Hello my cozy friends, Today I am reviewing "The Antique Store Detective” the first instalment in The Bella Winter Mystery series by Cl...