Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Vice and Virtue by Libby Klein book one in A Layla Virtue Mystery series. First in new series by Libby Klein, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for book 2!

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Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, 30-something recovering alcoholic and former cop is trying to reinvent herself as a musician—between AA meetings, dodging eccentric neighbors at her trailer park, and reconnecting with her mysterious dad—in this ​unforgettable new mystery brimming with hilarity and heart for readers of Margot Douaihy, Jane Pek, and Darynda Jones.

Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Though try telling that to the group of local ladies who are in relentless pursuit of Layla as their new BFF, determined to make her join them for coffee and donuts.

Meanwhile, since her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s not easy competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer, while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But Layla isn’t in a position to turn down any gig. Which is why she’s at an 8-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last . . .

Who would want to kill a clown—and why? Layla and her unshakable posse are suddenly embroiled in the seedy underbelly of the upper-class world of second wives and trust fund kids, determined to uncover what magnetic hold a pudgy, balding clown had over women who seem to have everything they could ever want. Then again, Layla knows full well that people are rarely quite what they seem—herself included . . .

What a great start to a new cozy mystery series it was engaging, really well-written, and set in Potomac, Virginia. As most of my friends know I’m a fan girl of Libby’s books and I can see this series becoming another favourite.

I loved the character of Layla with all her faults and insecurities plus her new friends and who can forget Ringo

The mystery had lots of twists and turns with plenty of suspects who wanted the victim dead. I didn’t suspect the killer at all!

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

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

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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I deviated from my usual reading preferences to dive into "A River Enchanted", a fantasy novel infused with Scottish folklore as it was our March book club pick. This book shattered my expectations with its exquisite writing, enthralling storyline, and captivating characters.

The author had me hooked from the first chapter as she masterfully weaves a tale that seamlessly blends fantasy and folklore, creating a rich and immersive world. There were several wonderful characters in the story but I did love Adaira and Jack the most. Adaira and Jack's journeys are expertly crafted, that you couldn’t help becoming invested in their stories. Their complexities and vulnerabilities make them relatable and endearing.

Upon finishing "A River Enchanted", I immediately ordered the second book and can’t wait to read it tomorrow night. The cliffhanger ending left me eager to discover what's next for Adaira and Jack.

If you're a fan of fantasy, folklore, or simply exceptional storytelling, "A River Enchanted" is a must-read. Be prepared to be enchanted by this captivating series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own

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Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin” is the 8th instalment in the "Death By Chocolate" mystery series by Sarah Graves.

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One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, The Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .

Decorations of cobwebs and creatures have blanketed the Eastport’s picaresque houses as the community celebrates Halloween and enjoys the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Browne’s ramshackle mansion known as Stone House. The star of the home repair TV show, Hands On With Hank, and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just in time to witness Hank fall to his death from the house’s widow’s walk.

Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.

And neither does Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a scorned girlfriend, a school bully, and an estranged wife among them. Did any of them dress up as killer this Halloween, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?

I enjoy this series set in the village of Eastport, Maine and really like protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie. Plus I love her family especially Bella.  There was lots of excitement this go around with a haunted mansion, celebrity DIY host and a scared teenager…

There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book was engaging from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the very start.

 I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

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.

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Scone Cold Dead by Maddie Day

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Scone Cold Dead” the 13th book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day. I just love this series! 

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After a body is found in a local farmer’s field, country store and café owner Robbie Jordan suspects that a newcomer in South Lick, Indiana, may not be a stranger to everyone in town . . .

Robbie is just weeks away from giving birth. While her husband Abe scrambles to get the house ready for their baby’s arrival, Robbie makes last minute arrangements to keep her shop and restaurant, Pans ’N Pancakes, up and running when she’s on maternity leave. And it seems Robbie and Abe aren’t the only ones grappling with anxiety—a stranger is causing a stir in town and Robbie’s Aunt Adele appears unusually preoccupied at the baby shower . . .

But when someone finds a body in the ram field on Adele’s sheep farm, it’s Robbie’s turn to be worried. Especially after Chief Buck Bird uncovers a troubling link between Adele and the possible murder victim. Robbie has no choice but to knit the clues together and solve this mystery before anything else gets flocked up . . .

I love the setting of South Lick, Indiana and I love Robbie and her staff at Pans N Pancakes they are like one big family. Now that Robbie is about to give birth, she wants to relax and work out the last few weeks with no stress but... 

After a body is found in a local farmer’s field, country store and café owner Robbie Jordan suspects that a newcomer in South Lick, Indiana, may not be a stranger to everyone in town . . .

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.  There was a sub-plot with what will happen staff wise as some leave and a few other surprises pop up.  But I liked the way it ended and look forward to the next instalment.

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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Death at Inishmore Castle by Lucy Connelly

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Death at Inishmore Castle” by Lucy Connelly the 3rd instalment in the " A Mercy McCarthy Mystery" series. 

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A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead?

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unlikely nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realizes there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love meeting Mercy McCarthy!  

I really enjoyed visiting Shamrock Cove, Ireland again and Inishmore Castle.  I enjoy the relationship between Mercy and Lizzie, and the other residents in the court.  I LOVE Mr. Poe and was happy they took him along to the castle and that he played a part in solving the mysteries.  Whisky tasting and baking was the plan until one of the guests was murdered!  When Mercy realizes there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Mercy did.  
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture 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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The Cornish Castle Murder by Fiona Leitch

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Cornish Castle Murder” the 8th instalment in The Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series by Fiona Leitch.  I cannot get enough of this series, if you love mysteries set in England this is for you!

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The brand new Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker cozy mystery to escape with in 2025. Available to pre-order now!

The time has finally come for former Met police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker to wed her fiancé DCI Nathan Withers, But their long-anticipated wedding doesn’t quite go to plan…

As their guests descend on a luxurious Cornish castle for a weekend of pre-wedding activities, the happy couple look forward to spending time with friends and family. But celebrations grind to a halt when an arrow flies off-course during the archery session, and they find the body of a young woman floating face down in an ornamental pond.

With the champagne chilling and canapes assembled, and an old London adversary brought in to investigate, it’s up to Jodie and Nathan to uncover the killer, before they strike again.

Could the murderer be on the guest list?

I love visiting Cornwall and Jodie, Daisy, and her mum but let’s not forget about Germaine the Pomeranian! This time we are attending the wedding of Josie and Nathan, what could go wrong with a bunch of off duty policeman around. Could the murderer be on the guest list?

The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I really hope there will be a book 9 coming out soon, as I can’t get enough of this series.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Harper Collins UK.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

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

Hugs,

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Axe Me No Questions by Paula Charles

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Axe Me No Questions book 2 in the A Hometown Hardware Mystery by Paula Charles .  This was the first book I read in the series and I found it to be enjoyable and entertaining.

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In the quaint mountain town of Pine Bluff, Oregon, fall has arrived and it’s time for the annual Timber Festival, complete with Lumberjack and Lumberjill contests, and booths serving spicy chili and creamy pumpkin pies. Widowed hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter is selling cookbooks at a booth in the park for a fundraiser her women’s group is running. She’s looking forward to soaking in all her favorite things about the season, including hoping to have a conversation with her deceased husband, who she thinks is still hanging around the house.

But when Dawna falls over the body of one of the lumberjacks, with his own throwing axe imbedded in his chest, her focus turns to murder. With the town in turmoil, Dawna takes Chief Dallas’s request to keep her ears open as a full license to snoop. She’d better watch her back, or Dawna might be the next one to get the axe.

What a great cozy mystery it was engaging, really well-written, set in a small town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. My favorite character is Dawna as I found her very relatable and likeable.  I enjoyed that she felt her late husbands presence as well as her deceased furbaby who comforted her after a big scare.

The mystery was well written and had plenty of suspects who seemed to want the victim dead.  I did suspect the killer early on but there were a few red herrings so I wasn't 100% sure until close to the end when the final piece fell into place.  There are a couple of sub-plots in this book that have me excitedly waiting for the next instalment !

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

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Level Best Books  and BookSirens. 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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Forest Ever White by Sara Knightly

Hello my friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Forest  Ever White by Sara Knightly.  I loved this story and am sad to see it end.

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The Epic Conclusion of The Everlight Series… Fate is Never Wrong.

Ivy Rune not only escaped the Count's castle; she uncovered the truth of her father's disappearance. But the consequences of this revelation force Ivy to seek help from her friend Ember's mother. However, as Keeper of the White Forest, Airlend Frost is also an enemy of the Count.

With the Count on their trail, Ivy and her friends race to the White Forest. But when they arrive, a buried fate in Ember's world collides with the final secret of Ivy's past, unexpectedly binding Ivy to the White Forest.

To protect her loved ones and the White Forest from the Count's coming destruction, Ivy accepts a mission to retrieve a powerful object. With everyone's future at stake, Ivy discovers fate has its own plans for her, and there's a price to wield this magic. If she's not careful, Ivy risks betraying those she loves by fulfilling a fate she never intended.

I devoured this story in one sitting, utterly enthralled by the continuation of Ivy and York’s journey! The story masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, trust, and the unknown, with a dash of mystery and magic that will keep you spellbound. I found myself deeply invested in Ivy's struggles, as her fears and anxieties were portrayed with remarkable realism. 

If you're a fan of YA fantasy, do yourself a favor and add this series to your reading list - you won't regret it!"

I requested and received an advance readers copy from Book Sirens. 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.

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Goats Just Wanna Have Fun by Janna Rollins

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Goats Just Wanna Have Fun Bork 2 in A Zen Goat Mystery by Janna Rollins.  I found it to be enjoyable and entertaining full of loveable characters and Goats!. 

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It’s late summer and time for the Lupine County Fair. Callie has agreed to teach daily goat yoga sessions for the duration of the fair, and she’s excited her cousin Tristan is coming from Boston to help her out. She’s looking forward to experiencing every moment her first rural county fair has to offer, including eating her weight in greasy corn dogs and curly fries, then taking in the excitement of the carnival at night. Maybe she’ll bump into that handsome, albeit frustrating, veterinarian, Levi McClure.

But things get wild fast when the proprietor of Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs is murdered on the track in front of a crowd of spectators. When the local snow cone stand owner, Sweet Pete, is found with evidence pointing to him as the killer, Callie is sure it’s a set-up. It’s going to take a calm mind and a Zenful spirit to find the real killer before she ends up hog-tied.

What a great cozy mystery it was engaging, really well-written, set in a small town in Lupine County New Hampshire. My favorite character is Bugsy the goat.

The protagonist Callie was intelligent, likeable, and the friends she made were people I would like to hang out with especially  her aunt and uncle. 

The mystery was well written and had plenty of suspects who wanted the victim dead.  I did suspect the killer early on but there were a few red herrings so I wasn't 100% sure until close to the end when the final piece fell into place.  There are a couple of sub-plots in this book that having me excitedly waiting for the next instalment !

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

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Level Best Books  and BookSirens. 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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Fudge and Marriage by Nancy Coco

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Fudge and Marriage” book 14 in the  Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco.  I really love this series and visiting Mackinac Island!

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Only two things might ruin fudge maker Allie McMurphy’s wedding: murder—and her mother . . .

June is always beautiful on Mackinac Island, which is why Allie chose this month for her wedding to police officer Rex Manning—definitely Mackinac Island’s finest in more ways than one. But if her mother has her way, that’s the last choice Allie will get to make. Allie’s the furthest thing from a Bridezilla—but it looks like she has a Momzilla on her hands. Why else have her mother and extended family shown up a full two weeks before the nuptials to drive Allie to dizzying distraction?

Honestly, a murder investigation is far less stressful—and as it happens, Allie just found Velma French dead on the ground beside the rock that killed her, with her rival Myrtle sobbing nearby. Things don’t look good for Myrtle, but all may not bewhat it seems. Allie vows to solve the crime before she walks down the aisle. But a killer has other ideas – and they seem to be focused on Allie herself. . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in a couple days.   The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. 

I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I did figure out who the villain was shortly before Allie did. 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends and can’t wait for the next instalment 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.

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Written in Stone A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Written in Stone” the 10th instalment in the "Scottish Bookshop Mystery” series by Paige Shelton.  I really enjoy this series and have started collecting in hardcover. 

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Written in Stone, the tenth installment in the Scottish Bookshop series by Paige Shelton, set in a specialty bookstore in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn’t sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts—complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair—recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.

Or at least that’s what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.

With the police dragging their feet in the investigation, Delaney takes it upon herself to dig into Dr. Pace's past. Her research goes murky as she quickly discovers Pace’s shady background—selling fake dinosaur bones and running into some 3D-printing trouble back in Kansas. Could his past have come back to bite him in Edinburgh? And what does his questionable background mean for the mysterious Pictish artifact he was trying to sell to Ryory? Delaney will have to dust off her magnifying glass to uncover the truth behind this case… or risk becoming a pile of bones herself.

I loved visiting Edinburgh, Scotland and the Cracked Spine book shop again. I liked how this time we were exploring the Picts blue tattoos and artifacts.  

There were several possible suspects, and kept me guessing for quite a while. I was drawn into this story right away and did not want to put it down. 

Overall, I found it to be a very entertaining read that made me long to visit Scotland.  

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

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

A Lesson in Dying The First Inspector Ramsay Novel by Ann Cleeves

Hello my cozy friends,

A Lesson in Dying The First Inspector Ramsay Novel by Ann Cleeves  It is a great start to a new crime/mystery series that I will continue with.  I am a huge fan of Ann Cleeves writing and British mysteries and this did not let me down

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Before Shetland and Vera, Ann Cleeves wrote the Inspector Ramsay series featuring a talented, brilliant detective—now in print for the first time in the US.

Who hung the headmaster in the playground on the night of the school Halloween Party?

Almost everyone in Heppleburn either hated or feared the viper-tongued Harold Medburn. Inspector Ramsay is convinced it was the headmaster’s enigmatic wife but Jack Robson, school governor and caretaker, is determined to prove her innocence.

With the help of his restless daughter Patty, Jack digs into the secrets of Heppleburn, and uncovers a cesspit of lies, adultery, blackmail and madness . . .

I was eager to dive into the Inspector Ramsay series, having fallen in love with Ann Cleeves' Vera series. Inspector Ramsay proves to be a distinctly different protagonist from Vera , with a complex introduction that sets the tone. Initially unpopular and seemingly set up for failure, Ramsay navigates his challenges with quiet determination.

This intriguing mystery boasts a cast of unforgettable characters, keeping me invested in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to witnessing Ramsay's growth in the next installment.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher 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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