Death of a Tom Turkey by Lee Hollis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Death of a Tom Turkey” by Lee Hollis the 18th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series.

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Thanksgiving season brings murder most fowl to Bar Harbor, Maine, as food writer and restaurateur Hayley Powell investigates a farmer felled at a turkey shoot . . .

The relationships between bad-tempered Tom Farley and his neighbors are as bitter as a bowl of raw cranberries, but would one of them have taken it far enough to replace birdshot with a real bullet and make him a target at a shooting competition? That’s what the injured turkey farmer is claiming from his hospital bed—in between terrorizing the nurses—and he insists it’s because a property developer is looking to buy them all out for big money. But Tom says he was born on that land, and he intends to die on it. Sadly, that happens sooner than he expects.

Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .

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 five 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 !

 

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

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Epilogue to a Christmas Murder by Lauren Elliott

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Epilogue to a Christmas Murder ” the 11th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.

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As bookstore owner Addie Greyborne shares the loving lesson of The Gift of the Magi, the spirit of the season falls prey to a thief and a killer . . .

There’s no place like the seaside Massachusetts town of Greyborne Harbor for the holidays, and there’s no better feeling for Addie than donating to the lighthouse museum’s Twelve Days of Christmas charity fundraiser. Of the dozen books she’ll be offering as prizes from her Beyond the Page Books and Curios shop, the most special volume is a first edition of The Gift of the Magi imported from England—signed by O. Henry! Addie receives an unexpected Christmas bonus when the book is hand delivered by visiting Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she met in England, and has been daydreaming about ever since.

But on the night Addie delivers the book to the museum, someone posing as one of Santa’s Little Helpers swipes it—and the rest of the charity gifts. As if the theft wasn’t bad enough, a body is found on the rocks outside the lighthouse, believed to be murdered.  Now, it’s up to Addie to connect the clues, find stolen goods, and catch a killer—in order to usher in a Happy New Year . . .

I loved this latest and last instalment in the series!  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 friends.  I absolutely loved that DI Noah comes to visit. We got to see him in Greyborne Harbor and he fits in really well with Addies friends. 

Plus the ending was bitter sweet as I knew that we would not have any more instalments as sadly the author passed away recently but Lauren did a great job tying up a lot of storylines for us. 

I recommend this book and series 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.

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

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Anyone But You by Olivia Spring

Hello my book friends,

Today I am reviewing Anyone But You by Olivia Spring. 

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A grumpy rock star looking for publicity, a hopeless romantic looking for love, and a match made in paradise 🌞🌴💖 For fans of Abby Jimenez, Meghan Quinn and Ali Hazelwood! 

Tropes: 🌶️ Matchmaking 🌶️ Rockstar romance 🌶️ Grumpy sunshine 🌶️ Opposites attract 🌶️ Forced proximity 🌶️ Fake dating 🌶️ Celebrity comeback 🌶️ Playboy with hidden depths 🌶️ Luxury hotel setting

They say opposites attract... right?

Ex-rock star Jake used to have it all. But a fall from grace has left him with a career in tatters. Trying to salvage his reputation, his agent suggests a trip to sunny California’s brand new five-star Love Hotel. The plan is to instigate a fake whirlwind social media romance to reignite his star power. Simple. Except, Jake barely knows how to use a hashtag. And he’s definitely not looking for love.

Looking for a second chance at finding true love, Halle has categorically sworn off musicians and social media after a painful break-up. So, when matched with notorious bad boy Jake, they’re a dating disaster waiting to happen, right?

Jake’s here for the clicks. Halle is craving a connection. ¬ Except the Love Hotel’s matchmaking team are the experts for a reason. And after two weeks of forced proximity in paradise, Halle and Jake discover that the pairing which at first seemed so wrong starts to feel so right…

Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Meghan Quinn and Sarah Adams!

This time we are following Halle and Jake, They say opposites attract... right?

This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, and loved the banter and all of the characters in this book . Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.

I look forward to reading all Olivia’s next Love Hotel story and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

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

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Murder at Blackwood Inn A Haunted Dead and Breakfast Mystery by Penny Warner

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Murder at Blackwood Inn” the 1st instalment in A Haunted Dead and Breakfast Mystery by Penny Warner.  What a great start to a new series!

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A haunted house and the occult are the least of Carissa Blackwood’s problems when her eccentric aunts are accused of murder in this cozy series debut by multiple award–winning author Penny Warner.

Ghostwriter Carissa Blackwood is having the worst year of her life. After leaving her cheating husband, she finally takes up the offer to help her two eccentric aunts manage the Blackwood Bed ’n’ Breakfast Inn in Pelican Point, California–a house they only recently inherited from their deceased father, Bram Blackwood. The old man dabbled in the occult, and his daughters haven’t fallen far from the family tree. Aunt Runa is into crystals and plans to hold séances at the reportedly “haunted” house. Aunt Hazel has an herbary and offers herbal cures for everything from headaches to paranormal visions. But it’s Hazel’s poison garden that really concerns Carissa.

When one of the townspeople dies from a poison that could have only come from Aunt Hazel’s garden, the town is quick to point fingers. It doesn’t help that one of Aunt Runa’s charms is found at the scene of the crime. With a little help from Noah, the mysterious and handsome handyman; Aiden, the charming newspaperman—and the ghost of Carissa’s grandfather—it’s up to Carissa to clear her aunts and find the real killer before someone else is checked out for good at the B&B.

This is my first read of Penny Warner. I really enjoyed it and it had everything I like from Paranormal mystery, ghosts and cats. It was a fun read as we transition into fall. There were a lot of secrets, as well as suspects, and I don't think all of them were revealed. I have the feeling that Carissa's aunts aren’t telling her everything...

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story.  

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Crooked Lane 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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Home Fries and Alibis by Lena Gregory

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Home Fries and Alibis" the 8th instalment in the "All Day Breakfast Cafe" Mystery series by Lena Gregory.   I love this series!

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When a belligerent woman moves in across the street, café owner Gia Morelli has to call off the welcome wagon and call in the homicide squad . . .

When a nasty new neighbor moves into their peaceful community, Gia and everyone else in the neighborhood is ready to blow a fuse. The spiteful woman has quickly made a nuisance of herself, complaining to and about everyone there. Then she makes the grave mistake of falsely claiming Gia’s dog tore up her yard, and Gia goes ballistic, telling the woman to back off . . . or else. It was an impulsive move for Gia, but someone else decides an even more extreme approach is called for, and silences the woman—permanently.

Unnerved by the thought of a murderer living in her neighborhood, Gia begins digging into the victim’s life to figure out who would have wanted her dead. She soon discovers that the woman was not only malicious but was blackmailing people in the community. Even more surprising is that nearly everyone in the neighborhood has something to hide. Dead-set on rooting out the culprit, Gia has to determine who stood to lose the most if their secret was revealed, unaware that she’s perilously close to losing her own life . . .

"Home Fries and Alibis" is the 8th instalment in Lena Gregory's "All Day Breakfast Cafe" Mystery series, and it's a real treat. I love this series, and each book seems to get better than the last.

The relationships between Gia, Savannah, and the café staff are truly special. They're like a family, and their interactions are warm, caring, and sometimes humorous. It's great to see how they support each other through thick and thin.

The story is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put the book down. The hospital scene was particularly emotional, and I almost cried a few times.

The characters are well-developed, and the story is full of intrigue. I read this book in one sitting, and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next instalment hopefully I won’t have to wait another year.

I highly recommend "Home Fries and Alibis" to all my cozy lover friends. Lena Gregory has a way of crafting stories that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant. 

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Beyond the Page 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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A Zappy Little Christmas by Paula Charles

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing A Zappy Little Christmas book 3 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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Silver bells ring out, but in the air there's a feeling of… murder.

Pine Bluff, Oregon resembles a perfect cozy Christmas card. Sparkling Christmas trees line snowy main street. Wreaths, red ribbons, and colored lights adorn every door. Hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter is in a festive mood. She invites her elderly neighbor, Smitty, to join her and daughter April on the Christmas Light Tour, a trolley that takes guests through all the best decorated neighborhoods while they enjoy steaming mugs of hot cocoa and scrumptious treats.

But when Smitty spies one of the homeowners dead—a macabre decoration in an otherwise merry display—the cheerful ride turns somber fast. Dawna notices the ghost of the deceased woman standing next to the display, clearly angry over her recent demise. As snow blankets the valley and her newest employee is implicated in the crime, it’s up to Dawna to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice—before it’s lights out for her, too.

"A Zappy Little Christmas" is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. The story is engaging, well-written, and full of suspense, with a cast of lovable characters.

Dawna is a standout character, and her relatability and likeability make her a joy to read about. The way she feels the presence of her late husband and deceased pet adds a touching element to the story.

The mystery is expertly woven, with plenty of suspects and twists to keep you guessing. I didn't suspect the killer until the very end, which made the reveal satisfying.

The blend of cozy mystery, rural suspense, and supernatural flair makes this book a standout in the genre. The setting is vivid, the characters are endearing, and the mystery is perfectly paced. It's a great choice for fans of holiday-themed cozies, amateur sleuths, and stories that mix murder with mistletoe. 

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

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

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Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ Death on a Scottish Train” by Lucy Connelly the 4th instalment in the " A Scottish Isle Mystery" series.  I love this series.

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Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American in Scotland, has a killer in sight in the fourth installment of the Scottish Isle mystery series, perfect for fans of Paige Shelton and Connie Berry.

Summer is coming to a close on beautiful Sea Isle in Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is celebrating one year since her big move. With a weeklong festival to end the season, the town gathers for a magical ride on the newly refurbished Storyteller’s Train, but the launch’s success is dampened by an unexpected death.  

What appears to be a case of deadly allergies is soon revealed as murder. As Emilia, her assistant Abigail, and the local constable Ewan McGregor unravel the mystery, the killer sets their murderous intentions on them. 

If they want to survive, they will need the help of all of their friends—before they become the latest victims.

This time an accountant appears to have been poisoned at the opening run of the newest Sea Isle attraction, a restored train. This suspicious death also overlaps with the one year anniversary of Em's arrival in Sea Isle.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Em did.  

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 5 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Crooked Lane 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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The Sisterhood by Tasha Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Sisterhood” the 19th instalment in the A Lady Emily Mysteries by Tasha Alexander.  This is the sixth book I have read by Tasha Alexander and won’t be my last.  

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Lady Emily investigates the murder of a glamorous debutante in the next irresistible mystery of Tasha Alexander’s New York Times bestselling series.

London, 1907: When the Season's most accomplished and elegant debutante, Victoria Goldsborough, collapses and dies at her engagement ball, the great and good of London Society prepare to mourn the tragic loss of an upstanding young woman. But all is not what it seems, and after a toxic beverage is revealed to be the cause of death, the king himself instructs Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves to unearth the truth.

Who would want to harm one of the most popular women of the year? Is it her fiancé with whom she had an unusually brief courtship; a rival for his affections bitter at being cast aside; her best friend who is almost certainly hiding a secret from Colin and Emily; a disappointed suitor with a hidden gambling habit; or a notorious jewel thief who has taken a priceless tiara from the Goldsborough home? When a second debutante succumbs to poison, the race is on to find a ruthless killer.

Emily and Colin’s investigation leads to a centuries old tomb in the center of London with a mysterious link to another death dating back to Roman times and the violent reign of Boudica, ancient Britain's fearsome warrior queen. As the stakes rise and the clock ticks down, Emily must find the killer before they strike again.

"The Sisterhood" is the 19th installment in Tasha Alexander's A Lady Emily Mysteries series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which combines historical fiction, mystery, and romance.

The story follows Lady Emily and her husband Colin as they investigate the murder of Victoria Goldsborough, a prominent debutante who dies under suspicious circumstances. The mystery is engaging, with several suspects and plot twists that keep the reader guessing.

The relationship between Lady Emily and Colin is a highlight of the book. Their loving and supportive marriage, complete with occasional flirty banter, adds warmth to the story.

The book features two timelines: one set in 1907 London and the other in ancient Britannia (AD 60). While the Roman timeline is interesting, it felt disconnected from the murder investigation until the midpoint. 

Despite some minor criticisms, "The Sisterhood" is a worthwhile read for fans of historical mysteries and romance. Tasha Alexander's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.  

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Minotaur 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 on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today, I am reviewing Murder on the Marlow Belle the 4th instalment in the 'Marlow Murder Club' series, by Robert Thorogood. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book 5.

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The new cozy crime novel from the bestselling author of The Marlow Murder Club, soon to be a major TV series on PBS Masterpiece

Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn't come home last night, so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow's resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had rented The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, to host an exclusive party for the society, but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And when Oliver's body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him, it's time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.

Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated fellow, with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn't short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they'll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case… otherwise a killer will walk free.

"Murder on the Marlow Belle" is the fourth instalment in Robert Thorogood's Marlow Murder Club series, and it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

The story is set in the charming village of Marlow, England, which provides a beautiful backdrop for the mystery. The quirky trio of Judith, Suzie, and Becks is once again at the center of the story, and their interactions are both humorous and engaging.

The plot is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The drama within the theater troupe adds an extra layer of tension, and Lady Bracknell's appearance is a highlight of the book.

The book leaves readers with intriguing hints about Judith's past, which I'm excited to see explored further in future instalments. Overall, "Murder on the Marlow Belle" is a fun, entertaining read that combines humor, mystery, and theater perfectly.

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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Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth

Hello my bookish friends,

Today I am reviewing "Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House” the 3rd instalment in Ghosts of Rowan Vale series by Sharon Booth set in the beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale.

Get into the Christmas spirit(s) and escape to the cosy and ghostly village of Rowan Vale 👻❄️🎄 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderfully warm and romantic - with a magical twist!' Jessica Redland

In the beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale, tourists mingle unknowingly with the ghosts of Christmas past...

When Clara first arrived in the village to visit her boyfriend Jack at his family home, Honeywell House, she'd no idea her life was about to change forever. Now, years later, she’s struggling to cope with hormonal changes and three boisterous sons - and her and Jack's relationship has never felt more precarious.

Meanwhile, over at Harling Hall, tensions rise between resident ghosts, Agnes and Aubrey, over a Dickensian-themed weekend planned for the village.

While Aubrey prepares to defy Agnes, Clara’s secret is about to be revealed. She wasn’t entirely honest with Jack when she first arrived in Rowan Vale, and as time passed, it seemed too late to come clean. Now she doesn’t have a choice…

With both relationships already under strain, the Christmas spirit has its work cut out, this festive season...

 

The Cotswold village setting is beautifully described, creating a sense of nostalgia and charm. The intriguing premise and ghostly mystery kept me invested 

This book stands out for its richly drawn characters, both living and ghostly. Sharon Booth has a remarkable gift for crafting multidimensional characters with relatable flaws, fears, and dreams.

The relationship between Clara and Jack resonated deeply, feeling authentic and nuanced. Their struggles, secrets, and difficult conversations were portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The way their love is portrayed as messy yet transformative is particularly compelling.

The romance between Agnes and Aubrey in the afterlife is equally moving. The way their love navigates challenges such as fear, control, and the longing to hold on too tightly adds depth to the story.

The parallels between the two couples are cleverly drawn, highlighting the complexities and transformative power of love. This book is a beautiful exploration of relationships, love, and personal growth.

I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy 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,