Planted 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Planted 4 Murder " the 15th  instalment in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series by J.C. Eaton.  I love this series, it always has me laughing at Phee’s mums and Streetman’s antics.

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When the seniors of Sun City West take over a garden plot, they have no idea they’ll unearth a plot for murder . . .

At the urging of the guys in the pinochle club, the members of the Sun City West book club decide it’s time to grow their own vegetables and join the local agriculture club. But when tending to their plants turns up a skeletal hand, the gang begin to feel like they’re working in a graveyard instead of a garden. It’s clear that whoever the bones belong to was the victim of foul play, and soon the seniors are pleading with Sophie “Phee” Kimball to step in and help them weed out the killer.

As rumors and speculation flourish, Phee begins to grow suspicious of the other members of the community garden. Certain that one of them chopped up a body and scattered the parts, she has to deal with invasive insects, sabotaged crops and her mother’s hairbrained schemes as she digs for evidence. Her efforts are finally rewarded when a ring found on the skeletal hand yields a clue that will lead her straight to the culprit. The only problem is that the killer is one step ahead of her, and Phee discovers too late that she’s in for a hoe lot of trouble . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one day. I love the characters which are well developed. There is plenty of humour and we can’t forget Streetman the chiweenie in the garden causing havoc, digging up bones. I laughed at the chaos he caused.

The mystery is interesting, well plotted as well as full of twists and turns.  Always an entertaining, fun read. This is one of my favourite series and I always buy in Paperback as I know I will read again.

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.

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

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Come Through Your Door by Carlene O'Connor

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing “Come Through Your Door” by Carlene O’Connor it's the 4th instalment in the County Kerry Series, grapples with death, friendships, and secrets…

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Against the stark beauty of southwest Ireland, veterinarian Dimpna Wilde must reckon with a stalker whose obsession has turned deadly in Carlene O’Connor’s gripping, atmospheric Irish crime novel for readers of Tana French, Dervla McTiernan, and Ann Cleeves.

“Isn’t this how every ghost story begins?”

The roads around Dingle are whisper-quiet in the small hours of a rainy night, empty of the tourists who throng the town by day. As she and her assistant, Patrick, drive home after an already traumatic day, Dimpna Wilde isn’t expecting to see anyone, let alone her employee, Niamh, standing in the road, dressed in a nightgown and soaked to the skin.

Dazed and distraught, Niamh passes out after muttering incoherently, and at her apartment, Dimpna and Patrick make a grisly discovery. There’s a dead woman in Niamh’s bed, shot in the head, a hunting rifle beside her. When Niamh comes to, she has no memory of the day’s events, and no idea of the woman’s identity. All she can tell Detective Inspector Cormac O’Brien with certainty is that for weeks, she’s felt like she was being watched.

Suspicion falls on Niamh’s new boyfriend, Mark Gallagher, who her friends have not yet met. But as Dimpna and Cormac try to track him down, they realize there’s no evidence Mark Gallagher ever even existed. All of Niamh’s texts and photos of him are missing or deleted, and he has no social media presence. What lingers is a nagging unease, especially when they learn of another, similar murder one year ago—another woman found shot to death in her bed, a woman who had complained of being stalked, just like Niamh.

As Dimpna delves deeper into a twisting case, she feels someone watching her too, targeting her business, her animals, her family—even her sanity, willing to do anything to stop her from disclosing a terrifying truth . . .

The story is character-driven and also very descriptive you feel like you are right there in Dingle, Ireland.  I’m a huge fan of the authors other mystery series set in Ireland , but her more gritty and suspenseful mystery novels are becoming my favorite.  

The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing. The use of differing POVs and flashbacks added depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly engaging read. With so many suspects to follow I was surprised I guessed just before it was revealed. 

I highly recommend this book to all my Irish Mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher 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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The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder by Fiona Leitch

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder ” the 9th 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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Pantomime season has arrived in the brand new hilarious murder mystery from Fiona Leitch. Available to pre-order now!

'Murder and mayhem are rarely this enjoyable. Another fantastic entry in this brilliant series that solidifies Leitch as one of the very best and funniest writers around’ Jonathan Whitelaw

‘A wonderful seasonal romp’ Ian Moore

It’s Christmas in Penstowan, and local amateur dramatics group the Penstowan Players are putting on their annual pantomime.

This year it’s ‘Aladdin’, and half the town have been drafted in to help, including Shirley Parker, who only has a small part in the chorus but will no doubt upstage everybody, and Tony Penhaligon, who’s treading the boards as the baddie, Abanazar. Ex-Metropolitan police officer turned caterer Jodie Parker has managed to get away with not appearing, but only if she agrees to cater the opening night party.

But it’s not just terrible jokes, quick costume changes and backstage chaos that wait in the wings… When the Widow Twankey (otherwise known as Tim, the mayor’s husband) trips over a corpse lying next to Aladdin’s bloodstained magic lamp, it’s time for Jodie and her partner, DCI Nathan Withers, to find the killer.

Was it the genie of the lamp or an overly harsh theatre critic? Or does someone in the Penstowan Players have a dark secret they will do anything to protect?

‘Funnier than panto, more warming than a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and completely gripping. Fun, festive and full of red herrings and clever clues, it's the perfect Christmas treat’ Andreina Cordani, author of The Twelve Days of Murder

I love visiting Cornwall and Jodie, DCI Nathan Withers, Daisy, and her mum but let’s not forget about Germaine the Pomeranian! This time we are attending the Christmas Pantomime where Jodie’s mum Shirley and daughter Daisy are front and centre of all the action and this time a little to close for comfort. 

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 10 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.

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The Little Black Book Killer by Fiona Walker

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today, I am reviewing The Little Black Book Killer by Fiona Walker the 3rd instalment in the Village Detectives Cozy Mystery Series. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging read and appreciated the author's writing style, which skillfully weaves a captivating mystery that keeps readers enthralled until the very end.

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The third charming instalment in the page-turning cosy mystery series from MILLION COPY bestseller Fiona Walker, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janet Evanovich and Rev. Richard Coles! 🔎🩸🕵️‍♀️ Matchmaking has never been so murderous… 💔🔪 

Juno is feeling ready – at last – to start dating again, after losing her husband some years ago. She is sure she can make time from being a Village Detective, indeed it might help distract her from her crush on hunky (but far-too-young!) pub landlord – Mil.

So she’s signed up to an exclusive new dating app and cannot wait. But when one of the founding investors in that same dating app drops dead in front of fellow Village Detective Phoebe in a nearby hotel – and then a second investor is found hanging in the local cricket pavilion just days later – Juno knows she’ll have to put her love life on hold.

Teaming up once more with Phoebe, Felix and Mil… the Village Detectives are back. And this time Juno – who’d thought she was getting under the covers with a new lover – is going undercover to catch a killer…

Wickedly funny cozy crime, from million-copy bestselling author Fiona Walker! Fans of The Thursday Murder Club and A Death on Location will love the Village Detectives!

The story introduces a delightful ensemble of amateur sleuths, whose unlikely friendships are forged in the midst of murder and mystery. Matchmaking has never been so murderous… 💔🔪 

The plot is engaging, with numerous twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I appreciated the author's skillful pacing and character development, which made it easy to become invested in the lives of the protagonists. The novel's conclusion was satisfying, and I am eager to see how the series evolves in the fourth instalment.

Grab a hot cup of tea  and curl up under a blanket and start reading this entertaining murder mystery!

I highly recommend the Village Detectives to fans of cozy mysteries and amateur sleuth stories. Overall, I am excited to continue following this series and seeing where the author takes these intriguing characters next."

requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood 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.

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The Witching Moon Manor by Stacy Sivinski

Hello my bookish friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Witching Moon Manor” the 2nd instalment in The Crescent Moon Tearoom series  by Stacy Sivinski set in Chicago.

The magical Quigley sisters return to bargain with fate once more in this follow-up to the “charming, uplifting, and utterly enchanting” (Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author) national bestseller The Crescent Moon Tearoom.

The Crescent Moon is thriving after a much-needed expansion, with the ladies who step through its doors continuing to seek comfort in the glimpses of their futures found in the swirls at the bottom of their teacups. Anne is leading the city’s witches as Chicago’s Diviner, Beatrix is swept away on a book tour across the country, and Violet has found her place with her feet swinging through the air above the circus crowds. That is, until the Quigley sisters find themselves stumbling on their chosen paths, and they are drawn back home in search of refuge in each other’s company.

As Anne struggles to balance her growing responsibilities, Beatrix fears she has lost her gift for storytelling, and Violet is shaken after an accident at the circus, the future the sisters had drawn for themselves feels murkier than ever. And, when the threads of fate begin to unravel, Anne must lean on her sisters and team up with a mysterious—and oddly infuriating—necromancer to save the city from an uncertain destiny and help old friends find a happy end.

With all three Quigleys back in the warm comfort of the Crescent Moon, they set out to bargain with Fate once more. But will the sisters find the courage to embrace who they have become while returning to what they left behind, or will the future unfold in a way that even a Quigley couldn’t have predicted?

 

I was captivated from the first page of this novel, and it did not disappoint. The story is rich with magic, emotion, and high-stakes challenges that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The sisters' journey is particularly compelling, as they confront their pasts and forge new paths. The addition of the infuriatingly charming necromancer adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story.

This book is a five-star tale that explores themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the power of sisterhood. I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy and adventure. The author's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable.

If you're looking for a story that will transport you to a world of magic and wonder, look no further. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and strong female characters.

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from Simon & Schuster Canada | Atria 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,

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing A Wonderful Christmas Crime the 6th instalment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost.  

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Innkeeper Holly White has a lot to be joyful about this season, until an attempted robbery throws the town into suspicion in the sixth installment of the Christmas Tree Farm mysteries from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the season: a new baby on the way. Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure, and Holly has agreed to take this year easy. Being idle has never been one of Holly’s gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him. But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner’s holiday display, it’s clear that someone is on the naughty list. 

The thief manages to escape, but after dinner, Holly spots their lifeless body. It’s clear that someone in town was keen to kill them. Evan is less than jolly to find his wife at the scene of yet another holiday homicide and asks her to promise that she’ll leave the investigating to the police. But Holly has never been one to turn down a challenge and has to get creative with the help of a few of her friends in order to find this killer.

Will she and her friends be able to stop the killer and uncover the motive behind the attempted robbery, or will the killer strike again and paint the town a bloody red?

Omg I loved it! I love this series and hope that Julie can write more in the series in 2026. 

What a great story to get us in the Christmas spirit. I love reading books about Christmas all year long. I loved the characters and want to be friends with Holly, Evan, Libby, Ray, Cookie, Carolyn, Samantha etc. as with most of Julie’s books you fall in love with the characters. Holly has so much going on between running jewelry business, being a newlywed, helping out at the family tree farm, and now another murder at her friends Cafe.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed in the story till the end. 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

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.

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Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop by Jackie Baldwin

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop” the first instalment of The Highland Bookshop Murders by Jackie Baldwin set in the in the quaint Scottish town of Oban.  What a great start to a new series.

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At The Wild Haggis Bookshop, the murder mysteries aren't just on the shelves!

Beth Cunningham thought she'd closed the book on her troubled past when she opened The Wild Haggis Bookshop in the charming Scottish town of Oban. But when her inaugural book club evening ends in real murder – the body dramatically posed amongst the party decorations – her fresh start ends in a twist she definitely didn’t see coming.

With local police detective Logan Hunter eyeing her as his prime suspect, Beth must fight to clear her name. Still, she can't help but notice his warm brown eyes and dedication to justice… even as he builds a case against her.

Determined to find the truth, Beth is shocked to discover a web of lies among her book club attendees, each one hiding secrets worthy of a bestseller. With time running out before she lands in jail, can Beth uncover the secret worth killing for?

This utterly charming Highland whodunnit will have you hooked from the first page to the last. Pour yourself a wee dram and settle in – you won't be able to put it down!

Author Jackie Baldwin is a new to me author but I had heard this was a good cozy mystery.   This story follows Beth Cunningham, who is trying to start over and escape her past in the quaint town of Oban after the death of her mother.

When one of Beth’s bookclub members is found murdered, she becomes entangled in a complex investigation. 

Beth's determination to clear her name and avoid wrongful conviction is palpable. With a secret dark past looming over her, she's driven to take matters into her own hands but she doesn't face this challenge alone; she's got the support of her staff Lachlan, Morna and Chloe.  Together, they're a formidable team, united in their quest to uncover the truth and protect Beth from the threat of imprisonment.  With Beth's freedom hanging in the balance, every twist and turn in the investigation is likely to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see justice served and Beth's name cleared.

I enjoyed Jackie Baldwin’s writing style and the charming Scottish Highlands setting. This was a quick, engaging read, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series develops.

Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, Scottish settings, and amateur sleuths

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Storm 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,