The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play by Amanda Ashby

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Widows' Guide to Foul Play" is the 5th instalment in The Widows' Detective Club Mystery series by Amanda Ashby, and it's another entertaining read. Set in the charming village of Little Shaw, England, the story follows the bond between the four widows as they navigate another intriguing mystery.  

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It’s pantomime season in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has been roped in to help. The local theatre has persuaded national treasure and famously difficult diva, Monica Larkwell, to star in their production of Mother Goose, and while the celebrity’s return to the village after thirty years hasn’t exactly gone smoothly, at least nobody’s dead. Until, that is, Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier.

Sure that this was no accident, Ginny gathers up the widows’ detective club and takes on the role of amateur sleuth. But between navigating Monica’s volatile entourage and unearthing secrets the actress spent decades trying to bury, this case is messier than anything Little Shaw has seen before. And then there’s the CCTV footage: the culprit was caught on camera, disguised in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume…

The widows have faced some strange cases, but a killer in a comedy bird suit…? But there’s nothing funny about murder, and if they don’t solve this case soon, it might be curtains for them all.

A wonderfully twisty and hilarious cozy mystery perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett and The Thursday Murder Club series.

The characters are well-crafted and lovable, especially Ginny's mischievous cat, although he did not play as big of a part in this instalment.  I love the way things are progressing with all the characters especially Connor and the D.I.  

The quirky characters and sense of community in Little Shaw add to the novel's charm.

The mystery is well-plotted, with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged until the very end. I enjoyed guessing and second-guessing the outcome, and I managed to piece together the clues before Ginny did.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Amanda Ashby's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and 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,

Awl Shook Up by Paula Charles

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Awl Shook Up book 4 in the A Hometown Hardware Mystery by Paula Charles .  

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Murder has hardware store owner Dawna Carpenter all shook up.

Pine Bluff, Oregon’s annual Winter Carnival is the perfect remedy for the cabin fever that has hit the town hard. Dawna pulls on her bobby socks for this year’s 50s-themed event, ready to relax and mingle after a long winter.

But with the angry high school French teacher spitting nails at half the town, the social event of the winter is anything but relaxing. What should have been a fun evening ends in disaster when Dawna’s daughter, April, finds the teacher sitting behind his desk, dead as a doornail. To make matters worse, his ghost is still in the classroom, unaware he’s just been murdered. With an ice storm in the forecast, Dawna must chisel out the clues to find the killer before there’s another nail in a coffin.

"Awl Shook Up" is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Pine Bluff, Oregon during the Winter Carnival. 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. I like the addition of Sierra and the new store The Sprouted Hearth …

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.

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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Death at the Village Garden Party by Debbie Young

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Death at the Village Garden Party” the 4th instalment in The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series by Debbie Young set in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, England. 

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Bunting. Fairground rides. Music... Murder. What more could you want from a garden party?

Alice Carroll is happily settled in the Cotswold village of Little Pride, running her beloved Curiosity Shop and cautiously planning the next chapter with her partner, Robert. So when Robert buys the neighbouring Cold Bottom estate, Alice offers to help him win over its eccentric residents by reviving the village’s once-loved summer garden party.

But between grumbling fairground workers, gloomy villagers and a downpour that would dampen anyone’s bunting, the day doesn’t quite go to plan.

Then a guest stumbles into the marquee – and he’s dead before his body hits the ground.

Can Alice untangle old rivalries and strange secrets to find the killer? Or will Cold Bottom’s fresh start end in another funeral.

In this instalment Robert buys the neighbouring Cold Bottom estate, Alice offers to help him win over its eccentric residents by reviving the village’s once-loved summer garden party. Alice’s mum shows up to help again and who knows maybe she will become a new resident in the village.

The mystery is engaging, with clever twists keeping me on the edge. I enjoyed guessing and second-guessing the killer's identity.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Debbie's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and 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,

The Village Detectives and the Deadly Brew by Fiona Walker

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today, I am reviewing The Village Detectives and the Deadly Brew by Fiona Walker the 4th instalment in the Village Detectives Cozy Mystery Series.

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At this brewery, the last orders are to die for…

When handsome, former-rugby-playing, pub landlord Mil asks Juno Mulligan for a favour, she immediately says yes.

Although she’s initially disappointed that the favour doesn’t involve any sort of romantic shenanigans, Juno is reminded that she does love investigating mysteries. And perhaps it is just her destiny to choose crime-fighting over afternoon-delighting?

It’s an interesting case. Mil needs Juno and their fellow Village Detective, Phoebe Fredericks, to investigate a targeted campaign against the local Wyche Craft Brewery, now run by his friend, Ashleigh Wyche, a former-Lioness. A series of recent near-misses and attempts at sabotaging her property are surely no coincidence?

Then a body is discovered in the tap room, which quickly proves they were right to suspect there’s more than just a vendetta brewing… And if they’re to prevent another murder, they need to find out whether they’ve got the bottle to hunt down another 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!

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.

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 5th instalment.

Grab a ice tea and sit in the sunshine 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."

I 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.

Hugs,

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Murder’s the Word by Sue Minix

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing Murder’s the Word by Sue Minix the 6 instalment in the "A Bookstore Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 7!

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To find the truth, she’ll have to read between the lines…
READERS LOVE SUE MINIX:

"Page-turning good read!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A breathtaking race to the end.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A cozy mystery that checks all the boxes. I read late into the night.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bookstore owner and crime writer Jen is leaving her amateur sleuthing days behind her. She’s got a new novel to finish – if she could just figure out the final murderous twist. But, when the local high school Principal is murdered, Jen soon discovers that retiring is easier written than done.

The town is shocked when their beloved vet is named the prime suspect, but Jen knows he simply couldn’t have done it.

Now, it’s up to Jen to find the real killer, can she crack the case before they strike again?

I really enjoyed visiting Riddleton again and Ravenous Reads Bookstore.  I like the main cast of characters Jen, Charlie, Lacey, Eric, Ingrid and of Savannah the German shepherd. Jen is trying to navigate having writers block and looking for a house with Eric and her commitment issues.

In this instalment the high school principal is murdered and then Marcus, and his two young daughters go missing after a weekend camping trip!  Now Jen has to investigate right, she can’t just sit idly by why her friend is missing…

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

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins/Avon 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.

Hugs,

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Death at a Scottish Halloween by Lucy Connelly

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ Death on a Scottish Halloween” by Lucy Connelly the 5th instalment in the " A Scottish Isle Mystery" series.  I love this series.

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When Dr. Emilia McRoy stumbles upon a dead body in a haunted house, she resolves to find the killer before another body can fall.

Halloween isn’t the only cause for fright in the fifth Scottish Isle mystery, perfect for fans of Paige Shelton and Connie Berry.

It’s the week of Halloween—or as they say in Scotland, All Hallows' Eve—and the town of Sea Isle is full of spooky celebrations. Dr. Emilia McRoy loves being part of her new community and is eager to help out in any way she can. But the festivities are interrupted when she and her assistant, Abigail, find a dead body in a haunted house. A real one. They’re too late to save the victim, but they’ll do whatever it takes to find his killer.

There’s just one problem: There are too many suspects.

Constable Ewan would prefer the good doctor and her friends stay out of the investigations, but that isn’t how Dr. Em rolls. As she and her gang investigate, they realize the killer is searching for something—and has no problem murdering anyone who gets in the way of finding it.

Dr. Em must stay one step ahead if she’s to survive this Halloween season alive—either that or she might just end up the next victim.

This time an artist /rig worker is found dead in an haunted house during the towns All Hallows Eve celebrations.  But the next night Doctor Em stumbles upon another body this time on her doorstep, sadly she’s too late to save him.  Em  must stay one step ahead if she’s to survive this Halloween season alive—either that or she might just end up the next victim.

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

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 on the Books by Victoria Gilbert

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ Death on the Books” by Victoria Gilbert the 10th instalment in the "Blue Ridge Library Mystery" series. I really enjoyed it.

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A sleuthing library director is on the case when a patron drops dead in the tenth installment of Victoria Gilbert’s critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mysteries.

When a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.

When the autopsy reveals that the library patron was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him—mainly Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the contentious relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. But as it turns out, suspects abound, and when Amy’s best friend’s boyfriend is implicated, the case becomes even more complicated.

Amy’s research ties the dead man’s note to a lost treasure of the Romanov empire. Then another person falls victim. With the bodies piling up, Amy knows better than anyone that killers often keep killing until they’re caught, and she’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this tangled mystery. 

In this instalment a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.

Unfortunately those connections lead to intrigue, missing and priceless Faberge eggs from 1922, the not so savory side of the art world, drugs, and more. 

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.

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

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane 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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