Feb 25, 2025

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

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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Feb 23, 2025

Death at Porthcurno Cove by by Sally Rigby

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Death at Porthcurno Cove” the 5th instalment in A Cornwall Murder Mystery 
 series featuring DI Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price by Sally Rigby  .  This is the first book I have read in the series, if you love mysteries set in Cornwall, England this is for you!
Golden sunlight bathes the rugged cliffs casting long shadows across Porthcurno’s sandy beach. Within a cove, lying on a blanket, are two bodies. Their limbs are twisted at unnatural angles, vacant eyes staring blankly at the sky. Beside them is an empty Prosecco bottle and a note with one chilling word written in black ink: Sorry.

As the sun rises over a picturesque Cornish beach, Detective Lauren Pengelly makes a grim discovery while walking her border collies. A newly engaged couple lie dead in the sand. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic double suicide. But something doesn’t add up.

The victims – popular university students Jasmine and Finley – seemed to have it all. But as Lauren digs deeper, she and her partner Matt Price unravel a complex web of secrets and lies. Finley’s gambling addiction was threatening to ruin everything, and Jasmine had an unwanted admirer. With a double murder to solve and suspects mounting, Lauren and Matt must navigate the close-knit community to find the answers.

An empty ring box and traces of silk fibres found at the crime scene could be vital clues to cracking the case but when another life is on the line, have Lauren and Matt run out of time to catch the killer?

A completely gripping mystery that will have you turning the pages late into the night. Death at Porthcurno Cove will have fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis hooked.

I love visiting Cornwall while not a lot of descriptive scenes as in some books there was just enough to know we were in Cornwall.   I liked the dynamics between the investigative team and how they played off each other.

The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. There is a secondary storyline, and wow the cliffhanger has me looking out for book 6 as I have a few questions I want answers for hee hee...

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Storm Publishing 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,


Feb 22, 2025

Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Killing Me Soufflé" the 20th instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. 
Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!

Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.

Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can.

Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.
I really enjoyed this story, seeing the Torte family grow and expand. Visiting the Oregon Coast where Jules use to go as a child and now where Stephanie and Sterling are starting their own journey was a nice change.  The future is full of changes for all of Torte's family with Jules pregnant, new staff , Ramiro going back to Spain...

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Needless to say I cant wait for the next book. 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's 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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A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James

Hello my cozy friends, Today I am reviewing "A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James” the 5th instalment in  A   Gift Shop Mystery   series  se...