If Books Could Kill: A Tomes & Tea Mystery by Karen Rose Smith

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing. 

If Books Could Kill
A Tea & Tomes Mystery
Karen Rose Smith

What should have been a fun Winterfest event in the town of Belltower Landing, complete with ice sculptures and a fun “date night” scavenger hunt, turns into a chilling encounter with death. Jazzi Swanson is no stranger to murder mysteries, she watched her mom, Daisy Swanson Groft, a talented albeit reluctant amateur sleuth, solve or help solve more than her share in Pennsylvania (check out Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series). Jazzi never expected to be following in her mom’s footsteps. One of the reasons for going away to college and choosing to live in Belltower Landing was to desire to live somewhere where her mom’s mystery solving reputation didn’t overshadow the person whom Jazzi is trying to become. 

Matilda, the thoroughly organized head librarian, met with Jazzi to get advice about friction with a new employee, Tinsley Riva. Matilda and Tinsley were not meshing well at all, there wasn’t animosity per se, but something seemed tense. Matilda respected how Jazzi’s crew at Tea & Tomes seemed to be a friendly bunch who worked really well together. Matilda also respected Jazzi as a fellow bibliophile. Matilda loves really old, really valuable books as well and even gives Jazzi a peak at some rare first editions. Matilda was also experiencing a problem with a romantically inclined yet pushy library patron who was not taking no for an answer, to the point of needing a restraining order. So of course, Matilda is the victim and Jazzi feels the need to uncover the truth. With the disappearance of the hidden books, one has to ask themselves, was this a robbery gone wrong or a stalker related situation, either way Jazzi cannot help but to be drawn into yet another mystery. 

Jazzi begins with a suspect list and some insight from members of her reading group which meets at Tea & Tomes. Speaking of the reading group, the format is different from most book clubs. Each person brings a book that they are reading and shares some insight rather than the whole group reading the same book. It exposes a reader to multiple books, one of which might turn out to be their next great read. Much to Detective Milford’s dismay, the locals bless Jazzi with helpful and sometimes not so helpful information. I was happy to see Daisy make an appearance in this book. She reminds Jazzi of the benefits of speaking with a therapist or counselor, which is great advice and it applies to more characters than just Jazzi.

This story does a very good job of broaching some tough topics such as therapy, growing up as an adopted child, growing up in an abusive home, and letting a friend know that you value them but are not attracted to them. As with the preceding books, the clues are laid as to not be obvious, the red herrings are not overdone, and the baked goods make my mouth water just reading about them. I have so many questions based on the ending, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers. 

Drafted in Deceit: A Cape Fear Bookshop Mystery by Simone Stier

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and/or NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

Drafted in Deceit
A Cape Fear Bookshop Mystery #2
Simone Stier

What a thoroughly enjoyable stand-alone cozy mystery! I am not sure which I liked better, the characters or the plot. I was fortunate enough to be provided the series starter as well as book #2 to read for review. While I liked being able to read the series from the beginning, I can tell you that each book can stand its own. There is plenty of background and character development that the reader is never out of step with the overall story arc. This series has the usual murder mystery plus there is also the history of what happened before Libby returned home to the town of Southport, North Carolina to open Page's Bookshop & Cafe. Libby was living in New York, working as a copy editor, married to a police detective who died under unusual circumstances leaving behind Libby with questions. Libby has the case files and for the past three years, she has looked through them searching for answers.

From the Big Apple to Southport, which is a perfectly cozy southern Cape Fear River town, with a variety of locals and locales. And let me just say that there are some interesting characters, starting with Libby's employee, Gracie Jean, who is a lady of leisure and a force of nature with hidden talents. Gracie Jean has a way with words and a mind like a steel trap, in fact, one has to wonder, based on Gracie Jean's unique choice of words, if maybe she isn't really just a retired librarian but maybe she was more of an analyst for one of the government's alphabet agencies (CIA/FBI).  In addition to opening a bookstore, Libby also starts a book club called The Plot Thickens. The book club ladies make for a great discussion group, giving suggestions as Gracie Jean adds index cards to a "Coincidences That Ain't" murder board. The core members are equally different with a gossipy reporter, an author who likes conspiracy theories, and a sophisticated Southern belle, who have known Libby forever and are a super supportive group. The only person who is more supportive of Libby is her bff and favorite baker, Meredith, who supplies fresh baked goods to the bookstore cafe, not to mention the tantalizing lemon tarts that Meredith keeps Libby supplied with on a daily basis. The last core character I want to mention is Detective Carter McCrae, Libby’s high school sweetheart, who is single, handsome, as well as charming, and willing to share some information when possible.

The mystery itself was good. Sleuth spies dead land developer floating in the river. There are plenty of people who did not want the condos eroding the soil or their picture-perfect views while others were for progress if it could help them. Both the tide and tempers rise as Libby uses her superpower aka disarming awkwardness to help solve crimes. The plot twists are well done, and I quickly found myself at the end of the story craving the next book and a lemon tart. So, I got myself one of each.  

The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor: A Welsh Village Mystery by Lucy Connelly

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor
A Welsh Village Mystery
Lucy Connelly

If you are a fan of Lucy Connelly’s character, Doc Emilia, from the Scottish Isle Mystery series then you are sure to enjoy “meeting” Professor Gwen Griffith. This is a great start to a new series that is situated in the small town of Dillynaidd, Wales in the United Kingdom. It is just the sort of cozy town for a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, who has been downsized from a Dallas newspaper, to get a fresh start. Not to mention that it is the very college she attended as an undergrad. Longtime friend and current dean, Carolyn Sharp, hires Gwen to be the chairman of the journalism department. Gwen is in town less than 12 hours, when death shows up on her doorstep, literally. The rather difficult and surly Dr. Rice breathes her last breath and collapses. You can take the investigative journalist out of the field, but you can't get her to quell her curiosity. Honestly, when has a sleuth, amateur or otherwise ever walked away from a victim who died in their arms? The plot thickens as more suspects are revealed and threatening messages turn up. It is quite possible that Gwen is the only one who had no cause to dislike Dr. Rice in spite of the cold and bitter greeting she received upon their introduction. It was easy to get caught up in the story due to the quick pace and ample clues. There were some well-placed red herrings as well that made me question my armchair sleuthing abilities. The cast of support characters is fun and diverse with a 6-foot tall ‘Watson’ named Ellis who is Gwen’s partner in sleuthing as well as being her able-bodied assistant. There are also some gal pals, a mother hen bestie, an attractive and helpful coworker, and even a detective who gives credence to Gwen’s investigative abilities. This crowd looks to be a solid group of friends for Gwen who can assist in future stories. One of the best parts of this foreign based series is the small shire feeling and the fun way the locals interact with each other and Gwen. The fact that everyone knows everyone else and that the Dillynaidd grapevine is faster than the fiber cable is spot on. I was especially happy to see that while there are romantic possibilities, there doesn’t seem to be any geometric hindrances. I am not a fan of romantic triangles because someone always gets hurt and I like my cozies to give happy endings to as many people as possible.

I had a hard time putting this book down with such engaging and fun characters. It was a well thought out mystery with plenty of red herrings and clues. I can't wait for an opportunity to visit Whales and sample some lovely biscuits. In fact, it had me craving Welsh cakes enough to go looking for a recipe. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Tunnel Vision: A Stone's Throw Mystery by Eloise Corvo

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any recipe review and/or food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing. 

Tunnel Vision
A Stone's Throw Mystery
Eloise Corvo

It is both Halloween and homecoming week in Stone's Throw, Michigan and there are both tricks and treats in store for park ranger Maudy Lorso. This is the second book in the Stone's Throw Mystery series and if you haven't read the first book that is okay, the second book can stand on its own, but you are really going to want to go back get caught up before book three comes out. 

Some people can't see the forest for the trees but Maudy, a state park ranger can see the beauty of the trees and all that the forest has to offer. She has been fighting the good fight against a shrinking budget that has become a line item that is about to be redlined. It seems that only state senator Paige Ramos, stands between the financial chopping block and job security. Senator Ramos is a high school friend of local chef, Eli Nett. Eli, who, until he revealed his feelings for Maudy, was her ride or die guy friend. Now things are just awkward, but not so awkward that Maudy would ever believe that Eli was capable of murdering Paige. That's right, the Senator is the victim. While everyone else seems to have tunnel vision, Maudy does what she can to get to the bottom of the crime. 

Was the killing politically motivated, perhaps the mob has resurfaced in the area after all these years. With the renovation of the marina we get to learn about some very interesting Capone gang history and a secret hideaway that doubled as a maternity ward with a few extra secrets. Yes, I looked it up and yes, it existed.  Another possibility is that the murder was a case of mistaken identity, and not politically related. 

Speaking of politics, Maudy is running for the open position on the city council. I think that it is great that we get a main character with some anxiety issues who is still willing to face off against well backed adversaries who seem to be obsessed with making Maudy look bad. It is easy to relate to Maudy and her ever increasing stress levels. She is working so hard to make the park financially self-sufficient, trying to repair her friendship with Eli while also giving time and attention to her out of town realtor boyfriend Jeremy. 

There is definitely something more going on than meets the eye and once again there is a good bit of thriller aspects as the reveal is rolled out. I could not put the book down. I kept guessing and second guessing and was very happy with where the overall plot is at this point. Now I will try to wait patiently for book three because there are still questions that still need to be answered.

Keep reading if you would like to see what I thought of the series starter.

Off the Beaten Path
A Stone's Throw Mystery
Eloise Corvo

This series starter begins as a cozy mystery and finishes like a thriller. Maudy Lorso, park ranger, has an amateur sleuth occupation that is new for me. After reading about the various things Maudy does for her job, I have determined that it is not a job for me. In addition to everything else taking place in Maudy’s life, she knows that the campgrounds in the park need to be rented out completely or the park could be closed and sold. No park means no need for a park ranger or her staff. When a missing man’s body is found in the park just a week before the camping season starts, the park becomes a crime scene, and Maudy may have to look for a new job. When gal pal, officer Kelly Sherwood, brings Maudy on as a consultant, it gives Maudy the perfect excuse to ask questions and hunt down clues.

Maudy suspects just about everyone she knows and some people she doesn’t know. Some of the suspects are locals of the town of Stone’s Throw, which is a “stone’s throw” from the town of Traverse City. I can only imagine how warm Maudy would need to dress to work outdoors in the woods, based on what I know about the cold of Michigan (brrrrr). Speaking of the woods, Ms. Corvo does a great job describing its trails, flora, fauna, and even the creepy crawlies. I was able to see the beauty that must surely have lured Maudy to take the job.

Why she takes the job is part of Maudy’s backstory, which includes a cheating ex-boyfriend and some anxiety issues. I tend to enjoy a book more when a character has some personal challenges. The way Maudy deals with anxiety sounds like it would be helpful in other situations of unease as well. She has an interesting technique for coping with stress. She taps her finger and counts, sometimes discreetly on her leg, other times a little more obviously if you know what to look for. There is something in her back story about anxiety and her ex-boyfriend that is touched on but not completely explained. The bits of relationship history show why Maudy isn’t dating anyone, and why she second guesses the possible interest shown by one or more men. I think that many of us might relate to that little bit of self-doubt. There is a great opportunity for a slow-burn romance.

I was able to follow the breadcrumb trail of clues and figured out the who and the why but not the whole story. There is action and peril, not to mention drama and conflict. The solution has an interesting twist, and the story ends with a cliffhanger. My heart broke just a little for one of the characters, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Edam and Weep: A Grilled Cheese Mystery by Linda Reilly

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

Edam and Weep
Grilled Cheese Mystery #6
Linda Reilly
Beyond the Page Publishing

Carly Hale and fiancé, Ari Mitchell, are getting ready for their wedding so the last thing that needs to happen is another murder investigation that involves Carly. Well, technically it involves Carly’s mom, Rhonda, who couldn’t possibly have killed a guy just because his manners were lacking. And so, starts book number 6 of the Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly. Rhonda is the most unlikely of suspects, but she is hiding something and worrying Carly. In fact, Carly is overwrought at the thought of her mom being arrested. In spite of Airi asking that she take it easy, Carly continues to dig and ask questions, the kind of questions that make people uncomfortable.

Surely Carly has better things to do, like her day job and firming up wedding day plans, but she is never too busy to help out family. Speaking of family, that is a big theme of book, Carly and Ari are starting their family, Ari's sister shows up needing help for her family, and there is Carly's mom who is a person of interest in the murder, there are other family related bits, but I don't want to give too much away.

What to do about Mom, what is the truth to Carly’s mom’s story, there seems to be more there than anyone knows. Carly’s nerves are over the top. How is a girl supposed to keep her mom out of jail if she doesn’t have the 411? So that means that Carly is going to need to be the sort of sleuth who asks the hard questions, the ones that make people uncomfortable. She will even ask people while they are in her restaurant, not that I blame her, strike while the iron or grilled cheese frying pan is hot. Speaking of grilled cheese sandwiches, there is a recipe for a Croque Monsieur made with Edam cheese that is pure cheesy bliss. 

This story is just as well constructed as any of Carly's cheesy good sandwiches with a great top and bottom plus some tantalizing clues located in the middle. I was completely off base with my sleuthing skills, I was mouth-drop shocked. The big reveal was so much bigger than I anticipated. Great job with the red herrings!

The Bush Tea Murder: A Caribbean Island Mystery by Ahley-Ruth M. Bernier

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing. 

The Bush Tea Murder
Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier 
A Caribbean Island Mystery

I was so entranced by this story and the way that author, Ashley-Ruth Bernier, included local dishes and fun facts, that I was looking up recipes for Johnny Cakes, pictures of Flamboyant trees, and prices for a cruise that would make port in St. Thomas so I could go buy some bush tea. This is not only an unusual storyline, but an expertly crafted tale that proves that a death in paradise can be so much more than just some sand, the sea, and a gimmick. Naomi Sinclair, originally from the island of St. Thomas has relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and is the host of the TV show, A Word From the Kitchen. Naomi is living her dream, a job centered around culinary journalism.

What starts out as an opportunity to earn a spot hosting a new true crime food related show becomes an eye-opening experience and a chance for Naomi to shine a light on her home, St. Thomas, and all the things that make it more than just a cruise ship port of call. Naomi chooses an unsolved crime that involves a woman who had built up a business that started with bush tea and was about to be taken to the next level by a rich businessman from the states who wanted to bottle her amazing brews and stock them on shelves from coast to coast. A note to the reader, this is not a comfy cozy but more of an edgy cozy with situations that are very real life oriented, with both good and bad aspects, and good and bad people, and several mysterious suspects in between.

The premise for the new show is unsolved mysteries with a culinary theme, which I find to be a fresh and fascinating idea. In addition to the unique plot premise, the story is told, with a timeline that bounces between the present and sequential periods that span the previous year. Each period is a subplot which introduces a new character or two. The subplots are actually mini mysteries, which Naomi solves while keeping the overall themes in play such as a romance with the handsome EMT, daughterly concern for her parents' health and well-being, and navigating friendships from childhood. In addition to introducing characters in an organic way, each short story added another piece to the Ursula Merchant, locked room murder mystery and the story for Naomi’s pilot show pitch.

This series starter had everything a good mystery needs from captivating characters to amazing imagery and everything in between. The dialogue was well written, and the clues sprinkled just enough. The final reveal has everyone, from the network execs to myself, on the edge of our seats and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next Caribbean Island Mystery.

Mango Murders: A Key West Food Critic Mystery #15 by Lucy Burdette

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

Mango Murders
A Key West Food Critic Mystery #15
Lucy Burdette
Crooked Lane Books

This entertaining and tasty series is set in Key West, where tourists and locals alike go to watch the sunset at Mallory Square as a daily ritual. This time they get more of a show than expected. Book 16 of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series starts out with a BIG bang. While on a sunset cruise for the Key Zine magazine, food critic Hayley Snow gets more than excellent appetizers and mango cocktails. There is an explosion followed by a fire, followed by chaos and the discovery of a dead body. Which puts Hailey’s mom in a bad light because the explosion was caused by a propane tank that was found with her catering supplies. 

Hayley has a history of getting involved in police investigations. She doesn’t mean to aggravate the detective who is her husband, but she is able to get answers when he hits snags and unhelpful leads. While his heart is consumed with love and care for her safety, he really should be used to it by now. He needs to admit that Hayley gets results and answers that are most helpful. It might have something to do with her approachable and easy-going manner while Nathan is all business, police business. 

While the coconut telegraph aka local gossip, is busy transmitting the latest details, no one is sure what the motive is for the murder. It could be one of four things, love, loss, loathing, or loot. This time around, Hayley has back-up in the form of her MILs (mothers-in-law), Helen, Nathan’s mom and Allison, her stepmom. These ladies are like yin and yang, and together with Hauley, they are formidable. Hayley doesn’t seem to be on her “A” game this time around. She and Nathan have more friction than usual which gives this book a dash of reality. Another nod to the nonfiction world is the multi-day birthday extravaganza for Miss Gloria, Hayley’s houseboat neighbor and octogenarian friend who is turning 85. Just imagine the fun and possible stress of planning such an event and then top it off with overprotective offspring who think that it is time for Miss Gloria to leave Florida and get away from the madness of murder investigations that seems to follow Hayley. 

With more than a heck of a plot twist and an amazing set of recipes at the back of the book, this cozy mystery delivers all the way around. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I guess I will have to bide my time enjoying Mango Scones for breakfast, Mango Daiquiri for afternoon cocktails, Tuna Noodle Casserole for dinner, and Upside Down Mango Cake for dessert.