Thank you to the author 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 Handyman’s Last Bite
Bay View Harbor Mystery Series #1
Elaine L. Orr

Gypsy Lee Miller has left the big city of Washington D.C., to return to the quiet and cozy town of Bay View Harbor located along the Chesapeake. A town where everybody knows your name and your business, just ask Mrs. Carnahan, if you can’t say anything nice, go sit next to her. What can I say, almost every cozy small town mystery has a Mrs. Carnahan. Almost every town also has a bakery, and this is where Gypsy Lee (I really like the unusual name) has joined forces with her cousin Linda, to provide the town with some truly tasty baked goods such as muffins, cookies, scones, and brownies. Recipes for several of the baked goods mentioned can be found at the back of the book. I struggled to make a choice to pair with my review but finally settled on the Oatmeal Apple Cookies. 

Gypsy Lee’s plan was to work hard with her cousin to get the bakery to a profitable point while reintegrating herself into Bay View Harbor. It was a well thought out plan, at least until local handyman Gordy Steele takes a bite of a lemon cupcake and falls down dead. The interesting thing about Gordy is that he reminds you of the character Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons who “would gladly pay you tomorrow, for a hamburger today.” It seems that Gordy owed people money and people may have been paying Gordy to do more than just fix an awning or paint a kitchen. Suspects abound from the town mayor to a couple of poker buddies. The gossip is that a killer cupcake “did in” the handyman, so of course, just as the bakery is getting going, the rumor mill is causing the progress to come to a halt. Not to mention that it is a crime scene that will require a closing, testing of ingredients, and clean up before reopening. Well, this is Gypsy Lee’s life savings on the line, and she can’t possibly stand back and wait for justice or the police to get the crime solved. Even if the detective is an old friend, a handsome and single old friend. A friend who warns her multiple times to stay out of the investigation, but do you think she is going to listen. Honestly, what amateur sleuth in a cozy, ever listens. In her defense, Gypsy Lee is slightly encouraged by her yoga teaching bestie, Tessa, to get involved.   

This is a great series starter with a nice lineup of characters. There is even some character growth just in the first book alone from more than one main character. I was not surprised by who the culprit turned out to be, but I did think there were more crimes to be solved. My guess is that this is a subtle cliffhanger hook that will keep me in suspense until the next book comes out. Until then I will console myself with various cookie recipes straight from the Bay View Harbor Bakery.

Seven Secret Spellcasters: A Kitchen Witch Mystery by Lynn Cahoon

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

Seven Secret Spellcasters
A Kitchen Witch Mystery 
Lynn Cahoon
Kensington Cozies

All Hallows Eve is quickly approaching as is the conclusion of Mia's training as she prepares to take the coven's national council exam while working full time as an inhouse caterer for the swanky Magic Springs Lodge, in an attempt to keep her personal catering and meal prep business, Mia's Morsels, afloat. 

Welcome to Mystic Falls, a beautiful and cozy town located in Idaho that is home to a variety of interestingly magical characters such as Mina Malone, who is a kitchen witch who makes magic in the kitchen, plus her magic is used to create harmony and balance in our world. Not only does the town have magical beings but Mia's home complete with commercial kitchen, a renovated school, is magical and haunted and warded against those who wish her ill. It is as if the school is alive. Reminds me a little of the casita from Encanto, but without the singing. But with regards to her cooking, those recipes that are shared in each Kitchen Witch Book are amazing. Other characters include Mia's boyfriend, Trent Majors, who comes from a magical family as well, but he chose to transfer his abilities over to his younger brother, Levi. and yet, the Goddess gifted him a hellhound protector that resembles a Maltese pup, named Cerby. No one is really supposed to know about Cerby, or Cerby's little friend, an adolescent purple dragon named Buddy. So many secrets can be found in this story, in fact it is like a great big secret society, and I don't mean the local coven either. Mia's Gran is not always forthcoming with details but maybe she is distracted what with an upcoming wedding. One is never too old for romance. But who has time for romance when there is a Lodge job that has a new and slightly demanding boss. At least Blake is a witch, just not a local one and she insists that she needs to stay under the radar and away from coven members. So, what is she hiding??? The newest member of this merry band is Finn, a waif-like girl who can hear Gloria the kitchen witch doll that hangs (literally) in the kitchen, with her melodic giggle. Poor Finn, she knows nothing about the world of witches and yet she comes down with dragon pox, not to mention that the library seems to like her. 

In addition to a bevy of witches, a sketchy boss, a hellhound, a half leprechaun, an incubus, not to mention a dragon, OH MY. Just another day in Magic Springs and poor Mark Baldwin, married to a witch, newish dad to a witch, completely human guy who has been assisted by Mia to solve magical murders with Mia. That almost sounds like a show title with drama. Magic Springs has plenty of drama, from pushy coven members who get even pushier when Mia tests out at a level three (gasp) as that is supposed to be unheard of, especially for a kitchen witch. I actually felt annoyed on Mia's behalf to both the pandering and the skepticism. This series just pulls you in one page at a time until you find yourself at the end of the book, wondering how you didn't catch on the killer sooner, and why do you have to wait until next year to get the next book. The overall story arc has been really good, and the character development of secondary characters is one of the best.

To sum this review up, this is not only a paranormal cozy, but also a culinary cozy, which makes it doubly good.  The romance and friendship aspects are as sweet as the peach cobbler recipe found at the back of the book. I know because how could I not make a recipe that looked so baker friendly and tasty at the same time. I cannot wait for the next installment as things were definitely left with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger...

Vows and Villainy: The Cambridge Bookshop Series by Elizabeth Penney

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. 

Vows and Villainy
The Cambridge Bookshop
Elizabeth Penney

Having read all of the Cambridge Bookshop series, I have to say that this was my favorite one yet and not just because of all the wedding goings on. Both Molly's good friend Daisy and her great-aunt Violet. Let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that Aunt Vi, age 71, is marrying her childhood beau and consider her sage words, that "if you have a chance for happiness...grab it with both hands."  Aunt Vi is a fun character, but she isn't our sleuth, that would be her great-niece, Molly Kimball aka the Vermont Beauty according to the tabloids. You see, Molly is dating Kieran, the younger son of Lord and Lady Scott, no pressure there, thankfully they adore her. Molly has a kind heart and a very inquisitive mind and can't help herself when it comes to puzzles, especially ones that might trouble to those she considers family or friends. 

Such is the case when Molly and a few other ladies are out for a walk around the Hazelhurst House grounds and they come upon actor and instructor Sir Nigel Peck floating in the moat like Ophelia among the water lilies. No, this is not a case of method acting. To make matters worse, Isla St. James accuses Kieran's older brother, Alan, of having done the deed most foul. Molly knows that Alan can't possibly be the murderer, and she feels the need to make sure that his name is at the bottom of the suspect list. Sir Nigel, the victim, might have been an incredible actor, but it seems that he may have been a heartless instructor and was named in a civil suit for the death of a student, Otto Van Wyk.

There are plenty of suspects with motives that could include anger, money, love, revenge, and even jealousy. Molly knows that as the maid of honor that there is no way that she can't do everything she can to make sure that Daisy and Tim have the perfect wedding day or at least as close as she can get it. This does give Molly the opportunity to be extra helpful to the Scott family, not that they don't already adore her just as much as Kieran does. The romance aspects of this cozy series are seriously cozy and just add that little extra something. I am also a fan of the fact that Molly is a smart gal who does not go places without backup and she considers all possible avenues until she can rule it out. 

As with all of the other books in this series, this is a standalone mystery that does a great job of providing a well-crafted mystery with likeable characters, a dash of romance, and just the right amount of humor. This book, this series, has inspired me to look up the recipe for Butterfly Cupcakes, using a Victorian Sponge recipe, you can make a simple yet elegant treat, with your choice of jam fillings. I've read about how great Daisy's Butterfly Cupcakes are that I just had to give it a go for myself. 

Hot Wings and Homicide: Food Truck Mystery #2 by Carmela Dutra

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.

Hot Wings and Homicide
Food Truck Mystery #2
Carmela Dutra

I thought the series starter was good, well this second book is even better and does a great job as a stand-alone plus it doesn’t give any spoilers if you want to go back and read the series starter.  This clever cozy mystery is based on an inherited family food truck business. Twins, Bethany (Beth) and Seth Lloyd are the owners of the Kluckin Good food truck left to them by their Aunt Dolly. This truck comes with a mascot suit that is proudly worn by Beth’s bff Rylie, who as of recently is also Seth’s girlfriend. After the fatal fiasco that was the reality food show/contest The Food Truck Showdown, Kluckin Good has never been busier, what with Beth helping to solve a murder and all while providing great food. So here we are, at the annual Flavors of the Bay Food Festival and Beth finds herself stumbling upon another body. Oh, but not just any body, the body of the weasel who broke her heart while professing his love karaoke style to another woman. Of all the food events in California, why did Brad Dawson, new food critic for The City and Beyond magazine, have to show up strutting like he was all that and a chicken leg too?

Of course, there was a very public confrontation and some shouting, plus maybe a punch was thrown as well as a napkin, so both Beth and Seth are at the top of the detective sheriff’s suspect list. Since this is not the city jurisdiction, Detective “Pretty Boy” Kane is not in charge of the investigation. Grover County Detective Pamela Wilcox is asking the questions and when it comes to being questioned, Beth, with her little bit of sassiness, has an inability to keep completely quiet. Seth, who is a lawyer when he isn’t helping with the food truck, is constantly telling her to invoke her 5th amendment right. 

Great aspects of this book include the back and forth of the siblings, the “might be flirting” with Kane, the Kluckin’ Clues list, plus a magically small, confined space. Don’t let all the funny bits fool you, Beth’s sleuthing skills are quite good and ruffle more than one feather as she manages to add more than one suspect to her list. It turns out that Brad was not well liked by anyone from restaurant owners to former best friends. Plenty of suspects means that there are plenty of opportunities for red herrings and I was led astray a few times.    

Needless to say, this cozy is going to keep you clucking, I mean chuckling. The emotional support chicken is one spoiler that I just have to share because it is BRILLIANT. Not every cozy mystery pet has to be furry, and Teriyaki adds that little extra flavor to another great plot. Speaking of extra flavor, this book comes with two amazing recipes, Golden Gate Heat Wings and Plucked and Truffles Fries.

 

The Body in the Kitchen Garden: A Hill House Vintage Murder Mystery #2 by Paula Sutton

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 Body in the Kitchen Garden
A Hill House Vintage Murder Mystery #2
Paula Sutton

Daphne Brewster and family have settled into country life in the quiet town of Pudding Corner near Pepperbridge. Where village life is quiet and pleasant because the locals are sure to observe that rules are followed. Where everything has its place and everyone must be kept in theirs. This is the second book in the Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries series. Where the majority of the story is from the point of view of our sleuth, Daphne Brewster whole relocated with her family from the urban sprawl of south London and after helping to solve a murder, she has been more or less accepted as one of the villagers.  

Daphne is a strong character, with a kind heart and a desire to defend the excluded, overlooked, and even cranky. Like the concern and care she shows to Patsy Warburton after the unexpected loss of her older sister, Nancy. Patsy swears that Nancy, regardless of her age and saggy stockings, did not fall off of the ladder and die. Patsy believes that it was not an accident that there are foul dealings afoot. Well of course there are, just ask Augusta Papplewick and Marianne Forbes who both want something done about the youths who are congregating on the green, as they must be up to no good, what with the rash of petty thefts and random assaults. Not to mention that there is a disheveled stranger who may or may not be a Fagin-style vagrant and has been seen lurking around town.  Daphne doesn’t necessarily go looking for answers but there are things that happen to cause her to ponder and try to make sense of the big and little picture. Inspector Hargreaves would like it if Daphne would stick to her antique furniture shop business and leave the detecting and career-defining moments of glory to himself. I am not sure how she has time to do all that she does, what with helping Helena Carter, fiancé of Lord Hugh Darlington, the prodigal son who has returned from abroad, by remodeling and repurposing antiques in order to try and save the family estate.  Did I mention that Daphne makes wonderful baked goods such as Bakewell Slices and is also happily married with three children and an adorable miniature dachshund named Byron.

This is a well throughout stand-alone mystery, but readers be warned, there are spoilers in the second book that retell the solution to the mystery of the first book. As with the last book, I thought that I had it figured out, but I was wrong. It is so much more complicated than I realized and there are some sly red herrings that make one go down a rabbit hole.

Masher of Ceremonies: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery Book #13 By Victoria Hamilton

 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. 

Masher of Ceremonies
A Vintage Kitchen Mystery Book #13
Victoria Hamilton
Beyond the Page

Have you ever been to an afternoon tea? I mean a proper afternoon tea with all the bells and whistles and overseen by Queen Victoria and her consort. Not a high tea, that is something completely different, as explained in the story. I have not but sure do wish that this wonderful plot point was an actual event that I could add to my cozy mystery location/event bucket list.

Masher of Ceremonies, the 13th book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series and it starts out with the annual Tea with the Queen event. Every year for decades, Tea with the Queen has taken place in Queensville, Michigan and is a major tourist event. This year, our sleuth, Jaymie Mueller, is in charge of the event and she has been told that the event needs to show a decent profit or else it will cease to continue. Talk about a pressure cooker of a situation. There are so many moving parts to this event and the last thing that Jaymie needs is for it to be spoiled by an extortionist or worse, a murder. Not to mention that Jaymie is trying to balance the volunteer event with the impending opening of her new business venture with tea shop owner and friend Val. It makes me tired just wondering how Jaymie is balancing so many things. 

This was my first time reading a Vintage Kitchen Mystery and Masher of Ceremonies did not disappoint as a good stand-alone with a relatable sleuth. There is also a cast of characters at the beginning of the book to introduce the reader to the characters before the story begins. I also liked that there are unexpected and real-life aspects to the story such as Jaymie’s fur baby, Hoppie, a three-legged Yorkie-Poo, Jaymie’s daughter, Jocie, who considers herself a little, little person, and possible clashes with her mom over certain life choices. 

Suspects include Ryan the belligerent blackmailer, Nigel the temperamental blackmail target, Sterling the stylish yet suspicious spouse, Charlie the snooty sister, and her husband Rudy the frozen food Chef. I honestly thought that Ryan the blackmailer would end up being the victim because he is sneaky, arrogant, and relentless, so I was completely fooled by the who and the why. This story does a great job of laying out the clues but not making them obvious. This was not an easy one to solve as an armchair sleuth, but you are rewarded at the end of the book with a very tasty and savory sounding recipe for Schinkennudeln, which I will be making for dinner this weekend.

Some Like It Fudgy: A Candy-Coated Mystery with Recipes by Nancy Coco

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. 

Some Like It Fudgy
A Candy-Coated Mystery with Recipes
By Nancy Coco
Kensington

Oh, my goodness but this one was a roller coaster ride. Book 14 of the Candy-Coated Mystery series starts off with a dead body and of course, Allie (newlywed) Manning finds it.  But wait, there's more, the victim and Allie had a contentious relationship, the victim was the ex-wife of Allie's husband, police officer Rex Manning. You don't have to be familiar with this series to enjoy the mystery, the characters, or the recipes, but it does make you shake your head at times regarding Rex's less than stellar performance. Speaking of recipes, I had to make the Black Forest Fudge, and it was amazing!

There are the usual characters such as the book club ladies, a mature set of sleuth sidekicks, they remind me a little of the Sherlock Holmes Irregulars and introducing...Rowan and Finn. Rowan is an island native who has been away for about 10 years, so she knows EVERYONE. Is she a suspect or is she a new gal pal. Fin is her adorable and highly trained rescue Dane, so she can't be bad, right? Looks like she has past and current history with Melanie and none of it is good.

Rex having been one of Melanie's ex-husbands is removed from investigating, and his temporary replacement is a joke and a blowhard. Officer Laird, who has held a grudge since police academy days is looking to blame Allie, making this an easy open and shut case.  Allie can't risk being tossed in jail for obstruction so she will need to change her usual routine and do something that no other sleuth has done...be unpredictable. 

There are just a few suspects, since Melanie was not the nicest of people. From a plumber to a mystery man named Oscar who sent poisonous flowers. Nope it wasn't the flowers that did her in, it was the ... nope not going to tell you. The one thing I can tell you is that fur baby Mal is sniffing out clues and dragging Allie with her. This one was a nail biter, ire-inducing, snort producing mystery so be sure to get plenty of snacks before you settle in. There are plenty of snack recipes to choose between the chapters.