By Kaitlyn Dunnett
Published by Kensington Books
Release date: June 30, 2020 Kindle, Audio, or Hardback
This is my first Deadly Edits mystery and I was pleasantly surprised by the sharp wit and spry retired middle school teacher turned free lance editor. I believe that one would say that she was full of gumption and loyal to family and friends. While it seems quite silly for the police to repeatedly question her regarding the death of the town con man and CEO of the local development company, as a result of a very fine and very public "dressing down" of said developer. The story did a good job of building suspense and developing characters. There are quite a few interesting characters to be found in Lenape Hollow some young and some not so young. Which means that the guilty party could be Onslow’s former personal secretary, his current wife, the grandmother of his deceased wife, the Vice President of his company, one of his wife’s admirers (she is a bit of a looker), or any one whom Onslow had swindled over the years (there seems to be an every growing list), and Ms. Mikki Lincoln (our mystery solving maven). This story illustrates how a lady in her seventh decade can be when faced with adversity. Added bonus to this story are the various grammar lessons that are sprinkled throughout the book and a random selection from “The Write Right Wright’s Language and Grammar Tips” by Mikki Lincoln.
By Lynn Cahoon
Published by Lyrical Press
Release Date June 30, 2020 Kindle, Audio, or Paperback
This is my favorite Tourist Trap mystery yet and not just because of the keto friendly breakfast recipe at the back of the story. It also isn’t my favorite because Jill and company go to Vegas for a bachelorette/bachelor weekend party. It isn’t even my favorite because things get a little woo-woo for Jill. Nope, it’s my favorite because of the number of red herrings. Is it about a hit and run, is it about the mission wall, it is about Jill thinking more and more about marriage and what would change, would she have to change, is it about Aunt Jackie and Harold getting hitched, or is it something else entirely and why does everyone keep asking Jill if she is selling her cottage? Actually it is about all of those things and more (I would never reveal all of the plot twists and turns)! As confusing as all of that might sound, the story flowed nicely and you do not have to be familiar with the South Cove crew to catch on to who is who and what it what. This was a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for by the pool or at the beach.
By Traci Hall
Published by Kensington Books
Release date: June 30, 2020 Kindle or Paperback
First in a new series and off to a great start, although it was a little challenging for this Yank tae be understanding it at first. I am happy to say that nothing was lost in translation and I managed to not speak with an accent even though I was starting to think with one. Nice plot and an excellent and strong leading lady with a most unusual name; Paislee. This story has all the right plot points to be a perfect cozy, the inquisitive lass, a supportive albeit small family which includes a Scottish terrier, the enigmatic Detective Inspector who is easy on the eyes, a flock of friends, her own specialty yarn and knitting business as she is quite the entrepreneur, and a stern headmaster who might just have a heart of gold to go with those good looks. As with all good cozys, our lass Paislee is or was close to the victim so of course she feels the need to for Isla to be at peace because even though no one has anything good to say about Isla, Paislee believes that no one deserves to be murdered. There was a nice amount of twists and turns and of course you are left guessing as to how the romance side of things will go and there is the mystery of her Grandpa’s missing son. I can see all sorts of wonderful follow up stories taking place in the small town or shire of Nairn, Scotland where you can drink Brodie Scottish-blend teas and raspberry scones.
By Maddie Day
Published by Kensington Publishing
Release date June 30, 2020 available on Kindle, audio or paperback
Robbie has left Indiana and her busy restaurant, country store and B &B all wrapped up into one for her 10 year high school reunion in sunny Santa Barbara. Oh the wonderful recipes that can find at the back of the book! I suggest starting there so you have something to munch on while you read, I further suggest that you try the empanadas. YUM! No need to be familiar with the usual cast of characters since they are not the stars this time around. We do get a little more background info on Robbie’s Mom and how she died and what she might have gotten herself involved with right before she passed. So many questions and so few answers, but Robbie has some old high school friends who are ready and willing to help including Jason Wong who is now a cyber cop with the local PD (how lucky was that). This was a nice change of pace from the usual small town mystery and the subject matter is definitely a current topic. Organic crops and threats from non organic farms that use chemicals that can migrate in the wind and how big business is making money either way. A hot button topic to be sure but it was not a soapbox stance making it perfect for a cozy.
By Ellie Alexander
Published by: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release date: June 30, 2020 available on Kindle and Paperback
This story had me riveted not only once but twice, a story within a story. Or rather, the story had a back story. I did not even realize that this was the 11th book in the series since it read like a debut with an amazing backstory. Needless to say, this was my first Torte Bakeshop mystery and apparently a mystery served cold is just as good as a current one since I couldn’t put the book down having been drawn into The Pastry Case just as much as Juliet our leading lady. Having had no prior knowledge of characters or previous storyline did not hamper my ability as an armchair detective. I was able to keep up with the various characters and the two distinctively different plot lines. The one thing that I felt the book lacked was some recipes to go with those wonderful sounding coffee concoctions, perfect pastries, and marvelous meals. I feel compelled to hunt for a ding dong recipe and make my own version of marshmallow cream with a little cherry extract or maybe some kirsch for that little something extra. Now that I know that there are ten other books I will need to do a little research and get myself up to date on Juliet’s hardworking crew at Torte as well as what really propelled her to leave her job as a head pastry chef sailing around the world while working on a cruise line after a decade to settle in the small town of Ashland, Oregon. Also, I was a little confused as to whether or not she had left her husband, who also worked for the cruise line. All in all this was a highly entertaining cozy and is sure to be a hit!
By Cheryl Hollon
Published by Kensington Books
Release date: June 30, 2020 available on Kindle, Audio, and Paperback
Excellent concept for a story background. I have attended a couple of Wine & Design events at a local outlet and found it to be quite enjoyable. The idea of a hike, painting, food pairing with shine is a step above and a wonderful idea for a start up. I enjoyed how the idea was not only presented but also paired with some wonderful recipes although I did have a bit of a challenge with locating the “shine” parts. Thankfully the ABC store does carry the Smokey Mountain Shine and in darling little mason jars that are just the right amount for a cocktail for one or in our case, two. I am used to pairing food, mainly a more savory selection of food with wine so I am intrigued with the sweet pairing and look forward to enjoying it over the 4th of July holiday weekend. On to the story aspect… Miranda makes a great character whom you can’t help but to cheer for and want to see her succeed not only with her painting classes but also with the distillery. I look forward to the next book which surely will discuss that aspect a bit more. The story line was very good and the cast of characters was jumbled up just enough to not be obvious. I had no idea who killer was or why they committed the crime until the big reveal. In fact there were several red herrings that kept you glued to the pages be they paper or digital. A nice bit of rivalry between local law and the big town law with plenty of backstory to draw on as the series progresses. I also like the fact that even though Miranda isn’t a local she is actually “home” as many of the characters point out. There is even a touch of possible romance which is what rounds out this new series. I enjoyed the story so much that I am going to look and see if such a cultural experience exists not too far from the Smokey Mountains and my neck of the woods.
By Daryl Wood Gerber
Published by Kensignton
Release date: June 30, 2020 on Kindle, Audio, and Paperback
Do you believe in fairies. Well why not! If the fanciful does not appeal to you then you will most likely not enjoy this story. I on the other hand am one who enjoys cozys of all types, especially when they include super yummy recipes including recipes for my gluten free friend. Also, if you are a person who loves reading stories in familiar locations and you're a So.Cal. person, then you will like this, as it takes places in beautiful Carmel by the Sea not to be confused with Cardiff by the sea. Carmel is a the perfect setting for a fairy garden/tea shoppe with its fairy tale cottages and galleries at the center of the town. It's a magical place that is just perfect for a magical cozy. Fiona is quite the fairy as she helps Courtney to solve not one but a multitude of mysteries from the murder to hidden doorways and motives aplenty. We all need a little something fanciful in our lives and I think that Daryl Wood Gerber has found a wonderful way to inspire creativity with her latest series. I am always inspired to try her recipes but now I am also thinking about making my own little fairy garden to brighten up my office space. After all we need a little magic in our lives and who wants to work in a dark and drab place. Looking forward to eating the Chocolate Carmel Brownies and I know for a fact that the White Fish with Beurre Blanc Sauce is a winner.
By Kate Conte
Published by Kensington Books
Release date: June 30, 2020 on Kindle and Paperback
What if you were incredibly intuitive to the point where you could help people to heal using stones? What if a town council member thought that you were a loon and denounced you and your store both publically and quite loudly. What if that person was found dead and now you’re the main suspect. Oh dear! Then to top it off, your Mother and a sister you never knew you had, show up on your doorstep, and tell you that your intuition is a bit more mystical than just being really good at reading people and their auras. Family secrets will be revealed and old friends will be seen in a new light. Violet will need more than her wits to keep herself off of the police suspect list. Very entertaining story with plenty of unanswered questions making me want to see what comes next. The characters were developed at a great pace, not revealing too much or too little, just the right amounts at the right points in the story. I really liked the glitter effect, not sure that I would like to have to constantly vacuum, but it might be fun to leave a little sparkle behind. The only disappointing aspect of the story is that chocolate is a bad thing. Now I ask you, how could anyone make chocolate to be a bad thing!
By Melissa Erin Jackson
Published by Ringtail Press
Release date: Kindle edition released on June 10, 2020
Pawsitively the best installment yet! Amber had me smiling the entire time, she is sure to be made up of the same stuff as legends. Except when it comes to a stake out, she really is no good and I am not sure that exchanging dating tips with PI Peterson for some PI tips is going to be enough. One of the best things about this series is that the author takes a moment to give you a brief yet very informative recap of the stories. So you don't have to be familiar with the earlier stories, but you are going to want to read them because they are that good! The only thing that would make them better would be to give recipes or a coffee shop location for the life altering gingerbread latte. Amber has really come into her own as of late with regards to her gifts, she has helped her cousin Edgar to be a small part of the world outside of his house, and learned that she and her family aren't the only witches in the area. While the list of mortals who know her secret is growing so is her cirlce of friends, a friend who could be more, and friends with abilities. Who would have ever thought that a child's activity could be the answer to her family Grimoires question. Not to mention that taking geocaching and using it for part of the storyline with a witchy twist is brilliant! I do hope that she is able to get all the toys ready for Here and Meow now that Aunt G and Willow are back in town. After having finished the story I have decided that the best sort of food to munch on while reading about Amber's latest adventure is Chinese food so be expecting an Inst pic with spring rolls and egg drop soup.
By Harper Kincaid
Published by Crooked Lane
Release date: available now on Kindle , hardcover releases on June 7, 2020
This is my new favorite dynamic duo with canine sidekick. A bookbinder, a cousin who is a novice nun, and a German Shepherd named after a SCOTUS justice makes for a very diverse and unusual mystery solving team. Which would be very helpful since Quinn could have cared less that her high school boyfriend was engaged to marry her high school nemesis. They weren't in high school after all plus Quinn had never really gotten over her crush on big bro's best friend, Aiden Harrington, now known as Detective Harrington. Quinn does care that she is being accused of having anything to do with said nemesis's death, she might not have cared for Tricia or her twin sister but she certainly didn't kill her. The new cop in town sure does seem bent on making the circumstantial evidence stick. Lucky for Quinn that she not only has her smarts, but she also has her former partner in crime, cousin Daria who doesn't seem to let her "habit" get in the way of a little sluething. Mother Superior is not particular excited about her novice being involved in such things. Quinn came home to work in the family business, Prose and Scones ( I would love to have a business that incorporated books and food!). Good thing that one of the Pro's of this business is a retired lawyer who will make sure his little girl doesn't get written off. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Published by Lyrical Press
Release date: June 2, 2020
Halloween has come to Etonville and the Etonville Little Theater has decided to perform the holiday classes: Dracula. To get into the vampiric mood, Dodie and the staff at the Windjammer restaurant will be dishing up garlic laden goodies. Some of the patrons fully embrace the galore of garlic while others are wondering why there is garlic in the ice cream. Oh how I wish that those wonderful menu items suggested throughout the story had recipes at the back. Later on I was inspired to find a pulled pork slider recipe (slider week menu) with Henry's ingredients and can't wait to try it out! With all that garlic you would think that not only vampires would be avoiding Etonville, but so would the shadow of death, not so for in fact Death is found dead in the graveyard or at least a mob enforcer dressed like Death with a stake. Dodie has no desire to get involved in this latest mysterious death, after all there were no apparent signs of foul play and Dodie needs to get busy with wedding plans, she is sure that her fiance, Chief Bill has a proper handle on the situation. Or at least that is what she thought before gal pal Lola came to her worried that Carlos Villarious, the consumate Dracula, and his wife Bella are a bit off. Is it the accent or the way he so easily morphs into the Count, as if he has done it before? A little too good of an actor for some of the cast, and his wife is a little woo woo as well with her palmistry and tarot card reading. She certainly has Dodie worried after revealing that Dodie's palm speaks of discontent, decisions and surrendering interests. There is something secretive and strange about the couple who are renting a very run down and creepy house, but he is a "creepy bloke" which might explain why he likes a creepy house. All in all they seem to be keeping secrets. Secrets aren't easily kept in a close knit town like Etonville, in fact it is quite easy to follow the story and "get to know" the characters making it possible to pick up any Dodie O'Dell book to read without needing to have started at the begining to know who the cast of characters are and what rolls they play.
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