October 2021 New Cozy Reviews

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews.

RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 26th

Death by Hot Apple Cider

Alex Erickson

Published by Kensington

Censorship and cider, two things that do not go good together. Not that anyone in their right mind would think that the cider was bad or that the books which Krissy carries in her café bookstore were inciting unrest. An overly opinionated victim who was being made into a martyr makes for many suspects and things get a bit out of hand. Excellent story with a nice nod to the importance of respect for differences and individuals. Oh and the murderer, well, I had no idea so the red herrings were definitely well placed and executed.  

Deck the Donuts

Ginger Bolton

Published by Kensington

Second chances should be cherished and not wasted. A bus accident, a vandalized ice sculpture, cross country skiing, yummy donuts, mistletoe, and murder. The plot is as well groomed as Brent's ski paths with twist and turns. Emily is a character you can relate to as she continues to move forward in life making amazing donuts, and using her instincts to separate more than just whites and yolks as she follows the clues. Plenty of backstory to explain the relationships and best of all, a recipe for a gingerbread donut!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder

A Catering Hall Mystery

Maria DiRico

Published by Kensington

A scam, a dead body, plenty of suspects, and a sprig of mistletoe.  Another adventure with the Family, and that is family with a capital F. Mia is called on by Mr. B to help the Family deal with a secret that is sure to get some halls decked. At the same time, Mia is dealing with teen drama in the way of a sweet 16 party that has to be THE event of the year, with a side of mama drama when her wayward mother makes a most unexpected appearance, and Nonna is treating the annual neighborhood decorating contest like a turf war with the other streets.  Every character is a character, Mia is the sort of character who makes you laugh out loud, and don't get me started about her Belle View Banquet Manor coworker Cammie, who has the ultimate work schedule.  I really like how this series is developing with the addition of new characters and who wouldn't like a few recipes to try out after reading the book such as Shrimp, Crab, and Artichoke Cavatelle or Almond Florentine Lace Cookies. 

To the Tome of Murder

Lauren Elliot

Published by Kensington

Some family you are born with and some you choose, Addie didn't choose to have a cousin who can bring both a smile and a frown to her face in quick succession, but she isn't going to leave her stranded at the top of the suspect list. Family trees, a vintage briefcase, stolen rare books, a snooty collector, a murderous hanger, coquettish behavior, and maybe the end of a fear to commit are all part of this latest Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery. Engaging characters and plenty of backstory sprinkled in to keep you on track, plus a few suspects that keep you guessing as much as Addie does. 

RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 19th

Mulled to Death

Kate Lansing

Published by Berkley Publishing Group

First off, this wine cozy includes recipes which I am looking forward to making the mulled wine, snacks, and cupcakes. They will be a perfect pairing while reading during the 12 Days of Cozies. Great plot with plenty of misdirection and suspects. I especially liked the side story of the sneak thief. Parker is a great character, a passionate vintner who relates almost everything through wine and the process of making wine, which was both entertaining and educational.  Some very nice interactions between Parker and Reid as well as Parker and Liam. No need to have read the other books to understand who the players are, but you will find that you enjoy this one enough to go back to the series starter. A nice bit of girl power without being overdone between BauerPower and Aunt Laura’s Galentine celebrations.

RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 12th

Once Upon a Seaside Murder

Maggie Blackburn

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Picking up where the first one left off but you don’t need to read the first to enjoy this latest Beach Reads Mystery. Professor Summer Merriweather has a lot to learn, from running a bookshop, understanding the importance of the cozy genre, and her mysterious family history. Little did she know that a cozy mystery writer panel would bring up a mysterious murder tied directly to her new family. Summer has so many questions and only two people seem to have the answers, her new grandmother and    her deceased Mother, who kept more than one secret. Excellent story development with plenty of backstory sprinkled in to keep you in the loop. Looking forward to the next one as well as making the vegan pumpkin bread and vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes found at the back of the book!

  RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 5th

A Cure for What Ales You

Ellie Alexander
Published by St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books

Sloane Kraus is one step closer to solving the mystery of her past while solving the mystery of the murdered maid, and all while making some rather tasty beer related treats. In this story, which is a stand-alone, with plenty of back story to keep you from being lost, Sloan learns that as one door closes, another one opens. I love how this Bavarian getaway is the picture perfect cozy town complete with caring neighbors and slightly kooky yet endearing characters. The story kept pace and the suspects were many. A perfect pairing, much like Sloane’s beer inspired baking/cooking, and yes, I did in fact find a beer-nana bread recipe and proceeded to make it using a Hofbrau Dunkel beer in honor of Octoberfest.