February 2022 New Cozy Reviews

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

FEBRUARY 22nd RELEASES

Antique Auctions are Murder
Libby Klein
Kensington
 
Poppy got a dresser and a bit more…a dead body, while Aunt Ginny got herself a sequined matador jacket. This story has several people wanting more, Auggie Whipple wanted more money, Grover Prickle wants more of his items to quit disappearing, Tildy wants more family (a baby), Courtney Whipple wants more ribbons for his heirloom tomatoes, Mrs. Davis and Josephine want the ornate family jewelry box, Poppy wants more time with Gia, Amber and just wants to solve this murder without the usual challenges and without her new partner Sergeant viola Washington who seems a little skeptical about Poppy’s abilities to fall in and out of trouble that she doesn’t create.  This story is loaded with plenty of characters with character, plenty of suspects, and plenty amazing descriptive foods. Speaking of foods, there are more gluten free goodies and crazy aunt escapades plus the unusual interactions between Figaro, Poppy’s cozy companion cat, and the guests who come to stay at her B&B with their pets, feline drama at its finest.  Speaking of the guests, they provide a bit of comedy relief as well…No need to read the past stories to understand the gist of this one, but you are going to want to anyway. I am glad to see that Poppy is learning, from Figaro no less, that she is good enough, beautiful enough, and special enough, for the likes of Gia. The very end of this one left me blinking back a few tears on Poppy’s behalf and I still say that what goes around comes around and that it would be poetic justice if someone who has a bit in common with a crab sign had to resort to pleading with Poppy to help clear their name(s) ahem, ahem. 

Batter Off Dead
Maddie Day
Kensington Publishing

An unsolved murder from the past might give clues to a similar murder in the present and both involve Buck’s Dad. An emotionally charged mystery that has you wondering how can there not be a connection to the past, but it was so very long ago. There are suspects who seem both, likely and unlikely, friendly and unfriendly, as people come and go for a bite to eat at the Pans and Pancakes restaurant and store.  Some suspects are looking to give some friendly and not so friendly competition by way of a food truck and more. Speaking of food, as always, Ms. Day graciously shares Robbie‘s recipes at the end of the book which includes a blueberry spritzer cocktail recipe, perfect for the summertime or when you want to remember the summer time. 

Carmel Pecan Roll Murder

Joanne Fluke

Kensington

It is hard to believe that Hannah Swenson, owner of the Cookie Jar and most eligible bachelorette with a business in Lake Eden, is 40. I woman whose cookie creation skills are only slightly eclipsed by her sleuthing skills. This latest installment is chalk full of characters, clues, and culinary delights. The story had me stumped in a few places and I truly enjoyed how the ladies in Hannah's family danced their way around the sloshed celebrity.   While I have always been team Norman, I must say that there was a side to Mike  that I would never have expected and it isn't what you think. A cliff hanger ending to be sure, so while I wait for the next Hannah Swenson story, I'll keep myself busy making Butterscotch Delight Cookies and Corned Beef Beef Hash quiche.

Murder on an Irish Farm  (An Irish Village Mystery)

Carlene O'Connor

Kensington

The much anticipated and postponed wedding day is finally here! Or so I thought... Great plot, more twists and turns than a Celtic knot. Fifty years have passed since the groom did a "runner" or at least that is what everyone thought. A missing groom (not Macdara), missing money (30 quid), and many suspects (at least 5). Suspects who are a little silver, but even if they are all over 60 who is to say they didn't push their luck by pushing a second victim into the slurry pit (yuck). Garda Siobhán is bound and determine aka stubborn and will not rest/wed until the killer or killers are found. An excellent character, from her steel trap mind, her quick wit, her unwavering loyalty to family, to her brown bread (recipe found in Murder at an Irish Christmas). I am definitely making the eclairs recipe found at the conclusion of the story as well as curried chips, recipe not supplied but so easy that even and "eejit" (said with a bit of brogue) could make em.

Honey Roasted (A Coffeehouse Mystery)

Cleo Coyle

Published by Berkley 

I’ve missed the Village and Clare Cosi. It has been more years than I care to admit since I last read a mystery, and I am very happy to report that this latest installment does not disappoint. Clare has a wedding/honeymoon to plan, a new coffee to debut, and a bee problem. Multiple mysteries, life threatening situations, a romance intervention, many cups of coffee, and did I mention recipes, oh the wonderful recipes!  Great story full of relatable characters, interesting and fun facts, plus the most exquisite descriptions of foods and beverages. Plus a plethora of red herrings to keep you guessing, so yes you might want to grab a mystery reader’s journal to keep track of everyone and everything. Looking forward to making many of the recipes, both sweet and savory alike!

FEBRUARY 15th RELEASES

Caught and Collared

Jackie Layton

Published by Beyond the Page

Wedding planning should not include murder solving; however, Andi Grace is really good at multi-tasking. Which makes sense since she runs a flourishing pet care business and is looking to expand her offerings to include grooming. Much like the dogs she walks, she seems to have a sixth sense about people and is always looking to lend a helping hand. So much more than just Southern hospitality, it’s a part of her, much like her name, a certain amount of Grace when dealing with others, be they man or beast, dog or drama queen, from the gruff to the clueless and all those in-between.  Was it the obnoxious attitude or something from a cold case that brought about the podcasters dip in the pool. This installment definitely had me on the edge of my seat turning pages faster and faster as both Andi Grace and I followed the clues, stopping just long enough to look for a dress that could make her say YES. The perfect story to read while snacking on Oatmeal Raisin Pecan cookies and a Coke.