April 2022 New Cozies

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

April 26th RELEASES 

A Margin for Murder 
A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery
Lauren Elliot
Kensington

This one had me scratching my head as to who did it. I was completely flummoxed up until the big reveal and then I was shaking my head thinking, yep, I could see it going that way. I was a step behind Addie Greyborne, but she is the sleuth in our story so it seems only fair. Addie is a very relatable character, I can especially empathize with her moments of self-doubt, perhaps when you have experience the sort of losses that she has, you unconsciously worry that those good thing/people are going to go away. She is surrounded by a busload of good people. People who refuse to allow her to be mistaken for a murderer just because she isn’t a local, there is a little thing known as motive after all. It wasn’t Addie or Paige’s fault that the recently purchased book bus was housing some rare and missing books, or that it was driven into a wall.  Addie makes new friends and runs into a very old friend, a friend who may be a missing piece to more than one puzzle. An excellent story that does not require a reader to have started at the beginning of the series. A nice group of characters and the story had its share of red herrings and interesting clues.  Speaking of clues, I have a sneaking suspicion that Addie’s composure is going to be shaken up just a tad in the next book based on a new acquaintance and someone’s past history. HMMMMM. 

Simmering With Resentment
A Cookbook Nook Mystery
Daryl Wood Gerber
Beyond the Page

All is good at The Cookbook Nook, with wedding planning for Jenna coinciding with the town of Crystal Cove playing host to a Wedding Expo.  The Expo brings a bountiful amount of blushing brides-to-be and several visitors to town, including Sarita Strachline, the arsonist responsible for the demise of The Grotto. Things take a heated turn when and Rhett’s romantic meal turns into a flaming disaster; kitchen accident or sabotage? With Rhett in the hospital, Jenna goes on the offensive looking for clues and suggesting suspects to local law enforcement. Couple this with expo thefts and a murder and you have one stressed but determined cozy sleuth, who has a slew of suspects, from the ex-husband to the various investors of burned down Grotto. This was such a great title for this cozy, so many suspects had resentment simmering just under the surface. Another great thing about this book are the recipes found at the back of the book for the most delicious items featured throughout the story. I am looking forward to some Salmon and Avocado rolls!

'Til Death
A Witch City Mystery
Carol Perry
Kensington Cozies

Another great Witch City cozy, complete with Angels, tarot readings, romance, and recipes, plus the wedding! Lee and Pete are set and ready to not only say their vows but to also move into a new forever home. All seems to be falling into place complete with honeymoon plans to visit Lee’s aunt and uncle who own an island off the coast and whom she has had no contact with other than cards sent throughout the years. An island with a pirate mystery and a family mystery since this is the place where Lee’s parents’ plane went down. As is customary, Lee turns to her best friend River (who is also a witch), do a tarot card reading and the cards have an interesting tale to tell. There are so many unique and interesting characters in the Witch Lee’s past and present converge as she relives a memory by way of the reflection in a shiny child’s shoe. Lee has learned that this is a gift or curse known as scrying. Sounds like Lee has a lot on her plate right before the wedding right? That’s not all; Aunt Ibby has decided to rent out Lee’s former living space, to an author who spent a bit of time in prison for killing his wife, though he contends that he didn’t do it and investigative reporter Scott Palmer has marginally succeeded in creating a Jekyll and Hyde story potential. I do believe this could be the makings of a post honeymoon book…once they figure out what is hidden on Pirate’s Island, is it gold, precious gems, the truth about that fatal crash??? I would suggest starting at the end of the book with the recipes, especially Marie’s Butterfinger Cookies, to enjoy while you follow the clues with Lee. 

Three Tainted Teas
A Kitchen Witch Mystery
Lynn Cahoon
Kensington Publishing Co.

Mia has been working hard to grow her new business Mia’s Morsels which has experience its share of hiccups both normal and paranormal. Yes, paranormal, as Mia is a kitchen witch like her grandmother, and is a newish member of the Magic Springs community, most likely named for its magical community which resides right along-side with the non-magical folks who have no idea for the most part. So now you know that Mia is a very determined small business owner and devoted granddaughter, so determined that she lets someone convince her to try her hand at wedding organization. Now, I can see how she would make one fantastic caterer for a wedding, her first adventure in sleuthing involved catering an adult birthday party (One Poison Pie). A master organizer, Mia jumps in with two feet, or four if you include the help she receives from boyfriend Trent (yep he knows, and he has his own magic as well).  Since this is a magical wedding couple there are more than the usual challenges and it seems that some sabotage is involved as well. Mia will need more than just a notebook to keep track of this project and the suspects. This series has a great set of supportive crew, a cozy/furry companion Mr. Darcy who has his own set of challenges (Murder 101), and a semi-resident ghost who has seems to be part of a bigger mystery that is yet to be solved. I am a big fan of Mia’s familiar, Gloria, a kitchen witch doll, whose laughter sounds like bells tinkling. I am also a fan of Ms. Cahoon’s for adding a recipe at the end of her books, this time we get a yummy sounding peach cobbler. I wouldn’t mind if more recipes were added, hint hint! 

Til Death (Witch City

Carol Lee

Published by 

This has been a great series, not that it has to come to an end or that Ms. Lee has plans to no longer take us to Salem. Til Death has some great history and back story information about  

The Vanishing Type

Ellery Adams

Published by Kensington Cozies

Mild mannered Hester’s past and future are about to collide, but the ladies of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are there for support; physically, emotionally, and especially sleuthaly (yes, I know that is not a real word, but it sounds good). Who was the guy in the jacket and how does he figure into this tale? Who vandalized the Hawthorne books, and could it be the same person who did away with the visitor in orange? What does an aunt, an author, and some curious and flowerful early edition books all have in common? How has it taken so long for Nora and the Sheriff to realize that just maybe…All these questions and many more are all answered in this latest Magic Springs located mystery. BTW did you notice how pretty in pink accents this new book cover is!! Oh, and if you’re nice, I bet you too can get the recipe for the infamous blueberry & lemon comfort scones, perfect for pairing with this book. Hint: ask Ellery Adams.