October 2023 New Release 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.  

A Corpse at the Witching Hour
Food Blogger Mystery
Debra Sennefelder
Beyond the Page Books

It is spooky time in Jefferson and food blogger Hope Early is spending Halloween handing out candy with her BFF Drew at his aunt Issy’s home known as the Osbon house, a haunted house and site of a murder-suicide that led to the legend that every 20 years a woman dies (dun-dun-dun). Sure enough, Hope finds a dead witch in the front yard while cleaning up candy wrappers. Okay, not a witch but rather a woman dressed like a witch. There is a lot to unpack in this latest food blogger mystery, past history, present conflicts, and possible future events. Hope has a lot on her plate with recipe testing plus blog writing and the remodeling project involving the barn and a pesky anonymous complainer challenging her permit to build the much needed studio kitchen. Hope might not know who the complainer is but she does know who makes a good suspect. It couldn’t have been Drew’s aunt she is/was sick, right. Then there is Drew’s cousin Thurston who is all business, maybe monkey business. Honestly, it looks like Drew’s family are all possible suspects except for Drew who has Hope for an alibi. Suspecting Drew’s family is not going to bode well for their friendship. At least her relationship with Ethan is on the upswing, he seems to have made peace with Hope’s need to ask questions, track down clues, and indulge her curiosity. She does all three of these things and sometimes, most times, she succeeds in finding the clues and getting the answers but sometimes people are not all that happy to share. Unlike Hope, who is always happy to share a fresh baked treat like her Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips (recipe found at the end of the story and my pick for recipe and review).  As you can read, this is a complicated mystery that is sure to put you in the spooky spirit and keep you turning pages. The misdirects work well and the food descriptions will make your mouth water. This was a great holiday cozy and I look forward to the next one.   

Syrup to No Good
A Maple Syrup Mystery
Catherine Bruns

Welcome to Sugar Ridge and the Sappy Endings maple syrup farm complete with the Sappy Hour Café where you can get some tasty treats (btw recipes are at the end of the story). Great stand alone cozy that features a sweet sleuth who runs the family maple syrup farm. There are easy to relate to characters who draw you into the story such as Leila Koury our intrepid sleuth who inherited her father’s farm business and solved his murder as well as her bff Heather Turcot, who just wants a fairy tale wedding with no glitches. I cannot think of a bigger glitch than a murder, even if the victim was Heather’s beyond snooty and condescending, new to the family, aunt Monica. Due to money problems and propriety, if someone can’t figure out who killed Monica with a bejeweled knife, the happy couple are going to be saying their vows at the county courthouse. Heather figures that since Leila was able to solve her dad’s murder she must be the next Jessica Fletcher and just has to look into things. There is no shortage of suspects including Heather’s own uncle Grant. I would say that there were just as many misdirects and in the middle of it all is a sticky situation involving Mark, the guy who broke Leila’s heart and their engagement five years ago. Needless to say, Leila has not been sitting around waiting for him to walk back into her life. Leila has taken her emotional baggage and moved on. Thankfully, Noah, Leila’s employee, co-worker, boyfriend (she isn’t sure how to label it), has some baggage of his own and I don’t mean his adorable daughter Emma. Leila has no time, interest, or trust in Mark’s sudden desire to rekindle their relationship and take up where he left off. Besides, Leila has a murder to solve and no time for Mark’s full court press or her mother Selma’s backseat driving. So if you’re a foodie like me start at the back of the book, make one of those delectable dishes and settle for mystery that is such to keep you stuck to your seat. I give this cozy 5 out of 5 maple drenched pancakes.

Murder Uncorked
A Cece Barton Mystery
Maddie Day
Kensington Cozies 

Located in the town of Colinas, nestled in the Alexander Valley is a wine bar managed by Cece Barton  called Vino y Vida. The mom of a college student and a widow, Cece is happy with her new life and location which puts her in the same locale as her twin sister Allie and family. Cece has a little experience already with mystery solving having cleared her sister as a suspect while visiting Colinas (Christmas Mitten Murder). When a somewhat prickly and demanding Vincent Sardo is found dead, Cece ends up on Officer Daniel’s suspect list all because of some heated email exchanges. There are plenty of other suspects who were in conflict with Sardo, starting with his ex-wife Inez who had to take a job at the local bookstore as a result of the new marital status. Wayne, the VVA lawyer had issues with Sardo and was even suggesting that Sardo had been embezzling from the VVA. The mysterious and attractive consultant named Benjamin, who is staying at Allie’s B&B, and working with the VVA is not above suspicion. Allie thinks that it is time for Cece to put herself back out there, hint-hint. Nicole throws shade at Pete, next door neighbor Richard’s nephew with talk of questionable parentage. Officer Daniel’s is still coming after Cece because she has no alibi. All the more reason for Cece to continue does have lots of questions which may or may not have led to a hit‑n‑run incident.  This story has multiple plot points that may or may not tie together which keeps you guessing and turning pages. Looking forward to the next one.  

The Fatal Folio
The Cambridge Bookshop Series #3
Elizabeth Penny

Book three of the series does not disappoint and in fact it educates. I have seen the V Mask but never knew it was the Guy Fawkes mask or that it was tied to a British historic event. In addition to the new knowledge I was also entertained by two stories and multiple mysteries. While we are reading the cozy Fatal Folio, main character Molly reads the Fatal Folio penned by one Selwyn Scott ancestor to Molly’s boyfriend, Kieran, which is also about a book that killed its owners entitled The Ramblings of a Monk. The story starts with Molly being hired to catalog Kieran’s family library. No need to have read books 1 and/or 2 to learn that Kieran is the son of Lord and Lady Scott so yes they are somewhat like aristocracy. Thankfully Kieran prefers the quite life of a bike store owner and tends to downplay the upper crust aspects of his family life.  The first mystery involves Kieran’s cousin Oliver an instructor at St. Aelred, a Cambridge college, as a suspect in the knife and run death of a student. The only clues are a pair of orange trainers (shoes) that several people own, and a very popular biking jacket with reflective trim (again very popular and unisex). The knife came from a collection housed at the school. Shortly after the murder, the original manuscript for the Fatal Folio is stolen. Molly is already so busy with the cataloging project but cannot help her curious nature and needs to find out who killed the arrogant Thad Devine and who stole the priceless original family heirloom manuscript. Molly’s curiosity is contagious because I could not put the book down. The clues were well laid as were the misdirects. The additional story that you read along with Molly draws you in every bit as much as the mystery involving Molly.

Let it Crow! Let it Crow! Let it Crow!
Meg Langslow Mysteries #34
Donna Andrews

As this was an audio I need to point out that the narrator, Bernadette Dunne, does an awesome job! My favorite smithy with a penchant for sass is back and this time she is going live. The last thing wanted to do was to be on a reality contest show for blacksmiths, in fact she was looking forward to watching from the sidelines and enjoying her time at Ra’s castle which is completely decked out for the holidays. Now she has no choice because Faulk’s sizeable investment to help fund the show is on the line. The only thing that is clear about this murder is that Brody wasn’t permanently knocked out of the running because of his talent but it might have been because he sabotaged or at least tried to sabotage the other contestants. There are plenty of suspects, and even more laughs. Meg has a great sense of humor (thanks Ms. Andrews) and referred to the producers of the show as the Tweedles, the nickname had me chuckling every single time. Once again we are made a part of the Hollingsworth family as Meg takes us with her along with her notebook that “reminds her when to breath” as she hammers out the challenge of a contest and a killer. Did I mention that she has some great interactions with the title stars? Great stand-alone but you really should start with the first book and it will take you no time to get caught up.  So many funny family get-togethers, so much yummy sounding foods, and everyone is just so darn nice! This cozy holds your attention from beginning to end with great plot, comedic episodes, serious sleuthing, and an awesome cast of characters.

A Nutcracker Nightmare

A Killer Chocolate Mystery

Christina Romeril

The twins are back for their second book and second Christmas season of making delicious chocolates and spreading holiday cheer. I do believe that this cozy had the most odious victim I have ever come across, but even an odious victim deserves justice. In addition to the hustle and bustle of the holiday, a high school reunion of sorts brings several people to town for the holiday season, including a variety of suspects. As with any reunion, people talk about past events including the tragic loss of young life which may or may not have a bearing on this mystery. The alumni aren’t the only one engaging in chit chat amongst themselves, it seems that there is an anonymous gossip known as Miss T, who likes to spill the tea and create a bit of drama such as making disparaging remarks about Alex. Alex has no time for drama, Hanna’s fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, spurring Alex into sleuth mode with the help of her friends and her romantic interest. This is a stand-along mystery where the secrets of the past and present collide creating clues and misdirects. This cozy is thoroughly enjoyable with a set of twins who are relatable and some delectable sounding chocolates, plus a recipe or two found at the conclusion of the story. I give this one 5 chocolates out of 5.

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree
A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
Jacqueline Frost

Book four finds Holly White, innkeeper, jewelry artisan, and bride to be, in the thick of the Christmas season and knee deep in wedding plans, so surely she can find time to squeeze in a little sleuthing on the side when an Inn guest dies. The town is hopping this holiday season, in addition to the usual overwhelming influx of visitors, the mayor has arranged for a ballet company to perform the Nutcracker, stretching the police force even thinner than usual. This means that Holly’s finance Evan, aka the sheriff, is on crowd control in addition to getting prepped for the wedding and then there’s a murder. Everyone knows that Holly can’t resist a mystery, especially when Tiffany the dead prima ballerina, was a guest at her Inn so it is no secret that Holly is asking questions. Questions for the ballet coach, questions for the other ballerinas, questions for an elusive blogger named Courtney, she is even asking elusive Libby, Evan’s sister questions (not related to the murder). Libby is acting strange, wearing wigs, being skittish, she even broke up with her boyfriend. What is that all about? Holly has her hands full and will need to enlist the help of her friends if she is going to get Christmas cards mailed, donated gifts wrapped, reception decorations made, and murder solved. As with the previous Christmas Tree Farm mysteries, this is a stand-alone that stands out not only because of the expertly crafted plot but because these characters are genuine and draw you in as you turn each page. The other thing that draws me in with this series are the amazing sweets. Holly tells Libby that all you need is slice of peppermint pie to get people to talk, after finding a recipe and making one for myself, I have to agree that I would spill the tea for a piece of that pie. Looking forward to book five!

Sugar Plum Poisoned
A Cupcake Bakery Mystery
Jenn McKinlay
Berkley

 Book number 15 of 16 for the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series but this is book number one for me. It’s Christmas time, the most wonderful yet busiest time of the year, especially for a bakery of any kind much less the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, but what is one more special order. Up and coming country singer Shelby Vaughn and a friend of Angie’s is in town to perform and she needs some special cupcakes for the VIPs. Mel is leery at first because she doesn’t know Angie but soon finds herself won over because Shelby is so genuine and sweet, which balances out her new manager Doc (nope he isn’t a medical doctor) who is all business. Angie and Mel aren’t sure it isn’t monkey business because Doc seems to be keeping Shelby from associating with anyone and everyone. So of course Doc is the victim but who is the killer? And what was Mel thinking by having her brothers take care of decorating the house for the family gathering? Speaking of the family gathering…Mel’s mom asks for Mel to host which means two days of meal prep because this is a BIG group. There are some very entertaining parts with plenty of sweetness and snark, my kind of cozy. The suspects are plentiful and guilty looking. The laughs are plenty and the recipes are AWESOME. This is a stand-alone but I need to go back and read from the beginning to see how the relationships develop. 

Overdue or Die
A Haunted Library Mystery
Allison Brook
Crooked Lane Books 

Book number seven starts out with a trifecta of turmoil. A heart attack, a verbal attack, and a physical attack and that’s before we even get to murder. Gallery owner Martha Mallory is murdered followed by the unfortunate accident of Emily Fielding. Was it the accident of an unsteady older lady or an intentional pushing down the stairs??? Carrie just can’t leave this one alone but she also has to find time to work on her wedding plans with Dillon. Will she ever be able to settle on the venue? More information comes to light regarding Martha’s business practices as well as her shady past. There are plenty of suspects from art collector Victor Zalinka; Leroy Gum who has mob family ties, finally there is Martha’s past associations. Carrie’s friend and police detective John is under pressure to find the murderer(s) and resident ghost Evelyn is pushing Carrie to work harder to get to the bottom of who killed Martha. The case becomes even more complicated with the killing of Denny, the son of the mobster who Martha was involved with and subsequently sent to jail. So many murders and clues are being left that point to Victor who denies any involvement in the crimes other than some poor romantic judgement involving Martha. Victor hires Dillon to prove his innocence and asks Carrie to do what she does best next to being a librarian, solve the murders and free him from suspicion. This story has so many layers you need to write it all down to keep track. Carrie certainly has her work cut out for her, thankfully she has supportive family, friends, and finance. The herrings are plentiful as are the clues so you can’t put this one down until you get to the end. The only thing that I thought was missing from this entertaining cozy, was the recipe for Carrie’s double chocolate brownies, those sounded amazing. I am looking forward to the next Haunted Library Mystery and the wedding of Carrie and Dillon.

 

Snow Place for Murder
A Mountain Lodge Mystery
Diane Kelly
St. Martin's Paperbacks 

This cozy starts with a family gathering at the Inn for Thanksgiving and turns into a working vacation for Misty‘s kids since she has an Inn to run and her guys want spending money for the slopes.  It is such a refreshing storyline to have a couple who grew apart but didn’t grow bitter and are able to spend holidays together with their sons as a family. I also like that Rocky, Misty’s handyman and love interest shows no signs of jealousy and is able to sit down to those holiday family dinners as well. If only the holiday season could be all snow skiing and hot toddies. This is the third book of the Mountain Lodge Mysteries and can be read as a stand-alone. I like that although the past murders are mentioned, the murderers are not. Developer Nigel Goodwin has rented out the Inn to give a presentation to potential investors who are as different from one another as snowflakes. Nigel makes a big presentation and certainly knows how to zig and zag when asked about his unsuccessful resort in Alberta Canada. He also does a very good job of defusing an angry crowd of locals who believe that a resort is the last thing that Beech Mountain needs citing the negative impact on local wildlife, traffic, and local businesses. The only people whom Nigel can’t seem to charm are his wife and his assistant.  Oh and the killer, he obviously did not have any luck charming his killer. It is a pity that Yeti didn’t see what had happened because she does get to share her thoughts every couple of chapters. Such a cute aspect of the book and she never gives away more than she should. The story is engaging and keeps you guessing as to who did it and why. I think I changed my mind at least 3 times and still didn’t have it quite figured out. So I would suggest getting a warm drink and curl up in front of a fire because this story is going to capture your attention and keep you turning pages.