Drop Dead Bread: A Laughing Loaf Bakery Mystery (series starter) By Victoria Kazarian

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

Drop Dead Bread
A Laughing Loaf Bakery Mystery
Victoria Kazarian

This series starter gets right to business as a cozy mystery with a touch of thriller due to Gracie Markley and her dad being participants in the WITSEC program, as in witness protection. The small and cozy town of River Grove seemed like the perfect place to relocate and start a new and different business. It was looking like a place where Gracie and her dad could reestablish roots. After a year they can breathe a little easier. During that one year, Gracie has been able to successfully launch a bakery business called the Laughing Loaf which is quite different from the tech job she left when she turned her tech secret selling husband in to the Feds.   

All is quiet in the cozy town and Gracie has settled into the life of a baker and according to Beck, her young and aspiring baker, Gracie is no longer the newest resident. Unfortunately, one of those new neighbors is the victim and the other one, is a not so neighborly. Former male model Nico Behrens is found dead on the bakery’s back doorstep with one hand reaching into the doorway. If Gracie wasn’t traumatized enough, she also gets to contend with nature photographer, Nate, the victim’s brother who in his grief decides to file a suit against Gracie claiming that it is her worn steps that led to a fall that caused the death. As members of the WITSEC program, the last thing that Gracie and her dad need is any sort of press coverage local or national due to the homicide. So of course, she is going to need to figure out who did the deadly deed. 

Gracie has a great friend and co-worker support system even though it is small (it will get bigger) and while the Sheriff doesn't want her involving herself in his investigation, he still shows her respect for the clues she finds. I for one respect her taste in music since she often turns up the 80s/90s tunes while mixing, kneading, prepping the dough for those incredible baked goods. The playlist can be found at the back of the book. Gracie is a sweetheart of a character, very relatable and she doesn't seem to make those rash mistakes like asking too many pointed questions. I can see why this series has so many books. It could also be because of the great recipes included at the back of the books. The series starter provides you with Gracie's Basic Scone recipe and it is always good to have a basic scone recipe that can be served with homemade preserves. This recipe was easy to follow, turned out so good that you don't even need preserves or lemon curd to enjoy.

This story was every bit as enjoyable as the scones. I did not guess the villain until the reveal and it held my attention the entire time. I look forward to reading the additional stories and seeing how the characters develop throughout the series.

That Missing Piece is Killing Me : Alice Pepper's Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club by Roz Noonan

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing. 

That Missing Piece is Killing Me
Alice Pepper's Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club
Roz Noonan

Book two of the Alice Peppers series starts out with a missing person who may not want to be found, which brings back painful memories for Alice from her past. This story grabbed my attention right away as Alice and her friends follow what few clues, they can find to hopefully lead them to the missing Michelle. Michelle, the very responsible woman who teaches dance and martial arts, is missing in action during the annual children’s book festival, and no one, not even her husband, knows where she has gone. Speaking of Michelle’s husband, Lars makes for a very good suspect for the missing Michelle. He is an arrogant egomaniac artist, at least he is until he turns up dead, stabbed. Since Michelle found his body upon her return home, she is at the top of the suspect list. Now, how is that for a hook! 

This is a stand-alone cozy mystery with a “mature” main character. Librarian Alice Pepper and her lonely hearts and puzzle solving friends are 60-ish but that doesn’t stop them from getting involved, in spite of Alice’s granddaughter Madison’s request to “leave it to the police.” In Madison’s defense, she is the police. 

Alice refers to her group of friends as the Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club not because it is a real club or because they are lonely but rather, all of the ladies are single. At least the book starts out that way. The little ribbon of romance that is woven into this story gives it a nice subplot when two of Alice’s friends find themselves with admirers. The only possible problem with this is that both men are possible suspects, but they aren’t the only suspects. Lars had a way of making enemies with his caustic attitude that was reserved for no one and utilized with everyone, even his 17-year-old intern. The more you learn about Lars the less it makes sense that Michelle is even on the suspect list. The motive could be money, love, or revenge.

I thought that it was interesting that there is a missing piece to one of the puzzles that Alice’s sets up to work on. I can relate to working on a puzzle and not being able to find the last piece. Thankfully, they turn up on the floor under the table. Alice felt like she was missing a piece to the murder mystery. Alice was also missing a piece of her family which was touched on in the series starter and is completely explained in this book giving the story a nice plot arc. The cozy and real-world elements are blended together to give added depth as well as enjoyment. I look forward to seeing what puzzle Alice puts together in the next book.   

Home Sweet Homicide: A Hometown Mystery #5 by Rosalie Speilman

Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.

Home Sweet Homicide

Hometown Mysteries #5

Rosalie Speilman

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Tessa Treslow reporting for maid of honor duty and murder solving, sir. This is the fifth Hometown Mystery book and my first time reading from this series. The story is a stand-alone cozy that takes place in the town of New Oslo, Idaho. Tessa, moved back home after a successful service career to take her place working with her Aunt Edna, restoring vintage vehicles, (and solving mysteries). This latest book does not involve vintage vehicles, but it does involve something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, plus a dead body or two. 

Tessa hasn’t always gotten along with Jezebel aka Jessie who is engaged to Tessa’s high school boyfriend so why on earth is she agreeing to be her maid of honor? It certainly makes for an entertaining plot as do several of the characters. Jessie, the bride, for one has an unfortunate name, a bit of a reputation that she is trying to put way behind her, four ex-husbands, and a beautiful set of twin girls who can seem a little odd at times. 

Shelby, Jessie’s high school BFF frenemy, is a professional wedding planner, so why wasn’t she asked to help. Most likely because she is a frenemy who irritates everyone every time she opens her mouth. Tessa and the other ladies have everything well in hand, but Shelby tries to steamroll Jessie, the gang and their hard work. Needless to say, I half expected Shelby to be the victim because she is only slightly less repugnant than Jessie's first husband, Zane, the actual victim. Much of my enjoyment while reading this book involves the back and forth between Tessa and Aunt Edna. Everyone needs an Aunt Edna to help keep you straight and to listen when needed or to give advice when you might not want it. Something that Tessa seems to need from time to time to keep her cool when dealing with Shelby, who really should not have been invited in the first place. Tessa didn’t return from duty with PTSD; she came back with a bit of anger and Shelby does a great job of triggering. I appreciate the realness that Ms. Spellman incorporates into the story, from Tessa’s need to contact her therapist to Nick’s loss of limb from his time in the service. There is some light-heartedness to balance out the real-life seriousness.  

In addition, there are some really good red herrings to go along with the shifty suspects to keep you entertained and turning pages. Who is that guy that says he is a PI and who really hired him? Both the bride and the groom are on the suspect list, but we know that they couldn’t have done it, right? One more cozy aspect to this story is that there is also a fur baby, Vince the boxer, who is a butt wiggling ball of fun.  All in all, this is a good read that has me wanting to check out the rest of the series to see how it all started.

 

A Plattering of Murder: A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #4 by J.C. Eaton

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

A Plattering of Murder
A Charcuterie Shop Mystery #4
J.C. Eaton

Spirited and savory Katie Aubrey, owner of The Char-Board is back and serving up amazing charcuterie boards at a mystery author event. This is the fourth book in the Charcuterie Shop Mystery series by the husband and wife writing team known as J.C. Eaton. While this is the 4th book, it is a stand-alone and can be enjoyed without reading the preceding books. In addition to a fun story there is a recipe included at the conclusion. Thanks to this series I have learned that charcuterie is for more than just pairing with wine and am going to try my hand at making a dessert board in the near future. 

A Plattering of Murder is like a wild ride on a runaway horse. A horse that Katie had no intention of riding until…her Aunt Regina is questioned as a person of interest and later as a suspect. Alas, many people including Katie can see how this is possible, but Katie knows that Regina isn’t a killer. She can drive a person a bit nuts with her aggressively helpful ways, but she isn’t a killer. She was Richard’s editor; it makes no sense for her to “rub him out.” As with the other books, Katie and friends get involved to help solve this caper, much to the chagrin of local law enforcement. One important thing to know is that Edith, a former food critic, is a ghost and only Katie can see or hear her, which makes for some great scenes. I am surprised that Katie’s friends and coworkers haven’t staged an intervention based on the number of times Katie has to cover up for speaking out loud to Edith with other people around. Not even Ian, Katie’s boyfriend, knows about Edith or Katie’s ability to talk to ghosts.  In addition to the Char-Board crew and Ian pitching in to help with sleuthing, as do Edith and Rosalind, another ghost. That is, Edith and Rosalind are possibly available when they aren’t busy looking over couture from those who have passed on to the great beyond.  Apparently, Grace Kelley’s wardrobe is released at one point and while Edith may be dead, she still wants to look smashing.

One would think that it would be easy to solve this mystery. Katie has access to not one, but two ghosts so why can’t Edith and Rosalind just go ask Richard who did him in? One would be wrong. Edith and Rosalind both report that the other realm is a labyrinth that even the Minotaur killer Theseus would have a tough time navigating. As an armchair sleuth, I found myself writing down clues and suspects and then erasing as the red herrings were added. The side plot with the potentially “haunted” house that Katie’s friend and realtor Maddie, is trying to sell adds a little something as well. I must admit that my main reason for turning page after page was for the comedy aspect that intertwines nicely with the cozy mystery. Katie’s snark just keeps me in stitches, and I cannot wait to see how she becomes embroiled in the next mystery.

Christmas Cozies in July

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

Murder at a Scottish Christmas
The Scottish Shire Mystery Series
Traci Hall

Murder at a Scottish Christmas is the 6th book in the Scottish Shire Mystery series. This is a heartwarming cozy series that features Paislee Shaw, a hard-working single mom who owns her own specialty sweater and yarn boutique. Paislee even offers a "knit n sip" for the locals who like to work on a project while being social. This group of ladies are a great sounding board when it comes to reluctant sleuthing or life in general. The characters exude the same warmth and care that Paislee shows to everyone, even people who can be rather annoying, like the victim of this story. It really shouldn't be so hard to find a "first footer" to cross your threshold. This is a lovely tradition involving a dark-haired person walking through your front door after the stroke of midnight, making them the first person to step foot inside your house for the new year. It turns out that this was a tradition that my husband's paternal grandparents celebrated every year. His paternal grandfather was a first-generation citizen with a Scottish heritage. After reading this cozy, I decided that we needed to bring the tradition back. Thankfully we were not waiting on home renovations or running around looking for clues regarding a murder or a puppy smuggling ring. Paislee is an excellent friend, helping Amelia to find her puppy and get justice for her less than savory brother who had finally gotten himself is into more trouble than he could handle. There are plenty of suspects and clue chasing to keep you turning the pages. There is also the banter between DI Zeffer and Paislee. Hamish, the school master might seem like a smart match for Paislee, she is in no hurry to join the ranks of those in a relationship. I for one am #teamZeffer all the way. Looking forward to the next Scottish Shire Mystery.  

A Wonderful Christmas Crime
A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
Jacqueline Frost

Holly Grey nee White is back for another cozy Christmas murder in the town of Mistletoe. The Gumdrop Gumshoe is making money on her notoriety which is a blessing and a curse.  

Bait and Swiss: A Cheese Shop Mystery by Korina Moss

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

Bait and Swiss
A Cheese Shop Mystery
Korina Moss 

I think that this is my favorite Cheese Shop Mystery yet. All is right in the world of Willa as she and detective Heath have gotten their wires uncrossed, Team Cheese is a well-oiled (mystery) machine and Curds and Whey is thriving after only two years. So of course, this is the time when fate intervenes/interferes, and the past relocates to the present.  Willa mentions in past books that she had been heartbroken, but we do not get the whole story...until now. Surprise, Willa's ex-fiancé, and her ex-friend were thinking or not thinking by showing up in Willa's town to set up a pop-up shop. 

The story is engaging, and the characters are just fun to read about. Willa and her crew are celebrating the second anniversary of Curds and Whey in a cheesetastic way complete with decorations and amazing cheese selections.  The crew is made up of Willa; the cheesemonger extraordinaire, Mrs. Schultz; who likes to say that she is "smack dab" in the middle of her sixties, Baz; Willa's best friend and jack of all trades, and Archie, a young cheesemonger in the making.  Willa has sworn off of sleuthing but once again she is drawn in. After all, she was the person who delivered the tainted treats that would have done in. I have never been a fan of rum filled chocolates, and this just reinforces my hesitation to try them. As with the other mysteries, Team Cheese is on the case as they sift through the clues. Was it a random poisoning or is someone after AJ. There are some very humorous aspects to his reaction of being the supposed recipient of the tainted goods. Willa has a time of it trying to not automatically suspect Pearce and Riley. Wouldn't it be so easy and somewhat like karma if they were to blame? But Willa is above all of that and besides, she has a wonderful new town, her dream business, and a dreamboat of a detective. 

As with the previous Cheese Shop Mysteries, recipes are also provided in this one. I decided to make the Pizza Smashed Potatoes so I could have a little snack while I armchair sleuthed. Looking forward to the next Cheese Shop Mystery with Team Cheese!

An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder: A Bainbridge Island Mystery by Lynn Cahoon

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

An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murders 
A Bainbridge Island Mystery
Lynn Cahoon

Ms. Cahoon had created another winning cozy and probably the best amateur sleuth job EVER. The cherry on the top of this series starter is the scrumptious mac and cheese recipe found at the back of the book. The setting is on Bainbridge Island, which is just a ferry ride away from Seattle. Meet Meg Gates, who is about to go from being a hot mess to a phoenix rising out of the ashes. You cannot help but to empathize with Meg, even if you haven't been essentially left at the altar by your fiancé who ran off on your honeymoon with your bridesmaid. Between heartbreak, lack of a degree, and loss of a job, Meg has no choice but to return home and take a job at the family bookstore. But wait, there is a silver lining to the bookstore job. Thanks to family connections, Meg gets a side gig as a research assistant for successful mystery author, L.C. Aster. This seems fated because Meg has been toying with the idea of writing a book. After reading this book I think that I have found my dream job!   

Who would have guessed that Meg would be able to get on-the-job training for how to write her Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murders. I was drawn into the story right away. As with any good cozy mystery, the amateur sleuth has a furry friend, like Meg's appropriately named rescue cocker spaniel, Watson. She is part of a good group of friends who were once known as the Mystery Crew. This isn't Meg's first try to solve a mystery, although it is the first one that involves murder. 

There are plenty of suspects and red herring because Robert Meade, the victim, was a rather odious person who took advantage of people in trouble. The list of those who had not had the displeasure of interacting with him was a short one, which means that Meg’s Uncle Troy, the town’s police chief will have his work cut out for him. 

Ms. Cahoon introduces us to Emmett’s lobster mac and cheese in the story but in the recipe, she leaves it up to the reader/cook to decide what to add, if one should decide to add anything at all. I gave this easy to make recipe a try and added ham, take a look.

Night of the Living Bread : Sugar and Spice Mysteries by Mary Lee Ashford

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

Night of the Living Bread
Sugar and Spice Mysteries
Mary Lee Ashford

Night of the Living Bread, book four of the Sugar and Spice Mystery series, is a culinary cozy that is crafted to feed your desire for armchair sleuthing and provide great recipes. While Sugar is the main protagonist she would be lost and somewhat hungry without the baking genius of Dixie. These two ladies are a well-balanced set running a successful cookbook publishing business in the small cozy town of St. Ignatius. While Dixie is usually busy in the kitchen, Sugar is busy with the paperwork and legwork for the business and the questioning of suspects. Not that she would dream of getting in the way of Sheriff Terry’s investigation or putting herself in unnecessary danger.  

The usually quiet town is hopping with activity. There is the impending film crew of a diner

review show looking to set up shop at The Red Hen, the death of Marla Mercer, and a string

of petty cash thefts. Thank goodness this is a stand-alone story given the number of plot twists.

The appearance of Dino Diner brings back an unpleasant memory from Sugar’s past and how

she ended up leaving the publishing world to join Dixie in St. Ignatius. Not much seems to ruffle

Sugar but Dino’s visit might ruffle feathers including those at The Red Hen. This is a town of

easy-going people and business neighbors who are interesting and even quirky. Sugar’s actual

neighbor, Mrs. Pickett is a most unusual and quite cantankerous character. In fact, it is due to

the surly senior neighbor, that Sugar even gets involved in mystery solving this time. All good

amateur sleuths need to be inquisitive. Mrs. Picket says that Sugar is good at snooping and

that someone needs to clear her niece, Mame, off of the suspect list. There aren’t really a lot

of people to suspect, after all, Marla was a nice lady who worked at the historical society, but

that doesn’t dissuade Sugar from looking. Sugar is as sweet as her name and would help

anyone. It is one of her character traits that is endearing and makes this series a joy to read. 

This is a very enjoyable book with an engaging plot and fun characters. I was able to follow the clues but still did not figure out the culprit until the big reveal. My only request for the future installments is related to romance. As with most cozy books, there is a slow burn romance. Actually, both Sugar and Dixie have slow burn romances going, and I do mean sssslllloooowww. Maybe just a little more speed? After finishing the book, I felt the knead (LOL) to make the bread recipe after finishing the book see below. 

Booked for Revenge: A Tomes and Teas Mystery Book #2 by Karen Rose Smith

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

Booked for Revenge

A Tea and Tomes Mystery

Karen Rose Smith

Kensington Cozies

I am so disappointed in myself for not realizing that Karen Rose Smith had created a spin off from her Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series. Booked for Revenge is the second in the new series and it picks up with Daisy Swenson's younger daughter Jazzi, moving to a new town and becoming her own person, while also utilizing the skills she learned from her mom and stepdad Jonas on how to sleuth. Jazzi has a little bit of a secret, no one except for Detective Mitford knows about the ten murder cases that Jazzi’s mom, Daisy, helped the Willow Creek detectives solve. While this is a spin off, it shows itself to be a separate series and as a stand-alone, there is no need to read the series starter or the Tea Garden series to enjoy both the characters and the mystery.  

Part of Jazzi’s past story is her journey as an adopted child who goes in search of her birth mother. She is the first character that I have come across with such a backstory. It is a unique way to show how Jazzi developed sleuthing skills of her own. Skills that she uses to help Dawn, her roommate, business partner, and best friend. Dawn may not be a suspect, but she is suffering from a bit of PTSD from finding the body of baking contestant and professional photographer Finn Yarrow.  Detective Milford warns Jazzi to not get involved like she did last time but Jazzi cannot ignore the angst that Dawn is experiencing. Angst that is causing waves between Dawn and family, family that are a little weary of Jazzi and her possible influence over Dawn.  

There are plenty of suspects and possible motives. The victim was in a heated argument at one point with another contestant, was it related to the contest or something else? As a photographer and videographer, Finn was most likely a very observant person. Did he see, photograph, or film something that led to his demise, or is it something else entirely. Jazzi and the Tea & Tomes book club crew do a very good job of analyzing the suspects and the aspects of this crime. I would be remiss if I did not make mention of the interesting aspect of the Tea & Tomes book club. Historically, members of a book club read the same, agreed upon book, and then discuss what they did or didn’t like about the book. These book club members each read a different book. I think it might be interesting and fun to take part in such a group. This format seems to have even enticed Oliver, the owner of The Wild Kangaroo, to attend a meeting and not just because there are snacks for all to enjoy.  

This is a well written cozy that checks all the boxes from cute kittens, supportive friends, and even a romantic possibility (note to the author, thank you for not making this a triangle). I will need to go back and read the series starter and maybe make some Maple Pecan cookies or peach and pecan muffins. I am looking forward to the next one.

 

The Library Game : A Secret Staircase by Gigi Pandian

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

The Library Game
A Secret Staircase Mystery
Gigi Pandian

This is the most confounding Secret Staircase Mystery yet. An impossible murder, an unclear motive, and a disappearing corpse all combine to create this latest Gigi Pandian cozy mystery. 

Tempest Raj was a Vegas magician, a master of illusion and the art of misdirection. She sounds a little like a mystery author, doesn't she? Tempest is now a part of the Secret Staircase Construction company, created by her parents. There is a bit of a backstory involving the death of her mom, it is touched on in this book, but you should really read the first three books to get the full story. Fortunately, it isn't necessary to enjoy this latest book. In fact, all four books are very good as stand-alone stories but the first three build very nicely on each other. In addition to being cozy, they also have a wonderful culinary aspect. Each book lays out some deliciously descriptive scenes with amazing food created/cooked/crafted by Tempest's grandfather, Ashok "Ash" Raj. Ash has an incredible ability to make tasty food that he shares with anyone and everyone. He also has a rolodex, yes, a literal rolodex of all his contacts, and that is a lot of people. This installment comes with the recipe for Blackberry Crumble Cobbler, and I can attest to how easy it is to make and how yummy it tastes with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. 

As usual, the team of Tempest, Gideon, Ivy, and Sunjay do a great job of adding unique perspectives and personality to the book. There is even a furry companion, Abra the big lop-eared emotional support bunny. Abra isn't technically a support bunny but there is something soothing about stroking bunny fur while trying to figure out a mystery or deal with a stressful or sad situation. I could have used a little support while I was chasing red herrings upstream because I did not have a clue who the killer was or why they did it until the reveal. In fact, the moment that Tempest figured it out, I actually sighed in an "oh no" sort of way. Thank goodness I had Blackberry Crumble Cobbler to make me feel better. This was another great cozy and if you get the chance to check out the audio versions, they are excellent as well with the voice talents of Soneela Nankani. She does a great job of bringing each and every character to life just as I have imagined they would sound. I look forward to reading the next book, hopefully next March as they seem to come out about a year apart. 

A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge - A Saffron Everleigh Mystery by Kate Khavari

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

A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
A Saffron Everleigh Mystery
Kate Khavari

This is the fourth installment in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, and I can’t believe I waited until now to give this series a try. In my defense, I usually shy away from historical mysteries, but the cover art just intrigued me, not to mention the unique character name, Saffron. I was not disappointed with this multiplot story that included family angst, rules of proprietary, an unusual amateur sleuth, Downton Abbey vibes, a medium, a Moriarty, and afternoon tea. The story is set in the late 1920s, and the location is England; Bedford to be exact, and Saffron has been called home to the family estate due to her grandfather’s ailing health. It sounds like a good opportunity to bring along roommate and BFF Elizabeth Hale who has family issues of her own. Plus, the added bonus of introducing the family to work colleague and beau, Alexander Ashton. Chances are that researcher Alexander will feel like he is under a microscope. 

The story has a Miss Marple feel to it. Just imagine Miss Marple as a young botanist who worked at a university conducting research on the most usual or unusual of specimens. While at the same time, there is a Holmes-like aspect because of the villain, Bill Wyatt, who is a Moriarty of sorts and claims to be a doctor. I have not read the three previous books which puts me a little in the dark but not so much that I cannot enjoy the character interactions. Bits of backstory are sprinkled throughout the plot and subplot to keep the reader informed. Bits like the history of the tumultuous relationship between Saffron and her grandparents which is not any better than Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, the Hales. Family drama and strong-willed characters sure does add that little extra bit of spice to the interactions and keeps me turning the pages.

An excellent read and I can't wait to get caught up by going back to the beginning.

Villian in the Vineyard : A Chesapeake Bay Mystery by Judy L. Murray

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and Level Best Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing. 

Villain in the Vineyard

A Chesapeake Bay Mystery

Judy L. Murray

If you are a fan of Delaney Nichols from the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series with her bookish voices, then you are really going to enjoy Helen Morrisey and her Detection Club, which is made up of some of the greatest female fictional sleuths. There is Nancy Drew, Jane Marple, Jessica Fletcher, Nora Charles, and Agatha Raisin. Each of the sleuths is unique and offers different insights and methods. This is my first time reading a book from the Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series, and I did not put it down until I finished. Being the sort of series addict that I am, it means that I will be adding the other three to my TBR list for a possible binge-reading weekend. This cozy mystery is so well-written that it elicits emotional reactions that are almost visceral. The characters are completely relatable, and their reactions to their circumstances are believable.

Helen Morrisey is the sassy sort of true-blue friend who you would want to sell your house or help you find a new abode. Her best friend is Tammi Damon, an irreplaceable assistant who endeavors to talk Helen off the ledge and remind her that Twizzlers are not a food group. We learn that Helen is a widow, but she isn’t alone. She has a set of grown children––twins Lizzie and Shawn, who respect the uniqueness that is their mom while also showing her such love and support that it makes you sigh. Rounding out this inner circle is Helen’s love interest, Detective Joe McAlister. Helen and Joe have an easy-going relationship with plenty of teasing as well as tenderness and a little agitation. (Helen has been known to take a risk or two.) Joe appreciates Helen’s ability to notice details and to think through situations. He is not necessarily a huge fan of the Detection Club because sometimes the ladies convince Helen to dig a little deeper and look a little longer.

With two murders, there are a good number of suspects. For Bill Elison, there is Todd Myers, the ill-tempered son-in-law for starters, and there is concern also that those who clean houses see and know things that maybe they shouldn’t have. For Oscar Banyon, there are quite a few more since he was a bit of a snoot who isn’t mourned by anyone, including his wife, Paula. At one point, I suspected that everyone had done the deed including the FBI agent who probably moonlighted as a Wonder Woman stand-in.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable cozy, and I am looking forward to getting caught up by reading the first three with a glass of wine and some Twizzlers.

Shock and Paw : A Cat Cafe Mystery by Cate Conte

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

Shock and Paw 
A Cat Cafe Mystery
Cate Conte
St. Martin's Paperbacks

This is book eight of the series. Christmas, cozy, and exotic cats, what more could you possibly need. This holiday season Cat Cafe Mystery has all the great cozy feels that one has come to expect from Cate Conte. This is a festive and feline centered mystery that makes me want to find a cat cafe. A great cast of characters and plenty of suspects to keep you turning the pages while at the same time wondering why the city council has a contract with a guy who doesn't seem very handy. Enjoyable as always and I can't wait to read the next one.

Spirited Blend : A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery - Lauren Elliott

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

Spirited Blend : A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery
Lauren Elliott
Kensington Books

Book three of the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series starts with multiple mysteries including the threat of Shay’s father, Doyle, being seen in town and the machinations of the false friend, Madame Malvina, putting Shay, Liam, and his cousin Conor on the offensive. At the center of the story is Cora Sutton, the Mayor’s wife, who learns that she and Shay share an ancestor from Ireland, Biddy Early. Biddy was known as a healer and the owner of a magical blue bottle that disappeared when Biddy died. Against Shay’s advice, Cora tells anyone and everyone and her family tree, even hinting that she may even have the mysterious and mythical blue bottle. The very bottle that contains the blue diamond which is secretly hanging around Shay’s neck and acts to amplify and focus Shay’s abilities. Shay does a tea reading that shows misfortune on the horizon. Surely Doyle is responsible for the death. If not him, then Madame Malvina has to have had a hand in it.

 

Shay is learning to trust her abilities but alas, it did not prepare her for the new neighbors, Brad, her no good, cheating, thief of an ex-husband and his wife, Shay’s ex-friend, Angela, the assistant who stole her husband, money, and reputation. So, mystery number two causing Shay angst is trying to figure out why on earth would those two move from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Bray Harbor, California and move in right next to Shay. 

The last mystery of this book is trying to figure out why and how former San Francisco detective Liam is as thick as a 4x4 plank of wood, just ask his Irish Gran. Shay is so well written that I have felt the frustration right along with her as Liam “parades” woman after woman past her and even has the numbskull nerve to ask her for dating advice. ARGGGGGGG.  

Once again, Lauren Elliott has crafted a wonderful cozy that has a touch of magic, a slow burn romance, wonderful character growth, a tea house, a furry and Spirited friend, and a bit of folklore. I was captivated by the ups and downs and completely thrown off by the red herrings. Tassi seems to be developing a bit of intuition, perhaps this will be developed as well. While this is a stand-alone and part of an overall story, there is plenty of plot development and shared history. This story arc is far from over and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Elliott brings us next.

Dead Post Society: A House Flipper Mystery by Diane Kelly

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

Dead Post Society: A House Flipper Mystery
Diane Kelly
Minotaur Books

Book 7 in the House Flipper series is just as good as the six that preceded it. While looking over the grounds of a dilapidated boarding school, house flipper and carpenter Whitney convinces her cousin and business partner Buck to purchase and flip the very sad and run-down headmaster's home, a once grand Victorian with good bones.   A house with good bones, but bad and tragic history, and Whitney can't help but to get caught up in the cold case involving a murder-suicide when she finds a bullet lodged in a cracked porch post. 

The mystery drew me in every bit as much as it drew in Whitney. The story just didn't add up and there were plenty of suspects, including one very psychotic former TV personality who really should not be allowed to work with the public. There were some great clues laid out and some good attempts to misdirect. Whitney does a great job with both internet research and (steel-toed) boots on the ground pounding the pavement clue hunting. Plenty of suspects in plenty of places to keep us guessing. Oh, and one more fun aspect of the book is that we get the point of view for Sawdust, Whitney's sweet kitty. Sawdust has been a hero more than once in the past.

Highly enjoyable plot great and diverse characters. I am a big fan of sleuths who work well with local law enforcement and vice versa. Whitney is married to a cop who supports her sleuthing not that he doesn't worry about her safety as they make plans for their future. I am making plans to make the Lemon Pistachio Orzo Salad to share with family thanks to the recipe at the conclusion of the story. 

Snuffling Up Bones by DonnaRae Menard

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

Snuffling Up Bones
A Pig and I Mystery
DonnaRae Menard

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries that revolve around saving animals, then this new release is going to be your new favorite. Introducing Doris Flynn, a recent widow and a woman with an amazing amount of love for all animals great and small.  I am not kidding when I say great, because the biggest animal on the property is a 450-pound Hampshire pig named Buttercup Belle. If you have ever seen The Ugly Dachshund, then you know that a big dog can think of itself as a little dog or even a lap dog. The same appears to be true for Buttercup. She is trained much like a dog, and she behaves, much like a dog.  There is one difference, Buttercup responds to singing cues and she will even join in at times. Just wait until you get to the Buttercup bathing scene of the book, you will laugh out loud.  

In addition to Doris, is her daughter, Melanie who has moved home as a result of developing MS and the loss of her dad, Ian. Ian died almost a year ago of a heart attack. I have to wonder if there isn’t the possibility of a future story arc regarding Ian’s death. Front and center to this story are two head strong as well as heart strong ladies and one rather large farm complete with two family dogs, one really big pig, chickens, one dog getting prepped for a new home, and a full cattery (eight cats I think). I feel tired just reading about all the work that Doris does and that doesn’t even include cleaning the house or the sleuthing that she starts after Buttercup snuffles up some bones on a hiking trail behind the homestead. I can completely relate to Doris and her desire to do ANYTHING besides cleaning the house.  

Not only is this an interesting story because of Buttercup’s part in finding the bones, but also because there are so many truly human or real aspects, like Melanie’s MS, and Rose Anne’s job as the medicolegal investigator, which is an occupation that I have not come across in my mystery reading. I also liked that Doris has a good working relationship with Sheriff Neddel, the new, and somewhat attractive, guy in town. The mystery is so interesting that I found it difficult to put the book down. The suspects are plentiful and there is gossip aplenty. Between bigotry and a lost memory this mystery gets more mysterious and even a little bit dangerous. I was bouncing between subjects up until the reveal and I didn’t come close to guessing the whole plot line.  I do hope that this one becomes a series.

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The Potting Shed Murder : Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries by Paula Sutton

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

The Potting Shed Murder
Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries
Paula Sutton
Renegade Books

Daphne Brewster, shoot producer for the Stylish Home magazine, has had enough of the hustle and bustle of inner-city London, not to mention the crime, and has relocated with her husband James, daughter Immy, and twin sons Archie and Flynn to the quiet town of Pudding Corner near Pepperbridge. Where it seems that "death, murder, secrets and betrayals were all wrapped up in the bucolic beauty of a village nestled within fields and country air." This was an excellent series starter for the Hill House Vintage Murder Mysteries series. With a few chapters that are multiple points of view and flashbacks, you get a story within a story, within a story.

Daphne is a strong character, but also kindhearted with a desire to defend the excluded and overlooked. She has no need to climb a social ladder like Marianne Forbes or try to be in the good graces of Augusta Papplewick, school headmaster's wife. Those two are a couple of mean gals. Daphne, on the other hand, really doesn’t care what the locals think and chooses to befriend Minerva Leek, a Wiccan who may have grown up in the small town and is a local, but because she is different, she is considered an outcast. These characters are so well described, and their emotions are so strong that you become engrossed in the story. There is a "mean girl," a quiet recluse, a frustrated housewife, and a couple of gossip gals. On the more positive side, Daphne and James’s children have adjusted quite well and made a friend of a young boy named Silver, the son of Minerva Leek. With the lower cost of living, Daphne is able to be a stay-at-home mom but finds that she has a knack and a creative flair for refinishing furniture and creating wonderful and decorative pieces. There is even an available storefront for the newly nicknamed Vintage Lady to conduct her new business venture. I like how Daphne is given an outlet for her creative nature. Her husband, James, would rather she didn’t find an outlet for her curious nature.    

This was a mystery that kept me guessing. Every suspect has motive and opportunity to have visited the headmaster while he relaxed in his happy place. Each personal story that Daphne collects/learns is like a puzzle piece and a picture begins to take shape, and then Daphne discovers another clue that changes everything. Every suspect has motive and opportunity to have visited the headmaster while he relaxed in his happy place. This is going to be a most excellent series that has inspired me to look up a recipe for Jamaican Ginger Cake, so stay tuned.