Wine cozies make it a happy hour! Courtesy of NetGalley

Have a glass while reading these excellent stories.

Chardonnayed to Rest by J.C. Eaton (Wine Trail Mysteries #2)

I love learning something new especially about wines. I had not heard of a Federweisser, but it sounds wonderful. Unfortunately they only take place in the New York area or in cute cozy mysteries.  The festival is set to take place at Two Witches Winery substitute operated by Norrie Ellington, a good friend and screen writer. After her neighbor is told to expect the rent to increase to the point of peril, the same man is found dead, and Miss Rosalee's flower stake is the murder weapon. Norrie tracks the clues at great personal peril while juggling wine tastings, food prep, and the Federweisser to worry about on top of a writing deadline. There are so many leads to chase down, but the locals are ready to do it as they look for the mysterious blue windbreaker. Great read am looking forward to the next and I hope to find a winery one day just like the Two Witches!

Seven Deadly Zins by Nancy J. Parra (A Sonoma Wine Country Mystery)

I do love a good cozy especially one about wine country! Our heroine is an entrepreneur and problem solver. Meet Taylor O'Brien, owner of Off the Beaten Trail tours who gives quirky tours tailored to fine wines and outdoor encounters. She had the niche market, at least until some unexpected competition showed up. But never fear, her friends will still be there for her, like Holly her best gal pal (because all cozy hero/heroines need someone to watch their back) and Tim, the best guy friend (yep it's good to have a platonic friend too). Tim has it all and is about to have a wonderful new Zinfandel that is sure to put his vineyard on the map, with a magnificent blend, more than 7 actually. At least he was until a body turns up in the fermenting vat. Bonus points to the author for an interesting body location. It made me flinch to think of all that lovely wine being spoiled. Over shadowing it all is a Hollywood-style self help guru with his flock of followers who are self realizing that all things are possible at least until he ends up dead as well. Tim is under suspicion for both murders. Taylor is a great character, a true friend, and a fearless spirit. I look forward to reading more about her exploits and adventures.

Pairing a Deception by Nadine Nettman  ( Sommelier Mystery #3)

What could be more relaxing than a weekend wine retreat right before the big Advanced Sommelier test? At least that is what Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend Detective John Dean thought when they went away for the weekend. What a great way to get a peek into what a wine tasting and educational weekend could look like with a little extra excitement. Truly educational and informative while being equally entertaining. I learned a lot including the proper pronunciation for sommelier (some-all-yay) after all don't we all say YAY when it comes to some good cozy ready and some good tasting wine. The story was a page turner that had me second guessing "who done it" and why. Looking forward to the next installment to enjoy with a nice bottle of red.

The Hair of the Dog by Carlene ONeil (Cypress Cover Mystery #3)

Penny Lively is outgoing, outspoken, and out of time if she is going to help her cousin veterinarian Annie who if found standing over her business partner holding the lethal weapon. Penny has plenty to keep her busy between the timing of the harvest and the not so perfect timing of the handsome vineyard manager. There's talk of missing money, missing drugs, a revolutionary rabies vaccine, and mayhem as the dead bodies become 2 and the suspects become more. Penny knows that there is no way her best friend and cousin could have possibly killed anyone. Some would say that Penny has the wit that bites like a crisp Chardonnay. She is no nonsense and gets right to the point which doesn't make  many friends. Penny is the sort of friend you want on your side, going to almost any lengths to get to the bottom of the problem even though she knows her niece's boyfriend, the police chief has it well in hand, she still needs to do her part to get the answer.. I can't wait to read the next installment of the Cypress Cove Mystery Series as #3 was most excellent with a great cast of characters.

Witch Cozy to Pick courtesy of NetGalley

Sugar Spells
(A Spellwork Syndicate #2)
by Lola Dodge

A most excellent story, so good that I wish I had found the series sooner. Anise Wise is a wiz in the kitchen, literally; well as least she was until she was exposed to a little too much death magic and now the only goodies she can make are deadly macarons. Macarons that a strange little vampire/bat guy wants to purchase for who knows what reason. To complicate matters she has to deal with a surly bodyguard who would do anything to protect her while at the same time hating her because of his indentured servitude to a malicious overlord. Anise is as sweet as the baked goods she is known for making, her character is real and relatable. The story line kept me wanting more and I look forward to seeing the ice melt as things heat up between Anise and Wynn.

Death by Séance

(A Ghost and Abby Mystery)

by Jo-Ann Carson

This is the 3rd installment in the Ghost and Abby series. Abby is single mom with a sense of purpose and the senses of a witch. She didn't start out as one but she is quickly mastering the skills. I enjoyed reading about Abby and her crazy Mom life that includes a ghost for a boyfriend, a male-witch for a mentor who is also a distraction, a medium for a friend, and a whole cast of zany characters. A town with ghosts, witches, vamps, and the like and Abby works as a janitor in a haunted tearoom at night and as a PI during the day. She leads a complicated life but handles it as simply as she can and puts her family first and friends next. Which is what lies at the crux of this mystery when she gets guilted by her friend Joy, to take part in a first time séance that ends up with a dead body but no ghost. Abby is hired by Joy's seductive vampire boyfriend to solve the mystery of the slit secretary. The book had a Charlene Harris feel to it and I was thinking that Abby was going to be like Sokie but instead she was more of an Aura which pleasantly surprised me. So glad I didn't prejudge and finished the book.

To Catch a Witch

(A Wishcraft Mystery)

by Heather Blake



A whole community of innately talented people, some born with it and some who acquired it. That's the community for Darcy Merriweather, a Wishcrafter who can make other's wishes come true which she puts to use as an Event Planner and this time she has been hired to help plan and run a 5K run. Unfortunately the race director turns up dead before the race even starts. So many secrets running around town. Secret weddings, secret wedding plans, secret illnesses, secret secrets. To get to the bottom of this mystery Darcy will have to pull out all the stops as the Inquisitor and leave no rock unturned. Great story from beginning to end with a story line that flowed and I had no idea who was responsible until the author chose to reveal it. Had me guessing the whole time.

That Olde White Magick
(An Abracadabra Mystery)

by Sharon Pape

This was a magical cozy complete with Merlin and a couple of witches and familiars. But it's not your typical witchiness, nope these are 21st century witches, a family with a long history and a fabulous Magick shop full of anything and everything that will cure what ails you. Managed by our main character, Kailyn Wilde who is a bit of a sorceress sleuth in addition to a teleportator in the making. New Camel, not to be confused with Camelot, is a nice little town and not one that necessarily needs or wants big development or high rise hotels coming in. Unfortunately someone wants it so bad they are willing to kill for it and it is up to our intrepid enchantress to solve the who before her Aunt Tilly gets the blame for finding the body. Great story line and Merlin adds that little extra comic relief, now if I could bake as good as Tilly I'd feel transported. Looking forward to the next installment and the blossoming romance. Every good book needs a little mystery, a little come hither stare, maybe even a little witchcraft.

Cozies for Bookworms

This was my first Cookbook Nook Mystery and I don't think it will be my last. The characters were engaging and the story had a nice rhythm to it, plus who doesn't like a book that gives you ideas about other books. Jenna, our head bookworm and intrepid sleuth makes for a great main character complete with fun friends and an adoring boyfriend plus the supportive family member. I do like a good renaissance festival but could have done without quiet so much Regency-speak. I was not able to figure out the why but the who came to me sooner than later. This series could easily educate as well as entertain on a variety of subjects and hopefully one with be wine related as they are in wine country and have already introduced the Baldini Vineyards and Hurricane Vineyards.

Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert

The brilliant combination of art and literature. Amy Webber, Library Director and art aficionado is at it again in this second installment. This time she has to have faith in her family and herself. She had a talented/gifted artist of an uncle who may have been dealing in something a little less authentic and a little more sketchy. So while balancing job, family, oh and did I mention her talented/artistic boyfriend, Richard dancer/choreographer supreme   who only has eyes for Amy. It will take more than the Dewey Decimal system to put this mystery to rest and to find out who murdered the local esteemed artist and if it some how involves Amy's long deceased Uncle. The characters were expertly created and while I knew something was amiss I wasn't sure as to the whole why. I love it when it's a happy ending all the way around!

Kung Pow Cozies

Cozy Mysteries for May

Here are some quick and entertaining books to read this month, based on my April Net Galley requests.

The Tail of the Dragon by Connie Di Marco

Set in San Francisco, which I must say goes very well with the Zodiac/astrology twist to this story. It was different and a little confusing as to the vocabulary but made for an interesting thread weaved throughout the story. I enjoyed reading along as Julia, our intrepid astrologer was able to figure out "who done it" as well as the side mysteries while looking out for her friend Gale. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more of a romance angle or rather that the angle was obtuse rather than right. I have always felt that our dreams having meaning and Julia's certainly did. Looking forward to the next installment!

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

Set in Ohio, which took me completely by surprise but it is quirky much like our protagonist, Lana Lee. A free spirit who wants to be free of the family restaurant; but what is a heart broken girl to do when she is down on her luck and there are noodles to be served to cover her half of the rent. Of course it doesn't help when the head of Asia Village, where her parents restaurant is located; dies as a result of an allergic reaction to shellfish found in his Ho-Lee Noodle House take out order. An order that she delivered.....I did managed to figure out the who but not the why. Some characters are just too shady to not figure out. The story was very enjoyable and I do love a happy ending!

February Glam Bag is Unzipped

February Glam Bag

2018

     This month's bag is all about "sexy," and I don't mean the pouty lip, skin tight clothes, buxom female, or ripped guy. Nope this is the new sexy which essentially means being comfortable in your own skin. This month's products are about subtle beauty and the natural look. From the bronzer to the bag it's pretty in pink, and from the lace to the lashes it gives it just the right touch.

     Speaking of bronzer...we have Luna by Luna. A pressed powder in golden bronze to give a sun kissed look during the last weeks of winter.

     To combat the cold of the winter months is Bye Bye Under Eye in Medium Tan by IT Cosmetics. This is great for those  late or sleepless nights. A little dap will do ya to help hide the wrinkles or as I like to call them, creases (where did those come from?!?) all day long. Also good for a redness around your nose as the ingredients will help soothe dry irritated skin and for lips before applying lipstick to help prevent feathering.

     So now that lips are prepped thank to IT we move on to this month's liquid lipstick by OFRA in a pretty berry shade created just for us Ipsters. Said to last all day long with a promise to keep your lips feeling moisturized. 

     Next is the PUR Fully Charged mascara that is as magnetic as your personality. Included in this month's rundown is a step by step for how to achieve the falsie look without the glue.  Check out those steps at the bottom of the page.

     Last item in my bag is my favorite! I love the skin care that I am sent each and every month and I am sure that this one will not disappoint. Purlisse Blue Lotus Seed Mud Mask & Exfoliant. The instructions say to start with clean skin, apply and let sit for 15 minutes, take a few #maskselfies (maybe if someone pays me to) and then rinse with cold water.

That's it for this month but check out my YouTube channel for the follow up videoblog and maybe even a #maskselfie. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for the latest in this and that!

Hugs!

Tracy

How to Use It

How to Make Your Lashes Look Like Falsies

Turn up the drama, minus the glue.

1. Curl your lashes.

2. Sweep on a coat of lash primer, focusing most of it on the tips.

3. When applying mascara, wiggle the wand back and forth at the base of your lashes.

4. Then, swipe through from the roots to the tips. Repeat until your lashes look falsie-fierce, but wait about 30

seconds between coats to help bulk things up.  

    

Catering Cozys Courtesy of NetGalley and

S'more Murders by Maya Corrigan (A Five-Ingredient Mystery)

Cozys and catering, cozys and chocolate, cozys and characters! This book was S'more much fun that I can't wait to read the next installment! I for one LOVE a good meal and when it is incorporated into a murder mystery dinner party it is even BETTER! Unless of course the host of the party dies....That is not how the game usually goes and this one is a little tricky but Val Deniston is ready to take on this Titanic mystery. So many guilty parties to choose from but which one fired the fatal shot and why? A young widow, the ex wife and former stepson, and new neighbors, What is the connection and how does the host's obsession with all things Titanic play a part in this catered playacting party. They didn't even get to finish the main course let alone dessert and these were exquisitely created meals from the original Titanic dinner menu. Val, her friend and expert S'more maker Bethany, and Val's Granddad this mystery is sure to be unraveled faster than an iceberg can melt.  Best of all each of the featured recipes only requires 5 ingredients to create a YUMMY meal.

Murder on the Rocks by Shawn Reilly Simmons



Penelope Sutherland and her best friend and actress, Alena start this adventure off with a nice brunch with tennis pro Nadia, that ends in chaos as Russian street punks terrorize the local bistro. No apparent reason involved

Death on the Menu (Key West Food Critic Mysteries)

by Lucy Burdette

 

Location, location, location....oh and food!  What more could this book have to make it an excellent read? It's tropical, it's fun, it's filled with flavorful Cuban recipes, it's Key West. Of course it is also filled with murder shrouded in a mystery with an international flair. Cuba and Key West. Hayley Snow, food critic and catering assistant is very excited to be helping her Mom's fledgling business play host to the Cuban delegation at President Harry S. Truman's Little White House. Although tension is in the air so is the excitement of this brave new venture until murder and theft take place. The priceless Nobel prize medal awarded to Key West's own Ernest Hemingway for his Old Man and the Sea which was on loan from Cuba goes missing and the suspected thief is found dead. Names need to be cleared, a national treasure found and a murderer caught all while serving the equivalent of a state dinner and maintaining international relations. Hayley has her job cut out for her as she creates wonderful Cuban dishes (recipes in the back of the book), critiques local eateries (great sandwiches) and helps her family and friends to solve the crime.  Loved this book and can't wait to give the series to my Mom (an alumni of Key West high class of 1965) as a Christmas gift. An excellent read even though it does have some poly-sci undertones regarding the plight of the Cubans under Castro's regime.

Halloween 2017 Inspired Cozy Mysteries courtesy of NetGalley

 I decided that for October I would focus on Halloween-ish cozy mysteries for the month.  Here are my reviews of my 3 NetGalley picks.

The Skeleton Paints a Picture by Leigh Perry
Some people have a proverbial skeleton in their closet, but adjunct Professor Georgia Thackery has a literal skeleton.  Which seems very appropriate for a literary professor whose best friend and sometimes sleuthing  partner is Sid the skeleton.  I loved this dip into the fantastic!  Being an adjunct means that Georgia goes where there is work and this time she finds herself at an art school that has decided to beef up its literary department. Apparently the school admin should have considered beefing up security because not only is original artwork being stolen from the students and resold as snazzy t-shirts on the net, another adjunct lit professor is murdered while investigating the problem and Georgia and Sid are the ones who find her. It could be anyone, from the art students to the faculty even that pesky co-worker who won't take no for a dating answer.  Sid holds it together (with sheer will power, he doesn't have any muscles and such) and helps Georgia to paint the picture and solve the crimes.



Grave Errors by Carol Perry
This was my second Lee Barrett book and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one.  Lee lives in Salem, Massachusetts, THE Salem, Massachusetts and teaches TV production in a small local school; and this time the story takes place right before Halloween.   It's not what you think, Lee isn't a witch but she does have an ability.  She can get psychic visions whenever she looks into a reflective surface.  From the mirror in her room to the gigantic shiny Buster Brown shoe behind her work desk.  These visions are usually brought on by murder and mayhem.  This time it's the sibling of a student who traveled all the way from the wilds of Alaska to find out what happened to her sister.  If that wasn't spooky enough, the class decides that it would be fun to promote El Dia de los Muertos aka the Day of the Dead as a class project which means visiting a graveyard...several times. In the midst of all this Lee will try to help her police officer boyfriend to get to the bottom of the girls death that was ruled a suicide, but was it?


A Catered Costume Party by Iris Crawford
This is the first cozy mystery I have read that started with a narrated murder. Darrius Witherspoon takes us step by step through the demise of his wife only to be found dead at his own Halloween soiree catered by our sister heroines; Bernie and Libbie Simmons.  No strangers to suspense and the occasional dead body, these ladies get busy snooping out clues while doing their best to whip up tasty treats and stay out of jail.  The local law enforcement does not appreciate their "meddling." To add to the macabre of this story is the mysterious Berkshire Arms apartment co-op where the  place overseen by it's own murder of crows.  The police say it's suicide but the girls were left instructions and promise of payment from Witherspoon just in case. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and character development was spot on.  I will take a look at the previous installments although this story did just fine as a stand alone and can't wait to try out the recipes.