Supper Club Super Slueths Cozys courtesy of NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing

Black Beans and Vice (Supper Club Mysteries #6) by Ellery Adams
*Courtesy of Beyond the Page and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If the Scooby Doo Mystery Inc gang had been created in this day and age and then aged up to their 40's it would be the Quincy's Gap Supper Club friends. A great group of friends with varied backgrounds and love of food, fun, friendship, and solving murders. The group is trying to balance their love of good food with great health and are making a group commitment to work towards thinner and healthier goals. Not only do they try the Mediterranean diet but also a little hypno therapy to curb carbs and slate their desire for sugary sweets at the Wellness Village. Unfortuneatly they encounter not only some animal rights extremists but also the body of the mayor who may or may not have been playing loose and fast with the town finances. There are side stories aplenty from stalking to stealing and other such fun bits in between. Excellent read with a story that didn't slow down once.

Pasta Mortem (Supper Club Mysteries #7) by Ellery Adams
*Courtesy of Beyond the Page and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gang is back and this time it's nostalgic. Everybody's favorite TV family is having a reunion in Quincy's Gap. The cast of Hearth & Home are in Quincy Gap the site of the original filming for a reunion show. Everyone is excited, the gang...not so much. Everyone has something else on their minds, like James who is an expectant father. Even with everything on his plate he and most of his friends still find time to help Murphy, the bane of their existence. Murphy is difficult and while they would all like to "kill" her for using their lives to write a murder mystery novel that does not cast them in a good light. There is no way Murphy would have killed her lover and business partner. There are plenty of other suspects who did not want Murphy's Gap to become the next tourist trap and over developed town. Besides, it's almost Valentines Day and love is in the air or is it hate? There is a fine line and so many of the characters are walking on it. This is an excellent series and I even read them in reverse order by mistake so things made better sense after reading Black Beans & Vice, nonetheless this was a fun story and another great series which includes awesome recipes for any palate.

Halloween Cozys 2018

If the Coffin Fits by Lillian Bell (A Funeral Parlor Mystery)

From investigative reporter to assistant manager of the family funeral parlor isn’t exactly how Desiree Turner saw her life going. It certainly makes things interesting and she has the side job working for the local paper. So of course she can’t help but want to investigate when she over hears a couple of bereaved sisters talking in hushed tones about something that shouldn’t  have happened. Did the caregiver sister Iris end her father’s life a little sooner than nature would have? And why did her latest “customer” Violet have bruises on the tops of her hands if she supposedly fell asleep at the wheel and fatally crashed into an embankment. Not that Desiree needs any encouragement to snoop around but when her former high school boyfriend and current interest ME Nate says that something is “hinky” about the death. To top it off Desiree is the only person who believes that her Dad did not die when he went surfing 6 months ago, after all there was no body recovered and the odd trinkets and notes that were left shortly after the incident that pointed to her Dad still being in the land of the living. Desiree is the girl next door, even though that door leads to a mortuary. She is outgoing and jovial with a great group of friends. While we don’t usually think of a funeral home being a true home, the Turner family, sister Donna and Uncle Joey make it feel just like that. Great story line can’t wait to read the next, especially with the cliff hanger ending.

A Deadly Brew by Lynn Cahoon (A Tourist Trap Mystery)

What could be more fun than spending time with friends, maybe spending time with friends solving a 15 year old mystery about a supposed witch in an abandoned house right before Halloween! With a ghost and a séance the "lock-in" is sure to be an experience none of the group is soon to forget. Excellent Halloween read with a great cast of characters. Jill Gardner makes a great heroine, very real and relatable. The story line was very interesting and while I was able to figure out part of the mystery I did not see the whole picture until the author was ready for the big reveal. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of the Tourist Trap Mystery books to see how Jill and her Aunt Jackie fend with their shop, Coffee, Books, and More.

Samhain Secrets by Jennifer David Hesse ( A Wiccan Wheel Mystery #4)

Attorney Keli Melanni is a closet Wiccan getting ready to celebrate one of the most sacred of Wiccan holidays, Samhain. That is until her mysterious eco conscious aunt turns up dead. Keli didn't have a chance to get to know Aunt Josephine although she was familiar with her good works with Sister Seeds. Why was Aunt Josie doing in the woods that night and why does Mrs. Hammerlin think her new home is haunted, how are Keli and Wes ever going to find time to be together even though they share a home. I liked the dash of occult mixed with the multiple story lines and interesting characters. The mini mysteries did not take away from the main thread and in fact enhanced it while helping the reader to get to know the other characters as well. Great read, great series can't wait to see what is up next!

Halloween Murder by Leslie Meier ( Lucy Stone Mystery) Two stories

This is another Meier two-for. Trick or Treat Murder. The early days of Lucy Stone after the catalog ordering business, but before she became a Mom of 4.  Lucy is one bar working Mom who is trying to balance home, investigative reporting and a baby all on a minimal amount of sleep. Why else would she agree to make 12 dozen Halloween cupcakes for the town Halloween party. Yet she still finds the time to add a bit of sleuthing when the latest in a series of arson related fires takes the life of a summertime neighbor. So many suspects from a cheating husband to the energetic mistress, or was it just a group of kids looking for kicks and it all went wrong. These earlier story lines have a different character feel than the previous novels and the endings seem rushed. Overall it was entertaining and a quick read. It is interesting to compare and contrast early Lucy with older Lucy as the next story in the book is The Wicked Witch Murder. Funny thing, it’s a warlock not a witch who ends up dead as we see how little Tinker’s Cove reacts to a self proclaimed Wiccan with a new age storefront. Lucy endeavors to have an open mind but not all of her neighbors feel the same way especially after the next door neighbor’s wife becomes ill and dies. Plus Lucy’s girls are enamored with the idea of being new age Wiccans. With hostilities growing Lucy fears for her girls and their new Wiccan friend. It does seem that these more updated timelines are more political than they used to be which I find distracting from the entertainment of the story line. The Stone’s do seem more relaxed and less uptight than in the “younger” novels which is a nice progression in character development that mirrors life. All in all an easy read and an appropriate Halloween story.

Cafe Cozies courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Publishing

Death by Eggnog by Alex Erickson ( A Bookstore Café Mystery)

It's that time of year, time for eggnog flavored coffee and the annual Christmas play complete with elves who sing and dance. Well Krissy at least tries to sing and dance. She hadn't planned to get involved in the production, that is until "Santa" is slayed and her ex-boyfriend finds himself in the line up. What's a girl to do when the new girlfriend begs her to  help? She help, because that is just the kind of person she is. So between working at the coffee shop, shopping for family and friends for the  holiday, she is sleuthing it up in pointy shoes.  Unfortunately not everybody believed in Santa including the surly tippler who was replaced as the annual jolly old elf only to get his job back when the new Santa was found dead. Not to mention that none of this is helping Krissy's fledgling relationship with the hunky doctor Will who seemed more reserved than usual. The story moves along at a great pace as Krissy lines up the suspects and works her way through the list which is a balancing trick in and of itself. Great read looking forward to Death by Espresso.

Chocolate Cozys by way of NetGalley

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower (Amish Candy Shop mystery)

Bailey King famed protégé of Chocolatier Jean Paul of New York head of the JP Chocolates and the heir apparent to the chocolate company and Jean Paul's #1 choice rushes off to Harvest, Ohio to be with her ailing Grandfather. A risky move considering the timing with the selection committee but Bailey's Amish grandmother would not have called if it wasn't important. Little does Bailey know that her grandparents are being pressured by a local developer to sell their beloved sweet shop, Swissman's Sweets. If this strain from this badgering isn't enough, finding the developer in their shop kitchen with Jebediah's chocolate knife sticking out of his dead body certainly doesn't help. To make matters worse the local police force of Harvest, seem to be keen on pinning the murder on Bailey. Bailey has no choice but to get to the bottom of the developers Amish Disneyland plans, while holding onto her dream Chocolatier job, hiding the truth of her secret rocky romance, avoiding the butterflies in her stomach when around deputy Aidan, helping with a last minute wedding reception chocolate bar, and the secrets that the close knit Amish community. With the help of her friend Cass and a desire to protect her grandparents, Bailey will have to get herself out of this  sticky situation.

Oh Fudge by Nancy Coco

Who doesn't like a good cozy that features chocolate?  I enjoyed the story and come this holiday season I'll be trying out some of the fudge recipes found between the chapters of this sweet book.  I would suggest starting this series with the first book, All Fudged Up.  I caught on quick to most of the characters it would have been a better read if I knew the background stories leading up to this one.  Allie McMurphy is not only an expert fudge maker but also the proprietor of the newly renovated McMurphy Hotel.  Apparently she has made quite a name for herself as an amateur sleuth and when she calls 911 to report an accident i.e. body found with a trowel embedded in the chest, the dispatcher asks her if she found another body even before she has a chance to say why she is calling.  There were a few twists and turns to the plot between murder, theft, and heart ache.  I look forward to starting at the first installment and playing catch up while "researching" the various candy recipes.  On a side note, the Mackinac Butterfly House is an actual place on the island although I hope they have never found a body on their premises.  Also, there are several inns and fudge/candy shops to choose from making this a possible destination spot for the candy lover who doesn't mind a little chill with  chocolate.  Incidentally, if you do visit, be prepared to be considered a "fudgie,"  that is what the locals call the tourists.

Baking up Cozys courtesy of NetGalley and Kennsington Publishers

Class Reunions are Murder by Libby Klein (Poppy McAllister mystery #1)

Poppy McAllister is a definite tragic heroine, life starts on track has a great boyfriend is thinking culinary school then it all goes awry. Fast forward 25 years she is a new widow who runs away to live with her aunt in Cape May New Jersey.  While there her best friend manages to convince her attend the dreaded 10 year reunion. Enter the mean girls  and bane of Poppy's high school days., naturally there is some friction, words are exchanged and the head cheerleader/head mean girl ends up being the dead mean girl. Of course all fingers are pointing to Poppy who has more than enough on her mind as she gets over heartbreak while managing her gluten intake. Poppy is the best and I love her optimistic outlook. Her life is topsy turvy but with silver linings, like the fact that she is able to reconnect with her high school sweetheart and former fiancé.  Oh and there is the exotically handsome Italian coffee shop owner who LOVES her gluten free treats. Poppy has every reason to put her head in the sand or hide under the covers but instead she gets busy solving the crime because the one thing she is absolutely sure of is that sugar is addictive and she isn't a killer.

Midnight Snacks are Murder by Libby Klein (Poppy McAllister mystery #2) LOVE LOVE LOVE Poppy McAllister. What a refreshing, vibrant, REAL character that any woman can relate to. Not to mention that the recipes at the back of the book are the yummiest. The story line is progressing nicely and I am not sure which of her two suitors would be my first pick so I will stay team Poppy instead of picking either Gia or Tim. So many different threads in this installment and it kept right on rolling from one suspect to the next. I had no idea until the end which is exactly how a proper cozy should be, a little intrigue, a little humor, and a little romance. Cannot wait for Restaurant Weeks Are Murder to hit NetGalley!

Bridal Cozys and NetGalley

Murder in White Lace by Karen Sue Walker
A Bridal Shop Mystery

Max Walters is a talented bridal gown designer, at least many others think she is even if she lacks the confidence. While being left in charge while her boss/dress boutique owner is on vacation, Max works with a difficult bride who passes out during her final fitting. Final in more ways than one, since the never wakes up and now Max's former crush and lifelong friend has been accused of poisoning the wedding cake samples. In addition to all of this Max is offered a job with her old design firm in Manhattan for a promising position with great possibilities, much better than her former one of pattern cutting. She can't just sit around ad do nothing besides as acting store manager she hires a quirky and artistic assistant who is happy to help her investigate. Which is not what her falsely accused friend Andy wants, or the hunky Detective Cruz.  An excellent read and one of three. Max is a wonderfully rounded character who is down to earth and easy to relate to. She is easy to identify with and the interactions of the other characters flow nicely as the story develops. Nothing is given away too soon and I had no idea who had "done it" until the end.

Death by Espresso by Alex Erickson
A Bookstore Café Mystery
Kensington Publishing

The last few cozys I read, the main character was planning their wedding and solving a murder. I have no idea how other than, this is fiction LOL. In this latest Bookstore Café Mystery, Krissy is helping as maid of honor to plan Vicki's wedding. Vicki who has well to do Hollywood type parents who only want the best for her, like the ultra posh and ultra pushy wedding planner,  who ends up ultra dead. The last thing a bride or maid of honor needs is a murder over shadowing the ceremony especially when the groom is the #1 suspect. In the midst of the murder and theft of a necklace, Krissy isn't sure why her beau Will is pulling away or how to handle the awkwardness when around handsome police officer Paul Dalton. Great storyline and the characters are the crème de la crème. Krissy is completely relatable and fits the mold just right for a cozy mystery heroine. I do so like it when they save the day and help a friend out!  

Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore
A Wedding Planner Mystery

The Shepard sisters are back and this time it is for a celebrity wedding to take place at the B&B on reality TV. A new business can always use some press, but bad press isn't always good press. From the pushy Mother of the bride, a lothario-like groom, the series host who is also Garret's ex-wife, an unexpected snowfall, oh and to top it all is the death of a local girls' school headmistress and the disappearance of a valuable tiara that would save the school from financial ruin.
The girls are having to plan two ceremonies to keep the Mother at bay and the bride happy while looking into the how and why of the murder. Mallory is great at showing grace under pressure and you can't help but to root for her as she quells her nervous doubts about Garret's feelings and puts his daughter's relationship with Adrienne, her Mom; ahead of those doubts. This is a great series and I can't wait for the next installment, Gown With the Wind!

Restaurant Cozys courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Publishing

Stabbed in the Baklava

(Kebab Kitchen mystery)

by Tina Kashian

Great story and story line cannot wait until the next installment. Lucy is home to make a go of the family restaurant even though her heartbreaker ex-boyfriend is now the head chef and still gives her butterflies. The one thing that chases those away is a ride on the back of her business neighbor's motorcycle, of course that brings up another set of butterflies. Two guys who obviously do not like each other are quite a distraction but not enough of one to keep Lucy from trying to save Azad from the pokey after a wedding day homicide with a skewered body in the back of their catering truck. Azad isn't the only person with reason to turn the bank exec into a pin cushion and Lucy will put aside the pieces of her heart to get to the bottom of this mystery. Was it the wife, the groom, the maid of honor also known as the very young mistress, or someone else all together. Great plot that is as sticky sweet with a few nuts just like the incredible baklava. Be sure to make some as the recipes for the great dishes are in the back of the book. I do love a good food cozy!