Crafting Cozys

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity  to give an unbiased review in exchange for access to the books.

Murders No Votive Confidence
By Christin Brecher
Published by Kensington Publishing

Excellent start to a new series! I enjoy reading about small business sleuths. The New England whale oil history was interesting as well. The idea of a personal scent for a wedding is a novel idea and if I would have known I would have been sure to have my unity candle crafted by someone as talented as Stella Wright. of Wick & Flame. This story is full of twists and turns as Stella vows to get to the bottom of the mystery in order to save her fledgling business and clear family friend Bill Duffy. Who would use a wedding candle to bludgeon a man to death? Needless to say, in a town the size of Nantucket Island, word gets out fast and that word is murder by unity candle. Stella is on the trail of the killer as she eliminates suspects and manages to get a couple of dates with the new reporter Peter Bailey who is hot on the trail of story. Of course those dates have included climbing trees, following leads, and small picnic snacks. I think that this storyline is the beginning of a great series and I am ready for the next book I also enjoyed reading the note regarding Candles 101 workshop notes at the end of the book.

Thread on Arrival (A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery #8)
By Lea Wait
Published by Kensington Books

Haven Harbor, a quaint new Englad town with quaint new Englanders. At least most of them are quaint and one of them is a murderer. Ike, a native Mainer and a son of Haven Harbor has been taking care of himself as long g as people can remember. He keeps to himself, collecting bottles to recycle and living in his family's  garage. Not everyone appreciates Ike, and while the "chambers" are out to relocate him to a home, someone decides to remove him altogether.  The least likely suspect, a young boy whom Ike has taken under his wing, offering shelter and shared bottle duties, is under suspicion for Ike's murder. As Angie starts looking for answers, she and Dave (local school teacher and willing foster parent) retrace Ike's route and routine, it becomes apparent that Ike saw everything and was outspoken, however he also didn't always see the whole story so did he see something he shouldn't have? This was a very good story with a plot that moved at a good pace and who wouldn't  like a story with recipes included. Such excellent  recipes that I am inspired to make lobster chowder on our next cold weather day.

Down in Flames (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery)
By Cheryl Hollon
Published by Kensington Books

Newlywed Nicole Borawski, assistant manager of the Queen's Head pub was an angel to those less fortunate. So why was she run down in the road right outside of Webb's Glass Shop? Savannah's apprentice Jacob is the only witness and he is so traumatized by it that his autism has made him mute as a coping mechanism. Savannah asks a couple of questions and manages to make a connection between Nicole and a street artist named SNARK. Savannah is brought on as a consultant with local law enforcement giving her a little more credibility but an investigation is the last thing she needs between Edwards's Best Burger in the Berg contest compounded with his grief cooking (some recipes are not such a good idea), Amanda's Mom is in hospice, the new glass bead making class has started with a full class, Jacob's trauma, and last but not least is the fact that she needs to pick a date for her upcoming wedding to Edward.  This story once again illustrates that you don't have to have relatives to have a family. Great story and kudos to the inclusion of Jacob as a main character to illustrate the challenges and successes that are possible with autism. 

Hooks Can Be Deceiving
By Betty Hechtman
Published by Crooked Lane Books

The Tarzana Hookers spend their Tuesday and Thursday nights at Happy Hour working on their latest crochet project, at least they did until the Craftee Channel's cable talk show decides to incorporate their weekly meeting into a segment complete with TV personality and Make n Take demo project. So many moving parts for group member and bookstore event coordinator Molly Pink to take care of. Between events, the Hookers, and basic yarn department responsibilities, Molly barely has time to see her significant other, Mason Fields (middle-age relationship titles are tricky). To top it off, the last thing Molly has time for is the death of a crochet member's companion. Was the companion's death a weird accident, was she the intended victim, could the heavily medicated Marianne have set it up. This story is as complicated as a granny square but tug just enough and the whole thing comes apart. Molly is tugging and this time it is with permission of Tarzana's own man in blue (and Molly's former man), Barry who has asked her to keep her eyes and ears open for any clues. Every cozy reader knows that once you give permission to a cozy sleuth, she is knot going to stop until she figures out the pattern. I enjoyed the back and forth between Molly and Dinah as they played the "Sherlock Holmes" game. I did not guess correctly as to the culprit which makes this a very good one and it doesn't hurt that there are some sweet treat recipes at the end plus if you can read crochet there are two patterns as well.

Crafter Hooks a Killer

By Holly Quinn

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Sammy is back at it and if you read the first book you'll know that there is one really big unanswered questions regarding Kate's unfortunate and deadly accident. Was it really and accident or was the last killer trying to pull the wool over her eyes. On top of that, Craft Queen and published author, Jane Johnson; is conducting a book signing and is giving tribute to Kate and what she had created with the Craft Connection store in the next crafting book. Jane tells Sammy that she must meet with her, that something about Kate's accident wasn't accidental. Of course this is where the murderer comes in before Sammy has a chance to learn what Jane knows. Now she has two mysteries to solve, plus an old crush is back in town, and she still isn't sure about Detective Nash and his infuriating charm. This has been a great series so far, new characters are introduced in just the right way and the theory behind a craft store that is also like a community center is novel and heart warming. Definitely a page turner!

Southern Cozys

Murder at Royale Court
By G.P. Gardner
Published by Lyrical Underground (Kensington Publishing)

Cleo Mack has found her place as the director of Harbor Village, an active adult community in Alabama. In addition to over seeing the over haul of the facilities she is also involved in overseeing the planned activities. In the midst of renovations is the classic car symposium and guest speaker. I must say that even though I am not into cars, the historical info was interesting and the guest speaker would have most likely had me enthralled by such a wealth of knowledge. Completely unrelated is the death of an investment banker at least it seems unrelated until there is talk of shady dealings and a possible one of a kind mystery investment long lost car being to unsuspecting people. Chances are Cleo wouldn't have become involved if not for the fact that she was there when the body was discovered and her ex-husband/current boss (weird, right LOL) is a possible suspect and she knows that her daughter's father is many things but a murderer, he is not. From real estate deals to controlling siblings, this story has it all and a little romance as well. Highly entertaining and a nice look at how one can be retired without being tired!

Fatal Cajun Festival

By Ellen Byron

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Local girl does well and comes back for a country music festival in the Big Easy. In addition to a really good story there are pralines and recipes for pralines at the back of the book! Not only is this simply southern is also a delicious distraction. Your basic storyline but with a little high school drama added in. You would think that once a girl makes it to the big time she lets go of pettiness from the past. Gaynell and the Gator Girls are ready to rip it up at the Jazz Fest, and Maggie thinks she is ready to host the now famous Tammy Barker and her band at the Crozat Plantation B&B. Neither lady is ready for the mayhem that ensues when one of the band members is found dead and Gaynell becomes a suspect. Ghosts from the past threaten to harm dreams of the future, not to mention that Maggie has a lot on her plate as it is from selling pralines at the festival to planning her wedding to a certain local lawman named Bo Durand on top of helping Grand-mere with a little mystery of her own. Great characters who proves that family is not just blood. Great plot development and I LOVE trying out the recipes.

Spooky, Charming, and Cozy for October

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for making these books available for reading and reviewing.

Fudge Bites

By Nancy Coco

Published by Kensington  Books

It's  Halloween on Mackinac Island and time for the annual Zombiefest. The last thing Allie expects to find is a dead zombie. This fudge making master plus historic hotel caretaker, has plenty on her to-do list which includes deciding if she should brave the harsh winter or travel south to stay with her BFF in Chicago. Sure that this is a case of mistaken identity,  Allie works through the clues like she works through her fudge recipes. Incidentally,  those recipes are out of this world, I would suggest starting with the flourless brownies. Great story filled with suspects, secrets, sweets, and surprises. 

Mulberry Mischief (A Berry Basket Mystery Book 4)
By Sharon Farrow
Published by Kensington Books

It is Halloween in Oriole Point and the Piper, the Mayor's wife has set up an impressive line up for the Harvest Health Fair. From professional athletes to diet gurus and world famed beauty consultants this fair will have it all including a break out session on the importance of berries and their health benefits given by Marlee. Of course the last thing Marlee imagined was that the mysterious Lake Lady would solicit her aid in the form of mulberries, a whole lot of mulberries to protect her and the ghost from the shadow people. As Mr. Charles Chesnutt would say, "sins like chickens come home to roost," sins of the past. A past that involves love, loss, lies, sorrow, and murder. Marlee and her friends do a great job getting to the bottom of the murders both old and new while providing some interesting facts about mulberries and a couple of great recipes that I can't wait to try out the mulberry muffins recipe. This is my second Berry Basket mystery so I need to go back and find out what happened to the fiancé, although I never really liked him and am happy to read that Marlee is with Officer Kit Holt.

Halloween Trifecta of short stories

Haunted House Murder

By Leslie Meier

Grandmother Lucy Stone, reporter for the Pennysaver gets the opportunity for some quality time with her grandson Patrick. While Patrick's life doesn't skip a beat even with the change in school and soccer team. Lucy has forgotten how much time and energy it can take to take care of a child who has fractions homework and soccer practice. In addition to Mom duties, Lucy is balancing her investigative reporting duties which include looking into the strange goings-on at the old house across from the school and the strange new owners. Moon is abrupt and his wife is a pale willowy creature who is rarely seen. This story definitely has a twist and is good for putting one in the Halloween mood. I only wish that Lucy and Bill had been portrayed as the loving couple from the earlier stories.

Death by Haunted House

By Lee Hollis

Hayley Powell, journalist, Mom, wife, and good neighbor is plunged into a who done it, when she and her husband stumble upon a local real estate agent dead and buried in the forest when looking for their run away puppy. Halloween fun to be sure!  In addition to the murder mystery is the mystery of the strange family that has moved in next door. Hayley's husband is sure that the neighbors are up to no good and must be involved. The ensuing hijinks are rather comical but over all I was not a fan of this Hayley Powell book. The last one I read, Death of the Wedding Cake Baker was much more light hearted and did not seem to be quite so contrary with regards to kids and husband. 

Hallowed Out

By Barbara Ross

Definitely the best was saved for last. Thoroughly enjoyed this short story of a reenactment gone wrong during a haunted trolley tour. Julia Snowden, an easy to like character is front and center for a "lights go out and then a shot rings out" staged scene from history. Only it wasn't staged and she must figure out who killed the actor. It becomes a bit twisted as it turns out that several people could have done it and it seems like the clues are adding up a bit too quickly. Highly entertaining and my first Busman Harbor mystery so I will be sure to look up others.

 Pawsitively Cursed (Witch of Edgehill Mystery #2)
Written by Melissa Erin Jackson
Published by Ringtail Press

Something wicked this way comes and it isn't just wickedly cool teen fashions and Olaf Betzen. Amber, our worrisome witch (you would be too if a cursed Penhallow witch was after you) is determined to solve the mystery of her parents' death. Thankfully she is able to work with local law enforcement . Aunt Gretchen and sister Willow show up unannounced and much earlier than expected to team up with Amber to save not only themselves but the whole town as well. In addition to taking chances with  a  cursed face-changing witch, Amber  thinks she might be ready to take a chance with her heart. Will it be Connor the reporter or Jack the baker and will she need a spell to not only ward her home but also her heart. Great story and I enjoyed how the sisters supported each other. This book also introduces Aunt Gretchen who to be one tough old witch as well, even though she drives Amber crazy with her secrets. Lastly, you get to meet the only other Henbane, cousin Edgar who lives like a hermit who just wants to be left along but is also a crucial part of the mystery surrounding the death of Bella and Theo Blackwood. I pawsitively enjoyed this one just as much as the first and cannot wait to read what is in store for Amber and her blossoming powers.

A Spell of Murder (Lost Maidens Loch)
By Kennedy Kerr
Published by Bookouture

This is the "maiden" book for this new cozy series and I think is most becoming! The Love sisters and their interestingly named pets are wonderfully different and fully embrace their witch heritage and even better is that their sleepy Scottish town fully embraces it. Temerity has the gift of psychometry and Tilda is gifted with the ability to brew up something to fix that which/witch ails you. So needless to say, Temerity is handy to have around when you need to know where an item came from or who it is associated with such as the black scrying mirror with the thistle motif. The only one who doesn't seem to get how important Temerity is to the investigative process is new arrival, Constable Angus Harley, sent to take over for soon to retire Investigator Kim Hyland. A murdered teacher, a stalking co-worker, a disgruntled roommate, a shifty seeming maid, and all sorts of secrets and portent to be sifted through. Temerity is trying to avoid distraction while working with the new Constable and I especially like the one sided conversations she has in her head with the "Wolfman". I literally laughed out loud every time. It can be hard to let go of the past and move onto the future but this might just be what Temerity needs. Hope this is the start of many more books to come!

Dressed to Kill
By
Published by Seven House Publishers

Halloween can be a scary enough day but what would you do if a bank robber in a clown costume pointed a gun at you? What would you do if this same person shot your nephew, the local Chief of Police? I'm not sure what I would do but apparently Miss Mary and her canine side-kick Millie are hot on the trail. With Chief Dan out recovering from a shot to the shoulder, Detective Sean Ryan is sent on loan from the big city of San Luis Obispo and the locals would really like to see the heavy handed interrogator to go back ASAP. Mary is wise and well connected local whom people respect, unlike Detective Ryan whose arrogant attitude makes him miss vital clues. Miss Mary definitely reminds me of Miss Marple as she ascertains what seems obvious to her but not so much to everyone else as the case becomes convoluted with another death, the retired bank manager who has dementia and is in a care facility. There has to be a pattern, a connection between the two and Miss Mary is sure she can figure it out. Very enjoyable read with really good character development. I was able to figure out the who and why before the end of the book even with the odd red herring here and there.

Late Checkout (Witch City Mystery #9)
By Carol J. Perry
Published by Kensington Books

It's October in Salem, Massachusetts and the busiest time of the year with parades, pumpkin everything, tours, and parties which means plenty to report on. Unless the boss's wife has a nephew fresh out of college wanting to break into the news business. Lee is working part time for the station so she decides to do some part time volunteer work for Aunt Ibby at the library. Last thing Lee expected was to end up finding a story while re-shelving books. Okay so she found a story and a dead body....Willie Wallace found dead with a pile of sports collectible reference books scattered around him in a locked area...Willie once worked at WICH-TV and Lee is in charge of the anniversary special research, tying both events together nicely. Of course she should have known what she would find while up in the stacks, she say the shiny swirling image after all. It seems like Willie wore many hats and worked with many people back in the day and he was not very reputable. So which is his former coworkers finished him off? What is it about the reference book about the "Boys of Summer" and when is Lee going to be able to go back to working full time? The snoop sisters are at it again and Officer Pete as learned to value their intuition as well as their research skills. Old forgot files might hold the key or maybe just a great new marketing idea to sell advertisement air time. Either way Lee is hot on the trail of a story involving her childhood TV heroes. Perfect book to read this month and I have now added Salem in October to my travel bucket list to be sure!

Designs on Murder (A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery #1)
By Gayle Leeson
Produced by Grace Abraham Publishing

The only thing better than starting your own business is starting it with a new friend. Amanda Tucker decides to put her passion for classic designs and seamstress ability to work for herself and happens upon an office space for rent in a historic multi-use house known as Stores on Main. Shortly after securing her spot for a dress boutique called Designs on You, a "neighbor" the programmer/web designer is found shot dead. Oh and I almost forgot, the new store came complete with a new friend, a special friend, a dead friend. It seems that Max took a tumble down the stairs many, many moons or was it moonshine, ago. "Max" Englebright is a very fashionable ghost who can only be seen by Amanda and Grandpa Dave. Max is the "elephant's eyebrows" to be sure and a frisky fun character plus a true friend to Amanda. Grandpa Dave is the sort of Grandpa that everyone would like to have with his words of support and pleasant disposition. All of Amanda's "neighbors" seem to be nice people but one of them is not so nice which has Amanda jumping at shadows and questioning everyone with the exception of Jason the talented and attractive photographer who only recently moved into his own Shop on Main as well. Max believes that it is up to Amanda and her to solve this mystery to not only put their minds at ease but to keep Amanda in her new shop. Nice story line and wonderful attention to period detail in the description of the clothes that Amanda designs. The author definitely did her research from all aspects of this story. I cannot wait to read the next one!

Shopping on Amazon for FREE

Do you have patience? Can you wait 35 days if you know you are going to get a check in the mail? Rebate Key. Used in conjunction with Amazon, sellers who are eager to move their merchandize and could use some ratings will give you a discount  to buy now and hopefully review later. Start by setting up your account on Rebate Key just like you would set one up on Amazon with basic information. You aren't going to be purchasing through Rebate Key, just using it as a shopping portal that will finish up on Amazon. The only other catch to this most excellent shopping experience is that there are amount limits and time limits. Each item will have a certain number for sale per day and when the limit is reached that is it. There is the option to be "notified" when the item's time slot comes up and it is available. Items change often so be sure that if you see something you like to set up the notification and maybe even a separate alarm on your phone or calendar as to not miss the great deal. You can search for a wide variety of categories like "pets" or by % , highest rebate, newest or even ending.  

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YES it is that easy and YES it works! We have already started gearing up for the holiday gift giving season as well as replacing old worn out garden hoses. I even bought a new self inflating air mattress in case we have hurricane or ice storm evacuees. 

Cozy Tales of Foodies

Muffin but Trouble
By Victoria Hamilton
Published by Beyond the Page

Merry Grace Wynter is an amazing lady. Her tenacity and level head inspires me to breathe deeply and count slowly when I would want to do otherwise. This was a very interesting story with a unique cast of characters. The best part, in my opinion, is the recipes at the end of the story that I cannot wait to test out in my kitchen.  Without giving too much of the plot away, I will say that it was developed at a nice even pace and I did not completely figure it out. So many possible suspects. I was also intrigued by the idea that this scenario could quite possibly take place in this day and age in or around any small town. Some authors use their books to make a statement about social injustices or their personal beliefs regarding politics or religion. When those ideals are very strong it can take away from the light-hearted aspect of a cozy mystery. I do not think that is the case with Muffin but Trouble. Much like a good recipe, the blending of the topics, the characters, and the plot created a wonderful final product. I look forward to reading more Merry Muffin Mysteries and trying out more Merry Muffin recipes in my new silicone muffin pans.

The Hidden Corpse (Food Blogger Mystery #2)
by Debra Sennefelder
Published by Kensington Books

Full time blogger and part-time cook, Hope Early finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery. A house fire that leads to the death of a neighbor and the finding of a missing body was not on Hope's "to-do" list. She doesn't set out to stir up trouble but what is a blogger to do when her best friend is an investigative reporter egging her on to help him get the scoop first. Then there is her sister who wants Hope to host a proper English tea to help Claire's mayoral campaign by way of supporting a new potential member of the planning and zoning board. In the midst of all things that are not food blog or food photo related, Before too long Hope gets not one but two warnings, to cool it. In Hope's defense, it does help to  know the Chief of police, especially when he is easy on the eyes and makes Hope's heart feel all mixed up. Highly entertaining and the recipes are AWESOME!

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce (Mahalia Watkins Mystery)
by A.I. Herbert
Published by Kensington Books

Soul Food and Soul Sisters mix murder with Suave Styling and Hair by Monique. Halia ( to her friends), owner of Sweet Tea southern comfort food at its best has a nose for a good mystery a side-kick cousin Wavonne, who is as sassy and saucy as the house-blend hot sauce. There is quite a variety of suspects each with unique personalities not unlike Ms. Monique Dupree, out beauty mogul victim. Local law enforcement does not take kindly to the caterer with a nose for clues and a great ability to create culinary diversions while eliciting tidbits of information. Too many secrets and they all seem so very scandalous, not unlike Wavonne's wardrobe. The story took a little while for me to get into it but once the groundwork was well laid I started to truly enjoy each every character from the stylist such n such Maurice to Halia's Momma who makes the best sweet treats. Of course, Halia is new type of cozy character for me and I truly enjoy hearing the thoughts in her head especially when she is thinking about what Wavonne is going on and on about.

Strangled Eggs and Ham (A Country Store Mystery #6)
By Maddie Day
Published by Kensington Books

The grass is always greener, especially when it's a parcel of land that a developer wants to replace with a high-end resort. Robbie's Aunt Adele is the leader of the resistance group wanting to save the town of South Lick from urbanization. A visiting eco lawyer and bike enthusiast is more than happy to wade in and fight, at least until he is found dead on the property in question. The developer is your typical city slicker, Fiona Closs, polished and all about the progress. Aunt Adele is your typical down to earth matron who doesn't back down to anyone or anything, which has Robbie worried about Adele's safety as the protesting starts. I'm not sure how Robbie manages to run a successful restaurant with delectable dishes (recipes included YUM), B&B, country store, and find time for a steady guy plus a little side sleuthing.  Although, it would seem that local law enforcement does help to keep the bottom line healthy since Officer Buck is pretty much a fixture when it comes to meal times offering both tidbits of info and tidbits of comedy and local flavor. The story was as engaging as its predecessors and I look forward to the next installment.

Guilty as Charred
By Devon Delaney
Published by Kensington Publishing

The only thing better than a cozy with great characters and yummy recipes is a cozy with creative characters, great recipes, and cooking tips! Sherry Oliveri (love her name) professional cooking contest winner/participant, Ruggery retail worker, Community Garden board member, tennis player, and part time sleuth. After cooking the winning entry in a multi-state competition, Sherry returns home to the news that the Garden coordinator/owner has been murdered and worse yet is under character assasination. Sherry not only mixes up wonderful recipes and helpful hints, she also has quite a knack for putting clues together like a new recipe. A nice variety of suspects from sibling rivalry to not so neighborly complaints and even political malfeasance. I must say that this is the first time I have read a cozy where it seemed like every other character encouraged the main one to actively pursue the murder investigation. Everyone except for local law enforcement of course. Looking forward to trying the artichoke hummus recipe and so happy that they are at the end of the story.

Risky Biscuits
By Mary Lee Ashford
Published by Lyrical Press

Sugar and Spice Publishing is made up of two dynamite ladies with most excellent names. Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway aka Sugar and Dixie Spicer aka Spice or Spicy (but most people just call her Dixie) have my dream job, putting together cookbooks and testing the recipes. Speaking of recipes, you will find 3 must try breakfast recipes at the end of the book. Before you get those yummy recipes you will be tantalized by the descriptions of Dixie's cooking which must be good because Disco their retail neighbor seems to make an almost daily appearance. Everyone is quite neighborly as would be expected in a small town where everyone knows your name and if you skipped your usual muffin at breakfast they will be talking about before brunch rolls around. Small town but big secrets. Talking about rumors, the mill is churning when the prodigal Marchant boy comes home driving his fancy jag and fighting with his twin. In addition to being the designated taste tester, Sugar is also a designated driver for a group of lively seniors who take care of their own and fully expect Sugar to get to detecting when Alma becomes the victim of a hit and run.....with her own car...Needless to say, local law enforcement does not agree with Ms. Greer and her gang. You have got to love a story with lively seniors, they add a great touch of zest and small town seniors are the best! Great story line excellent characters!

Pet Cozies

Honest reviews are given in exchange for access to new stories via NetGalley and various publishers.

Homicide by Horseshow
By Arlene Kay
Published by Lyrical Press

Perri Morgan is back and this time she will need to do more than create exquisite riding harnesses for horses. Babette, Perri's socialite BFF wanted to help a horse farm but what she got was murder. Babette's personal assistant winds up dead, in her unmentionables, in Babette's bed and there is no way that Perri is going to let Babette take the fall for this. Of course, Perri isn't alone on her fact-finding mission as Wing Pruett, her hunky paramour and D.C.'s most eligible bachelor is hunting for his story. There are some viable suspects, some valuable horses, and some very funny goings on in this latest installment. I did feel that Peri should have been more confident in her relationship with Pruett after the first book. It seems as though the relationship progress that was made in the first book is gone and Peri is back to second guessing herself and Pruett's feelings for her. As always, I do love the care and effort that is made with regards to Peri's dogs and hope to one day see a Belgian Malinois as they sound quite regal.

Cat Got Your Crown
Written by Julie Chase
Published by Crooked Lane Books

Debutante turned Furry Godmother seamstress to pets and successful pupcake/tuna tart bakery owner. Lacy Crocker is a fun character who does her best to not embarrass her socialite Mother who would love nothing more than to have Lacy married to a socially responsible and eligible former volleyball star and practicing attorney bachelor named Chase Hawthorne. Chase is a childhood friend who always has her back but he isn't the one who raises her pulse. That would be handsome and financially well off Detective Jack Oliver, who would really like it if Lacy could keep herself out of his investigation and danger, just once. What is a Furry Godmother to do when the pageant MC falls down dead on the buffet table and before the body is even cold, Lacy manages to get herself threatened. Too many suspects thanks to the disreputable character

Death by Dog Show
Written by Arlene Kay
Published by Lyrical Press

Persephone "Perri" Morgan is a former Army K-9 unit officer and currently a leather smith crafting various useful and attractive dog and horse items that are all the rage. Her latest selling spot is a Massachusetts dog show venue. Accompanying her BFF the very posh Babette and her favorite little person, Ella, the daughter of Wing Pruett, DC's sexiest man, investigative reporter, and keeper of Perri's heart. Perri didn't expect to be involved in a murder investigation but when she stumbles upon a body shortly after Pruett she knows that she will do anything it takes to keep him off the suspect list. Perri and her ex-military Malinois boys Keats and Poe are on the trail of a killer who is no stranger to the dog show world. The victims have their fair share of enemies unlike Perri who is as down to earth and as likable as can be with a heart of gold and a mind like a steel trap. Great set of characters and I can't wait to read the next adventure Homicide by Horse Show available on October 15, 2019.

Left Fur Dead (Jules and Bun Mystery #1)
by J.M. Griffin
Published by Kensington Books

This was a new one for me, a bunny rescuing/yarn selling sleuth with a telepathic bunny side-kick. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was able to guess part of the who done it but not the complete story or the why.  There did seem to be some back story that was missing or would be helpful to know so I am hoping that the next book dives into that a little bit more. The small-town feel and the character development between Jules and the Sheriff was a nice one, almost like a father/daughter feel to it. Jules is a fiercely independent gal and Bun is too cute for words. Just imagine a bulldog attitude and a wiggly bunny nose, absolutely precious in my mind. This story definitely gives a nod to therapy animals without explicitly getting into it but I could see how one aloof Andrew Stone could become a  regular if he doesn't wander off.

Tayogo Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Microphone Bluetooth

My first experience with the Tayogo company was a waterproof MP3 player that I absolutely adored. It comes with a memory stick that you download your tunes to and then slip back into the headphones, which wrap around your head and the buds are on a short wire so they can reach your ears. 

This set is even better and not just because I don't make it to the pool all that often anymore but because I can hear my tunes or Audible selections while I walk or (attempt to) run but also because I can hear the world around me.  Before my new headphones, I would use the typical wired earbuds and leave one out for safety reasons. I like to be able to hear the traffic especially downtown Raleigh. 

The other aspect of these headphones besides just for listening is that I can take a call and thanks to my Fitbit Charge 2, I can glance at my wrist to see who is calling without having to take my phone out of pocket and with a simple tap to my head I can take the call. Which also makes this a safe choice for when driving so that I am not messing with my phone while in traffic. 

These come with a standard charging cable with the same end as is found with most accessory electronics such as a Kindle and I often charge them while at work thanks to the USB cable aspect. Since I have about 50 of the same type of cord, I have placed one at my desk, in my car, in my husband's car and in the house. I even have one for the suitcase just in case I want to use them when we go on vacation or travel.

I was asked to give an impartial review once I received my headphones which I was most happy to do given the quality and performance of these headphones!