June 2022 New Cozies

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

JUNE 28th RELEASES 

A Hint of Mischief
A Fairy Garden Mystery
Daryl Wood Gerber
Kensington

 I know that it might sound silly but after reading this latest Fairy Garden Mystery I REALLY want to attend fairy party, or at least find a shop where I can make an awesome fairy garden. This story starts out right away with a party of interesting characters who knew each other in college, a mysterious thief, a murder, the unexplained appearance of fairy doors, and another fairy for Fiona to interact with.   Courtney and her friends are busy, busy, busy, getting everything coordinated for the full sized fairy/birthday party from party games to decorations including a mural and tasty foods (such as cauliflower poppers and bacon & avocado toast).  Courtney, much like her righteous Fairy friend Fiona, has a strong sense of doing the right thing, and seeing to it that there is justice for the victim and a champion for the innocent suspects. This is a unique sort of Holmes and Watson relationship with a good dose of positivity, fun, and recipes in each story. These are stand-alone stories but you will enjoy them so much that you will want to read them in order.   

Muddled Through
A Maine Clambake Mystery #10
Barbara Ross
Kensington Books

Great title for so many reasons, you can be muddled, a situation can be muddled, a cocktail can have a muddled ingredient, and a person can do the muddling, which should not be confused with meddling. Although, Julia does seem to meddle aka investigate. This story has you drawn in, right at the beginning, and you can’t help but empathize with Julia as she teeters back forth between helping and not helping. The initial crime is gut-wrenching and it can be hard to say “no” to family and Lizzie is rather insistent.  She has quite a bit on her plate as it is what with the recent break up (Shucked Apart), helping with the family business, taking care of the renovation work on Windsholme and then there is that awkwardness about dating or not dating and having to move back home, again. There seemed, at least to the authorities, to be only one suspect but I thought of at least two others and was still WAY off. This mystery certainly has its share of red herrings which just muddied the investigative waters, but once that same mud was thrown around and worked it began to take shape. I still did not figure it out before the big reveal. I was just as invested in the story as Julia and completely forgot that she had plans to see to. Not sure where the romance angle is going, which has me a bit muddled, not unlike Zoey who asked for a status update. Perhaps I will just make some Mushroom Soup and Butterscotch Cookies to enjoy while I contemplate the possible outcomes, thank goodness the recipes and a few others have been provided at the conclusion. Thanks Ms. Ross!

Lady of the Bones
Carolyn Haines
Minotaur Books

The latest Sarah Booth Delaney mystery is very well named as there are a few ladies in this story and several bones. First is Sara Booth’s live-in ghost who has no bones, Jitty, or her haint, as Sarah Booth often refers to her. If I remember correctly, Jitty is one of Sarah Booth’s ancestors and a spectral reminder that Sarah Booth’s biological clock is ticking and that she needs to get busy with that lawman of hers, Coleman. Jitty also delights in popping up in unusual locations in unusual forms to bring cryptic tidings from the great beyond. The mystery starts right away grabbing your attention when an old friend of Sarah Booth’s mama; Frankie Moore, someone who was Ethel Mertz to Libby Delaney’s Lucy Ricardo shows up on the doorstep. The ladies had a relationship not unlike that of Tinkie and Sarah Booth as partners of the Delaney Detective Agency. A missing daughter who was hot on the trail of a big story ends up missing days after her roommate disappears leaving behind a slew of suspects including a youth cult leader. On the eve of Halloween in the Big Easy, anything can happen, you can just feel it in your bones. 

JUNE 7th RELEASES 

Peril at Pennington Manor
Tracy Gardner
Crooked Lane Books

What started out as an amazing opportunity to catalog and appraise a manor full of amazing antiques becomes a mystery of reproductions and murder, with a dash of aristocratic drama and a hearty helping of truth and trust. Many suspects to choose from but who has the most compelling motive? was it for money, love/jealousy, or envy. just as many red herrings as there are suspects to keep you not only guessing but also page turning. The only time I lingered on a page was to to look up the recipe to make baked chicken with tomatoes and capers, delish! A read-alone but more fun when you've read the series starter. Plenty of interesting characters both cozy and otherwise. 

May 2022 New Cozies

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

MAY 24th RELEASES 

A Midsummer Night's Fudge ( A Candy Coated Mystery)

Nancy Coco

Kensington

It seems that cozy companion Mal and chocolatier/B&B owner Allie are quite literally tripping over victims quite a bit more than usual in this mystery, which is set in the fudge capital of America, Mackinac Island.  There are fireworks beyond those of the local celebration when Allie, finds herself at odds with the local law enforcement (aka Allie’s boyfriend, Rex) because Allie is determined to find answers. Whether she is in the line of fire or a direct target, Allie needs to keep her wits about her as she gets involved in more than just the various community committees. You can’t help but to keep turning pages as the mystery develops and the number of victims increases.  On the plus side, you learn quite a bit about the island and its inhabitants. Mackinac Island is on my bucket list of cozy places to visit so that I can find some world class fudge, in the mean time I will make due with some of the wonderful recipes that Ms. Coco so generously shares between the chapters, such as the Turtle Fudge and Cinnamon Mocha Fudge.

MAY 10th RELEASES 

Murder in the Community Garden

(A Tory Benning Mystery #3)

Judith Gonda

Published by Beyond the Page

Tory Benning, expert lawn architect and lover of Pomeranian pups, is back righting wrongs, helping her friend Mac, and generally causing her police officer friend Adrian a headache. Good thing she has a bestie like Ashley who will always be happy to share a bottle of wine and a few small adventures. Tory is a character with great ideas and a highly developed power of observation, she notices many things, like the beautiful flowers, trees, grasses, and many other southern California plants. I found the landscaping and plant identification aspect of the story telling process very useful as I have just moved back to the semi-desert climate of California and have gotten some great ideas from the wonderful descriptions. Ms. Gonda does an excellent job of character building and creating a setting in a real world environment while keeping the cozy aspects. Who couldn’t smile at the interactions between Tory and her beloved poms or the way Tory and Ashley are truly like sisters as they laugh together, cry together, and brave the early morning hours on a stakeout together. This is a story that keeps you guessing as to who done it and why did they do once you learn the how did they do it. Tory does a good job of balancing work and life, I wonder how well she will do with the new challenges, Jake may be team Tory, but I think that I am team Jake.    

April 2022 New Cozies

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

April 26th RELEASES 

A Margin for Murder 
A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery
Lauren Elliot
Kensington

This one had me scratching my head as to who did it. I was completely flummoxed up until the big reveal and then I was shaking my head thinking, yep, I could see it going that way. I was a step behind Addie Greyborne, but she is the sleuth in our story so it seems only fair. Addie is a very relatable character, I can especially empathize with her moments of self-doubt, perhaps when you have experience the sort of losses that she has, you unconsciously worry that those good thing/people are going to go away. She is surrounded by a busload of good people. People who refuse to allow her to be mistaken for a murderer just because she isn’t a local, there is a little thing known as motive after all. It wasn’t Addie or Paige’s fault that the recently purchased book bus was housing some rare and missing books, or that it was driven into a wall.  Addie makes new friends and runs into a very old friend, a friend who may be a missing piece to more than one puzzle. An excellent story that does not require a reader to have started at the beginning of the series. A nice group of characters and the story had its share of red herrings and interesting clues.  Speaking of clues, I have a sneaking suspicion that Addie’s composure is going to be shaken up just a tad in the next book based on a new acquaintance and someone’s past history. HMMMMM. 

Simmering With Resentment
A Cookbook Nook Mystery
Daryl Wood Gerber
Beyond the Page

All is good at The Cookbook Nook, with wedding planning for Jenna coinciding with the town of Crystal Cove playing host to a Wedding Expo.  The Expo brings a bountiful amount of blushing brides-to-be and several visitors to town, including Sarita Strachline, the arsonist responsible for the demise of The Grotto. Things take a heated turn when and Rhett’s romantic meal turns into a flaming disaster; kitchen accident or sabotage? With Rhett in the hospital, Jenna goes on the offensive looking for clues and suggesting suspects to local law enforcement. Couple this with expo thefts and a murder and you have one stressed but determined cozy sleuth, who has a slew of suspects, from the ex-husband to the various investors of burned down Grotto. This was such a great title for this cozy, so many suspects had resentment simmering just under the surface. Another great thing about this book are the recipes found at the back of the book for the most delicious items featured throughout the story. I am looking forward to some Salmon and Avocado rolls!

'Til Death
A Witch City Mystery
Carol Perry
Kensington Cozies

Another great Witch City cozy, complete with Angels, tarot readings, romance, and recipes, plus the wedding! Lee and Pete are set and ready to not only say their vows but to also move into a new forever home. All seems to be falling into place complete with honeymoon plans to visit Lee’s aunt and uncle who own an island off the coast and whom she has had no contact with other than cards sent throughout the years. An island with a pirate mystery and a family mystery since this is the place where Lee’s parents’ plane went down. As is customary, Lee turns to her best friend River (who is also a witch), do a tarot card reading and the cards have an interesting tale to tell. There are so many unique and interesting characters in the Witch Lee’s past and present converge as she relives a memory by way of the reflection in a shiny child’s shoe. Lee has learned that this is a gift or curse known as scrying. Sounds like Lee has a lot on her plate right before the wedding right? That’s not all; Aunt Ibby has decided to rent out Lee’s former living space, to an author who spent a bit of time in prison for killing his wife, though he contends that he didn’t do it and investigative reporter Scott Palmer has marginally succeeded in creating a Jekyll and Hyde story potential. I do believe this could be the makings of a post honeymoon book…once they figure out what is hidden on Pirate’s Island, is it gold, precious gems, the truth about that fatal crash??? I would suggest starting at the end of the book with the recipes, especially Marie’s Butterfinger Cookies, to enjoy while you follow the clues with Lee. 

Three Tainted Teas
A Kitchen Witch Mystery
Lynn Cahoon
Kensington Publishing Co.

Mia has been working hard to grow her new business Mia’s Morsels which has experience its share of hiccups both normal and paranormal. Yes, paranormal, as Mia is a kitchen witch like her grandmother, and is a newish member of the Magic Springs community, most likely named for its magical community which resides right along-side with the non-magical folks who have no idea for the most part. So now you know that Mia is a very determined small business owner and devoted granddaughter, so determined that she lets someone convince her to try her hand at wedding organization. Now, I can see how she would make one fantastic caterer for a wedding, her first adventure in sleuthing involved catering an adult birthday party (One Poison Pie). A master organizer, Mia jumps in with two feet, or four if you include the help she receives from boyfriend Trent (yep he knows, and he has his own magic as well).  Since this is a magical wedding couple there are more than the usual challenges and it seems that some sabotage is involved as well. Mia will need more than just a notebook to keep track of this project and the suspects. This series has a great set of supportive crew, a cozy/furry companion Mr. Darcy who has his own set of challenges (Murder 101), and a semi-resident ghost who has seems to be part of a bigger mystery that is yet to be solved. I am a big fan of Mia’s familiar, Gloria, a kitchen witch doll, whose laughter sounds like bells tinkling. I am also a fan of Ms. Cahoon’s for adding a recipe at the end of her books, this time we get a yummy sounding peach cobbler. I wouldn’t mind if more recipes were added, hint hint! 

Til Death (Witch City

Carol Lee

Published by 

This has been a great series, not that it has to come to an end or that Ms. Lee has plans to no longer take us to Salem. Til Death has some great history and back story information about  

The Vanishing Type

Ellery Adams

Published by Kensington Cozies

Mild mannered Hester’s past and future are about to collide, but the ladies of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are there for support; physically, emotionally, and especially sleuthaly (yes, I know that is not a real word, but it sounds good). Who was the guy in the jacket and how does he figure into this tale? Who vandalized the Hawthorne books, and could it be the same person who did away with the visitor in orange? What does an aunt, an author, and some curious and flowerful early edition books all have in common? How has it taken so long for Nora and the Sheriff to realize that just maybe…All these questions and many more are all answered in this latest Magic Springs located mystery. BTW did you notice how pretty in pink accents this new book cover is!! Oh, and if you’re nice, I bet you too can get the recipe for the infamous blueberry & lemon comfort scones, perfect for pairing with this book. Hint: ask Ellery Adams.

March 2022 New Cozies

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

MARCH 29th RELEASES

Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake 
(A Death By Chocolate Mystery #5)
Sarah Graves
Published by  Kensington Cozies

 This one had a distinct Agatha Christie feel to it but instead of Miss Marple you get Jacoba (just call her Jake) and Ellie partners in the Chocolate Moose, chocolate themed bakery. Picture this, a dark and stormy night, a strange cast of Hollywood types, a mysterious murder, and catering by Jake and Ellie with assistance from members of Jake’s family. Yep sounds like an Agatha Christie whodunit to me. Strange sounds and an even stranger hostess; Ingrid Merryfield, but she is from Hollywood after all.   Sometime what sounds like a great opportunity, a great way to get the money you need to do an upgrade or two and make it through the offseason is not all it is cracked up to be. Spooky does not begin to cover it and you cannot help but to continue to read. Jake and Ellie are the perfect tag team/dynamic duo, always having each other’s back. Jake is generally trying to look out for everyone and is usually pretty successful at it, she has past experience of being able to walk away from the Mob and not have to worry about looking back. I was in the dark when it came to figuring out the guilty party, even when they were able to move the giant tree and get the power restored; I was still in the dark. Obviously with a book title invoking a delicious baked good, there has to be recipes, right? Ellie goes out of her way in each book to come up with something new and tasty and while I REALLY appreciate the inclusion of a recipe and a chocolate one at that, I REALLY wish that the book title baked good recipe would also be included. J

A Matter of Hive and Death

Nancy Coco

Published by Kensington

Most appropriately named! The beekeeper community is all a buzz due to the rash of hive vandalism up and down the coast that seems to culminate in the death of  Wren‘s friend and mentor Elias.  It is an unwritten law that a cozy main character cannot possibly sit by and do nothing, especially when her friend and fellow bee keeper, Klaus is picked up as a person of interest. Wren refuses to be a drone and just go about her business, Let it Bee, which is having its 2^nd anniversary sale requiring lots of freshly made product for the swarm of customers. She also refuses to be distracted by the sweet gestures of her old flame, Travis, who seems to have buzzed into town unexpectedly. So many unexpected occurrences and unexpected suspects and then there is the mystery of the hive vandals Gwen works her way through the clues while crafting products and treats such as Honey Peanut Butter cookies.

Pleading the Fish (Seaside Cafe Mysteries - Finale)

Bree Baker

Published by Poisoned Pen Press

OMGOSH, the prologue had me in tears…All good things must come to an end (yes this is a VERY good thing/series) and what a way to finish it off! Where to begin, there’s the Swan family curse, a murder (because there is always a murder), Everly’s insistence on sleuthing (alone on far too many occasions), Grady shaking his head (on far too many occasions), the Charm Town Cryer, lemon cake (yes, I will be making that recipe), and so many suspects, plus a dash-bucket of fish and seaweed (yuck). Take your time reading this, it will be hard because it is a page turner and a tear jerker. Written in such a way that you feel like you are right there with Everly cheering her on, warning her to NOT ask those kinds of questions when on her own, and wanting to cover your eyes but you can’t put the book down. This series has been wrapped with a pretty cover and all the loose strings, tied up to make a most wonderful knot, intricate, beautiful, and strong. Kudos to Julie Anne Lindsay for another series that was extremely well done. And a HUGE thanks for including an epilogue with more than one voice. Now which tea should I make to go with some lemon cake to bolster a hero’s heart? 

Three Shots to the Wind (A Chloe Jackson Seaglass Saloon Mystery)

Sherry Harris

Published by Kensington Books

Chloe's change in attitude lead to a change in latitude when she decided to honor her best friend Boone's last request, to look out for his Grandma Vivi. Side note, Grandma Vivi owns a bar, well half owns, since Chloe was the beneficiary of Boone's estate, and doesn't really need anyone looking after her. But that is old news from the first book so be sure to pick up after you finish this one. Now, in this installment, we find out why Chloe had no qualms about heading back to Florida and the Seaglass Saloon. Bound and determined to win her back even if it kills him (whoops), Perry goes for over the top antics using showy gifts mysteriously delivered culminating in an expensive meal he never shows up to. He obviously doesn't know Chloe like he thought he did. Maybe Chloe didn't know Perry as well either. Chloe is a former librarian whom you can completely relate to, and she is about as good with mixing drinks as I am. Glass of wine or tea anyone? Tea, like you could pair with a po'boy sandwich. Want to know something else she is good at, sleuthing. Worried that new like (nope not in the love zone, yet) interest Rhett/Rip (not sure which name I like better) may be a person of interest right alongside of herself, Chloe starts looking for suspects with the help of her friends, la few local cozy characters. While she may have left Perry once upon a time, she can't turn her back on finding justice for him. 

MARCH 15th RELEASES

Lock and Skeleton Key

Gigi Pandian

Published by Minotaur Books

This book birthday was was like a birthday gift to me, since we both shared the date this year. A magical story with magic, murder, misdirection, and a Tempest. This cozy captured my attention right away, from the excellent narration and voice talents of Soneela Nankani, to the blended cultures and even a touch of Irish folklore. Such a unique backstory with the Secret Staircase Construction company and the Raj family curse. So much misdirection but isn't that what magic is all about and there was some serious magic in this mystery. A well developed cast of characters, from Ivy the veritable Velma from the Scooby Doo gang to "Uncle" Robbie who could think on his toes. A super supportive family that sticks together through thick and thin, triumph and loss, and who might just put Tempest until lock and skeleton key to protect her. Ah but she is too good of a magician to be "locked up" and will keep at it until this "locked door" mystery is solved and the killer is behind bars.    

Saddled up 4 Murder (A Sophie Kimball Mystery #9)

JC Eaton

Kensington Books 

Sophie Kimball rides again! Phee is one of my favorite characters and Steadman; her Mom’s/Harriet’s dog; is my favorite neurotic little cozy companion! The hijinks of this crew will keep you in stitches, as once again Phee is beseeched by her mother Harriet, and the book club ladies, to solve the mysterious death of the Deli Witch before club member Louise is hauled off to jail or worse, it negatively affects the Bye Bye Birdie event and Harriet’s chance to appear on Sonoran Living. One interesting fact to note about Sophie Kimball mysteries is that there are always two mysteries taking place, the dire peril as perceived by Harriet and the more legitimate case being investigated by Williams Investigations by Marshall Gregory (Phee’s fiancé) and Nate Williams.  This time to Williams Investigations team is on the hunt for horse thieves and apparently that crime falls under jurisdiction of the agricultural department, go figure! The (usually) local mystery that Phee takes on often involves information gathering in the most unusual places, such as the dog park in the wee hours of the morning, and talking to the most unusual of people such as a group of Wiccan’s courtesy of her Aunt Ina. Thank goodness for Dunkin Donuts coffee for the early morning sleuthing and places like the Angry Crab Shack for decompressing with a friend while munching on lobster crostini (my choice for inspired cozy/food pairing). This series is highly entertaining and will keep you enthralled on each page as you literally laugh out loud and shake your head, much like Phee.  

February 2022 New Cozy Reviews

  Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews.

FEBRUARY 22nd RELEASES

Antique Auctions are Murder
Libby Klein
Kensington
 
Poppy got a dresser and a bit more…a dead body, while Aunt Ginny got herself a sequined matador jacket. This story has several people wanting more, Auggie Whipple wanted more money, Grover Prickle wants more of his items to quit disappearing, Tildy wants more family (a baby), Courtney Whipple wants more ribbons for his heirloom tomatoes, Mrs. Davis and Josephine want the ornate family jewelry box, Poppy wants more time with Gia, Amber and just wants to solve this murder without the usual challenges and without her new partner Sergeant viola Washington who seems a little skeptical about Poppy’s abilities to fall in and out of trouble that she doesn’t create.  This story is loaded with plenty of characters with character, plenty of suspects, and plenty amazing descriptive foods. Speaking of foods, there are more gluten free goodies and crazy aunt escapades plus the unusual interactions between Figaro, Poppy’s cozy companion cat, and the guests who come to stay at her B&B with their pets, feline drama at its finest.  Speaking of the guests, they provide a bit of comedy relief as well…No need to read the past stories to understand the gist of this one, but you are going to want to anyway. I am glad to see that Poppy is learning, from Figaro no less, that she is good enough, beautiful enough, and special enough, for the likes of Gia. The very end of this one left me blinking back a few tears on Poppy’s behalf and I still say that what goes around comes around and that it would be poetic justice if someone who has a bit in common with a crab sign had to resort to pleading with Poppy to help clear their name(s) ahem, ahem. 

Batter Off Dead
Maddie Day
Kensington Publishing

An unsolved murder from the past might give clues to a similar murder in the present and both involve Buck’s Dad. An emotionally charged mystery that has you wondering how can there not be a connection to the past, but it was so very long ago. There are suspects who seem both, likely and unlikely, friendly and unfriendly, as people come and go for a bite to eat at the Pans and Pancakes restaurant and store.  Some suspects are looking to give some friendly and not so friendly competition by way of a food truck and more. Speaking of food, as always, Ms. Day graciously shares Robbie‘s recipes at the end of the book which includes a blueberry spritzer cocktail recipe, perfect for the summertime or when you want to remember the summer time. 

Carmel Pecan Roll Murder

Joanne Fluke

Kensington

It is hard to believe that Hannah Swenson, owner of the Cookie Jar and most eligible bachelorette with a business in Lake Eden, is 40. I woman whose cookie creation skills are only slightly eclipsed by her sleuthing skills. This latest installment is chalk full of characters, clues, and culinary delights. The story had me stumped in a few places and I truly enjoyed how the ladies in Hannah's family danced their way around the sloshed celebrity.   While I have always been team Norman, I must say that there was a side to Mike  that I would never have expected and it isn't what you think. A cliff hanger ending to be sure, so while I wait for the next Hannah Swenson story, I'll keep myself busy making Butterscotch Delight Cookies and Corned Beef Beef Hash quiche.

Murder on an Irish Farm  (An Irish Village Mystery)

Carlene O'Connor

Kensington

The much anticipated and postponed wedding day is finally here! Or so I thought... Great plot, more twists and turns than a Celtic knot. Fifty years have passed since the groom did a "runner" or at least that is what everyone thought. A missing groom (not Macdara), missing money (30 quid), and many suspects (at least 5). Suspects who are a little silver, but even if they are all over 60 who is to say they didn't push their luck by pushing a second victim into the slurry pit (yuck). Garda Siobhán is bound and determine aka stubborn and will not rest/wed until the killer or killers are found. An excellent character, from her steel trap mind, her quick wit, her unwavering loyalty to family, to her brown bread (recipe found in Murder at an Irish Christmas). I am definitely making the eclairs recipe found at the conclusion of the story as well as curried chips, recipe not supplied but so easy that even and "eejit" (said with a bit of brogue) could make em.

Honey Roasted (A Coffeehouse Mystery)

Cleo Coyle

Published by Berkley 

I’ve missed the Village and Clare Cosi. It has been more years than I care to admit since I last read a mystery, and I am very happy to report that this latest installment does not disappoint. Clare has a wedding/honeymoon to plan, a new coffee to debut, and a bee problem. Multiple mysteries, life threatening situations, a romance intervention, many cups of coffee, and did I mention recipes, oh the wonderful recipes!  Great story full of relatable characters, interesting and fun facts, plus the most exquisite descriptions of foods and beverages. Plus a plethora of red herrings to keep you guessing, so yes you might want to grab a mystery reader’s journal to keep track of everyone and everything. Looking forward to making many of the recipes, both sweet and savory alike!

FEBRUARY 15th RELEASES

Caught and Collared

Jackie Layton

Published by Beyond the Page

Wedding planning should not include murder solving; however, Andi Grace is really good at multi-tasking. Which makes sense since she runs a flourishing pet care business and is looking to expand her offerings to include grooming. Much like the dogs she walks, she seems to have a sixth sense about people and is always looking to lend a helping hand. So much more than just Southern hospitality, it’s a part of her, much like her name, a certain amount of Grace when dealing with others, be they man or beast, dog or drama queen, from the gruff to the clueless and all those in-between.  Was it the obnoxious attitude or something from a cold case that brought about the podcasters dip in the pool. This installment definitely had me on the edge of my seat turning pages faster and faster as both Andi Grace and I followed the clues, stopping just long enough to look for a dress that could make her say YES. The perfect story to read while snacking on Oatmeal Raisin Pecan cookies and a Coke.

January 2022 New Release Cozies

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews.

JANUARY 25th RELEASES

Hot and Sour Suspects
A Noodle Shop Mystery
Vivien Chien
St. Martin Paperbacks

Speed dating sounds like a hot idea to bring more customers to the Ho Lee Noodle House, located in the Asia Village, Fairview Park, Ohio. Even restaurant manager Lana’s mom is supportive of the idea, after all you must pay to play, but it turns sour when one player is found dead after his date, leaving Rina on the top of the suspect list.  Kimmy and Megan are quick to suggest that they sleuth out the suspects while boyfriend/Detective Aidan, as always, requests that she be careful. It isn’t like she goes looking for trouble, oh wait yes she does and usually ends up stumbling right into it. As always, Vivien Chin delivers an entertaining cozy with a sassy sleuth, supportive sidekicks, a little romance, and a lot of clues to sift through. I am looking forward to the next one, although you should know that this is a stand-alone with plenty of back story sprinkled throughout.  

Up to No Gouda
Linda Reilly
Published by Poisoned Pen Press

First in a new series, and there is nothing cheesy about it except for the wonderful sounding sandwiches. Excellent narration by Mia Gaskin. Dream of a lifetime turns into a real life nightmare. Carly, recent widow and new restaurant owner of a grilled cheese bistro learns that the new building owner is kicking her out to build a boutique for his fiancé.  Lyle Bagley, is the reason Carly and her BFF haven’t been on speaking terms since high school. So you can guess who the victim is and unfortunately, Carly’s hard working helper is at the top of the suspect list to be grilled. Not everybody enjoyed interacting with Lyle, not even his own brother so there are plenty of likely suspects, plenty of red herrings, and plenty of yummy sounding sandwiches like Smoky Steals the Bacon.

JANUARY 22nd RELEASES

Murder at a Scottish Social

Traci Hall

Published by Kensington

Paisley Shaw meets the Mean Girls who became the Ladies Who Lunch. They lunch and gossip, and backstab, and get murdered. All Paisley wants to do is be a successful shop owner, a good Mum, take care of her Grandpa, and enjoy the company of friends at the weekly Knit and Sip get together. Yet here she goes again, being in the wrong place at the right time to help the well dressed detective Zeffer. This series makes me want to visit Scotland and visit not only Paisley's town of Nairn, but also her shop even though I don't know the first thing about knitting or yarn.. An engaging tale where is seems that one keeps their friends close and maybe their enemies closer. Plenty of of suspects because the victim was plenty awful, and what a horrible way to be done in, by food. Speaking of which, I think I will be pairing this book with a nice piece of salmon and some rosemary potatoes for a cozy dinner.  

JANUARY 11th RELEASES

Crimes and Covers

Amanda Flowers

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Wedding time for Violet Waverly and David Rainwater, which means it is time to find something old, new, borrowed, and blue. How about an old book, a new acquaintance, a borrowed book, and a lady with the blues and a questionable family tree? Speaking of trees, one thing to know about Violet‘s family bookstore, Charming Books, is that it has a birch tree in the middle of it that is very, very special. While is not magic, the tree or perhaps the essence of the tree has a magic about it. I also believe that Faulkner the store crow and Emerson the store cat are both smarter than the average cozy companions. Perhaps it is the tree, or maybe it is the spring from which Violet must gather water from each day to keep the tree alive. Books can appear as if you summoned them and often times they give hints to help    figure out which way to go with a mystery. Ah yes, the mystery. What do you say to someone who believes so passionately that they are in fact a descendant of a famous author of days gone by? Believes to the point of obsession? Violet, like all cozy main characters, has a heart of gold and the tracking abilities of a bloodhound. How she makes time to solve a mystery surrounding a rare book, solve not one but two murders, make a small bit of peace with her traveling troubadour father, and get married is completely beyond me. Must be all the help she gets from her BFF Sadie, Mayor Grandma Daisy, Faulkner & Emerson (the cat who knows how to slip out in and of most places) and her new husband Police Chief Rainwater. All of the aforementioned characters have been expertly created with such unusual and original personalities that you feel like you know them or at least would want to get to know them. 

Three Book Problem

Vicki Delaney

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Much like Sherlock, Jemma must use her deductive reasoning and her smashing English accent to look at all the signs, as there are more than four, when the party host becomes the victim of a darting.  A most unusual gathering of people to supposedly discuss the Cannon while in period dress at a mysterious Victorian home. It also seems that this group has very little good to say about their host. Jemma has a bit of an advantage over Sherlock, she has baker/cook extraordinaire Jayne Wilson, her best friend, for a Watson, and Detective Ryan Ashburton, her very clever and handsome boyfriend instead of Scotland Yard. No one is above suspicion and everyone has a motive, or at least the appearance of a motive, even the widow who seems a tad too dramatic about her great love and loss. Excellent read with red herrings, brilliant deductions and perfectly paired with mini mushroom tarts.

JANUARY 4th RELEASES

A Fatal Family Feast

Lynn Cahoon

Published by Lyrical Press

Family can be challenging to say the least especially when it involves life changing events. Felicia hasn’t looked to her parents, especially her father, for permission much less their blessing with regards to her life choices for a number of years. So, Just because her betrothed, Estebe , is the old fashioned sort and requested his Mr. Williams’ blessing it doesn’t mean that he won’t meet Felicia at the altar on the blessed day.   Emotions run high, and not even the ex-boyfriend aka Mr. Williams’ pick for Felicia is going to stand in the way. A dead body, the ex’s dead body, well that might be another story as Estebe is on the top of the suspect list. Angie and crew (of the County Seat restaurant) are ready and willing to chase the clues and red herrings while keeping the wedding plans on track. There are so many suspects and so many mentions of great foods. Of course, when the main character, Angie, runs a farm-to-fork restaurant how could there not be. Thank you to author Lynn Cahoon for including a recipe for Workday Quick and Easy Risotto; it was not only quick and easy but also quite tasty.  

December 2021 New Cozy Reviews

Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews. The food pairings and Instagram shares are of  my own making. 

DECEMBER 28th RELEASES

Bake, Borrow, and Steal

Ellie Alexander

St. Martin"s Paperbacks

A lost manuscript by THE Bard on loan leads to a theft and a murder amidst a Shakespearean culinary event complete with a chocolate sculpted desk created by the intrepid  and her amazing staff at Torte, family, and of course there is no friend who can compare with Lance. A well crafted cozy with hints of corruption, larceny, saffron bread, a chocolate masterpiece, and murder. Torte is the perfect example of what a café should be and Julia is the epitome of a cozy main character, completely relatable and accompanied by a family, a work family and a slightly mischievous friend. Toss in a few suspects  with either means or opportunity and a dash of motive making this a book that you can’t put down because it is just too good.  My only point of contention is that such wonderful desserts and dishes are beautifully described, but it would be simply prefect with a few recipes tossed in.

Witch Trial

Cate Conte

Published by Kensington 

While I am not a fan of power inhibiting by means of chocolate, I am a fan of this storyline! Witch Hunt introduced us to Violet and she in turn was introduced to the world of magic. A witch with ability to read an aura like a book, although I think she is pretty good at getting a read on a person without her powers. Such a necessary skill when dealing with rival council members, an unusually attractive mentor, a relationship beyond its "best by date", death by genie, getting burned, dealing with Fiona/Mom, cooking with Zoe, and encroaching shadows. Violet isn't the type to shrink when there is someone who needs her help. The story flowed nicely intertwining the mystery from Witch Hunt and progressing that story while also solving the new mystery. After reading it I am now looking up recipes for risotto, I'll need something to do while waiting for the next book... 

DECEMBER 14th RELEASES

Beauty and the Deceased (A Resale Boutique Mystery)

Debra Sennefelder

Published by Lyrical Press

This one made my heart hurt for Kelly, our resale fashionista, with a flair for both style and solving mysteries. Looking forward to spending some girl time catching up with a cousin who is about to make it into the big-time world of makeup, the last thing Kelly expects to do is spend time hunting for her cousin's murderer. Kelly refuses to spend her free time dressing a mannequin when there is a murderer on the loose, regardless of what Detective would prefer.  Great storyline with multiple suspects, a little bit of reality, plenty of red herrings, a scrumptious meal at a local restaurant with baked ravioli and our favorite gentleman (no, not the detective who has his eye on Kelly), a little family drama (okay, there is a lot of family drama thanks to a cranky uncle) and a nice influx of merchandise for the store when a new consigner decides to give up the boxed clothes subscription habit.  

DECEMBER 9th RELEASES

A Cornish Christmas Murder (A Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery)

Fiona Leitch

Published by One More Chapter

This was by far the most bizarre mystery yet for Jodie, Met copper turned chef. A remorseful exec, a sot for a Santa, a secret passage, and cursed sword take center stage in this holiday cozy featuring delectable mince meat pies (no meat included). While Santa may be hitting the sauce, Jodie is just plain saucy and a tad snarky, truth is she can be downright scary with her powers of deduction. As many people tend to point out, she is a chip off the ole block, meaning that her Dad, former Chief Inspector for the Penstowan police station, was a man of high regard. Was Santa on someone's naughty list or was it a case of mistaken identity (not bloody likely, I mean have you seen the guy). Some nice distracting moments and I applaud Debbie and Daisy for their abilities to help Jodie, not that she wants Daisy to following that path, but what mum wouldn't be proud. Great fun and a little romance to boot when DI Nathan shows up to help save the day, or at least save Jodie's sanity. Looking forward to making the minced pies, going to use the premade mincemeat fruit but will make my own pie crust using Jodie's recipe. 

DECEMBER 7th RELEASES

Cold Brew Corpse (A Coffee Lovers Mystery)

Tara Lush

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Much like a proper cold brewed coffee, this mystery is smooth, and just like yoga, this cozy does some twists and turns that kept me guessing as to how it was going to turn out.  I second guessed myself into not figuring it out until the big reveal. Yoga instructor Raina was worshipped, envied, despised, and maybe just a little bit driven and prone to some drama, in one person’s words, she is complicated. Is she missing or taking some time off, soon conflicting stories lead to multiple suspects giving Lana an opportunity to put on her investigative reporter hat since she freelances for the local paper. One would think that managing Perkatory, concocting some killer cold brew, creating 5-ingredient yet tasty treats, and engaging in some Sheriff dating would keep a girl busy but the call of the investigative reporter must be answered. Chasing down leads can make a person thirsty so it is a good thing that Lana has her cold brew coffee ready, but wait there is something wrong with the concoction leading to yet another mystery to be solved. Speaking of cold brew, I am not usually a fan of cold coffee unless you add some ice and espresso syrup to give it that mocha frappe flavor. I had one K-cup of Cello chocolate cherry K-cups I figured, why not try it as a cold brew. Turns out, I sometimes like a cold coffee after all.