August 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 (Cooking_With_My_Cozies) are of my own doing. 

AUGUST 30th RELEASES 

Mischief, Murder, and Merlot
A Wine Trail Mystery
J.C. Eaton
Beyond the Page

Halloween hijinks gone awry or is it more than just mischief that led to murder while everyone was sipping merlot…Norrie is back vineyard sitting at the Two Witches Winery while her sister and brother‑ in-law are off on another bug tracking expedition. The Seneca Lake wineries have produced an impressive Merlot this year and   from are in town to try them out. This could be huge for the small vineyard owners and Norrie knows that her job as winery-sitter is to nod and wave. Alas, something wicked this way comes and the critic wines up in the cauldron. On the bright side it means more time with her boyfriend, the winery staff, and the Wine Trail Lake folks. On the dark side, Norrie will need to rope in her friends around the Lake to help to talk up the possible suspects and going on reconnaissance ride‑alongs.   Norrie is an extremely likeable character whom you would want to sip wine with while she tells you about her latest screenplay. The plot flows nicely (like the bottles of wine in the tasting room), and backstory is added in such a way that you are never lost or in a fog. Another great Wine Trail Mystery and the ending that leaves us hanging for the next one! 

AUGUST 23nd RELEASES 

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold
A Salem B&B Mystery
Traci Wilton
Kensington Publishing

This is a mystery as juicy as a corned beef and cabbage dinner and as fast paced as an Irish jig. Charlene Morris is going to need more than just the luck of the Irish to solve this one.  Charlene’s B&B is THE idyllic place to stay when visiting Salem, Mass because you are made to feel like a member of the family, not just a guest and the social hour is amazing. After so many other misadventures (no you don’t have to be familiar with them), Charlene had no intentions of getting involved in this latest murder mystery, how was she to know that she was going to be at the wrong place at the right time just by retrieving a coat for a guest. With all the suspects saying they didn’t do it, she and her spirited housemate must figure out who is and who isn’t full of malarkey. This story has a very good cast of characters, red herrings, and an unlikely partnership.  I am thinking that this story pairs well with a chicken, spinach and mushroom quiche followed by a dessert of lacy cookies with orange zest and pecans, as both are made by Minnie, the amazing B&B cook. 

Peanut Butter Panic
An Amish Candy Shop Mystery
Amanda Flowers
Kensington

You think you know someone and then you meet their mother, and it explains quite a bit. Thanksgiving time in Harvest, Ohio and Margot has organized a community feast for both Amish and English (non-Amish) to celebrate the holiday.  The unflappable Margot has become quite flapped with the news that her mother (Zara) a retired and no longer local judge will be returning to Harvest for a visit. Margo isn’t the only one who is less than pleased with the news, as Bailey learns that Zara was unusually harsh with her judicial treatment of the Amish, making her persona-non-grata. This is a twisty plot; there is an unexpected engagement, a death at the dinner table, a secret past, and multiple suspects including Margot and her husband. Zara asks Bailey to do what she does (second) best (she is an amazing chocolatier so sleuthing is her second skill) and prove that Margot is innocent. Plenty of red herring to keep you, Bailey and Aiden guessing and a sweet treat – Maami’s Buckeye recipe at the end of the story, although I am thinking of making some Amish spread to keep around for when I want to sweeten up a biscuit or bagel.  

Six Feet Deep Dish
Mindy Quigley
St. Marten’s Press

What a fun new cozy!  Meet Delilah and Sonya of Delilah and Son’s Chicago style pizza, where chaos is prohibited and fresh flavors are the real deal.  Starting a new restaurant is no easy endeavor, even if you’re a skilled chef with a talented and supportive staff. Unfortunately, opening night is overshadowed by a not so mysterious death with Delilah’s somewhat frail great-aunt Elizabeth (Biz) as the main suspect, however unlikely, that might be. Naturally, Delilah and her crew are not going to let Biz stay at the top of Detective Calvin Capone’s list. The characters are extremely engaging, the story moved at a good pace with plenty of clues and red herrings, PLUS there are recipes for food and drink at the end of the story courtesy of Delilah, Sonya, Aunt Biz and Daniel. 

A Treacherous Tale
The Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries
Elizabeth Penny
St. Martin’s Paperbacks

A slight continuation from the series starter but you don’t need to have read the first to know what is happening in A Treacherous Tale, but I think that you’re going to want to. This is a case of tragic déjà vu, a fairy crown, and a missing Strawberry girl. Molly begins to wonder just how much of The Strawberry Girls story is fiction and how much of it is based in fact. Everyone seems to be a suspect or they are at least very suspicious which means that there are plenty of strawberry red herrings to keep you intrigued and turning pages. A well rounded story that includes a little romance with a bike shop owner, some tasty sounding pastries such as strawberry scones from Daisy‘s café and a most importantly, a well thought out mystery. 

AUGUST 18th RELEASES 

A Cornish Recipe for Murder 
A Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery
Fiona Leitch
One More Chapter

This story takes my two favorite things, British Bake Offs and cozy mysteries and creates a jolly good time. Talk about multitasking, Jodie is executing excellent bakes while looking for clues and questioning suspects. No she is not a cop who bakes, she is a former cop who caterers, and no she did not sign up for the contest but it looks like she will be taking her nosey skills and her baking skills on the road-show. Was it a case of mistaken identity or had the new assistant made an enemy, he certainly wasn’t a friendly fellow. Past history is not needed when reading a Nosey Parker book, you are given tidbits of back story to keep you in the loop. Could you imagine how incredible it would be to win the roadshow and solve the crime? Jodie works to eliminate suspects while not being eliminated from the show. When she isn’t being “Nosey” (who are we kidding, she is always looking into things that need to be looked into), she is involved in so many roles that it can make your head spin. Another fun and cheeky read that includes the recipe for Jodie’s Show Stopper, a proper fruit cake, not that nonsense that we yanks have over here in the US. So fingers crossed that I can reproduce her recipe!

AUGUST 9th RELEASES

A Dish to Die For
Key West Food Critic Mystery
Lucy Burdette
Crooked Lane Books

I really like how recipe books and restaurant reviews are woven into the Key West Food Critic mysteries, as each chapter is started with an interesting food related quote. Hayley Snow was just going along, minding her own business taking care of her husband’s pup Ziggy when they stumble upon a dead body in the sand. Actually, Ziggy and Davis Jager, local bird watcher, literally uncover a man in a shallow grave on the beach. GG Garcia, land developer and a man with more enemies than scruples who had a father who wasn’t much better and a son who could do better. Ah but tracking down clues with the help of her active adult sidekick Miss Gloria, to assist the bird watcher is not all that occupies Hayley’s time. Nathan’s out of touch Dad, who is also a cop, is in town wanting to visit. Nathan and his Dad do not have the best of relationships, not like Hayley and her folks. On top of the impromptu visitor, Hayley volunteers to help with the memorial service repast being catered by her Mom. While helping with cleanup Hayley happens upon a box with papers possibly related to the earliest version of the Woman’s Club cookbook, and pages from a diary. A diary with illustrations and recipes and the secret thoughts penned on loosely bound pages which lead to uncovering a dark secret from the past. This story takes note that while times change but some people stay the same, trapped in a perpetual cycle of discourse. Ms. Layton does an excellent job of entertaining us with a mystery and enticing us with some amazing foods, that she graciously provides recipes for at the back of the book.  

In Too Steep
A Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery
Kate Kingsbury
Crooked Lane 

Interesting story format, two person views one is the tearoom owner, Vivian Wainwright and the other is police investigator, a bit of a “she said, he said”. Now before you start thinking that Vivian and Detective Lieutenant Tony Messina are going to be an item, you need to know that she isn’t into younger men and he is into Vivian’s assistant, Jenna Ramsey. Vivian, Jenna, Gracie Jackson and are more than just coworkers, they are supportive friends and a trio of sleuths. Vivian is unable to let the mysterious death of a homeless vet found with one the not so pretty Big Ben clocks from her tea room go without trying to do him justice and find his killer. This is the second in this new series and it was not necessary to have read the starter to know what was going on with the regulars. The story has a good amount of suspects, red herrings, and clues which help to keep the story flowing and enjoyable. The only thing I could think to suggest would be to add a few English tea house recipes to go with the wonderful food items mentioned in the story.  

 

AUGUST 2nd RELEASES

Round up the Usual Peacocks 
A Meg Langslow Mystery
Donna Andrews
Minotaur Books

Cozy mystery or a how-to-book for multi-tasking while avoiding wedding prep chores, you decide. Meg Langslow is a witty and completely personable cozy main character who has a knack for solving mysteries. You find yourself chuckling and nodding your head while you read about her most unusual and delightful family, which seems to make up a good part of the town (it helps to have connections). The story takes two old and one case and sends us on a merry chase full of college collusion, mistaken identity, a mysterious disappearance, and the hunt for perfectly plumed peacocks. Be sure to grab your notebook if you are taking notes about the characters, their motives or alibis be sure to grab your  notebook or in Meg’s case, her “tells me when to breath” notebook. I might just start keeping one myself; she sure does seem to get a lot accomplished by using her notebook. I did notice that this seemed to be one of the only books where she wasn’t working in her shop (her blacksmith shop). To top it all off there is a slew of Norwegian goodies with completely unpronounceable names for everyone to enjoy when they visit Ragnar the retired rock star at his goth-like mansion Ragnarsholm. I for one am looking up recipes for Krumkaker and Trollkrem, as well as the proper pronunciation. I enjoyed this one so much I went back and read A Murder of Peacocks, the series starter, which also involved Meg in wedding plans and hunting down peacocks as well as a murderer.   

July 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. 

JULY 26th RELEASES 

Death a Sketch (A Paint & Shine Mystery)
Cheryl Hollon
Kensington Publishing

Paint & Shine is entering its first fall and the end of the tourist season. Miranda, worried that times could be tight, decides to add corporate events to her offerings. Team building, art lessons, great food, and some shine cocktails sounds like a great combination, right? Upper management has other plans and team building becomes team demolition as the participating teams are set against each other in order to secure their jobs. On the bright side, Miranda is able to reunite with an old friend, on the dark side, that same friend is high on the suspect list for murder. Essentially everyone has a motive thanks to the crazy competition but who had the opportunity? Miranda teams up with Austin the forest ranger aka her romantic interest, to whittle down the suspect list. I am not sure how she finds the time to sleuth, what with the extremely busy days hosting a wide/wild variety of events for the two teams complete with good glass of shine and some excellent home-style cooking each day. Speaking of which, recipes for both shine-tails and great eats like the Homemade Herb Crackers which are found after the extremely cute ending of the story. 

Murder at the Blueberry Festival
Darci Hannah
Kensington

(Mostly) hilarious hijinks and bountiful blueberry goodies take center stage in the Beacon Harbor Blueberry Festival, unfortunately so does an unscheduled Viking burial at sea. Lindsey Bakewell hates to see her guy, Rory, unhappy so she does what she can to help him get to the bottom of his Scandinavian friend’s demise.  Thankfully she isn’t alone and has a nice group of cozy friends and family who are ready and willing to help sleuth.  She also has a cozy companion, Welly, a very big, and often wet, Newfoundland who sometimes steals the show, he is a dog apparel model after all. The story was as well-crafted as the recipes found at the back of the book. I would suggest picking up a quart of blueberries to have on hand when you take a look at the yummy recipes, in case you want to make a little something to snack on or share while you enjoy this cozy.  

Murder Spills the Tea
Vicki Delaney
Kensington

 
Great title! I recently learned that is the new way to ask for gossip, unfortunately all gossip is not good but all publicity is good, right? Wrong! Lily learns this quickly enough when she reluctantly agrees to take part in a reality TV bake off featuring the Tea Shoppe and her wonderful baked goods. The funny thing about this whole ordeal is that one would think that getting up at the crack of dawn to bake, or prepping after working an entire day is an ordeal, but not Lily. Drama begets drama whether it is naturally occurring or factiously created and this time it leads to murder. There are plenty of suspects, or rather others who make far better suspects than Lily’s assistant, Chery, who unlike several of the Hollywood types, had no true motive. Like the two books that preceded it, this cozy also has quite a bit of sleuthing, a cuddly companion, a dynamic duo, a gallant gardener, and recipes that are perfect regardless of when or how you take your tea.   

No Parm No Foul
(Grilled Cheese Mystery Book #2)
Linda Reilly
Poisoned Pen Press

Who doesn’t like a Fall Food Festival contest with a Halloween theme? This story definitely has a spooky setup, the murder, not the culinary competition, which resulted in not only some face stuffing but also some ballot box stuffing and what appears to be a staking. Obviously Ari isn’t the culprit so who did in the surly sandwich maker while cloaked in darkness and a vampire cape. Plenty of suspects to choose from who had much more of a motive than Ari which means there will be plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. An entertaining story with savory sandwiches like the Sleeps with the Fishes tuna fish sandwich featured at the back of the book. 

Witch and Famous
(Witch Way Librarian Mysteries #3)
Angela M. Sanders
Kensington Books

I have often felt that books speak to me, or rather they call to me, not unlike cursed Aztec gold. Unfortunately they do not help me to answer questions but they are a great way to pass the time. Now, Josie on the other hand, the intrepid librarian and truth teller witch has a rare gift and an even rarer relationship with books. Ms. Sanders does a superb job of giving not only Josie but all of the characters a  sense of depth. From Josie's need to see justice done, Roz and her romantic side, Lyndon the plant whisperer, Sam with his confounding facial habit, and all of the unique town's folk. Speaking of the locals, they are not only beside themselves, but also star struck that THE Daphne  wants to interview Roz aka about her romance novel. Daphne is a bit much to take, everyone and I do mean everyone is falling over themselves to be near her. Okay, maybe not her staff and not Roz or Josie (who have their own yet similar reasons). Maybe it is this over the top and slightly saccharine personality that causes the angst, angst that leads to murder and a variety of suspects. I was guessing constantly and reformulating my theory as to who did the deed. I also applaud Josie for her wise choices when faced with temptation.  Speaking of something tempting, those potato pancakes sounded so tempting that they are my pairing choice for this book, since I am not a big fan of peach Shnapps and a Cutie Cocktail just sounded way to sweet and cloying, not unlike the  infamous actress Daphne. Is someone out to get her or is it all drama?

I have often heard that authors are given three book contracts, and while this one ended in such a way that it could leave it there, I would REALLY like to visit Josie and the Wildredians again, very soon!

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.