Doggone Bones: A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery, by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication May 27, 2025

Animal loving readers will quickly grasp why I suddenly felt the need to keep my eye on my dog outside no matter what. This series, as thoroughly entertaining and well-written as it is, touches on animal abuse this go-round. Not just animal abuse but the theft of dogs for dog fighting, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. It left me entertained, angry, frustrated, hopeful, and feeling helpless at various times as I read, sometimes an odd mix of these. In other words, not the light read one might anticipate but one well worth your time.

I actually came to this series late in the game but was immediately hooked. The characters of Sarah Booth Delaney and her partner in the investigation practice, Tinkie Bellcase Richmond are both intriguing characters, even if I continually marvel and wonder what hidden skill Tinkie may showcase next. Like Sarah Booth, she's a dog/animal lover and harks back to a previous book when she wishes she could feel abusers to a shark. Dogs are obviously the focus here but I'll note that the book "Black Beauty" even gets some space courtesy of Jitty the, shall we say, "identify shifting" ghost. Lots of twists and turns centering about not only the current issue, dog theft, dog fighting, danger, and greed, but we're reminded of a Sarah Booth's past as the book progresses. While the book stands alone, I sort of wished I'd managed to read more of the early books -- I'm working on it -- so I'd have a better handle on the background that lead up to the supposedly accidental death. The villain is definitely someone you'll love to hate for many reasons, that's for sure. 

While I'm doing my best not to reveal more of the plot, I will say that as much as I felt the need to cling to my own fur girl as I read, this was an entertaining, albeit troublesome read. The author, I understand, is a long time advocate against animal abuse, so kudos to her for putting the practice of dog fighting and all it entails, which you'll have a better grasp of after reading, squarely in the spotlight. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for this early peek into the frequently complicated world of Sarah Booth and Tinkie, this one focusing on an issue more need to be aware of while leading us on a merry chase of whodunit. And, oh, wow, what a cliff hanger of an ending!

 

Rolling Up Revenge, by Emmie Lyn

 Publication April 30, 2025

I came for the dogs and stayed with the series for the characters. You'll get to meet and know them early on as the initial chapters seem to be dealing with setting up the situation and introducing us to the cast of characters. In other words, even if new to the series, you'll quickly feel at home. In this case, the situation as we open is set in Misty Harbor's annual Blueberry Festival, hosted on property belong to Luke's family. He's being run rather ragged dealing with everything but shows his ability cope and deal with just about anything, even a murder. Who killed food truck owner Harvey and dumped his body in the fields? He's a nasty sort, a troublemaker, someone who has made Dani's employee Christy's life miserable for some time. Parked barely ten paces from Christy's tent at the festival where she planned to debut her vinegar focused creations, he'd just destroyed much of her inventory before stomping off and, ultimately, winding up dead. Needless to say, that make Christy a prime suspect. Dani isn't having that, though, and though distracted by her own booth and issues, promises to help investigate. After all, it was Dani and best friend Maggie the PI who found Harvey's body, well, with the help of their barking dogs. Trust me, that's not the last you'll hear of these dogs as the plot progresses though much of it is far more fun.

 I won't detail the plot, there are plenty of twists and turns.  AJ is caught up in the investigation as is his detective girlfriend, Maggie.  Her energy and focus is enough to wear me out just reading. Good thing she has her trusty Labrador, Sherlock Bones, at her side. Or, maybe not. Nope, not explaining that one. You'll just have to read to see what happens. Dani finds herself ping-ponging from one suspect to the next, discovering how very disliked Harvey was by so many. Even an ex-girlfriend has nothing good to say about him. It was interesting to see Dani's focus shift gears from one suspect to the other, never quite deleting them from the suspect list. In fact, seems like that list grew rather than shrank. Christy isn't helping, either, being secretive and nervous. Does she know who did it? Heck, did she do it? If not, why does she go missing at one point? Will Dani's trusty Jack Rusell Pip and his trusty nose sniff out any clues? I honestly think AJ needs to add him to the police force. He's that good. Protective, too, fortunately for Dani. And, who....oh, enough teasers. 

Bottom line, it's a fun, relatively quick read. You'll like the characters and want to scratch those doggies' ears before all is said and done. And, oh, stay tuned at the end for a fun gathering. Shh, it's a secret. You'll find out why, too. Thanks #BookSirens and author #EmmieLyn for allowing me an early peek at what's going on at the Little Dog Diner and around Misty Harbor. All that blueberry talk makes me want some!

Death on the Rhine (Miss Ashford Investigates #5), by Vivian Conroy

 Publication April 4, 2025

Atalanta Ashford is a bundle of contradictions. Named for a Greek goddess, on the one hand, she's a calmly cool and collected investigator, working to prove her grandfather's trust in her was correct. On the other, she's a bundle of emotions, most tied to her relationship, or maybe I should say wannabe relationship with race car driver Raoul.  We get insight into his thoughts this go-round which only makes the situation all the more perplexing. It's clear both have strong feelings for the other but are for various reasons stuck in neutral. Good thing her sleuthing gears are in full working order because this case is a complex one.

It starts innocently enough. On a vacation where she's joined by Raoul, Atalanta encounters an old acquaintance, the brother of a former teacher associate. Quite frankly, unhappy by Raoul's rejection once again, she enjoys the attentions of Otto Rabenhorst, someone she seems to have lots in common with. Otto invites her to a gathering that evening and Raoul tags along, giving lies to his earlier claims of no interest. Is he jealous? Maybe. He bows out quickly enough, however, when she accepts Otto's invitation to join his admittedly odd family on a cruise on the Rhine River. Like Raoul, this family seems to have many, many secrets. Initially mostly agreeing in hopes of brightening up Otto's now motherless daughter's angst over the believed harsh treatment of her grandmother, Frau Rabenhorst, Atalanta quickly finds herself embroiled in not just the workings of a dysfunctional family but a murder. 

But, wait. There's more. A daughter that sees all. Shady dealings. Mysterious deaths in past, not to mention present. Arranged marriage. Blackmail. Paper cuttings? Manipulation. Lies. A missing page of a letter. Pride. Greed. Drugs. Haughtiness of wealth. Riverboat cruise. Secrets. And more secrets. And even more secrets. Who is who? Who to trust? What is Raoul hiding. Heck, what is Atalanta hiding? Death. And, oh, that's more than enough teasers. Seriously, I don't want to give away the twists and turns by being too specific. While I had an inkling of the guilty party....been reading too many cozy mysteries of late.....I definitely didn't see those last couple twists coming. Thanks #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter for letting me have this early peek at Atalanta's, oh, so complicated life. That ending has me anxious to see where it leads us next. 

No Roast for the Weary (Coffeehouse Mystery, #21), by Cleo Coyle

 

Publication April 1, 1015

Although I'm not much of a coffee drinker, I thoroughly enjoy this series. In fact, it was one of the ones that made a cozy mystery fan out of me. It's been way too long since I've dropped into the Village Blend but I immediately felt right at home. It was lots of fun to be there for the birth, or should I say rebirth, of The Writer's Block Lounge, too, despite its early hiccups.  Boy, everyone should have a retired astronaut handy to share ideas on how to make large groups under intense pressure work best. I'd say he fully earned that Golden Ticket and Madame's attentions. It was an added plus to learn some of the back history of the coffeehouse, too, while getting a feel for life in New York City. Heck, we even get to ogle some well-known celebrities virtually although I'm not sure I'd be as disciplined as Claire and have not snapped a few photos.   

New readers, don't hesitate to jump in here. While it was nice to know backstories of character relationship, it works very well as a standalone. You'll settle in quickly, enjoying characters such as the animal loving, slam-poet Esther, and the rest of those associated with the Village Blend. Claire Cosi remains the hard-working, focused, and, oh, so determined woman I remembered and, well, Madame will always be Madame to me, too. Mother of Claire's ex-husband and now friend, Matt, Madame remains a force to be reckoned with. Despite my annoyance with Matt this go-round, he remains ready to head off on his next coffee bean recon trip, trips that usually provide more than a little rush of danger. I actually wondered if, despite my annoyance with what he was contemplating, he might just be growing up a bit more and thinking of the future, at least the financial future for Claire and his mother. I'll be paying attention to that possibility next book, that's for sure. 

As for the plot, it's complicated. On the surface it appears to be an investigation into who mugged a coffeehouse regular but, oh, my, there are more layers. Many more layers, in fact. Oh, and there's a duck involved. Nope. Not telling. You'll have to read the book. Lots of twists and turns, red herrings galore, missing manuscripts, coded manuscripts, hit-and-runs, and, oh, yeah, murder. And that's just the surface. I'd like to smugly say I figured it all out but who am I kidding? I didn't know for sure until the final big reveal and that wasn't even the end of the book. Lots more reveals, let's just say. Toss in celebrity sightings, taxi rides past well-known landmarks that included The Heights, publishing woes, writers woes and egos, lots of quotes and lyrics, friends and family, and, oh, so much more. Thanks #Berkley for my virtual invite to finally revisit the Village Blend and renew my acquaintance with Claire and the rest. I'm definitely looking forward to spending time in The Writer's Block Lounge next visit, especially now that they've figured out how to make it work with such diverse, intensely creative customers.

An Extremely Unlikely Death, by Hannah Hendy

 

Publication March 20, 2025

This was a new-to-me series and I’m glad I gave it a chance. I was quickly able to orient myself with who was who and info on previous relationships and plots flowed smoothly into the story and dialogue. While some may find it relatively slow paced, it unfolded in such a way that I felt comfortable with the characters as I became equally comfortable with the largely school setting. Margery and Clementine make an interesting couple sleuths and differences in approaches are noted as we go along. They also have a job that I don't recall encountering an amateur sleuth in, albeit countless are in that same general field, food. Nope, not owners or bakers of a trendy bakery or cafe. They provide meals in Summerview school's cafeteria. They, along with their friends, The Dinner Lady Detectives, wind up not only having a case to solve but must worry about salvaging their own jobs given the arrival of a new headmaster after the first is found dead at the bottom of the steps at his home. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, the local police quickly declare it a tragic accident and block their soon to be detective, Symon, from investigating further. Bothered by it all, he's the one who asks Margery and Clementine to  look into it. Then, much to their surprise, the discover they inherited everything from FItzgerald, including his beloved Jack Russell, Jason.

That's when the story really takes off. They visit his, now their, new property and find some interesting clues, not to mention lots of, well, miscellaneous stuff. They even have some unmarked keys but are having trouble finding the one they're just sure will help them find some vital clues. Toss in the upheaval at the school, where the new, seemingly to-be-temporary headmaster, Janet Cooper, is issuing some odd demands and new rules. She's also set up a sort of "tattle tale" group of students who are taxed with reporting anything out of the ordinary to her. As a former teacher, I could see where this could lead to trouble, no, make that Trouble with a capital "T". Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. Then there is the very troublesome issue of why the police seem to be covering up evidence. What is going on? In the middle of all this, Margery is told she must learn a new computer program to order cafeteria food and supplies, cutting out local suppliers for a company the new headmaster mandates be used. On the home front, the question is, will their cats get along with new dog Jason. Speaking of Jason, it's a hoot watching Dinner Detective/teacher Rose take him around with her at school while dog-sitting. Emotional support dog? Okay, works for me. And, oh, so much more but that's enough teasers for now. 

All in all, a fun, interesting read with both its serious moments and humor. While not quite hooked yet, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book. I really do want to get to know this cast of characters  better, not to mention keep up with senior dog Jason. Poor baby. Locked in a cabinet? I already disliked whoever the whodunit character was and the book had only begun. And, as a former teacher, of course I found the school setting of interest, albeit I'm happy to say my schools were never as, oh, what word should I use? Okay, let's be mundane, "interesting" as Summerview. I definitely give kudos to author Hendy for sharing that former headmaster James admits he's surprised to discover how much he's enjoying being with students and his return to teaching English without carrying all that bureaucratic responsibilities. Thanks #Canelo for introducing me to not just Margery and Clementine but their school. I'm sure I'm going to feel right at home there. Well, as long as I don't get murdered. Grin.

Puzzled 4 Murder, by J. C. Eaton

 

Publication February 25, 2025

Laugh out loud antics and scenes. Who knew putting together a giant sized jig-saw puzzle could be both so challenging and hilarious, not to mention filled with obstacles like vandalism and break-ins. As an Alaskan fairly accustomed to the earth moving beneath my feet, I had to chuckle out loud when the excuse of an earthquake was used to hide one of the efforts to halt the puzzle's construction. Toss in a second, long-cold case investigation that Marshall and Nate are dealing with and Sophie/Phee's mind is whirling. There's rarely a dull moment here in this largely dialogue driven plot and, if there is, it's a set up to an even more hilarious scheme or moment. Long time readers, never fear. Streetman gets lots of space.

I adore this series.  While the characters are quirky and, oh, so opinionated, they somehow always come across as individuals that we'd like, albeit probably in small doses for many. Life in the retirement village of Sun City West in Arizona is certainly never dull. True, perhaps not good for ones blood pressure but never dull, especially if Phee's mother is around. Poor Phee. She seems to always be on the alert for the next phone call from her mother and whatever it may bring, which often involves not just her but Marshall and Nate's investigative company. Marshall, Phee's husband, seems to be a bit of a calm, amused voice of calm in the middle of what can often be described as chaos, the perfect balance for Phee's often fretful reactions. I mean, she's a woman who finds calm in the ordered realm of numbers, ie doing the firm's billing and accounting. Friend and office assistant Augusta seems to be fairly well grounded, too, but she has her moments, not to mention goofy theories. I guess when you word for a detective agency that this goes with the territory. Computer guru Rolo, a master hacker, er, computer investigator, always adds a bit of humor along with info that moves things along or throws up stop signs on some of the more outlandish theories. There are many, many other characters who pop in regularly so let's just say, while there are times they may tend to blend together during the fast paced scenes, they always bring something to the story, even Paul the fishing fanatic. As a group, they might make your head spin but, somehow, you'll enjoy every moment of time you spend with them.

.So, who killed Samantha? Why is someone trying to make sure that the jig-saw puzzle is never completed? Who'd care? Well, aside from the attention loving group involved from Sun City West? Who broke into the library in an effort to wreck what progress had been made on the over 4000 piece puzzle? Does Phee's mother have a plan to find out? Of course she does. Many, one of which involves, no lie, ghosts. Don't ask. Read. Can't forget Streetman, of course. That dog can get in more fixes than you can count, so will he be helpful or just a distraction? Or, knowing Streetman, downright destructive? And, oh, more than enough teasers. Trust me. I've only hit some high points. Lots more to keep you laughing and turning pages. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me this early peek into the chaos surrounding Phee at pretty much any given time. Good thing she has that nice, cool pool to relax in.

Shot Through the Book, by Eva Gates

 Publication May 5, 2025

A dead body on her own deck wasn't how Lucy hoped to start the Young Adult Book Festival. Not only is it someone she has barely met but, uh-oh, he was to be the festival's prime author. Who killed Todd Harrison? Why on Lucy and Conner's deck? And, oh, my, not with the usual weapon. Toss in a pushy, not exactly grief-stricken wife with political ambitions, rabid fans determined to live out rituals in Todd's YA series, and gossip, and you've got a twisty mystery to solve. On top of everything else, Lucy isn't even feeling all the great.

I don't want to detail the plot and ruin one moment for readers but will say that as a former teacher with librarian fans, I loved this twist on teens and authors. While I was a bit taken aback by Lucy's lack of backbone when Heather Harrison came calling, cameraman and assistant in tow, especially given Lucy is usually the strong one, I fully enjoyed the story. Politics in its most rabid attack mode might best characterize Heather's tactics but, wow, she is definitely a piece of work. By the time she's done, she's pretty much accused everyone of being inept, ineffectual, useless, or even being a murderer. I guess I'd be a bit taken aback to be confronted by someone like that, too, so I cut Lucy some slack. It was fun to see the rest of the cast of characters together again, sharing ideas, and I felt like I was back home with friends as I joined them virtually. Now, true, a little of Louise Jane goes a long way but Lucy was pretty successful at keeping her reined in. There's even some romance blooming, always fun when you're among friends. 

Bottom line, a fun, thought provoking read in many ways. While as educators we strive to pull students into reading, this one tackles what happens when an author's work becomes an obsession. Even worse, an obsession that leads them into not just annoying but potentially dangerous situations. What might be the result? You'll probably at first shake your head at some of the Todd Harrison book fans but be forced to look deeper into teen angst and obsessions as it progresses. You'll even learn a bit about a sport that isn't the norm for cozy mysteries, at least those set in modern times, as well as get some insight into both publishing and author agents, not to mention author rivalries. Nags Head is, as always, a fascinating location and I enjoy the quirky characters that seem to have found their virtual home there. This one kept me guessing until nearly the big reveal, I must admit. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for this early peek at all that's going on in Lucy's life. I did guess that not too finely hidden hint about the final big reveal, though, I must admit. Now I'm looking forward all the more to the next book.

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt - Gift Edition, by Riel Nason , Byron Eggenschwiler (illustrator)

 

Publication July 1, 2025

Who knew ghosts suffer from some of the same problems humans do? Like being different. I hadn't planned to review this so early but my wandering fingers opened it by mistake and I decide to take an early look. Glad I did. Next thing I knew, I'd read the entire story. What a sweet, meaningful one. Poor little Ghost Quilt struggles to fit in with the rest of his ghostly family but, well, he isn't like them. They're all of the white sheet mode we're so used to seeing ghosts depicted as. Instead of light, swirly, twirly sheets, however, Ghost Quilt is, well, a quilt. A sweet little mostly blue quilt of blocks with various patterns but a quilt nevertheless. As a result, it's heavier and he has trouble keeping up, so to speak. No one really seems to bully him but he feels isolated just the same. Needless to say, finding the trail to his true self and realization that it's okay to be different isn't easy. You'll enjoy the story of how he does it, I'm sure, as well as the illustrations.

Speaking of illustrations, kudos to illustrator Eggenschwiler. He uses a limited pallet of colors, in fact it's largely monochromatic, but it serves us well to not just keep us in the story but show progress as it goes along. Actually, the only color that pops out initially is the blue and white of the quilt. It's as the story progresses that the color begins a slow, subtle transformation.I guess it's only appropriate for a story with ghosts that the arrival of Halloween seems to signal the switch. Be sure to pay attention to the color changes and, hey, don't miss the patterns on Ghost Quilt himself. The sunset at the end was a lovely touch.

Bottom line, a sweet, charming story that will help lead children to understand that being different isn't of itself a bad thing. It's an important message, especially to children, although one older readers can embrace, too. Thanks #TundraBookGroup for allowing me this early intro to Ghost Quilt and his world.

Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum, by Elaine Sciolino

 

Publication April 1, 2025

Whether you've visited the Louvre or, like me, haven't, you're sure to find something to interest you here. It's full of fascinating back stories, detailed photos, history, and the author's own observations from her own countless times there. I read this one in bits and pieces over the course of some days, allowing myself time to take it all in. While not even remotely knowledgeable of the artwork's vital components, I found the history of the pieces intriguing. Needless to say, loved the idea of pulling in museum touring children with the idea of spying the various animals or whatever scattered about in the pieces. Seriously, lots to take in here, from Napoleon Bonaparte being so entranced with the Mona Lisa that he kept her (and everyone seems to refer to that painting almost as if it is a living being, a "her") in his bedroom for some four years, to the collection of royal jewels and sadness that surrounds the collection of artwork protected and cared for by the museum but not truly belonging to it as it is largely made up of artwork stolen from its Jewish owners by various high ranking officers and personnel of the Germans during World War II. You'll get to know the various artists and sculptors involved, too. 

In other words, there is a huge amount of information to take in here. I applaud the author for making it all seem  so effortless to read and comprehend, even for someone like me who honestly wasn't familiar with all the names. Touring the Louvre itself sounds like an adventure and it is easy to get lost. While the Mona Lisa is the star attraction, there are other galleries and amazing pieces of artwork to see. Astonishing to think it began as a fortress in 1190, Even more amazing to realize that with all the marvels to see, much still remains behind closed doors, even in draws. I certainly won't detail everything for you but will assure you that if you have any interest in art, history, or simply how human tastes have both remained consistent and changed over the years, not to mention simply love looking at detailed photos of pieces of art, you'll find something here to like. 

By serendipity, ran across a news article just a few days ago about the growing possibility that the museum's star attraction, the Mona Lisa, may finally be getting its own room/gallery. Looking back in my notes, yep, I noted the author's comment about that topic being discussed. The painting may be only 30" x 30" but weighs in at some 500 pounds with all its security apparatus in place. That's discussed, btw, so no need to elaborate. I mean, 80% of first-time visitors cite seeing the Mona Lisa as their reason for being there and it has been attacked and even damaged slightly in the past, so its obviously needed. A move would certainly cut down on the bottle-neck of sorts that is created as groups pass, pause, take selfies, and such in a constant stream. I mean, it isn't even the only piece of work in the gallery room but lead many to overlook the rest. In any case, I'll be paying far more attention now to see what comes of this still in process plan to give "her" her own room, so to speak. I now understand the story behind the idea, so to speak.

Serious, I can't even begin to share all I've learned. The author writes in an easy-to-read fashion and you can almost hear her own awe, humor, and curiosity coming through as you read. Far from the dry text I feared, I enjoyed every moment of my virtual tour and thank #WWNorton&Company for allowing me this early virtual visit. I've been talking, well, messaging with some friends who have visited and expect to badger, er, ask them for more input now that I've finished. Consider this your warning, friends. Grin.

Murder in Covent Garden (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #4), by Anita Davison

 

Publication March 14, 2025

It seems lately like there's a trend for cozy mysteries to have a long list of side-stories that may be or may not be related to the main mystery, usually a murder. This one is no exception. As always, the ol' history buff in me enjoyed going back in time to catch up with Hannah Merrill's life in England during WWI. As we read, the war is still raging. In fact, we learn one co-volunteer at the hospital, Dinah, has not just an injured brother, who lost a foot, but three more still on the lines. It's during their walk back to the bookshop Hannah runs with her suffragette Aunt Violet that she sees jeweler Jacob Cornelis in a heated argument with a young man she doesn't know. Imagine her shock to learn the next day that Jacob has not only been murdered but the unknown young man is the police officer assisting regular character Aiden Farrell as his new assistant. 

I won't detail the plot further other than to say there is a lot happening. Such as? Oh, Aunt Violet skipping an evening out with Aiden to go out with the mysterious Emilio Alfaro, from Mallorca, who seems to draw odd reactions when Hannah mentions his name. Stolen goods. Police office Daniel Vane seems to have a ready answer for his intereaction with Jacob but, well, can he be trusted? There has been talk of a leak from the police lately, after all. Hannah's boyfriend Darius is his usual reticent self when it comes to revealing any details of his job with Britain's MI5 intelligence agency. Is it really as safe an boring as he says or, yikes, is he actively spying on Britain's behalf? There's more but that gives you some of the highlights. 

Overall, the characters are intriguing and mostly likable and, hey, we can't forget bookshop cat Bartleby.  While I enjoyed the story, I have to admit that the pace was slow at times and the many side stories seemed to pull my attention away from the main question, "Who killed Jacob Cornelis?" While the author did a good job of weaving them in and out of the plot, not to mention reminding us we were in the midst of wartime England, I didn't feel as drawn to it as I had expected. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, just didn't love it. I did enjoy Hannah's rather confused reaction to feisty, pushy female reporter Tilly, however. Even though Tilly annoyed her, Hannah admitted she admired her ambitions and drive to excel in the then very male dominated news world. Hannah having to go pull out some hoarded wine at one point also reminds us again of the adjustments of life during wartime. The history buff in me always enjoys these little, personal glimpses of real life, I have to admit. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for letting me take an early peek at how life and war is impacting Hannah's day to day life in England.