The Twelve Jays of Christmas: A Meg Langslow Mystery (Meg Langslow #30), by Donna Andrews

Listened to the audio version and loved it. Publisher #StMartinsPress. I didn't get on #NetGalley soon enough to request this one so was delighted to find it available via my library, albeit I had to wait awhile for my turn. I considered it a belated Christmas gift that my turn coincided with New Year's Eve and listened to the bulk of it that evening while cuddling with the dog and briefly watching the local fireworks from my deck. Life is good. In any case, on with a review.....

Donna Andrews' #MegLangslow series has never disappointed. Good mood, bad mood, so-so mood, bored or whatever, I always find myself rapidly losing myself in the story. Meg is amazing and despite the often bizarre things going on about her, like wombats in the basement, never seems to be flustered or overwhelmed. BTW, did you know wombats glow? Sort of like my old black light posters, I guess. In any case, that's just the beginning of the adventure. There's a cranky, demanding artist in residence in the Langslow's library, too, doing some art work for the wildlife expert grandfather's next book. In the process, someone has set free the twelve jays of the title in the house. Blue Jays are obviously not an easy catch, either.

Then the artist's ex-wives show up, angry and in at least one case, fighting mad. The long suffering assistant isn't having an easy time of it, either, facing constant ridicule and belittlement from said artist and having to run back and forth between grandfather's zoo facility for items left there when the cranky artist refused to work in the small space set up for him. You see, cranky artist couldn't simply go back to his apartment because he'd been locked out for non-payment of rent. And, oh, yeah, he smokes in the library, too, which finally forces Meg to put her foot down and threaten he'll be tossed out of there, too. And, oh, it's almost Christmas.

I doubt it comes as any surprise to you when cranky artist winds up dead. Dead with a knife in his throat. The irate ex-wives are the logical immediate suspects but, hmm, could this be far more complicated than that? How about the landlord who was cheated out of payment for use of his facility? Other artists, perhaps jealous? What happened to Delaney's mother? Is that related? Why was a PI trying to serve cranky artist? How many red heads actually live in town? Will the 9-1-1 operator ever tire of Meg's calls at all hours? What are the mothers up to? Will or won't Spike bite Meg before all is said and done? Just how cranky are wombats anyway, even young ones? When will Michael and the boys get home with Grandma? Will the community come together to find a way that allows its main homeless resident to accept their help? Will..... Oh, surely you get my drift by now. There's a great deal going on, including a desperate visit to the zoo. And that's all before Rob's big announcement at the Christmas gathering.

Bottom line, I loved every second of this audio book. Narrator Bernadette Dunne is excellent, her voice seeming changing pitch and tone effortlessly as she narrates the story. Kudos to her for capturing the various characters so well. I'm already looking forward to Meg's next adventure.

Show Me the Bunny, by Laurien Berenson

 

As a sucker for anything dog, I'm pretty sure I've been reading this series from the beginning. True, I've maybe missed a book here and there but I remember Mel back in her pre-dog days, which were also pre-Sam and the kids. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is Aunt Peg. She is a force. It's because she's never quite mastered the art of saying no to Aunt Peg that Melanie finds herself in charge of putting together an Easter celebration for the children at a new woman's shelter, Gallagher House under the equally watchful eye of her Aunt Rose. The Aunts are not fond of each other but Melanie discovers that, in actuality, they are very much alike, not to mention hard to say no to. Aunt Rose is a former nun, btw,who also isn't fond of dogs. Then, just to complicate things, we discover Rose's husband is ill and, oh, yes, there's a murder. The victim is the main financial supporter of the shelter.

That's the basic plot. It's interspersed with cute kids and dogs as well as Melania dealing with the fact her youngest is probably going to be celebrating his last Easter where he believes in the Easter Bunny. Mel loves her kids and is a wonderful mother but at times feels quite inadequate that questions from her youngest about the reality of the Easter Bunny seem to leave her flailing. Fortunately, not only is husband Sam around but her  oldest son provides some adorable answers to his younger brother, ensuring Melanie one last Easter with a child who still believes in the Easter Bunny. Something tells me most mothers will relate well to this feeling. They are surrounded by dogs during all this, of course, the pedigreed poodles so beloved by her Aunt Peg and now Mel's family. The adopted stray of unknown pedigree, Bud, also provides some humorous moments as he darts about and indulges in his not quite "civilized" self with glee. 

As for the murder, although it wasn't too hard to figure out, there was always doubt as the red herrings pop up. Was it the family? Could a family member actually kill their own mother? How about the jilted boyfriend? Why is the son so adamant about selling the woman's shelter house and forcing everyone out? Could it be the daughter's former "love of her life"? And, why is he hanging out with her brother? Will the dogs play a role in this investigation? After all, they have protected Mel in the past. Also, while I'm talking about dogs, will puppy Plum ever learn to quit gawking around and pay attention to the training sessions? I mean, one has to admit that rowdy Bud is a bit of a distraction. Will Aunt Rose and Peg ever slow down their walking pace to match Mel's shorter legged one? So many questions, some vital, some not. Which is which? Not telling. You're going to have to read this fun, relatively quick read to find out. If you like dogs, interesting, true-to-life characters that could be neighbors or family, and watching Melanie navigate it all on what she thought was going to be a relaxing holiday break, this is the book for you. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the company of Mel and her family.... and the dogs .... again. I love this series.

Death of a Knit Wit (A Knit & Nibble Mystery Book 8), by Peggy Ehrhart

 

We are largely in the mind of main character Pamela Paterson when the story opens, seeing things as they happen through her eyes. Pamela is an editor of a fiber crafts magazine and has helped organize a knitting bee as a part of a conference on fiber crafts and arts at the local college. When an invited but not particularly well-liked speaker attends the bee and after drinking the same coffee everyone else was drinking suddenly takes ill and dies, Pamela finds herself feeling it is somehow her fault. She is fearful of losing her job. It turns out her concerns are baseless but her initial sense of being overwhelmed slowly evaporate. She slowly returns to normal and helped along by her best friend and neighbor, who just happens to be a reporter, begins to investigate and gather clues. Unlike most cozy mysteries where there is a constant law enforcement presence, the detective in charge is largely kept to the shadows in this episode, I might note. 

There are a number of suspects as the victim was not only not particularly well liked but a womanizer. Toss in more than a few red herrings and twists in relationships between possible suspects. Pamela is likeable and given her shock at the death, a very sympathetic amateur sleuth. I honestly believe I've read some early books in this series but simply didn't pursue it further given that I have so little interest in knitting. Knitting is definitely a part of this plot but mostly in the sense that it brings together both the victims and Pamela's circle of friends. I did get a chuckle out of the curiosity of the Knit and Nibble group as they tried to decide what one member was knitting during their gatherings. He wasn't telling and it was a cute reveal near the end. Cats and dogs are also very much a part of this story and, in fact, oh...... never mind. I'm not telling. You're just going to have to read the book to find out what role some beloved furry friends play in the story.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. Love the cover!

Murder, It Seams, by Reagan Davis

 I've followed this series from day one and just like the previous books, I loved this one. I found it not just an intriguing mystery, well thought out and with lots of twists and turns, but one that showcased the characters well. Ironically, given that main character Megan has never much liked Karla, it's Karla who adds an interesting summation of Megan at one point, saying "you've taken a community of small-town busybodies and whipped up a network of supportive family and friends who take care of each other." Given that network's diligence when it came time to keep Megan safe from the killer, that was telling.

I also wound up liking Karla. She's smart and had an edge that makes her come off to many as snarky and even mean. Megan has always resented her ability to lob compliments that aren't compliments, for instance, and do it with apparent glee. Yet, when forced to work with Karla to solve a murder, one where Karla is a suspect, Megan discovers another side to Karla. She learns how caring about others Karla is and is quick to follow her instincts that Karla could not be a killer. Oh, the snark is still there but they come to respect and, yes, maybe even like each other by the time all is said and done. Karla even finds a major clue that points the finger at the guilty party at the end. Nope, not telling. Getting to that point was half the fun as Megan and Karla traded zingers and heart-felt feelings with the other characters blending in and out of the action. All while solving a crime with a little help from those "busybodies" Karla referenced.

I was kept guessing and switched main suspects several times but, as luck would have it, was interrupted and had to put aside the book for a couple days. Upon my return to it I was right at the point the clues began to make me suspect the eventual culprit but that was sheer luck and an "It's too easy" gut instinct at my then main suspect. Kudos to Reagan Davis for weaving together such an intriguing, timely case while letting us get to know the characters better as real people. They are people I wish I knew and I'm looking forward to Megan's next adventure.

Dogs Puppies: Learn to draw using basic shapes--step by step!, by Emily Fellah

Shh, don't tell anyone but I spent a good chunk of my day trying out the directions and had a blast. I even ventured into creating my own dog, whose breed wasn't illustrated. I was able to pull various characteristics from the dogs pictured, however, to make a very representative drawing of my own Daisy dog. So, whether you're a kid or grown-up-kid, I think you'll enjoy this book.

The directions are simple and easy to follow and the use of different colors for different steps makes them that much easier to follow. All you really need to draw is paper and pencil, though an eraser and colors add to the fun. In the process, if your child is unfamiliar with the names of figures like triangles, this can aid in their learning of those basic terms. Bottom line, this book should be a fun diversion for any child who loves to draw and/or dogs. I know it was a blast for this grown-up-kid.

Thank  you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #WalterFoster and author/artist #EmilyFellah for allowing me to enjoy being a kid again!

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder (Hannah Swensen, #29), by Joanne Fluke

Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series was one of those that helped me fall in love with the cozy mystery genre. It was like old home week as I dived into this one, which, oddly enough, was both good and bad. I have little tolerance for extended love triangles and this one with Hannah, Norman, and Mike had long since run through my patience. Even now, with Mike perhaps coming across to any new readers as simply a good friend rather than a former love interest, the relationship still continues on an uneasy ground. Hannah seems to be staying with Norman, who deserves an award for devotion in the face of indecision and continued disappointment. He has moved out of his master suite into a guest room to give Hannah space after the violent death of her husband at their condo. Hannah seems unable to move on and it has left them all in a bit of a limbo. That was the downside of the book for me. Everyone was comfortable and familiar with each others likes and foibles, however, which made it like slipping back into comfy slippers and a robe.

On the plus side, too, and why this book got a four rating from me, is not just the eventual mystery solving but the family interrelationships. It's fun to see how wonderfully well the sisters have each other's backs and work together. Norman and the other slot of friends fit comfortably into this niche, too, and it's obvious that people both like and to an extent depend on Hannah. Having missed several of the latest in the series, it was neat to see how well the sisters just naturally eased into helping with the investigation, too, not to mention the baking. If you enjoy recipes with your mysteries, you'll love this book as there are many, all sounding particularly yummy.

The mystery itself seems to be the typical Hanna Swensen mystery, albeit in a new location. If I knew Hannah knew how to drive a boat, for instance, I'd forgotten, so that activity and its role in the mystery was fun to see. I have to admit, I had no clue who the guilty party was until they revealed themself and I'm not so sure Hannah hadn't been on the wrong track, too. As is typical of cozy mystery heroines, they do seem to stumble into danger alone frequently but, hey, never fear, her sisters and detective Mike, who may or may not be still of romantic interest to Hannah, had her back. Mike also had some unexpected news as the book drew to a close. What was it? Not telling. Heck, I'm not sure what it means. Like me, you'll have to read the next in the series to find out.  

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to revisit Hannah's world and catch up with her friends and family.

Beatle Wives: The Women the Men We Loved Fell in Love With, by Marc Shapiro

Color me impressed. Having just come off watching "Get Back", I jumped on the chance to read this. Quite frankly, although never an avid enough fan to know all the trivia and details of Beatles lives and happenings, I was a fan and figured it would be a light, fun, largely repeat of info I already knew.

I was wrong. I came away from "Beatle Wives" knowing not just more about the women in the Beatles' lives but the Beatles themselves. If you've ever envied these women, think again. Being the spouse of a Beatle seems to be anything but easy. If it wasn't just having to largely live in the shadow of someone everyone thinks they knew and wanted a piece of or fans breaking and entering, you were dealing with complicated, often drug addled men. The book doesn't delve into it but one has to imagine that after Lennon's murder there was a sense of paranoia, too, the sense that outsiders couldn't just not be trusted but might be people to fear. Life in the seemingly ideal bubble was anything but ideal. These were real people, with real backgrounds, which Shapiro details, aspirations, and experiences. I came away from "Beatle Wives" with not just a new understanding of their lives but a fierce respect for it, too. Hugs to those often overlooked, derided, or simply ignored spouses.

All Beatle fans should read this book. You'll see your idols with new eyes and understanding. It's a must read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RiverdaleAvenueBooks for allowing me this glimpse into their lives. I've been a Beatles fan for ages but learned a great deal.

A Fatal Family Feast (Farm-to-Fork Mystery, #6), by Lynn Cahoon

There's a great deal going on in "The Fatal Family Feast". Main character Angie's business partner Felicity is getting married. Angie is Maid-of-Honor. Head chef Estebe is the groom-to-be. That means shuffling work schedules and bringing in temporary help which upsets the dynamics of the workplace. In the meantime, there has been a murder and Estebe is the main suspect. The murder victim? Felicity's former boyfriend, Jason, a man her father had pegged to take over the family business. All this before the restaurant is even vandalized. What next? Who killed Jason and why? Why is Felicity's father refusing to walk her down the aisle?

I won't say any more about the plot as it'll be detailed elsewhere but I particularly enjoyed the side stories about the characters' past and inter-connections, particularly the one involving a foster child. These little revelations helped make them more real to the reader and made you care that much more about their lives and futures.

Bottom line, this is really a story that is as much about family as it is a murder investigation. Watching Angie pull in clues and information from various sources is only half the fun, of course, as there is also that wedding and boyfriend Ian is thinking that he'd like her to meet his family in England. What does this all mean for Angie? I'm not telling. You'll need to read the book to find out. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting me reenter Angie's world once again with the ARC. 

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead, by Elle Cosimano

Buckle up tight. You're about to go on a wild ride with Finlay Donovan. Christopher "was dead to begin with. There was no doubt about that." And, Finlay killed him. You'll have to read the book to find out who Christopher was.

That is basically how the story opens although I've borrowed Charles Dicken's words. From there on out, it only gets crazier. It's a fun, entertaining ride. Don't bother trying to make sense of it all. Just enjoy the ride. Author Elle Cosimano draws us in from the first paragraph and the plot, which is rather a roller coaster ride, moves along at a rapid, head-spinning race pace from beginning to end. Oddly enough, it all makes a sort of sense in the end, even with loose ends remaining. There's always the next book, right?

I'm not sure I'd enjoy having Finlay as a friend, she seems to live in a whirlwind, but I liked her, nevertheless. Her friendship with friend and nanny Vero is solid and we learn more about each as the story progresses. Her family reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum's in that Janet Evanovich series, not to mention the two competing love interests in Finlay's life, one a cop. The feel of the entire series is very Plum-ish, for lack of a real word. Given how much I enjoyed this book, that is high praise for both writers. True, the story line doesn't remotely seem realistic at times but, hey, just enjoy the ride. I do think that had I read the first book in the series it all might make more sense to me but, well, maybe not. It's all about the characters and antics, after all, with some solid friendships as an added bonus. Bottom line, a fun, entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC and introduction to Finlay. I'm looking forward to more of her adventures.

 

A Matter of Hive and Death (An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery, #2,) by Nancy CoCo

The dynamics of this multi-level story blew me away as it kept me guessing until the very end. The main characters are likeable, quirky, and smart. They are not perfect, however, and that is what makes it half the fun. I mean, we meet Wren as her aunt is sharing her cat's alien costume. Nor are all those about them what they seem.  The basic plot seems simple enough, who killed Elias and tore up his bee hives? Is this event related to similar vandalism that has been going on elsewhere? Elias is found dead, surrounded by hoards of angry, confused  bees. Bee "wranglers", as I discovered they're called, have to be called in to help recover the body. Wren, who trained under Elias, then helps soothe the bees, getting most back into hives. We quickly learn not only how much Wren cares for the bees but how valuable they are to us all as the book progresses. Given how endangered bee survival is in this day and age, kudos to author Nancy Coco for helping spread the world in such a unique, intriguing way.

That chaotic, unusual murder scene is only the beginning. This is a brown multi-layer story involving not just bees and murder but Havana Brown cats, which I'm embarrassed to say I knew little of aside from their unusual name. I learned a great deal about them in the reading of this book and that, combined with the multiple layers of info shared about bees and beekeeping, was fascinating. Wren even has a large glass bee hive inside her shop, which would be a fascinating sight in real life. Wren also has the Havana brown cat loving Aunt Eloise in her life and I found myself loving Eloise--and I'm a dog person. What a feisty lady. Do not, I repeat, do not mess with her cats.

True, I'd have been happier if Wren and Eloise arranged for true backup after coming up with their "sting" operation but it was worth it just to see it unfold. Fortunately, police officer Jim has their backs whether they want him to or not. Hmm, is there a romance brewing there for Wren? I guess I'm going to have to read the next book in the series to find out. In the meantime, if you love interesting, quirky characters in picturesque settings and intriguing, multi-layer mysteries, give this one a read. You won't "bee" disappointed.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for introducing me to Wren and her circle of friends, not to mention her cats and bees. I'll be on the lookout for the next adventure!

Batter Off Dead (A Country Store Mystery #10), by Maddie Day

I realized as I began to read this book that I've obviously read at least some of the previous books in the series. I did, dang it, miss the one where Robbie and Abe got married but in the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter. This one stands alone nicely. It brings back characters I remembered and dived into an old mystery, who killed police chief Buck Bird's mother so many years ago. That mystery is brought painfully to the surface when another murder occurs in a frighteningly similar manner. Robbie, even as busy as she is as a new wife and popular eatery owner, is soon pulled into the mystery.

Even a threatening message that she is being watched and should back off doesn't detour her although, quite frankly, I don't think I'd have been merrily peddling about on my bicycle as frequently as she does given that sort of threat. Suspects and red herrings are numerous and glimpses of the past collide with the present it seems as if everyone's stress level has risen. True, Buck is still consistently hungry but, hey, some things never change. One of the things that hasn't changed is Robbie's empathy for others, even passing up chances to pursue leads when it might disturb potential witnesses. I recall having always liked Robbie as a character in this past books and this just confirmed my take on her. She might confront a killer face to face but upset a disabled child? No.

Bottom line, I liked Robbie and those about her. They are loyal, Her town of South Lick is the sort of small town we all envision as the ideal place to live, even with its limitations. People know and care about each other. They also look to Robbie to help solve crimes, which is both flattering and cumbersome to Robbie, I think. She's no super woman and shows fear as she hides behind closed doors and drawn curtains at one point but, in true Robbie fashion, goes to work as always the next day, even knowing a murderer may walk through her door as a customer. How will it all turn out? Will solving one crime solve another? You'll have to read the book to find out. I'm not telling but you'll enjoy the ride and all the tasty food described as you read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for re-introducing me to Robbie and her circle of friends. I enjoyed it and have made a note to look for future adventures. 

What Unites Us, by Dan Rather (old post I made on Facebook)

 Just ran across this "Memory" on Facebook and thought it was worth sharing here. Originally shared 2017.

Had lunch out earlier but home and curled back up on the couch with a dog on my lap and a book in my hand. Still reading Dan Rather's "What Unites Us" and recommend it to anyone with an interest in where we came from and how the heck we got where we are today. 

 

Just finished a section near and dear to my heart called, what else, books. Made me smile in remembrance when he recounted when the power of the library card was first revealed to him. 

 

Oh, what a great memory it brings back of browsing the library in my ol' home town and always finding more books that I wanted than we were then allowed to check out at one time. Horse books, ie "Black Stallion...." were always at the tops of my list but I do so remember the wonder of "Secret Garden" and so many more. I cannot imagine what my world would have been like without books....and adults who modeled reading to me.

Antique Auctions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #7), by Libby Klein

"Why am I always surrounded by chaos?"

Given the characters, and I do mean characters, who surround her, it's no wonder main character Poppy McAllister wonders this to herself at one point. Between her family, friends, and the eccentric bunch of guests that seem to show up at her B & B, she seems caught in the middle of chaos and confusion. Something is always going on, whether work related, like the mysterious middle of the night fire alarm or disappearing goodies for the guests, or with her employee looking like something of an Egyptian mummy due to a bad sunburn, or her boyfriend's mother's mysterious quest to keep them apart. Given the author's ability to make the chaos about Poppy come to life in our minds, I gave up trying to make sense of it all initially and just enjoyed the plot's ride.

The plot is relatively simple. Who killed Auggie and crammed his body into the armoire that Poppy had put a bid in on at the auction? The fact he's stabbed with a supposed vampire hunter's wooden stake somehow isn't the half of it. Poppy does have a way of being around when murders occur. What is surprising is that amidst all the confusion, twists and turns, and red herrings, not to mention the seance at the B & B, the reappearing troll doll, and the stuffed body left in the yard, is that Poppy manages to not just keep the B & B functioning but find time for both her boyfriend and investigation as well as her snark and sanity.

If you like your mysteries fast paced, quirky, and full of humor, this one is for you. One plot thread even adds a wisp of serious sadness to the book as we learn more about Poppy's own past. And, oh, yes. The cats. There's a feline love triangle of sorts that will have you chuckling. Give it a read.  

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to catch up on Poppy's adventures.

Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control, by Dana K. White

Would it surprise you to read that I've spent some serious time following the tips Dana White share on how to get your house clean and organized. We've all felt overwhelmed by our home's clutter, dust, and general lack of organization at some point. Based on my own experience utilizing not just White's tips but the encouragement she gives throughout, this book should be on the bookshelf of everyone who has ever looked at their house and wondered where to start. She has the answers and they start with clutter. Daily chores and actual cleaning come after.

"Decluttering has to happen for a house to look clean, stay clean, and be clean."

Clutter is anything that gets out of hand. While many of us suffer from what White calls "procrasticlutter", basically the idea that we'll worry about it later, she addresses that and points out that the next two steps toward an orderly house can't happen until our clutter is out of the way. Of course, she tells us sympathetically how to go about that task, reminding us basically that what we're doing isn't a simple project with a beginning and end. Keeping out homes clean is an ongoing one with daily and routine chores that need doing. Those daily tasks, the dishes, cleaning up after the children or pets, putting things away have to be done regularly, sorry. Only then can we thoroughly tackle the third step in her organization plan, the actual cleaning.

Don't worry, White walks us through the entire process, offering personal insights and encouragement almost like she's looking over our shoulders. Not only did I see myself in her descriptive, informative, and, yes, helpful book, but I liked it. I'm betting that if you're like me and you've allowed things to pile up, ignoring daily chores, and groaning in frustration that for some reason you just can't keep your house clean, you'll benefit from this book. Okay, back to decluttering for me.

Thank you #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for the ARC (not to mention for giving me motivation via this book to get my act together). 

I Don't Have a Dog, by Contessa Hileman, Carolyn Conahan (Illustrations)

 

 

I'm in love with this book. Corny as it sounds, I read it aloud to my own dog Daisy, who was sprawled across my legs as I read. Excuse me, no, I don't have a dog. I have a leg warmer. I wanted to get a feel for the rhythm as it might be when read aloud. At least that's my excuse. 

I have a hunch both children and parents or whoever might be reading will stop to "Oh" and "Ah" over the illustrations as they go along. They are humorously adorable and something new is likely to catch your eye every time you go through the book. I'm betting that will be frequently. Not only did I love the humor in the pix, but that the author and illustrator chose to showcase pet rescue at one point, the one where the girl and her "business partner", wearing a pink tutu no less, dance for donations. Another one that not only hit home with me but made me chuckle and disrupt my leg warmer's rest was the furry security alarm. That dang squirrel looks about as impressed with the alarm as mine does. Thus, from an adult owned by her do....er, lap warmer, security alarm, moose alert (we live in Alaska), and more, this book is a charming hit.

From the retired teacher in me, although it's been years since I've dealt with the age level this book is aimed at, it is full of positives, too. The drawings are simple but detailed enough to draw a child into the action with little things like the squirrel and cat leaping off the couch to catch their eye. There is also the repetition of the phrase "I don't have a dog". When children are learning to master reading, repetition is vital and this repetition, partnered with adorable drawings that illustrate each bit of action should help the child gain confidence. The colors used in the illustrations, too, are basic colors and could be used for "What do you see that is red?", say. "What is different between these people?" "Why might the father be wearing a cap?" Many little things that combined can lead to a reading not just being plain ol' fun, which it is, but aid the process of learning. I'm sure there are elementary teachers who can add to my comments but just wanted to note that it's more than just a simple, cute story. After all, it's like dogs, who "are so much more."

My Daisy, aka the leg warmer, rates this one four-paws up and several enthusiastic tail wags. Thank you #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks and #LittleBigfoot for the smile and chuckle this lovely book brought to my heart. Now I think I'll go give Daisy some serious ear and belly rubs.

Death in Disguise (An Adam and Eve Mystery Book 1), by Emma Davies

Knowledge is power. It's what you do with it that determines whether that knowledge is good or evil. Fran discovers this, just as she discovers knowing people superficially isn't knowing them at all. The plot sounds simple enough. Fran caters a murder mystery party. Some time later, the person who was the victim in the play acting is murdered. Who did it? Was blackmail involved? It shouldn't be Fran's problem to find out, quite frankly, but she met Adam, the young (23) son of the party's hostess while hiding out in a closet of sorts. It's the bond they formed there that guides their future partnership in not just finding out who killed Becky but in growth. Adam is brilliant but socially awkward and prefers to hide out in his room at home. Fran is a wife, mother, and has a business to run. Neither would seem a likely sleuth in the making but somehow it works. Admittedly, I found it slow going at first. The characters weren't really interacting with anyone, even each other and the view point flips back and forth between Fran and Adam, and we are initially largely in their heads. Once they unite and Adam persuades Fran to help him find the murderer before the police suspect his mother of the crime, however, things pick up.

That's when the reality that she doesn't really know the suspects creates the first real obstacle in Fran's pursuit of the truth. Toss in that, quite frankly, she doesn't seem to have any real clue of how to pursue her quest and you can see Fran's awkwardness as a sleuth. She is gutsy, however, even when it means she is meeting up with the potential suspects seemingly without giving a thought as to what she'll do if the actual killer is among them and turns on her. One wonders, will Adam's intelligence help him help Fran or will his apparent ineptness socially make her even more nervous about this haphazard investigation than she already is? The process is fascinating to follow, I have to admit.

While on the surface rather simple, a who poisoned Becky thread, the plot is actually far more intricate and clever than this. Human emotions are involved. Relationships are revealed. Priorities are reordered. And, food.... there is lots and lots of wonderful sounding food eaten and shared. Will Adam come out of his misfit, introverted shell? Will Fran get out of that shed? Will she make it in time for the recital? Who killed Becky? Maybe more to the point, why?

It's all there and despite the slow to me start, maybe because I'd just finished a slam-bam, action from the first paragraph book, I thoroughly enjoyed "Death in Disguise". I am looking forward to the next adventure of Adam and (Fran)Eve and seeing what gadgets Adam comes up with.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the advance copy. 

Out of Temper (Bean to Bar Mysteries #3), by Amber Royer

I loved this book. While the plot was intriguing and intricate, it was the depth of character that kept me focused. We learn a great deal about main character Felicity as the book opens, including the reason for her wariness at boarding a cruise ship. Her late husband died in a boating accident. She has invited along a friend, however, Autumn, a former mystery writer. Imagine her surprise to discover the cruise has a theme for this outing, a murder mystery one. To complicate matters, Logan, who seems to have some sort of police background, and Arlo, an old boyfriend and now a cop, are aboard. Then she sees the blogger/writer who made her relatively famous for her prior involvement in murder investigations is there, too. We learn more about each of these characters and others as the book progresses, including Felicity's sudden awareness that she perhaps doesn't know her friends as well as she thought she did.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot but do want to mention that one of the things that most intrigued me was finding out how past life events had influenced who the characters were today. For instance, at one point Arlo admits to having always had a nagging feeling that he wasn't good enough, perfect enough for people to stay after his father had abandoned him as a child. Rather than give in to the darkness that such thoughts might evoke, however, he notes that he became a police officer to "fight the darkness in human nature rather than succumb to it." That sort of depth is impressive from any author, especially in what I'd at first thought would be a light, easy cozy mystery read. Kudos to author Amber Royer. I am definitely planning to not just go back and read the prior books in this until now new-to-me series but will be following it from now on.

Bottom line, a deviously intricate and intriguing murder plot to follow along with some equally intriguing characters. Toss in an adorable former police dog, Satchmo, a Beagle who worked largely the drug division and helps sniff out some vital clues, and this one is a winner.

Thank you #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial, not to mention author #AmberRoyer for this great new series. I'm glad to discover the #BeansToBarMystery series

A Dash of Death, by Michelle Hillen Klump

After what seemed to me a slow start, the book captured my attention when main character Samantha Warren, Sam, finally stopped feeling sorry for herself and began to focus on not just the crime but others. She came across as rather self-absorbed initially, unable to get past the painful events of her recent life. For someone who had once worked as an investigative journalist of sorts, she seemed unable to make a decision of any kind, even when it came to her own legal self-defense. Thank goodness lawyer/artist David had her back, as did her friends.

Sam makes mistakes, among them the classic rookie sleuth mistake of not trusting others with the potentially important information she's discovered, but in the end she shows strength and determination. Heck, she was even determined to prove the innocence of Gabby, the woman who had sued her. That connection seemed fuzzy to me but, as Sam notes at the end, she's learning to trust her instincts. It'll be interesting to follow her growth as the series continues.

The guilty party wasn't an obvious one and there were numerous red herrings, so the book will keep you guessing. Even though I wasn't fond of Samantha initially, I came to like her better as I not only came to understand her better but she came to understand herself in a way. I'm looking forward to Sam's future adventures and getting to know her circle of friends better.

Thank you #NetGaller and #CrookedLane Books for this intriguing new series.

The Dog Behavior Answer Book, 2nd Edition, by Arden Moore

                                                         Available about Sept. 27, 2022

I read much of this book with my own dog sprawled against me or in my lap. Since I was focusing on points made in the book that related to her, that seemed appropriate. I'm happy to say I'd already progressed past many of them and patted her on the head for me having done it correctly but also for being so patient during the times I wasn't quite up to snuff. Dogs train us, too, you know.

If you own a dog, it's almost certain you'll find something of relevance to your partnership in this book. It's an easy to read, entertaining. and has many adorable photos and bits of doggie lore and information. I'd love to be clever and impress you with my way with words but, well, my message is simple. All dog owners or potential dog owners need this book on their shelves.

Daisy, my rescue corgi mix, gives it four paws up and an enthusiastic tail wag.
 Thank you #NetGalley and #StoryPublishing for sharing this gem with me. My dog Daisy thanks you, too. 

Dachshund Through the Snow (A Very Murder Christmas Book 1), by Rosie A. Point

 

This was a quick, fun read. Holly is looking forward to Christmas being a turning point in her life but, instead, finds herself suspected of murder. The only positive aspect of this is Dixie, the adorable dachshund she winds up caring for. Holly had found the victim while going to her home to pick up Dixie, the victim's dog, for her dog walking job. Feeling both the stares of fellow citizens who fear she might be guilty of murder and the potential wrath of her landlord who doesn't allow dogs in her apartment building, she sets out to prove her innocence and find the guilty party. Dixie even plays an important role in the solution to the mystery. There's a love interest, too, although the idea of a romance probably seems far-fetched to anyone not familiar with the ol' standard friction between amateur sleuth and the police, in this case Detective Stokes. Seems he was a bit of a bully to Holly in school. Hmm, I guess I'll have to read the next in the series to find out if my hunch pays off. Bottom line, a fun read that is relatively simple but realistic and that offers likeable characters that I'd like to get to know better. Daisy, a corgi mix rescue says Dixie deserves a treat and gives the book paws up.

And a Dog Called Fig: Solitude, Connection, the Writing Life, by Helen Humphreys

 

I haven't even started this book yet but I can tell I'm going to love it. Part of the blurb on Goodreads: "A love song to the dogs who come into our lives, and all that they bring--sorrow, mayhem, meditation, joy--this is a book about companionship and loss, creativity and the writer's craft, filled with the beauty of a steadfast canine friend and the restorative powers of nature. Just as every work of art is different, every dog is different--with distinctive needs and lessons to offer. If we let them guide us, they, like art, will show us many worlds we would otherwise miss."   My review to come....soon.

Thanks to #NetGallery and @FarrarStrausAndGiroux for the advance copy.

Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life, by Ray Richmond

 

What's not to love about Betty White? I won't detail all the moments of her life and career given here because I'd still be going hours from now, there are too many, but thoroughly enjoyed this book put together by Ray Richmond. To be honest, I thought I knew about all there was to know about Betty White but quickly found out how wrong I was. Fans of White and television history will love this book and perhaps treasure it all the more after her recent death. You'll probably learn a few things, too, as I did. Enjoy! 

 Thank you very much for this delightful read and look, #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup, #Becker&Mayer. Betty White is a true treasure.

A Corpse for Christmas (A Cass Peake Cozy Mystery Book 3), by Rena Leith

This was a bit of a mystery within the mystery. What do all those mystical symbols and names mean in the diary? Who knew taking an additional job over the Christmas holiday would be so deadly? At a small, scenic college, at that.

Cass and her team of friends, family, and relatives set out to make a sort of virtual video to help the college promote itself to potential students. In the process, dead bodies keep popping up. As one suspect is singled out, Cass brings her some basic necessities.

What secrets will the diary that is given to Cass on the sly by the suspect reveal? Hey, wait. Why is the diary being given to Cass in the first place? What is the long-kept secret of the Black Triangle Club? Will the video Cass' crew is shooting reveal anything? How good of an actor must one be to feign innocence? Who is the new professor the college found so quickly to take that job? Who is, or maybe was, Doris? Will Thor survive her curiosity? Will Cass' brother and sister-in-law live to regret visiting her for Christmas?

I'm not telling. If you enjoy solving puzzles within puzzles, so to speak, and enjoy a good mystery, you'll want to read this book. This was a new series to me but worked nicely as a stand-alone. That said, I'm intrigued enough to be on the lookout for the previous two books and the next in the series.

 Thank you #NetGalley and #TheWildRosePressInc for the copy. It was an intriguing puzzle!

Heiresses, by Laura Thompson

Money can't buy happiness, cliche that it is, seems to all too often stand true for most of these lives. The author has definitely done meticulous research, interweaving stories and fortunes and titles and family ties smoothly. I do have to admit to thinking I should have been keeping a score card to keep it all ordered in my mind, however. Some familiarity with royal titles, history (mostly focus is on 18-19th centuries), and intertwining relationships might help, too. Mine was fuzzy, long lost in ol' college class notes, but the frequency certain names pops up helps. It only shows how much of the past is intertwined and how forces of history impact lives.

I alternately felt sadness for those involved, anger at how things were in the times, and heartened at the success stories of these women caught up in extraordinary times and surviving when so much was pitted against them. Interestingly enough, some of the successes involved same sex relationships or marriage with a like minded husband. No matter what the relationship, however, good, bad, or indifferent, their stories are absorbing ones.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC and this fascinating look at a part of history that is unfamiliar to most. 

Mystery at Magpie Lodge (Eve Mallow Mystery #7), by Clare Chase

This one kept me guessing. There were so many intriguing red herrings and interesting suspects that I found myself unable to pin down in my own mind who the killer was. Of course, as Eve Mallow puts together all the clues at the end, I thought, "Of course."

It was fascinating to spend time in Eve's mind, so to speak. Even though I couldn't quite figure out why she so liked the victim initially, her thought process was fascinating and thorough. Even when she was in danger, it was hard at work not just trying to figure out an escape but pulling loose ends together to make it all make sense to her. She's helped along the way, of course, by friends, including the mysterious Robin and his past police ties, a lover whose true connection to her must remain secret for now. And, Gus, her trusty canine companion, who is perhaps her most frequent sounding board. I liked how she at times had to talk things out with him just to organize them, so to speak, in her mind. As one owned by a dog, I thoroughly understood that inclination.

Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable read that reminds me of some of the classic mysteries I've read in the past. Eve isn't rash, she has no desire to rush into danger, which was reassuring given the frequent rashness of modern amateur sleuths. I liked that, even in the situation where she found herself in a dangerous situation, she had thought it through and tried to ensure "backup". I liked her. I liked Robin. I liked Gus. I liked her friends. I enjoyed visiting their communities, even if I don't think I'd have been as prone to walking my dog in the wooded areas as she was. I'll be going back and reading the previous books in this series, which was new to me, I think, not to mention looking forward to sharing Eve's thoughtful investigations in the future.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the ARC.

The King Falls, by R.J. Lee

After what seemed a slow start to me, once some invisibly switch in my brain clicked on, this one really kept me guessing until the end. The view point switched periodically, even sharing thoughts of the victim and his pondering over how to share his big news, all while, of course, not revealing what the big news was. There were countless red herrings and suspects, all with possible reasons to kill the victim. I was new to the series and thus fuzzy on some of the background and relationships but it really didn't matter. This one worked nicely as a stand-alone. 

I swung rather wildly between possible suspects, often within a few pages, and even fingered the right party at one point before abandoning that thought, so this one will definitely keep you guessing. Who killed King Kohl? Who came up with that name anyway? Was King's tallness really important? What was wrong with his mother? Could a parent kill their own child? Could a person kill someone they claimed to love and might marry? How tormenting must it have been for the priest to know the "big news" that might be relevant to the solving of the crime but be unable to share due to his position? Did the big news even matter? If so, to who? Why? And, what the heck makes Wendy, who seems tough as nails, faint? 

If you're like me, you'll waver from one suspect to the other as the plot moves along but never have a real clue to the "Why?" of the murder. The clues are all there, however, and I thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth musings on the case between Wendy and Ross, not to mention Bax. Thus, despite the it taking a bit for me to get into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and, hey, you don't even have to play bridge to enjoy it. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. 

Three Shots to the Wind (A Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery), by Sherry Harris

This story had me from the very first page. First, a plane towing a banner declaring "I love Chloe Jackson" is just the beginning. As the anonymous declarations of love piled up, I wondered how I'd feel in Chloe's shoes, especially as she realized how well the stalker seemed to know her. Then, to find out the likely identity of the stalker when a dead body is found clutching a picture of her. That is the situation Chloe finds herself in as the book opens. And that is all before her romantic interest, Rip, is taken in for questioning.

Chloe is determined to find out who murdered Perry, who she once planned to marry. That was about a year and a half ago, however. Still, she seems to think of him kindly, albeit as something of a staid, stay-at-home bore. As she learns more about him in her present, though, she begins to realize that perhaps she didn't know him as well as she thought. Was the man she thought she knew just an illusion? What other secrets will she discover? Who are all these women showing up and claiming they were his only love?

Why is Vivi introducing Chloe to a steady stream of eligible men? What does Vivi have against Rip? Who will show up at the dinner staged by the victim prior to his death? Who isn't what they appear to be? Will Chloe and Rip's young relationship survive the arrival of her boisterous brothers? How does Chloe manage to get herself into such predicaments as she faces near the end of the book? Speaking of the other characters, they're a likeable bunch. Her brothers are a hoot, that's for sure. Heck, you'll even learn how to make certain cocktails if you're paying attention.

Bottom line, an intriguing, fun read. Be sure to add it to your reading list.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC.

Bear a Wee Grudge (Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery, #5), by Meg Macy

Teddy bears in kilts?

Silver Hollow, Michigan, is a town gone mad for not just teddy bears but it's upcoming inaugural Highland Fling weekend. Sasha Silverman, who runs the, what else, teddy bear shop, is right in the midst of it. Hard not to be when her mother is mayor. Unfortunately, not only isn't Sasha feeling up to par but an ol' nemesis, Teddy Hartman, is back and doing his best to stir up trouble for not just her family but the town. Hartman and Sasha's father are reportedly long time business rivals and Hartman, at least, seems bound for revenge for some deals gone wrong for which he blames the Silverman family. Not only is his wife, Lucy, equally obnoxious but their little dog bites Sasha.... right after Sasha's sister has popped Silverman in the nose in anger at his innuendo and accusations. Soon after, as locals practice for the upcoming traditional games of a Highland Fling event, Hartman is found murdered.


Although I could see some initial interest being paid to Alex Silverman, Sasha's father, given his history with the victim, he seemed an unlikely suspect. Of all the characters in the book, he seemed one of the calmest, most self-controlled and unlikely to resort to violence types in town. Yet, with the police chief out of town, he is arrested. Naturally, Sasha sets out to prove his innocence. If that uncovers the real killer in the process, so much the better. The detective in charge of the case seems useless and too fixated on her father to even consider anyone else.

So, why was Hartman at the park in the first place? Did he die there or elsewhere? What was that shadow seen around his neck in the evidence photos? Was his wife a victim of abuse? How many people did the Hartman's dog bite anyway? Will Sasha's boyfriend manage to finish up his business' wood crafting projects on time? How good at axe throwing was Lucy? How good will boyfriend Jay and his brother Nathan be at tossing cambers? What is a camber anyway? Why do they throw them for fun? What will happen to Lucy's dog? Will Sasha ever learn to wait on her back-up before charging in to accuse someone? What is wrong with her? And, finally, what surprise does Jay have in store for Sasha, not to mention what surprise she has for him? You'll have to read the book to find the answers to all these are more, such as how to outfit a teddy bear in a kilt.

Speaking of teddy bears, I need to go find out where I can find one of those adorable teddy bears in kilts. I'll do that while you add this to your "to read" list.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. Love the cover!
 

Atlin Where Everyone Knows Your Dog's Name, by Bradford D. Smith

"...life was a perpetual adventure," write author Bradford Smith, "an astonishing journey that most of us were not aware we were taking."

He's writing of his own life, one where he spent his growing years in Atlin, British Columbia. Isolated and difficult to reach, Arlin was both a wilderness community and his playground. His story is one part personal nostalgia for a far more simple life, at least in the eyes of his then young eyes, part history, and fully charming and intriguing. Living in Alaska myself, although I've never made it to Atlin, I've been to nearby Skagway and even Juneau, Alaska. I chuckled reading that Smith's family moved from Juneau to Atlin because, well, the population then about 5,000 then in Juneau made it just too crowded. I've taken that ferry to Haines that he mentions, too, and cannot imagine doing the trip in what was surely a far slower, less comfortable ferry of the times with all their personal belongings. Just as living in remote Alaska today, more than one trip was needed, too. I'm actually pretty sure some residents of remote Alaska and the Canadian wilds today would nod their heads sagely and say, "Yep, ain't improved much."

I won't detail Smith's adventures and misadventures as they are many and varied. His days were full of fun like fishing and hunting, yes, but hard work, too, work that didn't always feel like work because, well, they had fun doing it. Well, some of it. Even living in Alaska today where friends harvest moose and wild game to get them through out long winters, I know how hard just that task alone can be. Imagine hauling not just food animals you've trapped or killed for long distances without mechanical means, but wood, water, and doing it regularly, not just occasionally. One of the saving graces was perhaps the abundance of dogs, mostly huskies and Malamutes, in Smith's life. Mushing isn't as much a sport for some as a way of life, a way of getting food and supplies to the table and Smith lived that life. It was a small, close-knit community and everyone helped each other, too. It was a hard life but one full of fun, amazing sights and sounds, adventure, and people who, yes, knew your dogs' names. 

More importantly, Smith saw it as a wonderful adventure, a time where he lived rather than just existed. "I have attempted to depict and  explain a time, a place and a sense of community.... I chose to tell my story in a bright light, understanding every community has darkness..." In other words, he knows he's being nostalgic. I mean, how else can you look back on the experience of having a father put you on his shoulders and then climb tall ladders or poles with you clinging to him without thinking twice about it. 

Finally, a real plus to this book are the additions of excerpts by Smith's mother, Diane Solie Smith. I wish I'd known her. Much of the history of Atlin available today may be through her efforts as a historian and writer of several books. Kudos to Bradford Smith for giving his mother her due and including her thoughts and insights. She died in 2003 and is buried with her last dog on a hill overlooking the town that once hosted her wild flower garden. The dog's name was Willow. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #FathomPublishing for introducing me to this wonderful book. I've shared it with friends including one who lives part time in, yes, Atlin.

White House Confidential: The Little Book of Weird Presidential History, by Gregg Stebben, Austin Hill, Will Durst

I've got to admit, while I found the various stories, tidbits, and wisps of gossip intriguing, I also found the going a bit chaotic. It tended to jump around a great deal, more from theme to theme than from president to president. As a result, especially reading on my phone as I was, I found it difficult to keep track of who did what and when. And, boy, there were a lot of whos doing whats. From Washington to Obama (published pre-Trump and Biden), not to mention several vice-presidents and assorted governmental figures, both well known and not, as well as some relatives of presidents, there was a lot to cover. I was aware of some of the information shared but had somehow, thank goodness in some cases, missed other bits shared. Bottom line, though hardly the book for someone seeking accurate, documented information about the presidents, this was a fun, easy read with just enough shared to catch your attention before moving on. Wow, who knew some of our presidents were so, well, uh, un-presidential? Maybe the real question is, what does the fact I thoroughly enjoyed it all say about me? Never mind. I'd rather not know.

 

Pleading the Fish (Seaside Café Mysteries, #7), by Bree Baker

I've somehow missed this series until this book, apparently the last in the series, alas. As a result, I probably wasn't as clued in as I might have been otherwise on why a seemingly modern, intelligent woman like Everly Swan would so strongly believe in an ol' curse. According to this curse, any man the women of the Swan family marries dies an early death. Curse aside, there is still plenty of time for Everly, who seems to have a reputation for doing so, to get involved in investigating a murder. Her soon-to-be husband, detective Grady Hayes, of course, tries to discourage her, not to mention disprove the curse.

He already has a murder to solve. Who pushed the victim in the well? Will Grady also disprove the curse? Does the curse have anything to do with the murder? Will Everly discover who the murderer is? Will she have more seaweed dumped on her? Yuck. Will Everly ever settle on a wedding gown? Why is a lemon cake important? Who is the mystery man lurking near her aunts' place of business? Can Everly trust her former nemesis? Heck, will Everly live long enough to get married or, gasp, will she learn that the curse is real and Grady won't make it down the wedding aisle?

Nope, not telling. All these questions and more are answered in this final entry in the Seaside Cafe Mysteries series. Now, please, excuse me. I'm feeling the urge for some lemon cake.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the ARC.

 

Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery #2,) by Holly Danvers

Rain and Julia could be the models for a "seriously amateur sleuths" poster.

I cringed at some of their decisions, cringed even while giving Julia some leeway given her husband Nick's position as the chief suspect. Rain's role seemed to be the more cautious one although, quite frankly, despite her courage and determination to help her friends, she didn't do a real good job of that most of the time. I cringed at her glee of hearing about a library patron's granddaughter who'd been troubled by the death of the victim because she knew him, without giving a second's thought at that moment to what additional harm such questioning might cause. Don't get me wrong. Rain seems a kind, caring person but, well, caring doesn't always lead to intelligent actions. I honestly alternately liked her and then a page or two later wanted to shake some sense into her.

Bottom line, the story moves along relatively quickly as we follow the two friends in their efforts to find the real killer.They're doing all this in the midst of a bitterly cold winter, too, which spoke to me as, ironically, just as I picked up the book to read, my own temps dropped into negative numbers. Finally, I should note, there is a budding love triangle, too, for those who enjoy that aspect of some cozy mysteries. At this point I'm probably intrigued enough by the setting and occasionally humorous situations Rain and Julia get themselves into to keep reading this series.....even while wanting to sit them down and give them a good shaking at times, I'm sure.

Thank you #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the copy.

Batten Down the Belfry (House-Flipper Mystery #4), by Diane Kelly

Although the going seemed slow initially, by the end of the book I was thoroughly invested in trying to sort out who did it. This was a new series to me but "Batten Down the Belfry" worked quite well a a stand-alone, especially for someone like me who had no real interest or knowledge about fixing up and flipping houses. The fact the "house" in this instance isn't even a house but a run-down rural church only added to the interest. The main characters seemed likeable and left me rooting for them to make a success of this, I guess you'd call it, failed flip project.

Toss in a horse ranch next door with an antagonistic owner that claims he owns the property Whitney and her cousin Buck just purchased, wandering horses, the prospects of the property when refurbished becoming part of the Nashville entertainment scene, murderous money making schemes, and, yes, murder, and there is a lot to take in. Although I had an inkling about the identity of the killer of the antagonistic neighbor, like Whitney and Collin, her police boyfriend, I had no clue who killed the deliveryman in the belfry until the very end. Kudos to Diane Kelly for weaving together such an intricate plot so well. She even managed to give Sawdust, Whitney's cat, a role in the action.

Finally, while you go add this to your "to be read" list, I'm tempted to ponder what the Stained Glass Cookies in one of the recipes at the end might taste like. They sound beautiful, that's for sure.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC.
 

How Dogs Work: A Head-To-Tail Guide to Your Canine, by Daniel Tatarsky, David Humphries

If this book was a dog, I'd give it two treats. One for author Daniel Tatarsky and one for illustrator David Humphries.

It perfectly treads the fine line between being informative on a wide variety of related topics, from tail wags and head tilts to various breeds and even costs and responsibilities of care from birth to the Rainbow Bridge, with the loving, whimsical, often humorous side of being owned by a dog always present. The illustrations catch that tone perfectly in an uncomplicated but direct and, yes, frequently humorous way.

I couldn't help checking my own dogs ear and tail positions, for instance, as I began the book, although if there is a section on your dog being bored because you are tethered to a computer, I missed it. That's okay. I'll be going back to this book repeatedly.

The author had me from the git-go when he wrote that there was no need to read the book from page to page. "Jump around. Wiggle your tail, and look for the bits that make you laugh, make you think, or maybe you want to know more. Then go do something else, walk your dog, and come back later." I'll be back, David Tatarsky. My corgi mix is telling me it's time for some "dog time" now, however.

Thanks to #NetGalley and publisher #DK for the copy. I loved it.

Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly

Like author Linda Reilly, my go-to comfort food is a grilled cheese sandwich. As a result, she just made my day starting the Grilled Cheese Mysteries series. Even better, I loved it. Reilly has created likeable, realistic characters that most of us would be delighted to have in our own circle of friends. Now, true, given Grant's ability to conjure the perfect grilled cheese sandwich for the moment, I might put him high on my list but there's also more to him than his cooking skills. A talented young black man, he's being pressured by this parents to give up his dreams of becoming a chef and focus on his music. Turns out he's also a talented cello player named after William Grant Still, a composer and conductor who was the first African-American to conduct a major America symphony orchestra. Grant's parents are also talented musicians and are leaning heavily on him to choose music as a career. You'll have to read the book to see how that is sorted out. Grant obviously doesn't plan on making his career making grilled cheese sandwiches forever.

As for the murder mystery, the plot moves along as Carly and the local police force sift through a variety of suspects and clues to find Lyle's killer. Not only did Carly once briefly date him in high school but one of her workers becomes the main "person of interest" after Lyle exits Carly's restaurant after smugly delivering some bad news to Carly. Will this be the end of Carly's dream? Will her workers have to look for new jobs, too? What role will the fiercely independent homeless Becca play? Why is some ol' car so important to Lyle's younger brother? Would he kill for it? Can Carly trust Ari? How about with her heart? Are any of those about her too good to be true? Finally, will she ever get around to finally changing her mind and adopting the adorable little dog she discovered at about the same time she stumbled across Lyle's dead body? I'm not telling but I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series. Go add it to your "To Be Read" list while I go make myself a grilled cheese sandwich. It won't be as good as one of Grant or Carly's, alas, but it'll hit the spot this cold, snowy Alaska evening. I might even share a bite of it with my own dog who was rooting for Carly to adopt Havarti.

Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the advance copy of this great new series and to author #LindaReilly for adding those great grilled cheese recipes at the end, too.