The Socialite's Guide to Murder (Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #1), by S.K. Golden

 

 

Publication October 11, 2022

What secrets lurk behind the walls of the Prohibition Era style luxury hotel? Will spoiled rich girl Evelyn be able to find them and the murderer of artist Billie Bell? 

To be honest, if you'd asked me early on in the book, I'd have said no way. Evelyn, daughter of the mega rich hotel owner, comes across as rather an empty headed, Marilyn Monroe wannabe. She's all about the style and drama, from selecting the perfect outfit to playing along with photographers seeking photos of her with actor boyfriend Henry. She carries a Pomeranian mix with her seemingly at all times, Presley, who resembles a bear cub, and her hotel suite is, well, pink. Very pink. Pink with lots of fancy clothes and jewelry. In other words, she doesn't appear to be likely to solve anything other than perhaps how to fix a broken nail. 

But, don't let appearances fool you. She's anything but empty headed. True, she's lived a sheltered, catered to life, and throws her money and name around to get what she wants, but there's a brain in that blond-by-choice head of hers. Although the hints are subtle at first, she's also faced trauma. She discovered the body of her murdered mother outside the hotel as a child. She considers the hotel her safe place, so to speak. Her sense of security is shattered when she discovers a bloody body in the hallway of what she considers her hotel, a man Henry had a rather public argument with earlier. When another hotel employee is arrested she should feel relieved but feels he is innocent and has the overwhelming need to help find the real murderer. How can someone who suffers from agoraphonia, however much she denies it to herself, and hasn't left the hotel in fourteen months going to solve a murder?

So, if neither the man arrested nor Henry killed artist Billie Bell, who did? Did they also steal the missing painting? What secret is Henry keeping? How about Mac, the man Evelyn is slowly beginning to realize she genuinely loves? Will he accept being a kept man? Heck, how will star Henry react to losing his girlfriend to a bellboy? Why is Mac dragged down to the police station? What habit may get Evelyn into trouble or worse, danger? Why is the mystery maid threatening Evelyn in a hallway? Could a Countess be guilty of murder? Who trashed Evelyn's, sigh, pink hotel suite? Could her day maid be a threat? Why doesn't Henry keep the expensive gift Evelyn gives him, in front of cameras, no less? And, oh, so much more for a book that I thought I wasn't going to particularly like initially. As it turned out, after the slow start I found myself unable to set it aside. Evelyn may be naive and spoiled but I liked her (and Presley). I liked Mac and his sister. Heck, even the police investigator was likable, even while dealing with spoiled Evelyn's horror of having to share a hospital room with someone else. Hospital, you say? Nope, not telling, you're just going to have to read the book. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to spend some time at the lovely Pinnacle Hotel to get to know Evelyn. After rolling me eyes lots at her, I've become a fan and am looking forward to the next adventure.

Donut Disturb (A Bakeshop Mystery #15), by Ellie Alexander

 

 I love this series! Great setting, Ashland, Oregon, something of a Shakespearean mecca, great characters who are fleshed out with back stories of their own, and lots and lots of food talk with Shakespearean quotes and references popping up frequently, and it all makes for a fun, intriguing read. Main character Juliet Montague Capshaw is smart, energetic, and cares about her friends, family, and her town, Juliet and husband Carlos operate not just popular bakery Torte but Uva, a winery. The tale of how both Carlos and Juliet came to be where they are has been fascinating but they're seemingly in a happy place as this book opens, staying very busy and, hmm, thinking of future plans. Juliet is likable and seems to be respected and trusted in her community and it's hard not to wish that the extended cast of family and friends is your own. This is #15 in the series but this can be read easily as a standalone although I encourage you to read the series because it's plain ol' good.

Juliet's also a darn good amateur sleuth. In this installment of the long running series she finds herself investigating a murder that takes place not long before good friends Kerry and Thomas are about to walk down the aisle and be married. Even worse than the timing, Kerry's father, who has shown up unexpectedly, is the main suspect. While his background is, well, shady at best, could he have gone to the great effort of being there despite obstacles only to turn right around and ruin his daughter's big day? What connection does he, not to mention some others, have to the victim, Brett? I mean, could the 80 year-old have committed this murder? Or maybe one of the other members of the jazz band the victim was bassist with? Dani does seem particularly driven. Could seemingly always cranky business neighbor Richard have done it? Why won't Nat take his information to the police himself? Why does he want Juliet to be involved? Who.....nope, not telling any more. You're just going to have to read the book. I do have one suggestion, however. Make sure you eat before you start reading. All that talk of food prep and fine wines makes you almost able to sense the smells and tastes. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the invite to Kerry and Thomas' wedding. Glad I hung around after to taste test and see how Juliet's sleuthing was going. I'm looking forward to the next adventure which sounds like it may be a bit of a trip.

Old Farts on a Bus, by C. A. Hocking

 

Can you guess why I picked up this book to read? You've got to admit, that title is intriguing. In the back of my mind I was probably thinking senior citizen mystery or something akin to that given that it popped up in the midst of blurbs for cozy mysteries. Instead, it's the author's remembrance of a guided tour she (and her husband) made to Egypt. It was both humorous and insightful into both the joys and angst of "old fart" travel and guided tours. I've never been on a true guided tour but it did bring back memories of taking advantage of cruise ship excursions, riding a bus with a driver whose stories to entertain us were memorable, and rubbing elbows with until then total strangers. The author, who does write mysteries, I later discovered, does a fun job of showing both the joys and angst of such trips, not glossing over the added difficulties of age on travelers. 

There were lots of laughs but also moments of sadness as the travelers adjusted to the behavior of an Alzheimer diminished fellow traveler and the foibles of each other. Having dealt with that horrid disease in my own family, I felt sympathy pangs for the duo involved. The group also learned not to drink the water in Egypt. Oh, boy, did they. The author's tale of her plane ride home was, well, rather a stark reminder of what happens when you forget that caution. Along the way, however, she backed up my belief that photos are perhaps best left to point-and-shoot cameras that do it all for you, and the need to read the "instructions" usually provided on what to wear and pack. Let's just say, as one of their group discovered to her dismay, Egypt is not the place to worry about showing off fancy heels. 

Bottom line, a fun, quick read with both laughs and moments of worry and concern. A sense of family developed between tour group members and it was reassuring to see them rise to any occasion and help in dire situations just as much as they learned what made each other behave as they did. And, oh, did I mention the shopping? I'm not particularly into shopping but I'd have loved to have seen the colors and swirl and movement so often described. You'll even learn a bit about the fine art of haggling down prices.  If you're looking for a fun, quick read that has some depth, not to mention a lovely virtual tour of Egypt, give this one a try.

Killers of a Feather (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 2), by T. C. LoTempio

 

I am delighted by this new-to-me series. Author LoTempio does an excellent job introducing the characters and giving us a glimpse of Fox Hollow, the small town where the story takes place. Although the fact main character Shell McMillan is shown to be a former TV series star quite a few times, that fact seemed extraneous and I wound up liking not only Shell but the supporting cast, so to speak. They seemed to be well-rounded and likable, even her rather over-the-top, seemingly self-centered retired actress mother. Ah, family ties. Heck, even the critters involved such as Honey Belle the parrot and cats Purrday and Kahlua's personalities shown through. Is Purrday as smart as he seems? Let's hope so since Shell has a tendency to find herself in dangerous situations at times.

As for the mystery, it centers about the murder of former resident Johnny Draco who many accuse of swindling them out of significant sums of money and simply disappearing when the investment fell through. Could Rita have killed him? How about her husband? Or the former girlfriend? Or any other of the many who felt they'd been swindled? Why is Shell's detective boyfriend focused on Rita? Could Shell's habit of thinking aloud get her into trouble? Why is she keeping secrets from Josh? Who left the threatening note for her? How about those mad White Boarding skills shown by Shell, Gary, Olivia, and Ron? Why does  Shell.....oh, never mind. No more teasers but, oh, what unexpected twists, turns, and danger before all is said and done. Read the book. I'll be reading the first one in the series to play catch up while you're doing that.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for inviting me to Fox Hollow for the grand opening of Shell's pet store. I'm looking forward to many return visits and that local theater production.

Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts--with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors, by Linda Sivertsen

Savor this book. Take it to heart. Read it when you need encouragement. 
Read it when you need inspiration. Read it when you feel you can't write
 another word. Read it when you feel like you're the only writer in the 
entire world who has lived through being able to force another word onto
 paper. Read it just for fun. Read it.

Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BenBellaBooks for making this wonderful guide available.
         

 

Kill Them With Canvas (A Paint By Murder Mystery #2), by Bailee Abbott

 

Available October 11, 2022

First, I enjoyed the book. However, while I liked the determination and courage Chloe and Izzy showed trying to prove their Aunt Constance's innocence in a murder case, they were way over the top all too often. While I understand they are still young, they tend to go into high drama and impulsive behavior way too frequently for my taste. Toss in, say, Constance's tendency to get hysterical and faint when confronted with problems, Dewey's strangeness, and Chloe's seemingly unending fretting about her love life and, well, it was a tad much. Hopefully they mature a bit and tone it down in future installments. 

The mystery itself was fun, with hints of ghostly visitations, and enough suspects to keep you guessing. How did Viola wind up dead in the lake supposedly haunted by the ghost of Abigail Bellows, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died over a hundred years ago? Where did the mysterious painting left behind after the party hosted by Chloe and Izzy come from? Was it a hint, confession or, well, sheer coincidence? Would you be freaked out or glad to have the likes of Marilyn stalking, er, keeping an eye on you? What is going on with Wink? Where does police detective Hunter Barrett get his patience when it comes to dealing with Chloe sticking her nose into his case? Does she trust him or not? Is Spencer genuinely worried about her mother or is she trying to scam her? And, and, and....oh, so much more. Ignore the high drama and dangerously naive plans hatched by Chloe to catch the killer and you'll enjoy the story. Besides, there are cute dogs to pet virtually while you're reading and the premise of the sisters' Paint With a View business and location is intriguing.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me sit in on Chloe and Izzy's Paint With a View sessions and observe how they operate. I'm curious enough to admit that I'll be looking for the next in the series, too, as it was fun. 3.5 rounded to a 4 for entertainment value.

Crime for the Books (Jane Doe Book Club Mystery #3), by Kate Young

 

Publication October 11, 2022

Words to the wise: Don't start reading this one late at night. You won't be able to put it down. The tensions and unease in the air kept me reading long past my bedtime.

I won't delve into the plot as a synopsis is readily available elsewhere, but will say "Crime for the Books" is enjoyable in the sense that it isn't predictable. Not only is the murder mystery itself intriguing and well plotted, but the characters show depth and, surprisingly for a cozy mystery, aren't always on the same page. The friends, tight friends Lyla, Mel, Amelia, and Rosa, who finds herself under tremendous pressure and stress, care about each other and have each other's back, however, even when they keep secrets from each other. Lyla's grandmother Daisy provides some comic relief, at first appearing the rather stereotyped feisty ol' lady, but later displays layers of caring and putting that caring into action, adding depth to her personality. To be honest, I found the side-story involving Lyla's boyfriend more distracting than interesting but others may be intrigued. It was the relationships between those involved that made the story work for me.

Not to give away any plot twists but a few hints: Who killed Patricia? Why does she whisper that she's sorry as she dies? What is going on with Rosa? Why are even her fellow officers doubting her? What is Courtney's problem? What secret is Mel keeping from Lyla? And, whoa, how about the big secret Amelia reveals? Why is a strange guy hitting on Lyla? How do Lyla's investigative skills prove helpful? Could things not be as they seem? Or, could people not be what they seem? Would you attend a murder mystery party on the proverbial "dark and stormy night," even if the weather was a random act of nature? Why is Lyla reluctant to call police chief Quinn, an old friend? And, oh, so many more question, ranging from what the heck is going on with Brad to the community reaction to the discord. Seriously, if you like small town mysteries, unpredictable ones at that, and friends who stick by each other no matter what, you'll enjoy this one. Give it a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me to drop in on the Jane Does again. It's been awhile but I'm already looking forward to the next adventure.

Canter with a Killer, by Amber Camp

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2022

As a horse crazy gal from way back, I felt an immediate connection to Mallory Martin. Kudos to new author Amber Camp for having her associated with a horse rescue. Even though I wasn't comfortable with Mallory's tactics to find the real killer of cranky neighbor Albert Cunningham, not to mention that it was Mallory who created the conflict that made old friend Grady/the police the enemy, I rather imagine I wouldn't always be rational if I were the suspect in a murder, either. 

I found myself liking not just Mallory but friends like Lanie and Bill and workers at the rescue, Ashley and Tanner, as well as legal eagles Ethan and Andy It was interesting to watch the various relationships as they emerged and developed, even as hurtful small town gossip created additional problems. And, oh, the horses. I loved that the author described each horse, its history, and strengths and weaknesses, even explaining the names given them. That was a real plus for me as a former horse owner/lover. Her lovable dog, Bingo, who has never met a stranger, reminding me of one I once owned, and Biscuit, an absolutely adorable donkey with a personality that wouldn't allow him to be ignored, round out the rescue critters.

Mallory is shocked to discover Albert Cunningham has been killed. Even worse, she finds herself a suspect. Why? Wouldn't the girlfriend be a more likely suspect? Or, could the environmental activist have done it? What does a lost glove have to do with anything? Maybe the neighbor angry at Albert for blocking him off from his own property? Could the photos Mallory took early on reveal a clue? Why is everyone so convinced Mallory is guilty? Why is Andy's receptionist so cool toward Mallory? What will Mallory's father have to say about all this when he gets home from his cruise? For that matter, how will her daughter react about being kept in the dark about the situation? And, oh, so many questions but, nope, not telling you the answers. If you're a horse lover, you'll thoroughly enjoy this one. If your simply a mystery fan, you will, too. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Mallory's Hillspring Horse Rescue story. And, hey, give Biscuit a couple extra virtual treats!

Death At The Feast, by Jan Durham

 

Liz McLuckie amazes me. That's both good and bad. Good because she's smart, plucky, and makes connections others miss. She's loyal to her friends and loves her dog. On the other hand, she's impulsive and doesn't seem to always think things through before blundering into situations that could be dangerous. Her persistence in asking "rude" questions is just one example of that although, I have to admit, visualizing her on the exercise machines while she tries to pry information from a potential suspect is rather amusing. So, too, was the, sigh, tug-of-war she gets into over a Christmas tree which, unfortunately, puts Nelson, her English Bull Terrier in jeopardy. She's....human. Impulsive, smart, deserving of eye rolls at times, but I like her. 

Author Jan Durham does an excellent job introducing new readers to the series (I read book 1 but not book 2) and revealing how they are intertwined and connected as well as setting the scene. Whitby is a real place, by the way. It was the birthplace of explorer Captain Cook, not to mention helped inspire Bram Stoker's "Dracula". There's even a connection to Queen Victoria but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own. It sounds like an interesting small town fishing village, an excellent setting for a mystery series.

As for the murder mystery itself, although you'll find the plot detailed elsewhere, I will note that it sounds simple on the surface. Who killed Mayor Neil Grogan? Why didn't his Epi-pen help? Was it an accident? How did sesame oil get into the food? That's when things begin to get, well, weird. Why would anyone steal the mayor's body the night before the funeral? Did the wife do it? I mean, the spouse is usually the first suspect. Why is Liz tasting possibly tainted coffee? Will Liz ever learn to be more subtle in her questioning? Oh, probably not. Will she survive her visit to the gym after years without exercise? Will Liz and Benedict ever figure out if they're "just friends" or more? Oh, what's this? Another romance blossoming? And, uh, how does one "un-steal" a body? In fact, why? And, oh, wait. Nope. Not sharing any more. You're just going to have to read the book for these answers and more. Despite the slow to me start, the mystery was intriguing with several funny scenes to visualize as they happen, not to mention as you wonder if Liz, who admits how much she enjoys investigating, will survive to sing in that year's Christmas service. Well, that's assuming it even happens. Give it a read! 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for inviting me to visit Liz in Whitby again. Can't wait to see how her shaky efforts to become friends with Dora work in the next book.

Death by Beach Read (Lighthouse Library Mystery #9), by Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault (Narrator) Audio book

 

Audio   8 h 48 m duration

This is the first time I've listened to an audio of a book I've previously read and, since I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it's no surprise that the audio version is a winner, too. Narrator Elise Arsenault has a pleasant voice that fits the character of librarian Lucy well. She does a good job changing her voice to make a distinction between characters without missing a beat and each time the voice fit the character nicely. One of the things I noted was how she matched the rapid heartbeat pace when anxious at one point, a small but deft touch.

It's little things like that which make the difference between a good experience and a great one. Kudos to Arsenault for that masterful touch. The pacing was smooth and her tones matched the descriptive sections, whether happy or unnerved or, for that matter, simply impatient without disrupting the flow. Chapter changes were noted with a simple "Chapter 2" or whatever. Bottom line, an excellent job.

As for the plot itself, having reviewed it earlier I'll simply say, one, a plot synopsis is easily found elsewhere and, two. the conclusion was both satisfying and saddening. Youthful misadventures do change lives. Lucy still annoys me with her tendency to not share information with those who need it most, the police, or even Connor, but she's likable, as are her friends and family. Even the neighbors are well-rounded and show the best of human nature....most of the time. And, let's not forget Charles the Library Cat. He's a character all to himself. Bottom line, both an excellent read and listen. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio version and felt like I actually picked up on some subtle things I'd missed in the reading, so it was a win all the way around. Give it a listen or read or, heck, both.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for letting me revisit Lucy's world and ponder whether ghosts really exist or should it be human nature we fear. #EvaGates is a favorite author, so looking forward to what's next from her. 

A Colorful Scheme (Pen & Ink #4), by Krista Davis

Publishes August 30, 2022

A wedding camouflaged as a party, a lost and found bride, and, oh, yeah, murder. This is what faces coloring book artist and book shop manager Florrie Fox as the book opens. I was hooked from the beginning and found myself compelled to finish. I liked Florrie and the surrounding cast of characters. Each came off as a unique, well rounded personality with their own quirks, strengths and weaknesses and seemed like people I'd like to know. The plot was face paced and multi-layered. Heck, I lost track of how many mysteries were revealed and solved by the time to book ended. Loved it.

I won't detail the plot, a synopsis is easily found elsewhere, but will say that what starts as party crashers ends with a seemingly innocuous man dead in the pool. Florrie is stunned to find herself a suspect in not just this death but that of an admittedly annoying wannabe journalist who had been stalking her. While I could understand why Sgt. Bridges might focus on her as a suspect, the ol' wrong place, wrong time thing, that did seem a bit obsessive. Boyfriend and police officer Eric noted that it was Bridges first big case and he was frustrated, a thought that while it didn't make Florrie any happier, did calm her own nerves and frustration somewhat. A highlight of the book was the introduction of Jezebel Fish, grandmother of Eric's friend Fish Gordon. Jezebel is a force onto herself and I hope to see more of her in future books. Yes, I'm already looking forward to seeing what is next for Florrie and her friends, particularly those who write. Now I'm off to find my crayons to color that lovely cover art.

Top notch. Put it on your "Must Read" list. Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for sending me the invite to the party/wedding and letting me hang out with Florrie, Jezebel, and the rest. Loved every minute of it. 

High Times in the Low Parliament, by Kelly Robson

Bemused. Confused. Intrigued. Those words describe my initial reactions to "High Times in the Low Parliament". It took awhile for the light to flip on in my mind but once it did, I was definitely intrigued. Who knew the fairy world was so politically charged.

In fact, it wasn't until my mind began to make connections between the disdain and attempted destruction of the Low Parliament and, hmm, maybe NATO that my mind began to make sense of it all. It's an interesting if bewildering world that Lana Baker finds herself deposited in for the sake of a few kisses. Yes, lots of lady on lady type action here but, honestly, it was secondary. The politics and complicated relationships between the humans and fairy characters, not to mention the multitude of factions within the political body are what made the story interesting to me. I didn't even particularly like Lana as the book began but gradually found myself warming to her, then admiring her pluck and smarts as she navigated the complex world she found herself inside. In other words, she matures and grew on me. Same for Bugbite, the cranky fairy that Lana befriends. They're far more complex characters than one imagines at first and their growth and concern for all, not just themselves, made me care about what was and might happen to them.

The political world they inhabit is, well, full of turmoil. Much talk, endless posturing, arguing, finger pointing, and grand gestures that all come to naught. Sounds a great deal like our modern political world doesn't it, even though this one is set in 18th century. I doubt that the author had invasions and threats against NATO in mind as she wrote but given current circumstances, it was difficult to erase that thought from my mind once that light bulb went off. Lana, who admits to not really ever even trying to think shows more common sense than most, coming up with ideas on how to avoid being drowned, the eventual fate of all there if agreement isn't reached. So, given the fate awaiting them, why are deputies of the many, many factions still arguing? To hear their own voices? A grasp for power even if others die as a result? Power or maybe the power to make history? Or end it? Is chaos really more effective than calm? Will anyone listen to reason or are all fated to a dreadful end. But, wait, how are the fractious deputies perhaps thinking to have it all, power and survival?

You're going to have to read the book to find out. Read it with an open mind. For instance, although I don't swing that way, I didn't find the lady on lady flirtation offensive. It certainly fits this seemingly all female world. You may even find different connections than I eventually did. As noted, I was initially bewildered and didn't even like the main character but things change. Isn't that what it's all about? Change for the better?

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Macmillan-#Tor/Forge, #Tordotcom for offering me the chance to read the book. Admittedly, I wasn't sure as I began and it seemed slow but found myself thinking about it while doing other things, a sure sign that I was hooked.

Pesky Puppies, by Mildred Abbott

 

I think I'm in puppy heaven. And it exhausts me.

As intriguing as it was to follow Fred and her grumpy corgi Watson as they unravel the mystery of Leah's death in a car wreck, it was an absolute hoot to try to keep up with the exuberant energy, freely given licks and love, of the new and unexpectedly owner-less pup Phineas Foxe. Watson tries hard to be a good big brother but, well, Phineas seems to wear him out, too, not to mention Watson is used to being the center of Fred and new husband Leo's worlds.

That translates to Fred having to figure out what is going on with the alternately loving and standoffish Watson while following her hunch that Leah's death isn't as blameless as it seems. In between, she's coping with Phineas' wild abandon as he meets the rest of the dogs in Fred's world, which lead to some scenes that would wear me out. But, oh, those puppy leaps and licks and the wild abandon as he flings himself into the center of whatever is going on.

And, oh, how complicated what appeared as simply a tragic accident became as Fred decides to follow her instincts. She's always had the ability to be at the right place at the right time. I wonder if Watson will ever get that official promotion to Officer Fleabag? He's already managed to get Susan to buy his favorite treats for when Fred and he stop by the police office. Why did Fred feel that the auto accident was no accident? Where does adorable but exhausting Phineas fit into the mystery? Leah loved him dearly. Heck, Fred and Leo love him dearly, too. Watson? He's still not so sure. What mad skills do some of Fred's friends display that are beyond helpful?

If you like dogs and fun, cozy mysteries that have unexpected complications, twists, and turns, you'll love this series, not just this book. The "Pesky Puppies" of the title get the spotlight here, however, and makes for a fun read. I mean, who can ignore an adorable puppy? Already looking forward to the next installment of the series.

Peanut Butter Panic (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #7), by Amanda Flower

 

 

Is it good or bad that at one point I was so caught up in the antics of Jethro the pig that I momentarily forgot there was a murder? I'm going with good. It simply shows how focused main character Bailey King could be in the face of, well, I won't share because I want you to enjoy them as they happen, but will say in the face of some funny but pulse raising events. Heck, she even manages to elude some attack turkeys. Nope, don't ask. Not telling. You really, really need to read this book.

In any case, back to the murder. If it wasn't bad enough that Margot, organizer of Harvest, Ohio's Thanksgiving festivities, is upset by the visit of her overbearing, self-focused, and, well, terribly unlikable mother, Zara, but her mother's much younger boyfriend is murdered at the event. Who did it and why? Was it daughter Margot, already distressed by her mother's unexpected visit? How about one of the Amish who suffered because of the harsh punishments Zara doled out as a judge? Or, hmm, maybe someone from Blaze's own past? How will Bailey sort it all out while getting up to make candy for the shop in what amounts to the middle of the night for most of us, babysitting Jethro, juggling her media presence, avoiding the sharp teeth of Zara's little dog Gator, making future business plans, investigating the murder, and trying to sort out her own relationship with Aiden? There are even some genuine booby-traps she has to avoid.

Nope, not telling, but you'll enjoy the ride. Not only is Bailey likable but her family and friends are, too. They're people we'd like to know and spend time with. I love how sensitive Bailey is to the Amish community, for instance, an affection that isn't always readily returned, but it shows her caring personality. Aiden, the love interest, shows an emotional, caring side of himself, too, and, well, his mother seems to be a lovable force all her own. Read this one. You'll love it. Number 7 in Amanda Flower's longer running series to date, "Peanut Butter Panic" is a winner. I hated to see it end.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to spend some time with Bailey while I enjoyed Jethro's antics, not to mention flashing back to my own encounter with some "attack turkeys". Amanda Flower knows her farm critters.

Making It Write, by Betty Hechtman

 

The premise behind this one intrigued me. A "writer for hire" is caught up in the murder of the woman who hired her to help her bring her book to publication. As writer Veronica discovers, the book is far from complete and, in fact, the victim, Maeve, had told her she was holding back the ending until later, hence Veronica can only rely on the very sparse and occasionally erratic manuscript to help her fill in the missing chunks. The publisher still wants the book and, well, Veronica is already driven to not just finish the book but ensure that justice is done for Maeve. Unfortunately, someone, including Maeve's celebrity artist husband, Michael Angel, famous for his paintings of a Scottie dog, doesn't want the book written. Toss in complications in Veronica's own life and, well, it makes for an interesting story.

I did find myself alternately liking and being exasperated with Veronica. To use a cliche, something she repeatedly voiced her dislike of, she tended to get on my last nerve. While initially I found her almost stream of consciousness thought patterns intriguing, offering insight into a writer's thoughts, if you will, after awhile they seemed to bog the plot down. She also needed to figure out what is going on with Ben. Ben is handy to give her the police take on certain things, like ways time of death can be determined, but he comes off as a bit of a wuss, too, regarding his ex, er, sorta ex, oh, wait, let me rephrase that. His supposedly former wife who didn't sign the divorce papers and is thus still legally his wife. Talk about relationship complications. Yet, I found myself liking both these characters and aside from the not-quite-ex, the other side characters, as well. This included some quirky members of Veronica's writing group. I had trouble rating this one as I changed my mind frequently but probably averages a solid 3.5 rounded up to a 4 star.

I'm not sure Veronica initially grasped the danger she might be in after Maeve was possibly murdered to stop the book that she insisted on completing, but her determination to live up to commitments was admirable. So, who killed Maeve? Why? Why did Suzzanna Angel take such an immediate dislike to Veronica? Why was the book such a secret? Did the publisher know how it was to end? Who profited from Michael Angel's success? How did he get famous anyway? Why do some writing group members refuse to read another member's writings? Will Veronica ever come clean about breaking that coffee cup? Wouldn't you love to see the gluey mess she made trying to fix it? Why....oh, never mind. Not sharing any more. You'll have to read the book to find out the answers to these questions, not to mention find out where the Ben and Veronica relationship seems to be headed. As many times as I rolled my eyes at her, I still wanted to know what happened and how, so it was fun.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #SevernHouse for allowing me to spend some time in Veronical's mind as she tries to both track down a murderer and finish a book.

Beach House Summer, by Sarah Morgan

 

Sarah Morgan never disappoints. I've come to look forward to her books. "Beach House Summer" is that magical mix of family, friends, and finding oneself that gives hope to us all. Having family and a community that stands behind you no matter what, to use a now cliche, is a bit of a Hallmark moment. Joanne thinks she's rescuing Ashley when, instead, Ashley is also rescuing her. It's fascinating to watch how their unlikely friendship evolves and they learn from each other. Toss in an ample dose of romance and you've got it all. 

Joanne Rafferty Whitman is divorced. Husband Cliff, a celebrity chef who cheated on her for years, has been killed in an accident. Young Ashley, very pregnant, was in the car with him. Given Cliff's celebrity status, the press is clamoring to know who the father of the child is, most just assuming it was Cliff. It isn't that simple. Having experienced the feeding frenzy of the media herself, Joanne impulsively decides to rescue Ashley. They hide out, although it isn't any great secret they're there, in Joanne's childhood beach house. As luck would have it, not only does the press eventually find them but an old flame, Nate, also appears on the scene. Can he find the love with Joanne he once hoped to claim? Is the spark still there?

It was fascinating to watch the relationship between Joanne and Ashley develop. Joanne, more of an "if I ignore it long enough it'll go away" sort, and Ashley, who tends to be more the sort to meet challenges head on rather than ignore them or simply pretend they don't exist, wind up helping each other grow. I genuinely liked the supporting cast and ambiance of the small beach town. We'd all love to live in a place like this. Of course, all doesn't run smoothly. For all her strength, Ashley has secrets. She isn't returning texts. She finds it somehow easier to talk to Joanne about her relationship with Nate than her own relationships. Then the press finds them and converges. And....Nope, not telling. You're just going to have to read the book. You won't regret it. It inspires, soothes, and offers the wonderful possibility of second chances. And, oh, there's a bookstore. 

Thanks to Sarah Morgan for the advance copy. I haven't been reading much romance lately but it's always a delight to dive into her books.

Murder Through the English Post (Beryl and Edwina Mystery #6), by Jessica Ellicott

 

Secrets. Everyone has secrets. Small towns, despite their idyllic image, harbor many. In the case of the small English village of Walmsley Parva, the biggest is "Who's sending poison pen letters?"

It's been awhile since I've dropped in on Beryl, the adventure lover, more apt to be climbing a mountain than baking a pie, and Edwina, who seems to thrive on the sameness of her beloved small town. She's just taken a big step, however, especially for a woman of those times. In any case, they make the perfect team in their private inquiry business. In modern times, they'd be called private investigators.

This is set in the past, however, in England as it is still trying to recover from the wounds, both mental and physical, not to mention financial, in the post Great War era. Some in their village have been receiving poison pen letters sent composed of words and letters carefully cut out of magazines and pasted onto paper. Even Beryl has received one but, Beryl being Beryl, she simply shrugged and laughed it off.

The others? No. No one is laughing.

In fact, tho' the initial accusations made are lies, they are distressing and not only leading to fights and loud arguments but at least one suicide attempt has resulted. Edwina and Beryl almost lose their beyond-efficient housekeeper, Beddoes, over one, too, and ultimately begin looking into the matter. As Edwina says, small incidents can easily become big ones and create larger problems in small towns.

Who is sending the letters? Does someone have a grudge against that many people? But, wait. It gets worse. Someone dies, Cornelia, and a poison pen letter is found in her car. The kindly, retired doctor calls it death by asthma but, well, was their more. Could the letter have brought on the asthma attack? Was that victim's husband possibly a suspect, either of murder or at the very least, sending the letters? Why is Edwina so quick to suspect the town's new doctor? Could the nurse have done it? If so, to what advantage? Why the change of tone in the letters? Will Edwina make the next garden club meeting? Will Beryl learn to knit? Oh, never mind. That is a big no, at least for now. And, hmm, is romance in the air?

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with Beryl and Edwina but would caution readers that the pace is far more relaxed and slower moving than the norm nowadays. There is a great deal of what I dubbed "mind talk" throughout as individually Beryl and Edwina think privately about, well, a multitude of things, from their unlikely friendship, to Simpkins' good luck and clever ideas to make a profit of his inherited business, and whether they really know their fellow villagers or not, among others. It actually was interesting to see their thoughts, most likely thoughts that wouldn't be included in the rush of a more dialogue heavy tome. It gives the book a classical feel, in a way. Although the 9th in the series, this installment is a solid standalone as you'll learn Beryl and Edwina's history as the chapters alternate viewpoints. Enjoy! Edwina would say have a cuppa tea and relax but Beryl, American that she is, would prefer coffee.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting me drop back into Beryl and Edwina's lives again after a time away. I won't make that mistake again. I want to see if that orchid worked!

Murder at the Country Club (Miss Underhay #9), by Helena Dixon

 

What do you do when your most likely suspect is found dead in the swimming pool the next day? That is the dilemma facing main character Kitty Underhay and Matt Bryant, her soon to be husband, not to mention the police. Set in what appears to be the late 1930s, solving the murder of Sir. William Winspear is a challenge.  

Was it his much younger, now very rich wife who seems to have no shortage of male admirers? Perhaps the much put-upon Elspeth, the sister William seems to have dominated and treated more as a servant than family? Or another family member, Henry who seems to have had a constant, pressing need for money, always more money? How about dead-in-the-swimming-pool Russian dancer Ivan's sister? They were overheard planning to get their alibis straight, after all? Could she have killed him for reasons unknown? Perhaps one of the servants? One seems absolutely terrified she'll be blamed, after all. Could the reading of the will be a clue? And, oh, never mind. My lips are sealed so you'll just need to read the book for the answers.

I think you'll enjoy it. The pace is more leisurely than I've grown accustomed to of late, true, but the plot moves along steadily and smoothly, including the side stories. I was new to the series but although I found myself wanting to know more about some of the background mentioned, particularly about Kitty's mother, it worked nicely as a standalone. I definitely enjoyed the easy, respectful relationship between Kitty and Matt, who tries to thread the fine line between supporting Kitty's involvement in investigations, after all, he is a PI, while not endangering her. 

Living in this age, we're spoiled by the availability of cell phones, so I found myself having to adjust my thinking a bit when, for instance, instead of staying with the body when she discovered it, Kitty is forced to leave it unguarded to seek help. The fact she owns and drives her own car is also apparently quite daring, hard to believe for those of us who grew up taking it for granted we'd eventually have wheels to take us wherever we wanted, often at speeds our parents wouldn't condone. 

Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the side characters such as her grandmother, who runs the Dolphin Hotel, and friends who appear to be both friends and hotel staff, Alice and young Dolly. And, oh, can't forget Bernie, Matt's skittish but lovable dog, apparently basically adopted after the death of a victim in a previous book. Yep, I really, really need to read this entire series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me to visit with Kitty and Matt, sneak some treats to Bernie, and watch them all in action. I'm hoping to see Kitty in her aunt's tiara soon in a wedding!

Little Homesteader: A Summer Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom, by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, Anneliesdraws (Illustrations)

 

School's almost out for the summer? How long before your kids are bored? Out of ideas to keep them busy and, hopefully, learning? This book is for you.

I love these bright, colorful books. To be honest, they had me from the beginning with their comment "We print our books on trash." What a delight to see a book publisher not just mouth environmental concerns but actually take steps to recycle and reuse. Many of the ideas in the book focus on the same idea, recycling a tin can into a fun, unique water sprinkler, for instance, or how to save the seeds from a tomato you eat to plant. All ideas are delightfully illustrated and feature a boy and girl of different races having fun together. There's even a cute pup that pops up here and there. 

One of the things I particularly liked, well, once I tired of enjoying the artwork, was that the author doesn't just tell you that you should recycle, she explains what that means. All too often adults assume children understand, so these simple definitions were a nice touch. In addition, materials needed for each activity are nicely set apart from the directions, ensuring children won't get halfway through an activity and realize they've forgotten something. The former teacher in me appreciated that.

What was my favorite activity? That's a tough question because they all sounded interesting and could easily be expanded upon or tweaked. I definitely found the idea of "companion planting" intriguing, maybe because I tend to be hopeless at growing things. Cooperation and working together is apparently as important in the plant world as the human world and certain plants help nourish and protect each other. Corn, squash, and beans are the examples given here but it might be interesting for older children to research what other plants grow well together, not via books but by talking to experienced growers, another possible expansion of the basic idea. Interviewing and formulating good questions would be an expanded benefit, for instance, for this and some of the other ideas. It even reminds us to stay hydrated, which is important to all, people, animals, and plants.

That said, the kid in me wanted to run right out and try to make a bubble wand and blow some bubbles. What kid, heck, adult, doesn't enjoy bubbles? The other idea that appealed to me because it could be made so special was how to create a unique, possible memorable picnic blanket. I could envision that being pulled out year after year and added to by children and later shared with their own children as a sort of memory blanket. Yep, lots of fun ideas inside this adorable little treasury of ideas to keep our children busy and making memories. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #IvyKids for this fun book of ideas. Living in Alaska where the Summer Solstice is basically a day of endless daylight, that cake sounds appetizing.

Mint Chocolate Murder (Ice Cream Shop Mysteries #2), by Meri Allen

 

Castles with rumors of a weeping ghost, locked door mysteries, ice cream, royalty, bees, and, oh, yeah, a murder. In the locked room. And that somehow just scratches the surface. There's also ice cream.

Riley Rhodes may be the manager of the Udderly Delightful Ice Cream Shop but she's also a former CIA librarian, one who did the occasional covert mission. I found her rather nervous and a bit impulsive to have had such training but, shrug, what do I know? Anyway, hired to create a Scottish inspired dessert featuring ice cream for an art show, she finds herself at Penniman's Moy Mull Castle when the pretentious, manipulative photographer appearing at the show is murdered. In a locked room, no less. The only known key was still tucked away in the cabinet it is stored in. Security cameras show no one entering the dungeon, er, conference room, other than the victim. Nor do old blue prints handed over to the police show any hidden rooms or passageways. Who killed Adam Blasco? Equally puzzling, how?

The whys seem to be numerous. His photographs are unsettling and he seems to treat everyone with scorn....unless he sees a way to use them. Riley's young friend Willow is seemingly targeted, which is upsetting to not just Riley but Willow's boyfriend Luca. Could Luca have killed Adam in a fit of jealousy? What evidence is found that puts him on the suspect list? Why does Adam's assistant Vye go missing when the body is found? What are Max and Bree up to? What happened to the missing photo called Dallas? Again, how? Could the castle, made from stones brought from Scotland, really be haunted? Is the Weeping Lady real or just a figment of imagination? And, can jovial, personable Prentiss be hiding a secret? Like, he killed Adam? What startling discovery is made about hostess Maud's brief marriage to Adam? And, oh, so much more. Seriously, the twists and turns had twists and turns. Multiple suspects, so many in fact that I had difficulty keeping who was who straight, and surprises at every turn.

Despite my initial confusion keeping the multiple characters straight, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once we got past the initial background introductions, the pace was quick and I found it hard to put the book aside. Okay, who am I kidding? I stayed up way too late reading last night. Like Riley, I wanted to know "whodunit" and how. Locked room mysteries are a favorite of mystery readers and this one did not disappoint. And, oh, did I mention that there is a spoiled diva of a cat, Sprinkles, who gets her own side story? Lots to like as well as ponder. I'm betting you'll like this one but, well, don't stay up too late reading.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for giving me an all access pass to Moy Mull Castle. Having Riley as my guide was intense but fun.

Who Lives Near a Glacier?: Alaska Animals in the Wild, by Susi Gregg Fowler, Jim Fowler (Illustrations)

I'm lucky enough to not only live in Alaska but to have taken a few glacier viewing tours. I savored this book and all the wonderful memories it brought back. Beautifully illustrated it combines those with poetry, somehow appropriate for the awe inspiring beauty of glaciers and, indeed, Alaska itself, that tells you about not just the glaciers but the living creatures that live on or near them. I won't take away any of your first time reading charm to come by sharing more than this one phrase that leaped up at me as being insightful and conveyed my own sense of wonder during my glacier visits:

"You're left with the sense/You've been given a gift."

This book is another gift. Enjoy the lovely illustrations of everything from the majestic eagles and massive humpback whales to the wolves, bears, ravens and moose you'll encounter almost everywhere in Alaska. Of course, go figure, the one animal I haven't seen near a glacier is a moose but, well, since they visit my own front yard frequently, I guess I'll just call the mama moose and calf seen along the road on my last trip to Seward to catch a boat for a wildlife tour as counting.

Anyone with an interest in Alaska or wildlife period will treasure this book. Teachers, you will find this book of interest for most age ranges. The poems, while rhythmic and fluid, are relatively easy reading with assistance for younger children. The artwork illustrates the words nicely and can be used to ignite discussion. If you've ever been lucky enough to visit Alaska or are just dreaming, the book will make a lovely souvenir for anyone of any age, to be honest, of their glacier or wildlife sightings. Alaska's wild places and its wildlife definitely leave us feeling we've been giving a gift when we sight them. To borrow another phrase from the book, "The memory lingers/you hold it inside."

Thank you #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks -- #LittleBigfoot for letting me daydream about my last glacier visit a few years ago. It's a memory I'll treasure forever and this book was a lovely reminder.

For readers of this blog, a special bonus, a few photos from one of my glacier tours and a few of the critters you'll see in the book. 

Murder at the Blueberry Festival (Beacon Bakeshop #3), by Darci Hannah

Brilliant. "Murder at the Blueberry Festival" elevates the cozy mystery genre to a new level. 

I went into this book expecting a light, fun read. It was that, true, but so much more. Kudos to author Darci Hannah for her deft, sensitive handling of a serious issue that has touched many families, including my own. That she managed to do so while doling out not just funny, clever dialogue but making me hungry with all the talk of delicious blueberry dishes and recipes is all the more impressive. 

Quite frankly, for the longest time, I expected my opening review line to be "a goat afloat on a boat, with a body". On the surface, that oft' repeated line rather nicely summed up the plot. True, it leaves out a few bewildering points, like  said body on said boat was dressed as a Viking. The boat resembled a Viking ship. Beside the body were several items, including a sword and charred arrow? Charred? And, let's not forget the hay, slightly charred but being munched on by the goat. This entire sight is discovered by main character Lindsey, who lives in a, no lie, haunted lighthouse, and boyfriend Rory, an ex-SEAL. 

All this after a series of pranks had disrupted the annual blueberry festival, not to mention the small-town parade held in its honor. The author does an excellent job of drawing you into the atmosphere. You feel the excitement in the air as children dart about, laughing and grabbing for the candy thrown from the floats. You sense the flavor of the various goodies being sold and consumed as spectators waved and applauded passing floats while chowing down. You see in your mind's eye the young musicians in the parade trying to march in step while struggling to play music. And, hey, is that choir on the float in tune? Doesn't matter. It's all in fun. 

Until it isn't. Suddenly water balloon rain down on parade participants and spectators alike. The next day a herd of rustled goats stampedes through a fashion show made up of local models showcasing designs by Lindsey's ex-model mother, who utilized pets in costumes, too. Let's just say, Lindsey's big boy Wellie must have thought he was a herding dog, one with a raucous assist from the rest. Then there were the, yuck, mice in a pie at the pie baking contest. All these are disruptive but deemed harmless....until the goat in a boat with a body turns up. 

Who killed Lars and set him afloat in a boat with a goat? Why? Lars was a member of Rory's unofficial veteran group and his death hits Rory hard. This is the third in the Beacon Bakeshop series and Lindsey and her family and friends come together to help solve the mystery. That is when things go from predictable to bewildering. I won't detail the plot more than I have since I'd like to let your approach it as blindly as I did other than to say you'll probably find yourself liking everyone involved, including the suspects and even the guilty party. They are revealed as real people, people we would enjoy knowing, with depth and quirks of their own. I mean, who else but Kennedy would outfit the goat from the boat as a unicorn? Girlie-girl or not, Kennedy, as well as the rest, have Lindsey's back and genuinely care about each other. Friendship is important. Your heart will ache for Lars' family and closest friends as the ending is revealed. There's nothing simply about this cozy mystery otherwise full of witty dialogue and set in a gorgeous place. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to attend this blueberry festival with Lindsey and the rest. Kudos to the author for her deft hand with the unexpected ending.

A Sprinkle in Time (Shake Shop Mystery, #2), by Dana Mentink

Secrets. Ambition. Family. Justice. All these and more play a role in the murder mystery in "A Sprinkle of Time". Secrets kept are good, right? Not necessarily, especially if they allow ambition to rule one's actions, especially when others are involved. Family....secrets kept can destroy a family, even if kept with the best intentions. As for justice, to quote the book, "Justice was satisfying, but it came with consequences of so much pain for so many."

I have to admit to finding it slow going at first, maybe because I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I was quickly able to sort out who was who and how they were connected and was hooked. While it was intriguing to see Trinidad Jones' mind process the clues, we also learn quite a bit about not just her and boyfriend Quinn but her grandfather Papa Luis, who drives the 1951 Buick that becomes a vital element of the mystery. I also loved her old dog, Noodles, who seemed to know more about what was going on within the various characters than they sometimes seemed to realize themselves.

I won't detail the plot, plot recaps are easily available, but this was definitely the first cozy mystery I've read where it basically begins with the main characters finding a body that then disappears before the local police can arrive. Who was it? Where did the body go? How did someone get it from the trunk to move it elsewhere so quickly? Or, whoa, was the person even dead? Why did Quinn sell his timber acres? How did Gabe's three exes all become such close friends? Can one moment of carelessness change lives forever? The answer to all these and more can be found in "A Sprinkle in Time'.

Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for letting me visit Upper Sprocket for awhile. I'm looking forward to revisiting and maybe, just maybe, caging a ride in Papa Luis' '51 Buick.