Secrets in the Stacks (Survivors' Book Club Mystery #2), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Nov. 1,2022

This book is as much about friendship and being there for each other as it is about solving a murder.

"Secrets in the Stacks" is about a group of women who come together as strangers in Rarity's book club and bond together as friends. What sets this book apart from others following this same idea is that these women are almost all cancer survivors. They've faced that silent enemy and survived, They've shared a common enemy. They are now there for each other

When book club member Darby's beloved grandmother is murdered, they close ranks immediately and step forward to both physically and emotionally support Darby. The characters have grown immensely since book one and their back stories are slowly beginning to emerge as they share their united strength. It also doesn't hurt having detective Drew and Rarity's boyfriend, Archer on hand, but the women are the core. And, oh, Rarity's darling dog Killer, who we met in the first book. All have roles to play, which is a real plus.

I won't detail the plot as the book blurb does an excellent job. I'll simply say that secrets kept can lead to devastating results. Let's face it, we all have secrets. Even the most beloved characters have secrets, secrets even those closest to them don't know about. What secrets are being harbored in Sedona? Who are those strangers who keep popping up and unnerving Rarity? Heck, even Killer barks at them. Are there secrets hidden in the library study? What gives with Darby's parents? Will Drew even ask Sam out? Her patience is growing thin, after all. What role does Drew's father play in this whole mess? What drives someone to murder? Okay. Enough teasers. Read this one. Author Cahoon is a cancer survivor herself and has created a wonderful fictional family of friends for us to share without cancer being a prominent theme of the story. It's a winner.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to visit with Rarity and her extended book club family again. We should all be lucky enough to have such a wonderful, positive group of supporting friends.

Killer Cupid, by Laurien Berenson

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

Hearing sirens on a romantic getaway can't be a good sign.

By sheer serendipity, I heard sirens in the distance here at home just as Sam and Melanie hear them at the White Birch Inn. I was already so into the story at that point that I actually shivered at the sound, thinking I'd somehow magically created it. In any case, that's the power of this series and this book. You are immediately drawn in and care about the characters, especially when there are sirens. So much for Melanie's Valentine's Day vacation, huh? You just know she'd be drawn into the investigation.

It was great fun to spend some time with Melanie and Sam, who usually isn't as visible in the series, not to mention brother, Frank, and her SIL, Bertie. All are likable and people you'd surely enjoy hanging out with, especially if lucky enough to be able to do so at a winter wonderland style fairy tale resort. I was glad to see that Mel didn't let the murder totally distract her and loved the ambiance of the hayride and such, even if Sam made a note not to ask Frank to partner him in any future athletic contests after one archery tournament. It did rather give me pause as Mel made frequent references to her beloved dog Fern's advancing age. While I fully understand that unlike most, this series allows its cast to age, I hope it isn't preparing us for a sad goodbye to sweet, faithful Fern. The dogs are always an important aspect of this series, let's face it, and that is what drew many readers.

As for the murder, like most, it's complicated. Initially, it's thought the victim simply died of exposure to the bitter cold. But, why would someone from upstate New York, where bitter cold is a given, not be aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures. Why was Belinda outside anyway? Why is Cliff so nasty to Melanie? Even Fern growls at him. Why is Melanie getting involved anyway? Will her not too oblique questioning get her in trouble? She seems to immediately put Harley in a defensive mode on the hayride. How does Jill prove helpful? Or, is she really helping? Who....oh, more than enough teasers. It's a fun, quick read with interesting characters in what appears to be a fairy tale setting....with snow.... and Faith is there for us dog lovers. Who did it? Not telling. As I said. It's complicated. Read the book. You won't regret it and if this is your first meeting with Melanie, you'll probably be rushing to read earlier stories. This series is that good. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to tag along on Mel's Valentine's holiday. Always fun to see regulars in a new setting.

Fame and Fortune (A Claire Rollins Mystery Book 10), by J.A. Whiting

 

It goes without saying for those who know me that the two corgis pictured on the cover are what drew me to this book series initially. Main characters Claire, Nicole, and Robby are rattled when they receive a threatening note in a red envelop. It promises death and, sure enough, a murder victim is found in front of their business soon after. It was one of their customers who they are surprised to discover was a rich businessman, not just the accountant they assumed he was. Then there is another victim, a business partner of the first victim. The search for the murderer becomes a mission to save the third partner although, well, there is always that possibility that she is the killer. 

Using what I'll call her perceptive talents, Claire has sensed a smell surrounding the murder, so to speak. It appears and disappears quickly, however, offering nothing but frustration. Claire is fortunate enough to have some guidance on using her new-found skills, guidance that seems to focus on relaxing and letting her senses do their thing, and she also has hunches. Will her hunch about the killer pay off? Why does she keep going out for long walks when their is a killer on the loose? That was the thing that annoyed me about Claire and, to an extent, Nicole. Robby seems to play a minor role in this book of the series. I mean, Claire's detective boyfriend, Ian, even tells her to be cautious but she keeps going out alone or, phew, with her two corgis. 

But, how protective are corgis against someone with a gun? Read the book and find out. It's a relatively quick, light read that provides a fun diversion without requiring much thought on the readers part. In the process, however, you'll learn quite a bit about Boston's history and snippets about the foods of the various eras.

Snowed In for Christmas: A Novel, by Sarah Morgan

 Publication Sept. 20, 2022

"Oh, goodie! Christmas in August!" 

That was my exact thought when I discovered my copy of Sarah Morgan's latest Christmas offering in my mailbox. Although I honestly don't find myself reading many romances nowadays, I'm always delighted to get my hands on the year's Christmas book from Morgan. You know it's going to have all the magic and enchantment of Christmas tied up with all the feels, both wondrous and uncertainty of romance. Cliche that it has become, it's the perfect Hallmark Christmas moment wrapped in festive paper and sparkly ribbons and given to readers as a gift. Thank you, Sarah Morgan.

As for the plot, it follows what seems to have become Morgan's pattern. We're introduced to a character early on who dreads Christmas. In Lucy's case it's because it reminds her of losing her beloved grandmother two years ago on Christmas. Toss in that her job may be in jeopardy and she's willing to give up staying home alone for Christmas to travel to Scotland for some festive winter wonderland type photos and moments to use in an advertising campaign. She also plans to drop off a work proposal for Ross at his Miller Family home in the Scottish highlands. That's when things get complicated. 

I won't detail the plot further except to say that mistaken identity, meddling parents, and siblings with a plan all combine to keep Lucy at their home for the holidays after a fierce snowfall leaves them snowed in and Lucy is injured in a fall on ice. Morgan introduces us to all the characters, including sisters Alice and Clemmie, not to mention their romantic interests. As with life, things don't always go smoothly. We see how their relationships evolve as they overcome anxiety from "What if it's a mistake?" type reactions, not to mention dealing with the arrival of family members. Ross' grandmother Nanna Jean is a romantic dear, full of chat about "meet cutes" and how things shoulod work in a rom-com. She, of course, quickly enfolds Lucy to her, perhaps providing the love Lucy hasn't felt since losing her own grandmother. Needless to say, there are many twists, near misses, hopes, fears, and even some business talks that happen as we alternate between character viewpoints. Oh, and there is an adorable dog, Hunter. 

In all honesty, my only disappointment, and it was more of a surprise than a true disappointment, Lucy and Ross don't actually meet until we're about a third of the way into the book. That said, it provides ample time for us to get to know the various players in this story, both their strengths and weakness. We also discover they have secrets. Don't all families? In other words, they come across as real people we could know and probably embrace as family given the chance. 

Bottom line,  I thoroughly enjoyed my early Christmas present from #SarahMorgan. Thanks #HQN for allowing her to share such wonderful moments with readers.

Easter Bunny Murder (Lucy Stone #19) by Leslie Meier (Author), Karen White (Narrator)

 

Published way back in 2013 but, hey, I'm always up for anything by Leslie Meier.

I actually remember reading the library copy of this way back when but took advantage of finding the audio version to refresh my memory. The only thing I could really remember was the actual murder in the book, maybe because it was someone dressed as the Easter Bunny, but had no memory of whodunit, so it was a fun read nevertheless.

As this is old and countless plot summaries are surely easily available, I'll just note that while the main theme focuses on elder abuse, there is much more to the story. Let's face it, while we'd all love to be rich, money definitely doesn't guarantee a wonderful life. Relatives, both known and unknown, frequently want their supposed share and are often willing to do whatever it takes it takes to hasten along their probably inheritance, including murder. Greed has a funny way of trumping family devotion, not to mention that even the richest and most publicized families have secrets. Secrets some would definitely find worth killing to expose or, in a twisted way, make right. 

Thanks to #DreamscapeMedia for making the audio book available to the public. I love being able to listen as I'm driving about doing errands and such.

Murder for Good Measure, by Devon Delaney

 

Publication Sept. 13, 2022

This one will make you hungry. Lots of food talk and you'll learn a bit about cooking contests, too. There are also some hints (the author is a well-known winner of quite a few of these very contests) on how contestants prepare for them beforehand, not to mention some hints on how best to present yourself in front of judges. And, oh, yeah, there's a murder. There is also a phenomenal dog named Trooper, a new member of the K-9 Unit. These dogs are absolutely amazing.

Although at first I was thinking this was slow-going and the dialogue seemed a bit stilted at times, at some point I realized I was really getting into the mystery, relationships, characters, and all the tales of Irish legends, including pookas, the wee folks, and a Giant Baby. Gotta love Irish lore. There is even a mysterious book found in the attic to whet the appetite of us book lovers. We even get to see some amateur efforts to peel apart stuck pages. 

In between, Sherry Oliveri is dealing with the heartbreaking idea of her father selling the long-owned family store, walking the dog, neighbor Eileen diligently doing her neighborhood watch, another neighbor running into her brand new mailbox, and trying to find evidence to prove Angel, her brother's food truck sous chef didn't kill another neighbor's nanny, Cara. Oh, and clocks and pictures falling mysteriously off the walls at her dad's shop.

So, who killed Cara? I'm not telling but it was a fascinating tale, zipping comfortably between everyday life and Irish lore. There's even a modern-day twist, so to speak, at the end, so be prepared. And, it goes without saying that you should have plenty of goodies on hand to munch on as you read. Like me, you will suddenly find yourself fully invested in the book, I bet. 

Thanks #NetGally and #BeyondThePagePublishing for introducing me to Sherry and her family and friends, not to mention Trooper.

Through the Liquor Glass (Literary Pub Mystery #5), by Sarah Fox

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

Caught and held my attention from beginning to the end. Sadie Colemen is a likable character even if her questioning technique needs a bit of fine tuning. She's blunt, let's just say. Of course, a body having been found in her boyfriend's brewery that leaves him the most viable suspect is enough to make anyone a bit snippy. Toss in dealing with the Taste of Shady Creek (Vermont) festival, the presence of celebrated food critics in town,and the anticipated arrival of her mother in town and Sadie has a few things on her mind. 

Initially it's simply will her mother like her chosen home and business, not to mention boyfriend Grayson, but that quickly changes after Grayson and Sadie find the dead body. It's one of the critics that, as it turns out, Grayson has a history with. Grayson, realizing he'll be the chief suspect, opts to go into hiding and use his former PI skills to try to prove his own innocence. He wisely doesn't tell Sadie where he's going. That was smart as, at one point thinking she knows where he's hiding out, she goes there...even though she knows she is likely under police surveillance. She's lucky, or unlucky, depending on how you look at it, as it turns out he isn't where she thought he was and, phew, the police were busy with another incident.

So, who killed critic Dominique? What is her connection to Grayson? Could it have been a competing critic, one Sadie overheard saying she planned to get her resume in to replace Dominique? Who is the mysterious man that seems to have spooked Dominique? Phoebe and he seem to know each other. How will Sadie's mom react when she hears her daughter's boyfriend is a murder suspect? Why is someone trying to frame Grayson? How did Dominique ruin Alicia's dreams? Why are George and Mildred acting so suspicious? Why....oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's fast paced, well written, and full of characters you'll like in a lovely fall setting. It is part of a series but works well as a standalone, not to mention there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes at the end. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Shady Creek for a dose of Maple Butter Popcorn, fall colors and, gulp, murder.

Daggers at the Country Fair (The Martha Miller Mysteries Book 2), by Catherine Coles

Publication Sept. 26, 2022

Having just finished a book where everything came at you fast and furious, I have to admit that I thoroughly appreciated the more leisurely pace of "Daggers at the Country Fair". Set in the past after the war, there is a bit of an ol' fashioned feel to the tale. Martha Miller herself notes that it still feels odd to see road mileage markers as they had been removed during the war as a precaution should England be invaded. 

I haven't read book one but that didn't seem to matter as I quickly figured out who was who and what had happened earlier. Martha had helped solve a murder in her home village with the help of local vicar Luke. Now she's been invited to open a neighboring fair in honor of her exploits. The people about them were interesting, from rapid-fire talker Annie to Luke's ol' friend Freddie's quips about Luke’s university days, to the fair itself. Then, there is a murder. 

I won't detail the plot, it's easily available elsewhere, but will note that one needs to remind oneself that this story is not set in modern days. Nor are social norms the same as they are nowadays. Why would someone murder a young girl? Maybe more important, at least initially, why? As Martha delves into the mystery, she finds herself shutting out Luke. Doesn't she trust him? Why is she so reluctant to share? How do the dynamics of the various families involved play out? What the heck happened to Martha's husband, Stan, anyway? Who killed the housekeeper and shoved her over a wall? Why? Heck, could it be someone intent more upon ruining Annie's reputation as fair planner than not? Why....oh, enough teasers. Check out the book if you're in the mood for a more leisurely, ol' fashioned tale. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for inviting me to the fair. It was fun to meet Martha and Luke even tho' I'm fearful the rigid era they live in has things stacked against them. Will love conquer all?
 

On Spine of Death (By the Book Mysteries #2), by Tamara Berry

 Publication Nov. 29, 2022

Whoa! Wait! What? Why...

"On Spine of Death" doesn't fool around. From the opening scene, where we find Tess Berry tied up in a basement and, as being tied up isn't enough, frantically trying desperately to escape, to the very end, this book packs quite a punch. This was my intro to the series but I'll definitely be back.

To add punch to the opening scene, the ceiling falls in on her. Not just the ceiling but old skeletal bones. Bones from two bodies. From that point on, after, phew, we learn that Tess is simply trying to prove a point for one of her best selling mystery/thriller novels, it's pretty much non-stop action. Heck, there are even comic scenes, although I'm sure Tess didn't find basically falling down a mountain in the mud funny. Why was she on a mountain? She was, oh, no. Wait. Not telling aside from saying it has to do with reappearing bones, lost sisters, and interactions with everything from her forensic-mad daughter to a hacker with the ability to turn computers off/on at police headquarters and a specialist in hatchet-axed bones. Is there such a thing? I have no clue but, yeah, probably.

So, I guess the first question is whose bones are they? How did they get in Tess' grandfather's shop? Dang, could her late grandfather have hacked the victims to death? Scary thought, one she rejects but can't erase from her thoughts. What does a book with a mysterious author that even the best-of-the-best hackers hasn't been able to uncover have to do with everything? Does Sheriff Victor Boyd have anything to do with the strange discoveries? What happened to his long missing and presumed dead sister anyway? Could he be involved? Clues point that way. What will Gertrude have to do to be allowed to continue shadowing the town coroner? Surely there aren't a ton of high school students vying for that spot. Who....oh, never mind. No more teasers. As I said earlier, you'll just have to read the book. If you like interesting characters in an interesting small town, all served up with non-stop action and even humor, you'll thoroughly enjoy "On Spine of Death". I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me to meet Tess and Gertrude, not to mention a host of other intriguing characters. I'm already looking forward to Tess' next adventure and her sometimes wacky tactics of researching her best selling plots.

The Murder Hour (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 7), by Alice Castle

Beth Haldane is house hunting in this installment of the series. Initially, it's about the last thing in the world Beth wants to be doing. She loves her current home, albeit admits that it's crowded now that her detective boyfriend Harry York is moving in permanently. It's Harry that has been prodding her to look at larger homes, something she's resisted doing as much as possible, then finding fault with the houses she does check out. It won't come as any surprise to those who've been reading this series all along that while Beth doesn't find the house of, well, Harry's dreams, she does find a dead body. It's also no surprise that Beth being Beth, also feels a responsibility to the dead man, who she had never met, btw, to investigate his death. Harry is, well, less than pleased. Beth has the tendency to not only find dead bodies but put herself in danger in the process of trying to figure out whodunit. 

I adore author Alice Castle's flowing, descriptive writing style, putting us in character's heads as they ponder both important and completely unimportant things, and Beth has become a favorite character. I can definitely relate to both her best and worst tendencies, such as procrastination, day dreaming, and stubborn desire to be in control. She is a flawed character, smart but often naive, driven but prone to go off on tangents that lead her in other directions, and wanting the best but not always willing to do her job. I mean, how does she keep her job? I asked myself this several times in his book, I must admit. This go-round, she is even sneaking the sweet ol' dog Colin into her office space. What really got on my nerves most, however, is the almost disdain, or at least lack of respect, she shows toward Harry's difficult job of dealing daily with evil doers. At one point she almost smugly seems to overestimate her own sleuthing abilities, which tend to be hit-or-miss, while snidely wondering what Harry and his team are doing at the police station to sweep the discovery of the young real estate agent's body under the rug. 

Of course, all that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. Beth's flaws make her unpredictable, ie realistic, and it's hard to dislike someone who, despite her lack of focus and tendency toward fanciful thinking, she is someone that I'd like to think would be a friend. Even having never met the young realtor's agent, she feels a responsibility toward him, a responsibility that, predictably, gets her into hot water with Harry and danger from those who'd prefer she not keep digging for the truth. Who knew realty could be so corrupt? Why did it appear someone was living in the supposedly unoccupied home-for-sale? Why is Beth, who doesn't want to move, suddenly so determined to keep house shopping? Will Nina be helpful or a mere distraction? Will Beth eventually come to accept Harry and his boxes and boxes of books? She does admit to enjoying the physical presence of a book in her hand, after all. 

 Will Beth ever go to work on time? Heck, let me rephrase that. Will Beth ever put her job, the one that will help pay for her son's expensive education, first? Will she ever get that book done that she promised to write for the school? Uh, maybe. How are canine Colin and feline Magpie getting along? What would Beth do if she put even one of them in danger with her snooping, er, asking of questions? What is going on with Janice and husband Dr. Grover? If they can't make it, is there hope for Beth and Harry? Who.....oh, way too many teasers but I've barely touched the surface. If you enjoy wonderfully written plots with a main character that will both intrigue and irritate you with her realness, give this one a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me over to shadow Beth while she was house hunting. Somehow I knew a body would be involved but it didn't stop me from enjoying the ride.

Holiday in the Hamptons (From Manhattan with Love #5,by Sarah Morgan

The perfect summer escape? 

An old Amazon review but thought I'd save it here as Morgan has become a favorite author.

(First reviewed August 2017)
Professional dog-walker Felicity Knight loves everything about New York...until her ex-husband starts working at her local vet clinic. She hasn't seen Seth Carlyle in ten years, but one glimpse of him--too gorgeous, and still too good for her--and Fliss's heart hurts like their whirlwind marriage ended yesterday. So when her grandmother in the Hamptons needs help for the summer, it seems the ideal way to escape her past.

Their relationship might have lasted only a few scorching months, but vet Seth knows Fliss--if she's run away to the Hamptons, it's because she still feels their connection and it terrifies her. He let her go once before, when he didn't know any better, but not this summer! With the help of his adorable dog, Lulu, and a sprinkling of beachside magic, Seth is determined to make Fliss see that he's never stopped loving her

 

The Murder Walk (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 5), by Alice Castle

I adore this series. Beth is a unique, sometimes frustrating character, but she is, oh, so real and likable. Author Alice Castle does a wonderful job letting us get to know Beth and those about her. This installment lets us spend time in her head as she indulges in thoughts ranging from her determination to give her son Jake an element of freedom.....all while tailing him on his walk to school, mind you .... to imagining what she could do should a bundle of money just drop into her hands. She hadn't calculated on a tall tree, let's just say. 

She's also competitive enough to feel smug that she might have gotten one up on detective boyfriend Harry at one point by finding an important bit of info first....or, hmm, did she find it first? She also ponders if dogs mourn losses. Yes, Beth, they do. 

And, oh, yes, the murder. But, first, let me back up a few steps. Beth's best friend, Katie, has adopted a puppy. Puppy Teddy seems to be a wild child, driven by natural hormones. I must admit that I wanted to give Katie's husband a stern talking to with his male disdain for the common sense approach of neutering and even basic training. Anyway, Teddy gets loose.... who are we kidding, Katie makes the mistake of letting him off-leash.... and ultimately leads Beth, hot in pursuit of the wayward pup, to a body. Beside it is a sad older dog, Colin, who Harry somehow gets Beth to agree to take home with her. Magpie the cat isn't a happy kitty. Will Teddy ever learn some manners? Has he learned his lesson after eating that valuable memory stick? Uh, he's a puppy. What do you think? You'll both chuckle and feel sympathy for the usually put together Katie as she deals with the puppy in some unusual ways, all while embracing playing sleuth as a distraction from puppy worries. Katie does prove helpful, however, even if Beth ignores her words of caution  

So, who did it? Who'd hate graffiti artist Mark Smeaton enough to kill him? How does Beth's Bridge playing mother prove helpful? Will Beth drive Harry crazy with worry? Why is she calling her photographer brother? Why is Beth worrying so much about Jake? Will she leave him alone at an interview for a spot at a prestige school to go chase a clue? What lengths will a mother go to to protect her child? 

And, oh, so much more. You'll spend quite a bit of time hanging out in Beth's head, worrying not just about the murder but her private life, and most likely get a chuckle out of her flights of fancy even when facing death. And, you'll like her, even if, like me, you wish you could reach through the virtual pages and shake some sense into her occasionally. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to spend some more time with Beth. As a dog person, I'm psyched at her realization of how well Colin the senior Lab fits into her life. Now, if only Magpie the cat will agree...

Case of the Rusty Sword (Corgi Case Files #16), by Jeffrey M. Poole

 

Does a mystery book always have to focus around a murder? No. This book is proof-positive of that. Full of fun bit of history, focusing on Civil War times and the gold rush, fun corgis that are, well, way smarter than any of the humans around them, the "Case of the Rusty Sword" is a quick, fun read. As a history major and owner of a corgi mix, it hit just the right spot for me.

I've followed this series since the beginning and have found that I tend to somehow always find time to sit down immediately and read about Sherlock and Watson's latest crime solving antics. And, oh, yeah, their humans and human friends. Human Zach has at least grown accustomed to pulling out his phone to snap a photo of whatever the dogs seem to be focused on, usually some vague clue that, you guessed it, leads to the guilty party. It just takes the humans awhile to sit down and mull over the photos to decipher what clue the dogs are trying to give them. How do Sherlock and Watson, who I guess should be addressed as Lady Watson, do it? I have no clue. Neither do their human companions and friends. It doesn't matter. It's always a fun read, full of self-deprecating humor and, yes, intriguing clues.

In this case, they're focused on Civil War era artifacts found under the foundation of Zach's home, and the identities of human bones also found. It's rather nice to see Zach go against the usual amateur sleuth trend when they are stolen and, rather than trying to solve the mystery of who and why, call in others more qualified to sort things out, including archeologists and the police. The dogs, of course, are front-and-center when it comes time to figure out who'd steal those same bones. Why would anyone swipe old bones? Not telling. You'll just have to read the book. I think you'll enjoy it, especially if you like your mysteries with humor, fun characters, wisecracks, and way smart, adorable corgis.

Horse Lovers First Book: Giddy Up Beginner Books, by Debbie Burgermeister

 

I immediately flashed back in time to the horse crazy girl I once was when I saw this cover. Quite frankly, based on the cover, I was expecting a cartoon type book. I was pleasantly surprised to find within a mix of adorable drawings and actual photos used to illustrate the points of the story. I will note, however, that the focus seemed to be on using English tack. Although I ultimately competed in English equestrian type events, I grew up either bareback or with Western gear. That said, the info within is basic and both explained and illustrated. While it wasn't quite what I'd expected, it does deliver the basics such as parts of a horse and tack, not to mention breeds, measurements and color, as well as answers questions about what horses eat, how to tell if your horse is happy, and such. Not quite sure what the target age is but will guess upper elementary since much of the information would require reading skills over a much younger child's ability. A good chance for a parent to be involved, of course, as they read and discuss the information.

I had to wonder, however, if the average horse-crazy kid had the access to trainers and instructors as the author seems to have grown up with and based much of the book on that assumption. That doesn't mean the book is wrong, that would be the ideal, but would have liked to have seen more for the average beginner, English or Western style. That said, thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for the fun time traveling back to my horse crazed youth. Fun.

Bake Offed (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #8), by Maya Corrigan

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

This one had me hooked from the beginning with its nod to Agatha Christy's use of a list of characters at the beginning of the story. Toss in regular references to not just Christie, particularly "Murder on the Orient Express", Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple, and it was fun from the start. Val Deniston and her grandfather, Don, are attending the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest and find themselves involved in a real murder: Who killed Cynthia Sweet? 

Needless to say, surrounded by mystery buffs, the theories and suspects are many. In fact, many in the crowd seem determined to believe the murder and appearance of the police, not to mention the collapse of another attendee in the bar, are all part of the show. Toss in that the hotel was the site of another unsolved mystery a year ago and it's all just too exciting for many to believe reality has intruded again. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Val and Grandpa Don, both of whom are smart and able to think things through. For Don, however, he is a tad distracted by the disappearance of his Nero Wolfe inspired boxed book of recipes. Is that disappearance somehow connected? Cynthia had been accused of stealing others' ideas before, so why not a genuine, valuable keepsake. And, what does a tea kettle have to do with anything? Why were some attendees going to such extremes to disguise themselves? Poison rings? Inheritances? What would drive someone to murder?

Bottom line, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the surprising end. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to this so to speak, mystery fest gathering. Looking forward to spending more time with Val and her grandfather soon. Maybe he'll share more recipes!

Digging Up the Remains, a Garden Squad Mystery, Book 3, by Julia Henry

An old review but a fav author, so wanted to save this one here. 

I won't detail the plot but it offers many suspects and red herrings. Lilly, at the center of it all, often seems more an accidental sleuth than intentional one, which somehow makes it all the more interesting to me. I'm sure most of us would rather be living our otherwise enjoyable lives than dealing into "Who did it?" when it's someone you know killed or accused. Well, most of us would.

In any case, Lilly's thought processes continue to intrigue me as well as how well the Garden Squad works together not just to better the community but to help solve the mystery. The characters are showing growth, too, especially Delia, who is learning to balance her attitude that facts are facts with Lilly's more instinctual ideas. It all balances out. Even so, it isn't until the very end that the guilty party is found and while Lilly plays a central role in the solution, her friends are a huge part of the revealing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  

Tilling the Truth (A Garden Squad Mystery #2), by Julia Henry (Goodreads Author), Laural Merlington (Narrator)

 

 

I always enjoy my visits with Lilly Jayne and the Garden Club but had somehow missed this second book. Needless to say, I was delighted to find it on audio. It was also intrigued by not just the murder but the opportunity to see these characters as they were still being developed into the ones we know and so enjoy today. Lilly Jayne is not only an excellent gardener but amateur sleuth. When her friend and real estate agent Tamara is found with bloody hands standing over Gladys Preston's dead body, most are quick to assume the worst. Lilly, on the other hand, is convinced Tamara is innocent and sets out to find the truth. 

One of the things I enjoy most about this series is that Lilly is a senior aged sleuth but has surrounded herself with friends and associates of different ages and experience. Delia, the young friend she met through her late husband, his assistant, is beyond efficient but everyone brings different strengths and skills, making it a true group effort. Lilly, of course, is in the forefront. I like her, I like her a great deal, and have fully enjoyed the entire series to date now that I've finished this one, particularly as I've watched the side-stories, many connected to the history of their town or the environment, develop. I won't detail the plot as this one is already about three years old and the plot can be easily found, but will simply say, if you enjoy intelligent cozy mysteries with multi-level characters and stories, you will surely enjoy this one. My thanks to #DreamscapeMedia for creating this lovely audio of the book.

Death by Smoothie (A Jaine Austen Mystery Book 19), by Laura Levine

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

A quick, fun read. Jaine Austen is about as down-to-earth as they come, her "fame" as a writer coming from writing a catchy spot jingle for plumbing. Her cat Prozac continues to baffle and defy her at every turn, all while being the sweetest kitty on earth to neighbor Lance and others, and even the best sounding job opportunities seem to wind up leading not just to disaster but a murder. A murder Jaine solves, I might mention. She also deals with her parents' flow of wacky emails, usually detailing some wild situation her father has gotten himself into, such as tap dancing with an iguana on his head. Nope, not making that one up. It's in the book with all the hilarious details.

As for the murder, who offed Misty, the lead actress in a revival of the zombie show. True, she sounds like an atrocious actress but, hey, even bad actors don't deserve to die. Who killed her? Well, I think we can eliminate Prozac....maybe. How about Lance's new boyfriend, Aiden. He seems nice enough but, well, looks can also be deceiving. Misty's director/co-star who was obviously lusting, er, enchanted by her youthful appeal and flirting? How about the director's long suffering girlfriend? 

Is Jaine's trip to a bachelor auction somehow related to all this? How did she wind up bidding and winning, anyway? Has neighbor Lance found true love, at least for this week? What is a good reason to kill someone? Will Jaine succeed in teaching Prozac to walk calmly on a leash? Why is she trying to teach Prozac to walk on a leash anyway? And, back to the Iguana....tap dancing with an iguana on your top hat? Oh, the image not only this little detail but so many images that this book conjures up. 

Bottom line, if you're looking for a fun, quick read with lots of laughs, this is it. I've read this series since discovering the cozy mystery genre and as predictable as much of the action is, it still hasn't gone stale for me. Jaine is likable, well, by everyone but Prozac, and the zany characters and situations she finds herself in are a hoot. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for inviting me to check out the zombie play Jaine is trying to whip into shape. Can't wait to see what she's up to next visit.

Bread Over Troubled Water, by Winnie Archer

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

Wow, the first chapter wore me out. So much activity. So many people coming and going. So much drama. Maybe it's just me not being familiar with the series but I had a hard time not just sorting out who was who but how they were all connected. Once I sorted it all out it was fine but that did initially slow me down. The whole scene with Mae and her mother was, well, weird. As the book progressed, I came to understand Mae's concerns but had no clue when the story began.

That said, it was an interesting story. Josh, a seemingly well liked customer of Olaya's bread shop is murdered. Early info that he was poisoned leads many to turn on her. As the one who found the body (or her dog Agatha did), Ivy is even accused, in front of news cameras, no less. As more info about  Josh is discovered, however, attention moves elsewhere. Josh not only wasn't universally liked, he wasn't trusted by some. Why? What about that bunch of women who seemed to be following him at one point? Why? How will Olaya handle the pressure of the investigation while taking on the caretaker role for Pilar, her orphaned niece? Who was that man who followed Josh out of the bread shop the morning he was killed? Why are there poisonous plants growing openly in town? 

And, that's just the tip of the twists and turns that Ivy encounters. Some are real clues, some are red herrings, and some are, well, just confusing her. She needs to get this solved, however, as she has a wedding engagement party to plan. As a photography buff myself, I chuckled at Ivy's plan to take pictures of everything at the park where it'd be held. Visuals are important. As is a last minute light-bulb going off in one's head rather than on the camera.

Bottom line, despite my initial confusion over the number of characters and, to me, odd events going on in the bread shop, the mystery itself was a good one and, nope, didn't figure it out. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to try Olaya's delectable breads, not to mention the recipes!

Isabel Puddles Abroad, by M.V. Byrne

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

What a delight it has been getting to know Isabel Puddles. I'm new to this series but found it a solid stand-alone. A trip to England, Isabel's first, good friends, scones, sightseeing, and, oh, yeah, murder. 

This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, btw, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix an extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.

So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?

There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.

The Game Is a Footnote (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #8), by Vicki Delany

 

Jan. 10, 2023

Rumors are flying about paranormal activity at a local museum, Scarlet House. Gemma Doyle has reluctantly agreed to spend a night there to try to discover what is going on. Friend Jayne and her soon-to-be-husband will be there, too, although Gemma has deliberately avoided involving Ryan, her detective boyfriend. Quite frankly, Gemma isn't expecting anything out of the ordinary. 

She was wrong. Strange noises, animals in the barn in turmoil, and items out of place. If this spook, spectral or not, expected Gemma to run away in terror, however, they picked the wrong person. Gemma doesn't believe in ghosts and her plan, much like Sherlock Holmes, is to eliminate the impossible and investigate whatever is left. Do you believe in ghosts? Tell me after you finish this one.

Unfortunately, finding a dead body, David, wasn't part of the impossible and adds to Gemma's incentive to get to the bottom of things. She's distracted, however, by the sudden disappearance of her dependable worker, Ashleigh. Never fear, however, Gemma is definitely capable of handling more than one puzzle at a time. Toss in the sudden visit of her sister Pippa from England and things only get more interesting....and complicated. 

I won't detail the plot, discovering it all piece by piece as you sort through the multitude of red herrings is, well, part of the fun. The characters we've gotten to know over the series are there, not to mention the critters. Moriarity the cat still hisses at Gemma, btw, but manages to provide an unwanted, scary distraction at one point.

Why is Scarlet House suddenly seemingly haunted? Who killed David? How does one lock oneself in a barn? Are hungry pigs dangerous? Why is Pippa really there? Is Gemma the least bit sorry for waking up Ryan at 3a.m.? That's debatable. That whole scene of the police trying to secure the scene of the crime in the rain, including a pig sty, creates a hilarious image in one's mind, must admit, so Ryan had to be exhausted. What does an aging pop star have to do with anything? What secrets are the various players in this drama keeping? Why....why don't I stop with the teasers now and just say, read this one. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Gemma and friends again. I'm always up for a bit of Sherlock sleuthing even if Gemma's tendency to get so caught up in her whirling mind means that she forgets we're there at times.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn't Drive?, by Dan Gutman, Allison Steinfeld (Illustrations)

 

Publication Nov. 1, 2022

What a fun book! Fun and informative. You get so caught up in the very realistic banter between siblings Turner and Paige (get it?) that you don't even realize how much you're learning, learning about not just Ginsburg but history and equal rights in the process. The fact the banter occasionally makes a brief detour, ie Turner and his thing for prunes, makes it all the more fun as Paige's response is very sister-like. There's even a section called "Mushy Stuff", which reminds us all the more of the probably target audience's age. 

I liked the format. It made for a quick read and didn't dwell on any one specific fact for long, making things seem to move along all the more faster. True, as an adult reader I found myself wanting to know more at times but, hey, this wasn't written for me. That I thoroughly enjoyed it, however, speaks volumes for the humor and skill with it shown by author Dan Gutman. The artwork is simple but effective and even though there were reminders in the digital copy I read that the artwork wasn't final, it worked. The siblings' tone, I might note, even while lighthearted and occasionally playful, was respectful, even while revealing, say, RBG's lack of driving and cooking skills. Good thing her husband learned to cook, and cook well, huh? He was also the designated driver, so to speak. 

Bottom line, this one is a winner and should appeal to both adults and the target audience of children. There is much to be learned, not just about Ginsburg but the times she lived and influenced. You know, considering the fact no law firm would even offer her a job after she graduated law school, Harvard, at that, she did okay, I'd say. No, better than okay. She became THE Notorious RBG. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #WWNorton&Company - #NortonYoungReaders for the chance to get to know this remarkable woman better.

Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century, by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell

 

Publication Sept. 6, 2022

This book did something I didn't think it could do. It captured my interest and kept me thoroughly entertained by a subject that, quite frankly, I had very little interest in, fashion. Those who know me as a teen know how I couldn't wait to get home and out of my "skirt" and into jeans to go horseback riding or any of the myriad of chores connected to being a horse-crazy girl. Let's face it, skirts don't lend themselves to mucking stalls, tending to fences, or even grooming beyond a tentative pat or two. I'm also the female adult who upon hearing of some hoopla over Kim Kardashian wearing an iconic Marilyn Monroe gown at a gala was bemused. Honestly? My reactions was, well, who cares?

I do love history, however, and this book delivers ample name dropping from the times of ancient Greeks until the uproar over Michelle Obama's bare arms. Did you know sleeveless dresses were still banned in the House of Representatives well into President Obama's term? I think I did hear that but somehow it never clicked. So, fashion and politics do collide, an idea that this book presents in an interesting way. I mean, come on. As late as 2022, the current year, we've heard outrage over the dress of not just Minnie Mouse but a certain colored M&M, so style choices haven't quite become passe. 

The book presents its material in an orderly, interesting way. Beginning with the Delphos styling, which harked back to ancient Greece for inspiration, as the 20th century began, it takes us through the many styles, many borrowing or developing in direct conflict to the current style, until the early 21 century. It was great fun to hear historical names such as Josephine Bonaparte and Marie-Antoinette pop up, either from adopting or promoting design by usage. For instance, Isadora Duncan, famed dancer, performed in a Delphos gown and that Susan Sontag was actually buried wearing one. 

I won't detail all the sections but they are titled the Delphos, Tennis Dress, Little Black Dress (don't we all own one of those?), Wrap Dress, Strapless Dress, Bar Suit (had no clue what that was until I read this), Naked Dress, Miniskirt, Midi Skirt, and the Bodycon Dress. Each style is described, including variations on it, and you'll probably realize that you have seen each at some point, even if, like me, you had no clue what they were called. Personalities of each time frame, including modern ones influenced by it's styles, are included. I might also note that men in skirts are included in the mix. I guess I was never enough of a Nirvana fan to see the photos of the late Kurt Cobain in skirts, such as on the cover of "The Face". Somehow, I never pictured him in anything but grunge but that is a whole other story.

Bottom line, against all expectations, I found this an intriguing, interesting read. Fashion has both shaped and been shaped by the times, times it has also had an impact on. Kudos to author Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell for doing such an excellent job making this until now uninteresting to me subject quite fascinating. She's even included a long bibliography and notes at the end. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for opening my eyes to a part of history and my world that I've largely ignored.

Death on the Menu (Adam and Eve Mystery #3), by Emma Davies

 

Publication Sept. 22, 2022

Puzzles. Riddles. Puzzles within puzzles. If you enjoy figuring out word puzzles, this one is definitely for you. There's even a murder to figure out. Two, in fact. 

I'm loath to give away even teasers for this one as part of the fun is trying to figure out the various clues as they pop up. Clues to what? Good question. Elderly millionaire Clarence has died but rather than leave a simple will, he's left his family a series of clues for a treasure hunt. To win they must solve a complicated series of difficult clues, clues leading to more puzzles and clues.

Although there originally as caterer, Fran discovers that Clarence's caretaker, who was in charge of setting up the dinner, is an old friend, Olivia, who to her surpise is also eligible to win the inheritance. As a result,Fran is drawn into the game to help Olivia against the obviously angry, surly, money hungry children. Realizing game oriented puzzles aren't her strong point, Fran ultimately pulls her brilliant but quirky young friend Adam into the game. 

An avid gamer, who knows and loved Clarence's work, he's in his element and, in fact, rather quickly figures out the first clue. It's been a delight to see the growth of Adam as this series has progressed. From the shy, uncertain young man that Fran first encountered hiding in a closet to avoid company, he's made huge strides. That said, it made me smile to imagine the look on his face as he got to visit what he probably viewed as a shrine of sorts to Clarence's work. He's quick to focus on the task, however, and proves his worth. As he points out to Fran, words are important in clues. Then, oh, my, Fran discovers a body.

No more hints. I'm not going to ruin the fun of you trying to sort out the puzzles on your own. As I write this, one of the hottest shows on tv is "Only Murders In the Building", which has lately been showcasing jig-saw puzzle pieces in the show. This book made me flash to that idea, that it's all there but your just have to put it together in the right order to see the whole picture. That is true of this book, too. Who do you trust? 

Read this one. You won't be sorry. You'll like not just main characters Fran and Adam but enjoy watching Adam's brain spinning as he thinks. Fun and relatively quick read that works nicely as a stand-alone.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me to spend some more quality time with Adam and Fran/Eve. I'm not the best at puzzles so it's a good thing Adam was around, even if Fran wasn't a slouch, either. Nice to see the new relationships about them, too.

A Vacation to Die For (A Tourist Trap Mystery #14), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Sept. 6, 2022

When I last dropped in on Jill Gardner, she was reeling after discovering a body when stopping to pick up a party gown, only to discover the person she thought had been killed alive and well soon after. This visit there's another body. Thankfully, Jill didn't discover it this time. Instead, the unidentified man sort of fell into the police station, I guess saving the police a trip to a murder site. It's this event that cuts Jill and her detective boyfriend Greg's vacation short.

The body remains unidentified throughout much of the book but the suspects are numerous and the side-stories intriguing. Are they related? It's unclear. Somehow it all seems to be related to one of Jill's shop workers, distracting her once again from wedding planning. Gee, will Jill and Greg ever manage to walk down the aisle? Author Lynn Cahoon remains a must-read for me, so I'm sure I'll be on the wedding invitation list, right?

I like Jill and Greg, who worries about her but without being overbearing, and the cast of supporting characters. I was definitely intrigued by Judith, a fill-in bookshop hire. Btw, as a bookaholic myself, I did have to laugh at Jill's idea that a heavy book in hand was better than no weapon at all. She even manages to stay out of danger's way, well, mostly. It wouldn't be a cozy mystery if our amateur sleuth wasn't in peril at some point, after all. That said, she does have the knack of being in the right (wrong?) place at the right (wrong?) time and is instrumental in discovering the identity of the dead man, not to mention his possible connections to others. She even gets to visit a shrine of sorts to actress Vivian Leigh in the process, which made me curious as she describes what she's seeing. Lynn Cahoon always manages to come up with intriguing characters to whet our curiosity.

Bottom line, an easy, interesting read with fun characters, mysterious bodies, reclusive wives, plus civic issues that also occupy Jill's time. I'm already looking forward to the next visit. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to catch up with Jill, Greg, and the rest but, oh, we can't forget, their dogs.

Santa's Little Yelpers (Andy Carpenter #26), by David Rosenfelt

 

Publication October 11, 2022

I came for the dogs but stayed for the humor. Seriously, how can anyone possibly ignore the cover of this one with those adorable puppies. Yet, while the dogs of the tale are certainly a huge draw, David Rosenfelt always weaves a story full of not just dogs and humor but deep dives into organized crime, corruption, and how investigations might be done. Heck, he even makes the legal process understandable. And, Andy Carpenter never loses his self-deprecating humor and smart-ass approach. 

I must also admit, I am a biased witness, er, reviewer. As soon as this book was approved for me to review, I immediately set aside what I was then reading and dived into the world of wannabe-retired lawyer Andy, who does some of his best thinking while out walking his dogs. Sebastian never fails to draw a grin from me, btw, for his lack of enthusiasm for said walks. Tara, of course, is the world's best dog. Just ask Andy. He may also have the best investigative team ever, too, and Sam, hacker extraordinary, gets out of the office to spend some time checking out a site in person for a change. True, at that point Andy figures it's a relatively safe bet that Sam won't encounter any problems on this seemingly barely connected town visit. Oh, but even Andy can be wrong sometimes. Sam's encounter with some shady characters sets the stage for the rest of the story, one that ultimately involves diamonds and organized crime. There's something in there about a trip to Disney, too, but Andy assures us he won't be wearing mouse ears.

If the above confuses me, don't despair. I've long since learned to just sit back and enjoy the roller coaster ride that is an Andy Carpenter story. Even though I could have used a few more doses of Marcus, Laurie, as always, has Andy's back. There's even a new lawyer to oppose Andy this go-round and he sounds like a promising foe, albeit one we may wind up liking.

Bottom line, excellent pacing which moves right along, main characters you'll like, lovely dogs with personality, worthy opponents, and.....oh, almost gave away a key element of the plot. You'll have to read it to find out what the big hole in the ground is and why people keep winding up dead. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me spend some time with Andy, Laurie, Ricky, Tara, Corey, and, oh, yes, Marcus, not to mention some adorable Golden Retriever puppies.  Readers will love the ending.