And Then There Was You (Chestnut Ridge #1), by Nancy Naigle

 

Publication June 27, 2023

"Families can be difficult." So says one insightful character. On the other hand, as Natalie Maynard learns, family can cocoon you in a warm sense of being loved and safe. By the time I finished this book, I know I felt like I wanted to give a warm hug to everyone, family, friends, and loved ones. What a delightful, embracing nod to belonging, family, and finding your own safe space. And, let's not forget that adorable Beagle puppy whose name I'll leave readers to learn as they read. 

To be brief, Natalie is conned out of almost everything she had, including self esteem. Friends like Sheila immediately step forward to help while detective Randy Fellowes vows to solve the mystery of who did it and restore as much of Natalie's life and well-being as is humanly possible. Let's just say, he's attracted to Natalie but feels he can't acknowledge that until all is put right. 

In the meantime, Natalie is finding a welcoming home in Chestnut Ridge, inspired by the author's own home amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's finding family, yes, but also herself. Her talents. She's also learning that family doesn't only mean the people you're related to but those who embrace you as family. In fact, she discovers far more in Chestnut Ridge. 

Fans of romance, especially with a touch of mystery, will love this book. Heck, I don't even read much romance nowadays and it left me with the warm fuzzies. I'm looking forward to my next visit. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for introducing me to Chestnut Ridge. My early years were spent in the hills of Ohio, so I had the sense of returning home. No castles where I lived, though, dang it.

A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder, by Dianne Freeman

 

Publication June 27, 2023

First, I love the cover. Lots of things going on that aren't immediately obvious to a quickglance, so enlarge it and give it a good look. Bet it'll make you smile.

As for the book, it was a delightful read. One with a slower build to climax than we're often accustomed to but, hey, it takes place in 1900. Things moved much slower then. As you'll see, you couldn't just pick up a phone and call someone. You had to find someone to deliver a message to them. Then wait for them to get it, read, and respond and do the same on their end. Police investigations of necessity then, moved much slower, too, even when the head detective was a friend. 

To be honest, I enjoyed the slower pace, the sense that major events weren't going to slam into my brain every second. That gave me time to relax and even indulge in my history major self. For instance, Frances' husband George is a golf lover. Unsure how popular it was with the masses in 1900, I was curious enough to do a quick search of British golf history. Did you know golf was put on the Olympic calendar for the then upcoming games in Paris? Pretty cool. I also learned what a partner desk was, even taking note of the fact the White House's Wilson Desk, used by Gerald Ford, is an example of one. Okay, history lesson over.

The story begins with a focus on what has made the dowager Viscountess Winstead take ill so suddenly. She literally faints in front of Frances when she visits to sort out the details for the presentation of the Viscountess' niece Kate to Queen Victoria. As it turns out, George, who does "something" for the government, meaning the Home Office, has an interest in the family, too, given his latest case. Then, her nurse is murdered. Frances has George's support as she tries to gather clues, although the one they discover while viewing a play is a surprise. The Viscountess' family seems relatively uninterested in her true situation. Only the niece seems concerned but, well, is it all an act? 

Where did the diary/record of Egyptian excavations and finds by the late husband of the Viscountess that George has been tasked with finding go? The British Museum received artifacts but not the written records. Found once, then, poof, gone again? Odd. 

Will Kate be a social success? Who knew all the quirky rules and regulations necessary for being presented to the Queen? Do you know how to back away regally while wearing a nine foot train? Me, either. Attending a society ball isn't much less stressful although you do get to dance and socialize more. In other words, while puzzling out the mystery, you get to attend some swank royal and society events as viewed through 1900 eyes. Relax and enjoy your read. I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to time travel back in time to 1900 Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit while also learning something new, always a plus for me.

Blueberry Blunder (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #8), by Amanda Flower

 

 

Publication May 23,2023

 

Somehow, somewhere, I think there's a book in the joke name "The Great Parakeet Attack" episode. Seriously, Jethro? Is there any kind of mischief you can't manage to get into?

 

Anyway, on to the current mystery: Who killed Bailey's contractor, Wade? Why? Was it somehow tied to Aiden's first PI case? Why is Charlotte so sad as her wedding day approaches? Did you know most Amish don't even have Social Security numbers, let alone credit cards? Why is Aiden's return to town a bit awkward? How can nasty Sheriff Marshall keep his job? Why is a film crew following Bailey around? Is Devon always this obnoxious of is she up to something? Who....oh, way too many teasers. 

 

This is one of my favorite Amanda Flowers' series. Full of fully developed characters, whose background is deftly provided early on, with touches of romance and humor, it's a fun read. Heck, the antics of Jethro the polka-dot pig are always a hoot, so no wonder the first chapter opens with Jethro, well, being Jethro.  It's an easy read, too, that will keep you turning pages with Bailey seemingly always involved in something, even if it's just pig-sitting. I found it hard to put down once I started reading. The ending of this one is particularly satisfying, so give it a read. Even if you haven't read other books in the series, you'll quickly come to feel at home.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to that amazing Blueberry Festival. After the sweet ending, already looking forward to my next invite to Harvest, Ohio.

Fatal Fudge Swirl (Ice Cream Shop Mysteries #3), by Meri Allen

 

Publication June 27, 2023

What a diabolical murder weapon! Although it took me awhile to warm to ex-CIA librarian Riley Rhodes, I've grown to look forward to her next exploit. Here she's being her usual, helpful self when she stumbles over another dead body. Sadly, on the day Diantha was to be married, not to mention on her favorite holiday, Halloween. With Diantha's almost-husband, sons and family on site, not to mention a film crew shooting the latest in the popular romantic comedy series, there are several suspects.

It was interesting to watch Riley puzzle out clues from her own observations -- she'd been asked to stay at the inn that night to help out with household duties -- and clues found. I made a good guess early on as to the murder method but couldn't put it together on how it was done, let alone pin-point the murderer. The side stories, which included, no lie, George Washington, Rome, cancer, greed, towels, family  relationships, and troubled romance, fit into the whole nicely, some even adding a clue to whodunit. Riley's own romantic life seems, well, not troubled, but Liam was rather side-lined in this one. Guess that's a topic for another installment. Oh, and let's not forget Sprinkles the cat's charisma in front of the camera. Sprinkles is a calculating hoot.

The supporting cast is solid and it was interesting to get a look into their lives. Jack the detective's troubled mind made me think of the police families I know, to be honest. A relationship with someone who puts their life on the line every day can't be easy. The characters' interconnections are intriguing and hopefully we'll hear more about that later. 

Bottom line, an interesting mystery with an unusual murder weapon that will keep you turning pages. Thanks #NetGalley and StMartinsPress - #StMartinsPaperbacks for inviting me to stop by the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop once again. I'm already curious to see what flavor Brandon comes up with next.

Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History, by Tracy Borman

 

Publication June 20, 2023

To be honest, I picked this book to review mostly because of Mary Boleyn, who showed up in my family tree. I thought I pretty well knew the story of Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth I. Boy, was I wrong. The author obviously did painstaking research and it shows. Just the emotional and psychological impact of their times and all the political and religious fervor that surrounded them is thought provoking. 

Anne Boleyn was more than a pretty face who caught Henry VIII's eye. Who knew Anne was such a strong proponent of reform that it shook the British Empire to its roots by the time the full story had played out.  It's hard to imagine a time when translating the Bible/scriptures into English was a crime, potentially punishable by death. Anne, who was largely educated and grew up in the French court, flew in the face of that. Her daughter, not even three years old when Anne was tried and beheaded, would bear the imprint of both her mother's love and reformist beliefs all her life. That and the horror of her mother's death and the reasons behind it shaped Elizabeth's actions, including her determination never to marry. 

I won't even attempt to summarize further, the details just kept coming, and I couldn't even come close to encapsulating it in a mere review. The background info provided tells why events may have unfolded as they did, changing history forever. If you're a history buff, particularly a fan of Tudor history, this one is a must. While heavy on the names, it's a relatively fascinating read that  goes a long way toward giving you a better understanding of the humans behind the often frightening, tragic events that surrounded both Anne and Elizabeth, not to mention Elizabeth's step-sister, Mary. Reading about Elizabeth's enforced stay in the very place her mother spent her last days, ordered by then Queen Mary, and Elizabeth's physical and emotional turmoil fearing every day would be her last was heartbreaking.

Thanks #NetGalley and #GroveAtlantic- #AtlanticMonthlyPress for this enlightening read. I even added some lore to my own family tree, obviously, and was delighted to see the name Knollys pop-up, too, another connection I'd forgotten about.

The Little Scottish Ghost, by Franz Hohler, Werner Maurer (Illustrator)

 

Publication July 18, 2023

"Once upon a time..." Those magical words still have the power to charm me. This is a sweet, charming tale about a little ghost who lives in a castle in Scotland. One problem, however. She can't seem to scare anyone. No matter how hard she tries, people just smile and laugh. This is ruining her parents hopes of retirement, so they send her to be taught how to be scary by the reportedly scariest ghost around. Needless to say, things don't quite go as planned.

Children will be charmed by this hapless girl ghost. She wants to please her parents but, well, she isn't very good at this scary stuff. As it turns out, neither is her new teacher. If there's a message in the story, it's that people, okay, ghosts aren't always as they seem. And, more importantly, it seems ghosts get lonely, too, just as children do. Needless to say, it all works out for all involved and life at Whistlefield Castle will never be the same. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for introducing me to the little girl ghost in Scotland. Who knew ghosts had so much to learn, especially the charmingly awkward ones? Fun story and illustrations and not too-scary ghosts make it a winner. Wait! Was that chains rattling? Grin.

My First Book of House Pets, from duopress labs, Åsa Gilland (Illustrator)

 

Publication June23,2023

This is a great, simplified introduction to the wonderful world of being owned by, er, owning a pet. Written for young children, it's designed to both caution and prepare them for bringing a pet into their lives. I liked the fact it didn't only focus on the usual dogs and cats but included the likes of reptiles and even fish. No, it doesn't go into any real depth on the expected care needed for each but offers some guidance. My take on the book is that it's designed to be a stepping stool for dialogue between families as they ponder whether or not to make the commitment needed for certain pets, even noting that some do not particularly enjoy being handled. 

Another plus, the fun illustrations offer not just a variety of possible pets but a variety, ie diverse, of humans. It's a subtle reminder that just as our pets may be different, so are their humans. It also suggests visiting your local  shelter in your search for the perfect pet, another plus. I'd add contacting area rescue organizations, too, as my own Daisy dog came from that source. 

Bottom line, while some may quibble about the sparse, basic info, remember who this targets: young children, not adults, although it should be a guide used by those same adults to guide the process. It should be used to open discussion. Thanks #NetGalley, #SOURCEBOOKSKids - #duopress for reminding me of the joy of not just a first pet but pets in general. They do help make our world better. 

Norma's War: a WWII Memoir, by Norma Thoeming, Gary Metivier (Editor)

 

Publication June 13,2023

It was a time of "an odd combination of adventure, excitement, fear, and terror" is how Norma Thoeming best described growing up during WWII. I found it a riveting read in it's basic simplicity. It was also hard not to find my thoughts straying to the children of Ukraine who are facing the same terrors while dealing with normal growing pains. 

Norma's  story, told to Gary Metivier, isn't fancy. The chapters are short, remembered in simple terms, and allow us to peek into the world of Norma's Bedford, England, life both before and after the war. Parents, can you imagine the horror of having your children handed a gas mask? Hearing that their school group was fired on from a passing German plane? Dealing with refugees being housed in your home? And that doesn't even include the anxiety and fears of an everyday life that without warning could suddenly include bombs being dropped on your neighborhood, one leaving a huge crater in front of your home. Life at home wasn't easy, either, with a troubled mother who simply walked out on them at one point, not to mention an energetic brother, full of mischief, who seems to have a knack for setting things on fire, all by accident, not that it made much difference. Norma's life as a working class girl wouldn't have been easy at any time but when the war came to their town, life was never to be the same.

To be honest, as noted, I found myself liking this book more than I had expected. Given how many WWII related books I've read in my life, that is a high compliment, particularly as it left me thinking about it long after I'd finished. I definitely recommend "Norma's War" to both history buffs and those wondering what life was really like when you hear about wartime England. Heck, read if you like a good story with interesting characters. Characters who were real people.

You'll be left with questions, of course. Remember, this is about a child's memories. And, I mean, was there really such a thing as a "siren suit"? I'm going to have to look that one up. In the meantime, thanks to #NetGalley and #LegacyBookPress - #IBPA for introducing me to Norma Thoeming. I'm all the better for it.

Don't Be A Bully, Little Tiger, by Carol Roth, Rashin Kheiriyeh (Illustrations)

 

  Publication June 27, 2023

Oh, Little Tiger! You had a lot to learn and, to your credit, seem to have learned fast. This is a short, sweet picture book with simple illustrations and a basic color palette. There's even diversity, well, if you consider different animal species chosen as being diverse. In any case, they're cute. 

The message is simple. If you want friends to be nice to you, you need to be nice to them. Other children don't want to play with you if you're mean to them.I liked that the book showed several simple ways to be kind rather than simply saying, "Be nice". I can definitely envision discussions that might grow from the different scenarios, ranging from "What did Little Tiger do that wasn't nice?" to "How would you react if someone wasn't nice to you?" Just the illustrations alone can be a discussion point, starting with "What is the cover drawing showing us even before we start the book?" Yes, lots of teaching moments. What can I say, sometimes the retired teacher in me just can't help seeing teaching moments.

Bottom line, an easy book to read to children that can open up lines of discussion. I, of course, liked the teacher's role in helping Little Tiger find his nice side. Thanks to #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for letting me pop back into a classroom for awhile to meet Little Tiger and his now new friends.

Growing Up Powerful: A Guide to Growing Up Powerful, Embracing Change, and Untangling Your World, from Rebel Girls

 

Author Nona Willis Aronowitz, illustrations by Caribay Marquina 

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Wish I'd had this manual handy when I was the age of the target audience. While it's often hard to tread that fine line between a book containing tons of insightful, meaningful information and still keep it fun, Rebel Girls does their usual excellent job. The colors are bright and vivid, while the illustrations show diversity, movement, and emotion while still somehow retaining their direct simplicity. The info itself is nicely organized, frequently broken down into smaller bits via boxed text and captions. Thus, easy to read and navigate while maintaining it's goal of being there for pre-teen girls. As I said, where was this book when I needed it?

As I've become more familiar with the Rebel Girls world, I've found that I rarely simply sit down and read straight through. That was the case again this time. After settling in with much of the first chapter, which deals with girls as emotional human beings, talking about ways to deal with new friends, stress and the blues, it also delves with coping with the loss of a loved one. That's one topic often neglected and remembering my own adult emotions of dealing with death, one I was glad to see included. 

I found myself drawn to chapter five, however, as I flipped around using the contents and index as my guide. Given the uncertainties and fears even adults have felt over the last few years or turmoil and a worldwide pandemic, how could I not jump into that chapter's first section on coping with a scary world? The advice was targeted and while it offered no easy solutions, provided solid advice that can be used. That chapter also reminded us that epic fails along the way don't mean we're losers. Quite the contrary. It reminds young girls of the courage it took to simply try, building them up. You'll love the short scenarios throughout the book, btw, dealing with not just this topic but others. 

Bottom line, I recommend this book without hesitation. Even if you don't have a growing, ever changing pre-teen girl in your realm, it would make an excellent gift for those who might. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #RebelGirls for reminding me what it was like to navigate those scary years as an "almost teenager". I haven't clicked on all the QR codes yet but will definitely be doing so to see what other great advice is available.

All the Leaves Are Brown: How the Mamas & the Papas Came Together and Broke Apart, by Scott G. Shea

 "Monday, Monday..." I realized as I sat down to type that I'm writing this review on a Monday. Somehow appropriate, even if I now know that no one in the group was particularly fond of the song, even vocal lead Denny Doherty. Actually, it turns out the Mamas and Papas weren't always particularly fond of each other, either, at times. This made those old photos from fan magazines seem not just faded but false. Heck, I'll never again even look at that rather famous photo of all four of them posing in a bathtub now that I know what was going on at the time.

The hows and whys of this discord is better left to individual readers to discover on their own as it is both intertwined and complex. What most knew about the group is what the music media of the time told us. You'll get the back stories here, however, on each of the members, such as Cass Elliot's early Broadway dreams, not to mention various detours into the times and supporting cast of characters about them. Be prepared for some hard truths. Infidelity ran rampant, as did Cass' long-time love for Denny Doherty, the same Denny who has an affair with John's wife Michelle, the one he left his wife and two chidren for, who had an affair with the Byrd's Gene Clark. And....well, it's complicated. 

In the meantime, after you give up trying to keep score on the drugs and bed-hopping, you'll learn a great deal. First, yes, about the backgrounds of the four individuals who made up the group. You'll learn that being a musician isn't always glamorous. You'll also see friendships made (and destroyed). This is only the tip of the iceberg and, quite frankly, most of it came before the group found success. You'll discover that John was even a bit of a music snob, looking upon the Beatles with disdain until Denny managed to change his mind. In any case, much of what you'll read made me sad or even angry, but I still found it fascinating,  Quite frankly, for example,I really knew nothing more about the Monterey Pop Festival than that it happened, let alone John Phillips' role in it.

If you're a music fan, this book should be on your bookshelf. It's a behind the scenes look at not only what it takes to get to the top of the heap but what getting there can mean. Thanks to #NetGalley and #GlobePequot - #Backbeat for allowing me to indulge myself with "California Dreaming" for awhile. It wasn't always a pleasant memory-fest but fascinating nevertheless. Scott G. Shea really made me feel I was there.

Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World, by Rona Maynard

Combo review for ebook and audio (8 hrs.   Narrated by author)

Rona Maynard doesn't know it, but we're kindred souls. Kindred dog people. Kindred souls who found their best selves "after dog". Unlike Maynard, true, I grew up around dogs. Heck, I grew up on a farm. There were always dogs, not to mention cats, sheep, calves, and assorted ducks and rabbits. Due to the circumstances of life, however, aside from my horses, the dogs were always the family dogs. Never dependent or particularly attached to me. That changed after my parents' deaths, when a teacher friend convinced me I needed a dog. I got one. A husky/collie mix. That dog ultimately lead me to Alaska. Long story. I'm currently owned by a diva dog corgi mix, the Daisy of my book review blog. through her I've become part of my neighborhood, enjoying the not always quiet walks in Alaska, and admitting that my life isn't my own. It's better, fuller, just as Maynard has learned.

I won't detail this story of finding one's life through a dog's unconditional love and zest for living. Dog owners, oh, who am I kidding, people owned by a dog (or any pet, for that matter) know what I mean. Maynard, like me, found many reasons to resist a dog. One of my roll my eyes as I chuckle moments was when she admits that even when finally giving in to her husband's desire for a rescue dog was to declare, basically, okay, but it can't get on the bed. Bet you know how that turned out. I've also got to admit, that I much appreciated her letting readers know the "dog doesn't die" in this book, something that tends to make me wary of any specific dog focused books. Thanks, Rona. Casey has taught you well. 

I was lucky enough to get both the audio and ebook to review. Read by Maynard, the audio book had me smiling from the beginning. While I flipped back and forth from audio to ebook, there is something about hearing a personal story of growth from that person. After thought, I decided that dog person that I am, I would have been just as sucked in by the written words as the audio had I only had it to go on, so I highly recommend both/either. 

Just as anyone who has ever walked a dog quickly learns that they won't be hurried to "do their business", the story pace is leisurely. Maynard spends some time revealing her pre-dog self, which was when I began to see much of myself in her, and then allows us to see how one not-so-well-behaved dog changed her for the better. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #ECWPressAudio -#ECWPress for introducing me to #RonaMaynard and her very good dog. My Daisy sends a slurpy kiss and gives this a four paws and a tail wag rating.

Death Knells and Wedding Bells (Lighthouse Library Mystery #10), by Eva Gates

 

Publication June 6, 2023

Although they're postponing the Paris honeymoon due to other obligations, Lucy and Conner's wedding is perfect.  Well, aside from the body in the hotel closet after the next morning's wedding breakfast. Who killed Wayne Fortunaba? Aunt Joyce was already regretting asking him to be her plus one at the wedding but surely she didn't dislike him enough to kill him? Where did Eddie go? Could the stereotypical absent-minded professor have killed him and shoved him in the closet before disappearing? Why is Lucy asking questions? She's supposed to be enjoying married life and planning the killer, er, bad word choice. Make that dream Paris honeymoon. And, hmm, is she already trying to hide her overwhelming drive to investigate from Conner? As she keeps reassuring herself, she's just asking a few (few?) questions. Yet, somehow, she always winds up in danger.

Nags Head is a lovely setting. You'll feel like you're in the car riding along as Gates describes the scenery Conner drives Lucy and Bertie through to Rodanthe. You'll enjoy meeting Lucy and Conner's extended circle of family and friends, not to mention Charles (for Dickens) the library cat. Romance and troubled romance rear their heads, too, There are multiple suspects and, of course, red herrings, not to mention detective Sam is somewhat distracted dealing with a new to  the area detective. Nothing like complicating things, huh? And, hmm, how many coincidences are too many? What the heck does Edgar Allen Poe have to do with anything? Who....oh, enough hints. Eva Gates never disappoints with well drawn characters and the spider's webs that often connect them one to another. Give this one a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to Nags Head once again. Looking forward, I hope, to seeing Paris through Lucy's eyes next visit.

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany (Miss Ashford Investigates #3), by Vivian Conroy

 

 

"What if...?" So many "What ifs..." in this book. What if Atalanta Ashford had refused handsome race car driver Raoul Lemont's invitation? What if they hadn't taken the, wow, Orient Express? What if they hadn't met Catharina Lanetti at breakfast that morning? What if they hadn't accepted the troubled woman's invitation to the elaborate, upscale birthday party for her somewhat estranged father, Cosimo? What if....well, you get my drift.

Atalanta's mind is seemingly always racing, taking wild twists and turns during even the most mundane circumstances. While her mind soon turns to murder, initially they're focused on her relationship, which she isn't even sure is a relationship, with Raoul. He does have a way of popping up unexpectedly so, what if....no, let's not go there. Let's just say that she's drawn to him but won't quite admit it. Remember, this story is set in the much slower days of the 1930s. 

Needless to say, they arrive for the party and Atalanta, who still isn't accustomed to her inherited status of wealth, is awed by the surroundings. She is equally astounded at the tensions and power struggles within the family. While Cosimo's late first wife seems almost saintly by description, second wife Melina is lovely but, umm, abrasive. The brothers Lorenzo and Giovanni dislike each other and both want control of the business when their father passes. And, pass he does. Who kills Cosimo? Was Catharina's present to him a hint? Is it true people die where she goes? Could the brothers have tired of waiting for their chance to lead? Could Catharina be next? How long do some people hold a grudge? What if....oops, back to that again. But, enough hints.

While the plot unfolds slower than I've grown accustomed to of late, the unfolding is perfect for the time and setting. The author does a wonderful job painting the scene for us, the people, customs, lush colors and scenery, much while Raoul drives leisurely through the countryside, stopping in small villages and pubs, introducing Atalanta to his Italy. So, don't rush through the interludes as they're lovely snapshots of the times and places. As for the mystery itself, it held my attention and made me hungry for some sightseeing. Thanks#NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter for inviting me along for Raoul and Atalanta's lovely excursion. After that hint in the last sentence, must admit I'm curious to see where this is going. 

Murder Off the Books (By the Book Mysteries #3), by Tamara Berry

 

 

 Publication about May 30, 2023

A wildly fun series, even if it does leave your head spinning at times. Tess Harrow, a best-selling mystery writer, is smart, stubborn, impulsive....well, you get my drift. Just the type to go running into danger on a hunch or cross that fuzzy legal line to find clues. Her daughter is much like her, apt to blurt things outloud that she shouldn't, a trait she shares with her mother. We even get to watch the dynamics of Tess's relationship with her own mother, Bernadette. There is nothing subtle about either of them although, shh, neither wants to hear how much alike they really are. 

Well, Tess at least hasn't been spending time traveling about the country with Levi Parker, a probable serial murder. It's when Levi is murdered that the real roller-coaster ride of the plot begins. Never mind that Tess's best friend is an undercover FBI agent, not to mention that her underling has a serious crush on Tess, who has a serious crush on the town detective who looks amazingly like the hero in Tess's books. Unlike Tess, he's a more closed up, by-the-books kinda guy, meaning they butt heads frequently as Tess finds herself involved in his investigation.

Tess's grand opening of her bookstore in conjunction with the release of her best-selling mystery novel doesn't go as planned. Not only does her mother show up unexpectedly but a man that daughter Gertie quickly identifies as an accused serial killer is tagging along with her. Close behind is famous and very wealthy true crime blogger Neptune and her assistant Sven. Tess takes an immediate disliking to her, albeit mostly because Neptune winds up staying at the crush's, er, detective's house. Jealous much, Tess? 

And that is really just the beginning. Who killed Levi the serial killer? Could it have really been her mother? How many coincidences are too many? What weird thing is found in Tess's freezer? How did it get there and who was it meant for? Is the reporter tagging along behind Tess, okay, maybe she sorta paid his way, but is he onto more than one story? Who is Darcy? How about Jay? How does a logging business fit into the story? Why is Tess bulk ordering candy and chips? And, oh, too many other happenings to even begin to hint about. Like, will Ivy ever run out of patience with Tess? 

Although Tess's rapid fire brainstorms and antics leave your head spinning, I like her. True, she'd probably give me repeated headaches trying to keep up with her thinking, never mind her actions, but she cares. She turns into a mother bear where her daughter Gertie is involved, for instance. She may be sarcastic, impulsive, and single-minded, but she will do anything to protect those she cares about. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonPenBooks for giving me the opportunity to drop into Tess's fascinating but chaotic world again. After that last chapter, I can't wait to come back!

The Perfect Staging for Murder, by Kathlenn Bridge

 

Wow, life in the Hamptons is far more exciting than I thought it was. Movie stars? Sure. Fancy homes and mansions? Sure. Movie making. But, murder? Let's just say, you're eavesdropping on the filming of the final scene in a production as the book opens, thunder and lightening raging outside a lighthouse, and that's just the beginning.

Who killed the arrogant director of the show? It isn't like there isn't a long line of suspects, including his children. Even Meg's boyfriend, Patrick, the scrip-writer is a suspect after a public argument with the director. Why is Patrick suddenly missing? Will Meg's ability to read lips, a skill she's fine tuned since being forced to wear a hearing aid from her teens, be a help or a hindrance? Who left a dead fish on the hood of Meg's vehicle? Why was Julie known as a Black Widow? Who....oh, more than enough teasers. 

Overall, although I wasn't quite taken by Meg, I enjoyed the book. One issue I had was the frequent detours. By detours I mean, oh, Meg picking up her phone from a desk and we get the history of where she got the desk and why. Or, say, just as she pulls out her murder board, the action stops as she thinks about how she once designed the interior of a child's tree house. All somewhat interesting but not when it seems to slow things down and be unrelated.Hence, a 3.5 rating rounded up because I found the mystery itself quite interesting.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me this backstage look at not just movie making but life in East Hamptons, or Montauk to be exact.

Case of the Unlucky Emperor (Corgi Case Files #17), by Jeffrey M. Poole

 

"If you like dogs, especially corgis, and enjoy sniffing out sometimes vague clues, this series is for you." I said that in a previous review and, as always, it still holds true. How do they do it? Who knows? Surely not their humans, Zach and wife Jillian but, know what? It doesn't matter. Poole writes a fun, good story and it's always entertaining. It's fun to watch the dogs exasperation at the slowness of the humans about them to comprehend the clues they've so diligently provided, not to mention the mental gymnastics of Zach, in particular, as he tries to figure it all out.

In this book, they're in my beloved Alaska. Now, true, it gave me pause when I saw Alaska and penguins as part of the plot. I mean, Alaska doesn't have penguins. Long story, but they're just not suited to survive in the wild here. One not-too-well thought out attempt in the1950s was a disaster, let's just say. In any case, let's just say that this setting was a highly sophisticated, well designed enclosure with all the marvels high tech and big money could provide. In other words, no bringing in penguins and shoving them out to be polar bear dessert. 

The mystery that the dogs, who seem to be famous everywhere, are called in to help solve is the disappearance of the facility's first penguin chick. I have to admit to looking up pix of emperor penguin chicks and, yes, they are darn cute. Who'd do such a thing? At first the dogs clues seem vague and barely connected. I mean, a banana? Moose? True, Alaska has tons of moose but what is the connection to the missing penguin? This all takes place in Sitka, Alaska, a rather isolated place where disappearing isn't easy as everyone knows each other and you can't drive out. Watching the corgis solve the crime, which takes their humans far longer to put together than it did them, is simply fun. 

I've enjoyed each and every book in this series. We frequently learn something new about the places Zach and Jillian visit as we experience the sites through their eyes. We view the story through Zach's eyes and author Poole has given him a conversational, easy to follow style that makes for fun, easy reading. The interactions between Zach and Jillian come across well, too, showing their love and humor. Toss in interesting side-characters (and the side characters here are all new ones as even best friend Vance isn't along this time) and bits of info about, well, this-and-that, and, well, it's fun. Give it a read. Then go back and check out the whole series, including book one where Zach is a suspect in a murder!

Finally, having done a whale/wildlife cruise, Poole's description of the one Zach and Jillian embark on is right on target. Made me smile as it brought back memories of a mother whale breaching into the air almost within arm reach, then crashing back into the water moments later to swim directly beneath our suddenly seemingly very small tour boat with her calf. Ah, memories.

Hard Dough Homicide: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery (Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries #2), by Olivia Matthews

 Publication May 23, 2023

This series is as much about families and togetherness as it is about murder investigations. I'm finding myself more and more drawn to cozy mysteries with strong families and character development. This one is still relatively new and has a way to go toward having completely well defined characters but it's showing promise. Main character Lyndsay Murray/Lynds began the series as a likable but probable push over, bullied as a child and not accustomed to standing up for herself in most circumstances. 

The circumstance that kicked started her willingness to step forward involved her family, as it does here. Her family has invested their hearts, time and money, not to mention their energy, in making the Spice Isle Bakery a success. Despite this, she is reluctant to book a retirement dinner for an old nemesis of her mother. It's a family decision to accept it when the outrageous fee quoted to discourage those trying to book the dinner is accepted. Little did Lynds know it would lead to her involvement in another murder investigation when her mother's past history with the victim makes her a person of interest.

So, who killed retiring school principal Emily Smith? Quite frankly, simply based on her arrogance and sense of entitlement even before the meal begins, it could be any of the invited guests. Tensions are high and that isn't helped when it turns out one of the male guests once had a crush on Lyndsay's mother. To complicate things, it turns out a hefty sum of money may have gone missing from school funds. How was Emily poisoned? Could it be the assistant principal, eager to take her spot? Emily's assistant, who is downright nauseating playing up to Emily, seemingly to gain favor? One of the others? Who had the opportunity and, more importantly, how did they do it?

Through it all, the Murray family stays strong, even when Lynds is crushed to hear her bakery will not be included in that year's Caribbean festival due to the murder there. How will that impact their quite young business? Will the threatening messages sent to Lynds detour her? Oh, come on. Of course not. Read this one to find out how it all plays out in the end. There's even romance brewing.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #StMartinsPaperbacks for letting me revisit Lyndsay's Spice Isle Bakery. Looking forward to where the end-of-the-book developments take us.

First In Series: A cozy mystery collection Kindle Edition, by Reagan Davis (Author)

 

What a delight. A chance to relive the beginnings of not just one but two excellent cozy mysteries. Rather than simply tell you "Read these!", which you certainly should, I thought I'd share a few observations and reasons to do just that.

First, both have strong, independent female leads. In the Knitorious series, Megan is in the process of getting a divorce. Her husband has cheated on her but they are in the midst of a remarkably civil divorce, their focus on their daughter rather than themselves. In the other series, we have strong, ambitious Karla, who is trying to grow her concierge business. She has a bit of an advantage over Megan, however, in the sleuthing department. She's able to quickly pick up on people's tells, the involuntary eye movement, blinks, turning of the head/body, or whatever, when they're lying. Her father is also the town police chief, not to mention her sister is a cop, too. Oh, and her best friend is the town coroner.

Both ladies have a strong circle of family and friends who have their backs and are there for them. Both ladies, despite the negative events in their lives, also seem to be largely positive forces, looking for the good in all. The supporting casts about them are all well-defined, with personalities of their own. They all strike me as people I'd love to have in my life. And, oh, yes, there are adorable dogs in their small town settings. Romance, too, of course, when it can sneak in between the intriguing murder investigations. The mysteries themselves are satisfying, with multiple suspects and twists and turns, not to mention red herrings. 

Bottom line, to shift back into my first instinct, read these introductory installments and be ready to dive into both series when you find you're hooked.

Buffalo Soldiers in Alaska: Company L, Twenty-Fourth Infantry, by Brian G. Shellum

As an Alaskan by choice, I’ve always found its history fascinating. This book details a little known aspect of Alaskan history, the role of a unit of the Army’s Buffalo Soldiers. I’ve been to Skagway only as part of an Inland Passage Tour on a cruise stop, so while the stop was brief, I recognized some of the place names.

A scholarly work, full of detail, this isn’t light reading. It is, however, an intriguing story. Reading how much these black soldiers were slowly accepted and made a part of the community in the early 19th century was a welcome bit of knowledge. The officers were white but all were accepted as the soldiers overcame the barriers of racism and gradually gained trust and acceptance. Baseball was a great unifier, I might note.

I can’t even begin to share the full story here as author Shellum shares the times, people involved and their known backgrounds, and how the soldiers gained a measure of respect. Alaskans are often furiously independent, even now, so it couldn’t have been easy. Newspaper articles and photos are included as are extensive notes and documentation  

Bottom line, while not as easy read for the average Alaskan fan, it’s a story worth reading. I struggled with the rating but opted for my belief of how an average reader, one curious but not invested in state history might rate it give the scholarly style.

Barkcuterie: 25 Pawsome Snack Boards Your Dog Will Love, by Hammy, Olivia

 Publication April 18, 2023

Being familiar with the fun, cute videos of Hammy and Olivia, I was expecting, well, cute and fun. It's all that and more. Not only do we get colorful photos of Hammy and Olivia to illustrate whatever the creation is celebrating, but the book is well-set and an easy guide to follow. It's very well done, especially for two adorable corgis. <insert chuckle>

You say you don't have a board or cookie shape cutters shaped like a paw print or bone? No problem. As is noted, you can certainly use what's at hand but a list of online resources is available at the end. But, with a bit of artful arrangement, you can easily use even a plate to display your results. It's just cuter and, well, more doggie with the shapes. 

As for the recipes, they are simple and easy to follow. Hammy and Olivia introduce each, though their humans do manage to get a few words in here and there, including an introduction. Ingredients and tools are listed and the recipes themselves tend to be short, easy steps. No massive reading required. You also have full color photos of not just the dogs ready to celebrate but the boards themselves to use as a visual guideline. And, yes, for those owned by cats, there are some adorable cat themed boards, too.

The authors also provide a boxed list of safe, safe but should be used only sparingly, and things you should never feed your pets. It's all handy and on one page, easy to copy and keep handy for everyday occasions, not just celebratory ones. I liked that the authors added a caution that just because a food is listed here as safe, you need to be aware of pet allergies or bad reactions to foods and substitute as needed. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup- #RockPoint for making this adorable and creative barkcuterie guide available. My Daisy dog's birthday is coming up soon, not to mention her Gotcha Day , so....hmm. Daisy gives this one four paws up and a tail wag  

Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point

Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star, (A Desert Flowers Mystery #5), by Lee Hollis

 

Publication May 23,2023

The writing duo Lee Hollis has done it again. Although not my favorite series from them, the plots are always fun with depth to them and hold my attention. Poppy Harmon and friends Iris and Violet make up the Desert Flower Detective Agency with an assist from handsome Matt, an actor and former boyfriend of Poppy's daughter Heather. Since no one wanted to utilize a detective agency made up of senior citizens, which Poppy, Iris, and Violet are, Matt became the public face of the agency. His acting career seems to be taking off but he genuinely seems to enjoy hanging out with the senior ladies and lending a hand or utilizing his acting skills when needed. 

All are a bit stunned, however, when Poppy's old acting nemesis, Serena, shows up and wants to hire them. Poppy more than the rest since she'd found Serena a venomous rival and had said Serena was one of the only people in Hollywood that she genuinely despised. But, seems Serena is getting married .... again .... and wants Poppy to look into her potential new husband's background before the wedding takes place. Reluctantly, Poppy agrees to take the case. That's when things get really, umm, well, interesting doesn't quite cover it. I won't detail the plot more than to simply say it's way more complex than the book blurb might have you think. And, of course, there is a murder or two to be solved.

So, is Serena on the level? She's sure flirty, even with young Matt. It's a bit of a whirl-wind romance and wedding, true, but is she genuinely unaware of Ned's wealth and the rumors that swirl around him? How do Violet's pool shark skills come in handy? What's going on with Sam, Poppy's boyfriend? Is Ned the nice guy he appears on the surface? Would Serena marry him if he was poor? Who was that unknown man? Friend or foe? 

Why....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Despite a slow to me start, this one grabbed my full attention as it went on. I must also confess that I didn't quite see the dramatic ending coming. You'll enjoy guessing along, especially with all the movie talk and name dropping, mostly from Serena. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me drop in and enjoy the sleuthing, not to mention the twist in Poppy's personal life.

Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #9, Murder with Earl Grey Tea, by Karen Rose Smith

 Publication May23,2023

This book does something I've never noticed being done in other cozy mysteries I've read, it addresses the emotional and psychological impact of an amateur sleuth undertaking a murder investigation. In this case, add in the turmoil of not just finding a body but it being a friend who you very well could have been with at the time of the murder. Daisy Swanson isn't new to looking into murders but the combination of events left her feeling cold inside. All the tea in the world couldn't erase the horror from her mind, even as former detective boyfriend Jonas and her family and friends circle about her.

Quite frankly, given how slowly the story developed for me, I didn't expect to ultimately enjoy the book as much as I did. Heck, I started and stopped several times, starting and finishing other books in-between before I finally knuckled down and restarted and read the entire book. Once the murder had happened, however, things began to pick up pace and the depth of the book emerged. In other words, give this book a chance. It has thought provoking ingredients and the supporting cast was likable. True, sorting out the differences between the non-Amish, like Daisy, not to mention the difference between the stricter, more traditional Amish and those with fewer restrictions can be puzzling. That said, all are human whether we agree with their beliefs or not.

As for the murder, even aside from Daisy's involvement and close call, it's an intriguing one. Let's just say, I had two what I thought were strong suspects. Neither one was guilty. In other words, it kept me guessing until the end. In the process, Daisy is busy doing what a friend called fixing broken wings, even her own. Lots of changes going on in her life, comings and goings, and trying to find the time to finalize plans for her wedding to Jonas. She's finding little time for self-care but working on it will preparing herself for daughter Jazzi eventually heading off to college....all while trying to help find a murderer.

Bottom line, I enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to the next installment. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to hang out at Daisy's Tea Garden in Amish territory. It's fascinating to learn more about not just the Amish but how even they differ in belief and acceptance/interaction with the outside world.