Purranormal Activity: A Cat Cafe Mystery (Cat Cafe Mystery Series, 10), by Cate Conte

 

Publication July 28, 2026

 Maddie is delighted when her mother's best friend from decades ago calls to make an appointment for Maddie's JJ's House of Purrs to host a cat birthday party for her granddaughter. When they drive out to Olivia McAllister's family home, the Mermaid Cottage, however, Maddie finds Olivia dead. To add to the mystery, she finds the body in a hidden room with the help of a, oh, you guessed it, cat. Only, this cat is different. How different Maddie will find out as the story unfurls. '

As it turns out, that's not to only mystery connected to Mermaid Cottage. Seems that Olivia' s family moved away suddenly decades ago and no one seems to have heard from them sense. Olivia's aunt had just gone missing and the police were waved away from the case for reasons that seem odd but, okay. What even brought Olivia back with her daughter, Tess, and grand-daughter Piper? Maddie finds Piper alone, playing on the nearby beach and oblivious to the drama at the house, but there's no sign on Tess. She she's up at the police station but only after the worried ex-husband has showed up. Where was she? This is where Maddie's sleuth mind begins, well, sleuthing and a host of suspects emerge. I liked that while not completely cautious, after all this is a cozy mystery, she's also not to stupid to live. That's TSTL for those not familiar with text shorthand. I know I'm woefully behind knowing it all, so no pointing fingers. Grin. In any case, suspects are many, including a quirky young woman who shows up claiming a plan to start a, get this, cat party shop. Uh, Maddie knows competition isn't in itself bad but is astonished, especially when it appears this woman might be a suspect, too. 

That's about all the teasers I'll share. The regulars are well-fleshed out and likable, both human and feline. You'll learn more about the various characters and suspects as the book goes along and although there are quite a few characters, the author's ability to flesh them out for us helps keep them straight. The small town on Daybreak Island is quirky and everyone seems to know everyone else and their business, and the pace was steady despite diversions like mystery cats and their potential history, and you get two mysteries, not just one, to solve. Nope, didn't know until the big reveal which seemed almost calmly done. Again, kudos to Maddie for her ability to not freak out and remember to use the tools in hand's reach to help nail whodunit. There's humor, too, and I loved the description and manner of her cafe manager who is far fonder of cats than people. The touch of purranormal was just right, too, allowing readers to ponder the likelihood of a ghost cat without quite discarding it no matter what their mind was telling them. In other words, fun. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early peek while allowing us to get to know those surrounding Maddie's life better.  JJ deserves some virtual treats at least for being such a good babysitter. Grin. 

A Blue Ribbon Murder (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 6), by T. C. LoTempio

 

Publication March 311, 2026

Where were you when the lights went out? Hopefully not with Shell McMillan. Why? Because when they came back on she was staring at a dead body. Who killed the cat show organizer? And, why?

As it turns out, there are any number of likely suspects, including the stepson. Shell, a former co-star of a popular detective show, just can't seem to help herself. She launches into a real life investigation almost immediately. Fortunately, given the tight schedule she's on at the cat show between being a vendor and showing her own Siamese cat, Kahlua, she has the help of her former co-star, Gary Presser. Nope, no romance there. Shell's boyfriend is the local police detective. There are quite a few characters coming and going, too, and since this is my first read of this series, I wasn't quite sure how many were regular characters. I did enjoy meeting most. Shell was easy to like although I did question how she managed to find time to sleuth here and there given everything else going on, including her one-eyed cat at home. Seems even her non-papered but probably Maine Coon is even entered in what is essentially a pet category, She also didn't seem to hesitate confronting suspects alone albeit Gary did manage to have her back whenever possible. As it was, many of the clues and info obtained were more a matter of being at the right place at the right time.  

Despite Shell's rashness at times, I liked her and the probably regulars. The mystery itself was intriguing with Shell practically being on the spot at the time it occurred. The suspects all seemed to have viable reasons for being on the list, too, so that was a realistic note, as was the seemingly long-suffering sheriff's sighs discovering Shell at the site of another body. While I won't detail the plot further, the background stories include everything from the family dynamics of the victim's family to cat show antics and jealousies, artists, secrets, deep secrets at that, and even rumors of forgery. Toss in Shell's trio of cats, one one-eyed, and it was an interesting read once I sorted out the characters. It obviously worked as a standalone although I think I'd have zeroed in on who was new and who was a regular faster had I read previous books. In the grand scheme of things, however, it worked well. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for introducing me to Shell and the world of Fox Hollow. The cat show antics were fun for this admitted dog person and loved her cats' personalities. Hey, I've always says I'm character driven. It isn't always the human characters that pull you in, you know. Grin. 

The Barn Identity (House-Flipper Mystery #8), by Diane Kelly

 

Publication March 30, 2026

Despite being pregnant,Whitney (now) Flynn is delighted to discover an old barn with Underground Railroad ties that needs renovated. Unlike most of Whitney and Buck's other projects, however, this one won't be a flip. The owner wants to keep it but have it turned into something safe and practical due to her own family's ties to the property. It's ultimately decided to create a unique apartment project to be called the "hayloft" apartments. Then, a reporter who was doing a story on the transformation is killed on the property. While Whitney doesn't let that or the threats she receives detour her determination to redo the old barn, she's also hot on the trail of whodunit. Much to her surprise, the local investigator seems to welcome, even encourage her sleuthing. Husband Collin assists when possible but the murder took place out of his jurisdiction, so his options are legally limited.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the bit of Civil War era history shared, including the significance of symbols and credit given to the enslaved people who build the barn originally and their handiwork. On the more humorous side, you'll learn a bit about not just chickens but the sexuality of roosters. The vegetarian diet gets some kudos, too, with even meat eater Buck showing appreciation at a local restaurant near the barn after sampling some of its offerings. Maizy the cow, with her perpetual itch, is quite the character, too. While neither murderous nor humorous, you'll learn quite a bit about some not so upfront methods some shady land developers use. And, oh, I can't forget, the fancy church operation. Think mega-church. 

But, enough teasers. I enjoy spending time with Whitney and Buck and now their extended families. While I wonder about the wisdom of Whitney tackling such a physically demanding job while pregnant, I have always admired her ability to make her way in what most would consider a man's world. Collin was a bit of a hoot fretting and catering to her, not to mention her mother's constant checking up on her. I think it's obvious this one is heading to the birth of a spoiled baby...oops, not telling the name, so not really a spoiler. You're just going to have to read the book. It's a fun one with multi-layered side stories and characters that are well fleshed out. The regulars, even Sawdust the cat, get their moments, too, of course, and it's going to be fun  Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for giving me this early peek at how life is going for Whitney. I am always fascinated by their projects and it's been fun getting to know them and those about them. 

 

Shock and Paw (Cat Cafe Mystery #8), by Cate Conte

 

Publication Aug. 20, 2024

Christmas is coming to Daybreak Island. That means twinkling lights, holiday music, craft bazaars, and, whoa, murder? Who'd kill newspaper owner Donna Carey? Why? But, I get ahead of myself. I mean, the murder doesn't even occur until the end of chapter 23, though there's no lack of activity before that. Maddie is trying her best to take some time away from organizing and making things happen but it doesn't seem to be working. She's too good at her job although, as you'll note, a good part of it is delegating and knowing who to call to do that delegated task. With a sizable cash prize being offered for the best decorated home, the competitive side of the community is in high gear. It doesn't help, however, that the man hired to deal with electrical needs/issues seems just as highly incompetent. It's when her grandfather, the retired police chief, is mildly zapped while hanging lights and falls from a ladder, however, that Maddie becomes involved. Many chapters later, Donna is found dead in her yard with a string of lights around her neck. And, oh, there's a stolen cat and designer cats for sale flyers taking up a good deal of Maddie's mind, too. Anyway, that where the investigation starts. 

I won't detail the plot further but it's a fun one, even if it does take awhile to get to the expected murder. Unless you're only there for the murder, oddly enough it doesn't distract from the story. It's a full story, with a cast of distinct characters and, yes, cats. All seemed to have a backstory, even the incompetent electrician. Toss in Maddie's shadowy cyber expert/sleuth, oh, okay, hacker, family, cat cafe goings-on, newspaper drama, and, well, so much more, and there's never a down moment. I mean, they manage to turn even choosing a Christmas tree into an event. I liked the characters and sense of community of Daybreak Island, quirky as some were. Hey, Bernie is a gem. I'd hire him in a minute. And, even as a dog person, I fully applauded the devotion of not just Maddie to the cats in her care, but the passion they felt for righting wrongs, whether involving human or feline. Maddie definitely deserves the title Event Ninja. 

Bottom line, a fun, full of activity story line that sucks you in and makes you care about not just Maddie and her family but those about her, including the pets. Seriously, she even has dogs of her own. You will feel sympathy at the beleaguered police officers dealing with her single minded focus on taking care of the cats at a murder scene, however. Yes, she's pretty intense. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for giving me a sneak peek at Christmas plans for this small town on Daybreak Island. I always enjoy my visits to the Cat Cafe.

All You Need To Know About Dogs: By A. Cat (And Fred Blunt)

 

Publication July 9, 2024

Look at the happy dog's face on the cover. That's the dog the author Cat has issues with. Then notice the rather resting irritated face of the cat. A. Cat doesn't like dogs. In fact, he thinks they're stupid. Well, since I gave pause at that word as I read it aloud, albeit only to my dog at that moment, I'm sure that word will give pause to some parents but, let's face it. If that's the worst word our children learn, insulting and belittling as it is, we should be thankful in this day of round-the-clock profanity about everywhere. In any case, I decided it really didn't bother me and, hey, it didn't bother my furry canine, so worked for me. Other than that brief moment, and it is quite brief, I grinned at the illustrations and enjoyed the cat's tale. Bet your little ones will enjoy it and, hey, if you're bothered by any word, there's nothing stopping you from using another or choosing to talk to your child about word choices being important. In any case....

The blurb tells the story nicely, so I won't dwell on that. The illustrations are adorable and capture both movement and expressions well. Given my own dog's dislike of squirrels, I particularly liked the picture showing the dog chasing a squirrel up a tree, something Cat disapproves of greatly. The way the dog's wildly wagging tail is illustrated at one point makes it almost jump off the page, btw. The one of the cow saying "Pooooo" as the dog rolled happily in what appears to be a quite dirty, stinky mud puddle was cute, too. In fact, Cat can't seem to find anything good about dogs....until....you guessed it, they prove useful. I'll leave that to you to discover. The illustrations are largely in soft pastel colors, adding warmth to the tale, I will note, and I liked that we meet more than one type of dog, from big and small to even "cop" dogs. Nice touch. I guess my furry girl falls into the squirrel chasing category albeit she's never gotten close to catching one. Maybe this section could lead to a discussion with children about appearances being deceiving? In any case, A. Cat, your secret is safe with me. I won't give away your secret.

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks - #HappyYak for sharing this cute, humorous story with me. Even my dog enjoyed it, especially the ending. That last illustration is darling.

Puzzles, Purrs & Murder (Dickens & Christie #10). by Kathy Manos Penn

 

Available early June, 2024

I found myself deliberately slowing down my reading pace about mid-way as I didn't want the story to end. And, oh, my, what a great ending it was. Regular readers of this series will love it, but never fear. The book is an excellent standalone, so don't hesitate to jump in. You'll enjoy the easy, comfortable interactions between the characters, especially Leta and the LOL (Little Old Ladies) as her sleuthing friends were dubbed, as well as the developing relationship between Leta and Dave. You'll also get a chuckle from the antics of Christie and Dickens, the talking cat and dog. As odd as that may sound, it's simply part of the whole and blends in smoothly, adding a bit of whimsy to the book, not to mention some occasionally helpful sleuthing hints. Their personalities are strong and definitely make them full characters in the story. I'm pretty sure I don't want to know what my Daisy dog might have to say but it's a fun twist to the plots.

I won't give away the plot but it utilizes Leta's business background and skills, not to mention Myers-Briggs personality typing. I'm more familiar with it in the educational setting but it was fun to refresh my memory, especially since there's a summary (as well as a cast list) at the end with quick takes on what each type may mean. If you aren't familiar with this tool, never fear. Enough info is given to allow you to grasp what is being said and why it might be relevant. It can also be just plain fun to try to sort out what category you fall into. The team building activities also play a role, not only helping flesh out characters but in moving the story along and setting up a twisty scene.

Interestingly enough, given the focus on teams and unity, Leta's usual circle of support is sparse this go-round. Not only is Dave in Connecticut helping his mother ready for a move, but two members of the LOL group are also away. That leaves Leta and Wendy to try to solve the murder of architect Rick. I bet long term readers can guess who finds the body. As it turns out, there are several suspects, albeit none of them seem likely. Will Leta and Wendy be able to sort it all out? Will Leta find herself in danger once again? And, uh, oh, could Dave be tempted by a long-ago girlfriend? And, with DI Gemma largely away due to illness, will Jonas be agreeable to outside help? And, oh, enough teasers. Let's just say, there's more. Much more. My thanks to the author for sharing this installment with me. Needless to say, I'm already looking forward to the next in the series. I mean, Leta and Wendy? Authors? Between the ending and this fun adventure to come, I'm ready.

Four-Alarm Homicide (House-Flipper Mystery #6), by Diane Kelly

 Publication April 23, 2024

Whitney and Buck have no clue what a headache their latest flip project will be. It starts when they buy the old firehouse to renovate and sale, then take on an around-the-corner townhouse at the urging of its neighbor, Joanne. Little did they know that Joanne would die mysteriously in Whitney's arms not long after. The suspect list is obvious, the deceased's family, or maybe the seemingly greedy neighbor who, on the surface, appeared to be a dear friend, or, sigh, the lovely young couple living nearby that craved a bigger home for their expanding family. Suddenly it seems like they've barely gotten started when there is a crowd forming that insists on buying the place. Toss in some annoyingly wannabe-helpful senior citizens who believe they know more about renovation than Whitney and, well, things are both chaotic and testy.

I've come to love this series. It's one that, quite frankly, I tend to pick up asap to read and seem compelled to finish asap, too. I mean, I can sleep another time, right? After opening with a humorous scene, let's just say involving a fireman's pole, the characters and set-up may seem to lag but important information was being shared about relationships and the sites. To be honest, I had the wrong person in my sights, although it ultimately all made sense. I really enjoy how Whitney seems to find a way to use her and cousin Buck's current projects in a positive way before selling, too. That adds to the overall positive vibes I always get from this series, not to mention the frequent viewpoint of Sawdust, Whitney's cat. The other regulars are nicely characterized and you'll even learn a bit about mortgages and home ownership complications. Heck, not to give away too much, but you'll even get some info on how arson investigators. well, investigate how/where fires were started. And, oh, you'll love the ending. 

Bottom line, this was a fun, easy read that kept me invested in what was happening, even if my amateur sleuth skills were lacking this go-round. The sites and potential seen in them is always fascinating and it's nice to see recurring side-characters pop up and play a role. So, house flipping, renovation, entertaining if annoying seniors, a feisty cat, fireman's pole, loud fire alarm, squabbling family, romance, and, oh, yes, a recipe at the end. Fun read that, although I highly recommend you check out the entire series simply because it's a great read, works well as a standalone. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for letting me have a sneak peek at Whitney and cousin Buck's latest project, not to mention the invite to the big event at the end.

Rhythm and Clues (Record Shop Mystery #3), Olivia Blacke

 Publication March 28, 2024

What song makes you flashback to the past?  Makes you remember who you were with and where? Makes you instantly remember the emotions that song conjures up? 

Juni probably has that song on vinyl. She and her sisters operate Sip & Spin Records, It came into being on the back of nostalgia for vinyl records and although it's been doing okay, they are considering a proposal from a financier who turns out to have a sketchy record, both in business and his personal relationships. During a business meeting at a hockey game, he flirts openly with Juni despite "not my boyfriend" Beau being with her. I've been to hockey games and am amazed anyone would consider having a business meeting there but, well, to each his own. Not surprisingly, it's a no sale and Juni and Beau leave early.

Then a torrential storm hits, leading Juni and a sister to check out the status of the shop. Just as they're about to leave, they hear a horrible crash outside. Someone has hit their car during the downpour. Even worse, turns out someone is dead. Guess who? Yep, the too hands on financier, Zack. That's when things get complicated. Was it an accident or murder? Who'd be out in the middle of an almost historic storm, manage to hurl a brick at the windshield, and kill Zack? As it turns out, there are multiple suspects with good reason to wish him dead. Juni is determined to figure out whodunit, even while being warned away by Beau, the local detective and Juni's high school beau. 

To be honest, although I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, either, but never quite felt pulled into caring, if that makes sense. Although I like the characters and idea of the vinyl record shop, I just didn't feel invested enough in the story to care, although I will admit I was delighted to see the end of the love triangle. I don't care for that tactic in any book, to be honest. In this case, it seemed to be as much about that as it was the mystery. Juni's investigations seem to have even become a bit of a joke in the gossip-filled, or should I say fueled town, too, and the side stories were more a distraction than anything else. Toss in the weirdness of the unexpected guest and Juni's mom issues and it was hard to remain focused on whodunit. 

Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this book. It was a relatively quick read that did keep me reading until the end although, quite frankly, I am still not quite sure why the killer killed. That said, I have enjoyed the series and look forward to getting back in sync with Juni and the gang next book. Curious to see if the end of the love triangle holds and what mischief Juni will get herself involved in next. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for inviting me along for this nostalgic trip down musical lane.

Tomes and the Tangled Trail, by Eloise Everhart

 

Many fantasize about how wonderful it'd be a witch like Samantha of Bewitched and solve all your problems with a twitch of your nose. Dani Williams discovered her witchy powers late and would disagree. Being a witch has done nothing but turn her life upside down. Having powers you neither understand nor can control is frightening. I mean, she missed all those elementary level witchcraft lessons from her grandmother growing up. She's good at her job as an insurance adjuster but, talk about luck, seems to also have the talent of running into dead bodies and murder investigations. In this case, the victim of a devastating fire is a girl about the age of her own daughter,making it all the more personal. Investigating the fire is also her first job as owner of her own business, so she's frustrated to find herself blocked from doing a timely inspection herself. What's going on?

To be honest, I'm wary of most paranormal books but found this one to be driven by the human side rather than the witchcraft. Heck, given Dani's iffy control over her powers, even the spells she can conjure up aren't always providing the results desired. Then she loses the journal of spells her grandmother had left her. Oops, not good. What happens to a witch who loses her guidebook, so to speak? The answer is fuzzy but, well, troubling. Then, just to add to the fun(?), her daughter Grace is home and acting strangely. What is going on? 

So, who is the murderer? Or, was it arson gone very wrong? Will Dani be able to save her business along with the murder? Will she be able to find the missing journal left to her by her grandmother? Why is Chris, the object of her affection, being so distant? Who is following Dani? Why is Dani so sure the first suspect brought in for questioning isn't guilty? Given her inability not to snoop, will Dani find herself in danger? Oh, you know the answer to that one. So, enough teasers. It's a fun, entertaining mystery that, despite it's witchcraft aspects, focuses on the very human aspects of family, troubled children, fear of failure, romantic feelings, and moving forward despite all the obstacles life throws in the way. Thanks #BookSirens and #EloiseEverhart for sharing this fun story with me. I'd be exhausted trying to live my best life while memorizing magical spells, so I find Dani's situation intriguing.

AUDIO: Deadly to the Core (A Cider House Mystery), by Joyce Tremel

 Available Jan. 16,2024    AUDIO: 6h 19m     Narrator Hillary Huber

This is a strong intro for a new series. As usual with audio books, I found myself listening somewhat on the go, so didn't take many notes, so this review will largely focus on my reactions. Obviously, I liked it. I like Hillary Huber as a narrator and had no trouble differentiating between voices. The chapters were simply announced, then right into the next chapter with no long pause. The narration nicely captured the action and subtle humor of the story. The pacing seemed solid and moved the story right along. Overall, an excellent listening experience. Oh, and there's a cat, Blossom.

As for the plot, it did take it awhile to get started but, as will any new series,  the characters and set-up had to be revealed. Once the murder happened, the pace definitely picked up. I found myself liking main character Kate, although she seemed a bit pushy and assumed others should reveal everything about themselves without prompting, which seemed unrealistic. She's a widow, surviving the accident that killed her late husband and left her seriously injured, and is finally starting to feel alive again, but is reluctant to accept help. Neighbor Daniel doesn't seem put off by her, however. Kate's background definitely comes in handy although it's not fully explained upfront unless I simply missed it. It's more fully shown later in the book, however, and it's obvious she's had experience at not only operating a cider house, including how the machinery involved is set up and works. She's pretty handy with a nail gun, too. 

Unfortunately, what she doesn't know is how to care for an actual orchard. That is a worry after the orchard manager, Carl Randolph, is killed. Who'd kill Carl? And, why? She's determined to bring justice to Carl and fortunately has the help of Daniel and, although they get off to a prickly start, earns the trust of Scott, the police officer in charge of the investigation. One thing I noted was that despite going around asking questions of possible suspects, she doesn't seem to appreciate that she may be putting herself in danger. Complications ensue. How Kate and Daniel pull it all together was fun to watch but, I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure whodunit until the big reveal given the multiple, seemingly unconnected clues. It was great to see her overcoming her past and finding new purpose with the cider house, not to mention connecting with both new and old friends.

Throughout the story, I came to admire Kate's pluck, impulsive as some of her theories were, and the calm, solid support offered by Daniel. Heck, she even suspects him initially. Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me this sneak peek into this new series. I'll definitely be back, hopefully with some cider handy to sip as I visit next time. Love the ol' red barn, btw.

Five Furry Familiars (Kitchen Witch Mysteries #5), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Feb. 20, 2024

What image do you conjure up when you hear the term "hellhound"? If you're like me, it's a rabid, snarling dog the size of a pony, foam dripping from its mouth and, gasp, is that blood dripping from its teeth? Demonic looking. Fierce. Think Cerberus. So, oh, boy, wait till you get a look at the hellhound the Goddess has gifted Mia's boyfriend Trent with. Be prepared, in other words.

But, wait, "Goddess?" you say? Yep, there's a whole town of magical beings mixed with the regular humans in Magic Springs, including, yep, you guessed, main character Mia. She's a kitchen witch and spells for good, not to mention creates delicious meals and goodies to share with both her human and witchy friends. And, oh, yeah, she helps solve murders in her spare time. 

Lately, there hasn't been much of that as she's taken on a job at the upscale Lodge where, quite frankly, she expects to be fired every day by the cranky, difficult boss. She's lucky enough to have her best friend Christina as her right-hand co-worker. Then, after Christina's former boyfriend returns to town expecting her to swoon and agree to marry him almost immediately, Christina has the misfortune to find him dead. Did I mention both the victim and Christina come from money? Her mother, complete with enough guilt trips to share with one and all, swoops in and even tries to set up the very settled Mia with Christina's brother....again. Like there weren't already enough complications, such as hellhounds and ex partners, male and female, showing up and creating jealousy. Oh, and there's the young ghost in the library, and the cat, Mr. Darcy, that seems to harbor a lost soul mistakenly zapped into the cat's body by a poorly thought out spell. And, then there's the police chief's wife who has, sigh, neglected to tell him she's a witch, too. Minor detail, right? And, there's more than a bit of humor throughout.

And, then, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. I loved this boo. Such fun. I could go on rather endlessly with the complications and twists and turns here, not to mention the magic that is simply accepted as the status quo, but, lucky you, I won't. I'll simply say, set aside reality for awhile, pick up this book, and enjoy the fun ride with Mia, hellhounds, kittens and dogs, drunks, cranky bosses, friends under suspicion of being murders and simply enjoy this fun story. If you're like me, you won't quite grasp all the nuances of the coven's ways but, well, it isn't necessary. Just accept and hang on to the roller coaster that seems to be Mia's life at times. And, oh, I can't forget. Mia's a kitchen witch, so there are recipes.

Potions and the Pleasantly Poisoned, by Eloise Everhart

What would you do if you unexpectedly discovered you were a witch? That's the situation Dani Williams faces. She's already dealing with a divorce, lost job, and the death of her beloved grandmother. But, a witch? Seems this was one not so little secret her Gran kept from her. Then, a friend is murdered. One she'd just seen the day before. Even worse, she realizes that the vision she saw while driving there and almost hitting a deer may have foretold the murder. How's that for a burden to carry?

Dani's life has suddenly been turned upside down. She's always had good instincts, insight if you will, but this is way, way beyond that. Fortunately, she's back in a place she's familiar with and has friends, even if, okay, one of them is the top suspect for the murder. She's dealing with organizing her Gran's office with the help of the way pregnant Olivia, and discovers she has skills there that might play into investigating alone, magical or not. Her initial tries of casting spells found in the journal Gran left behind were promising but shows that she still has much, much more to learn. How can Dani navigate this situation alone? How would you handle suddenly elevated senses that allow you to sense everything to a heightened degree? How does one learn to control magic you never knew you had? Maybe more importantly, will it help her avoid danger and to catch a killer? There's already one unsolved mystery in town she knows about. She's already getting threatening notes. Good thing one of her friends is now with the police.

Bottom line, though I'm always wary of books with a paranormal element, this one captured my interest from the beginning. The human element prevails and the characters are likable, even the suspects, and we're exposed to a bit of their backgrounds as the story goes along. There's still lots more to learn, of course, and I look forward to following this series as it grows and develops. What other secrets are hidden away? Thanks #BookSirens for introducing me to Dani and her suddenly magical world. Will that adorable kitten have a role in future books? Oh, I hope so.

Public Anchovy #1 (Deep Dish Mysteries, 3), by Mindy Quigley

 Publication Dec. 26, 2023

Delilah O'Leary is impulsive and her mouth frequently tends to operate well ahead of her brain. She loves her cat, Butterball, and her best friend Sonya, the "Son" of Delilah and Son, their pizza/food business. She also has a serious, apparently long-time crush on Detective Calvin Capone (yes, that Capone family) and is frustrated that he seems to be ignoring all the signals she's sent him of her interest. We do find out why, however, this go-round and it's actually rather touching. We also get to spend some time getting to know his mother Lola. She's also on Delilah's side.

Yes, the trope of being stranded in an isolated spot on a dark and stormy night while a killer lurks within is just that, a classic trope. Think Agatha Christie. That said, who doesn't love what's basically a good locked room mystery? While it's been awhile since I've read "And Then There Were None", I don't recall Christie's characters being quite as, well, quirky. Even after a murder, humorous bits keep creeping in, such as even in the midst of discovering a bloody murder weapon there is a great scene. I also don't think Christie's best works featured a cantankerous cat. A stowaway cat, at that. I have to admit, I did somehow see that one coming, maybe because I hoped to see Butterball play a role in the book. He is a character, that's for sure, with his own style, quirks, and ability to find  and make trouble. His scene with Pamela's cat is a hoot.

All the characters are interesting, actually, and the interactions between them intriguing. Are those interactions clues to the murder of ol' fashioned Edgar Clemmons? What coded message was he trying to send to Sonya via Delilah? Why is Jarka, one of my favorite characters whose story emerges more in this book, arguing with Count Victor? Why does Biz, who appears briefly, hold a grudge against some of the suspects? What will Calvin's mom, Lola Capone, think of the humorous depiction of Al Capone in Delilah's shop? What less than subtle hint does Delilah send Calvin's way? 

Oh, no more teasers. So many suspects and red herrings. I didn't really have it figured out, have to admit, though the ultimate conclusion made sense of the frequently conflicting clues, even if Delilah's hunches as fluctuated about as often as my own did. And, oh, the recipes at the end, all given in the voice of different characters. Such fun and I'm not usually one to read completely through recipes. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sCozies for inviting me to the party at Pamela's. Who knew Calvin Capone could play the piano, too. 

Murder in the Bookshop, by Anita Davison

 Publication August 22, 2023

World War I, German spies, obnoxious employees, suffragettes, bombings, hidden identities, family secrets, and, well, more abound. Being a history buff, I was drawn to the historical aspects of it. Although I ultimately liked the characters and found the mystery intriguing, like all first-in-a-series books, it seemed to take its time unfolding. Unfortunately, while it had its moments, the pace rarely picked up, even in the wake of bombings and wreckage. I do see a great deal of potential here, however, given the era and characters, so wound up rounding up my 3.5 to a 4 star rating.

Hannah seems a mild-mannered sort initially, simply trying to help out her much flashier Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet has secrets of her own, but is quite well-known in suffragette circles and her unconventional life style, which Hannah learns more about as the book progresses. All is not as it seems, let's just say. Hannah, of course, has her own troubles, some romantic, some not, but seems to be growing in confidence as the story progresses, hence my hope for future books. There's also a potential romantic interest, albeit with major complications. And, let's not forget Bartleby, the bookshop cat. Ivy may not like him but he's doing marvels at reducing the mice population at the bookshop. 

So, who killed Hannah's friend Lily-Anne? Why had Lily-Anne urgently wanted to talk to Hannah? Should Hannah be worried when Monty tells her she'll be sorry for firing him? He does seem awfully confident. And, Darius? Is he a good guy or not? Why is Hannah (among many) so reluctant to believe bombings have actually happened? How do the Germans get their info on where to bomb anyway? Why is Hannah so determined to....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. While this one didn't quite capture my reader's heart, it has the potential do so, I believe, and I'll be on the lookout for the next offering. Thanks. #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Hannah. I've read a bunch of books set in England in WWII but found it intriguing to get a glimpse of the WWI, 1915 life in England.

Dead on Target (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, 34), by M.C. Beaton, R.W. Green

 

Publication Sept. 19, 2023

This was the first Agatha Raisin title I've read since the death of her creator, MC Beaton, so I must admit to being a bit wary. Fortunately, I had nothing to be wary over. Green has admirably managed to pick up where Beaton stopped and created a lively, if still prickly, blunt, and in-your-face Agatha. As I discovered, Green had worked with Beaton in the past to help her finish previous works, so it's no wonder he knows the character almost as well as her creator. Be sure to read Green's Foreword, btw, as it is quite revealing of both Beaton and Agatha, not to mention his own role.

Agatha has never suffered fools and that has definitely not changed. In her world, the biggest fool would probably be Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes. She has no patience with his self-important, quick to judgment calls, especially when he names her as a primary suspect. She didn't kill Sir. Godfrey, however, so who did? The suspects are numerous and most seem to have real reasons to want him dead, although, ironically, there are some whose lives are made much more difficult now that he's gone. And, oh, so many secrets and family turmoil. I won't detail the plot, it's both crafty and, well, rather impulsive, but it's a great deal of fun to watch play out with several humorous moments. All your ol' favorites are there, from James and Charles to neighbor Mrs. Bloxby, so I thoroughly enjoyed becoming reacquainted with them. 

I will note that Agatha seemed to be much more insightful about herself than I recall, admitting to herself that she's aging, anxious about it, and still indecisive about the men in her life. I rather like John, so that was a fun one to watch, even if Agatha's impulsive need to push Wilkes buttons creates problems. Bottom line, lots of action, plotting, sub-plots, and both cats and dogs this go-round. Let's face it, Agatha isn't a dog person but, well, she seems to be warming up to them thanks to the wayward Ossian, the lab. I'm looking forward to seeing if that goes anywhere, not to mention seeing how her end-of-the-book plan works out. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for re-introducing me to the world of Agatha Raisin. I'm thinking I need to make a library run soon and read the books I've skipped, bad me. Kudos to RW Green for making Agatha live for me again.

No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams To Die. by Alex Stein (Author), Dylan Brody (Foreword)

An oldie from a decade ago. Wow

 

5.0 out of 5 stars 

 Be Infinitely Brave

Reviewed July 21, 2013

Remember the good ol' days? Days when we were supremely confident we had all the answers to life yet feared that perhaps we didn't? Days when love seemed so simple, but wasn't? Days when our dreams seemed only a heartbeat away, but weren't? Days when adulthood began its incessant pull while we clung to the familiarity of youth with all our might? Alex Stein captures those days and far, far more in "No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams to Die."

Although seemingly written for spoken performance, the various stories here work well in print. Despite Stein's deceptively informal style, each moves along crisply, making for an easy read. Don't get in too big a rush, however, or you'll miss some of the nuances and quirks that makes this not just a fun read but a thoughtful one.

One of the things that struck me immediately upon reading was that Stein's thought processes seem to often work like mine, darting here and there, seeming to fixate for a moment before moving on. Stein even admits in the book that as a young man, "I hadn't yet figured out that not everyone is interested in everything I'm interested in and that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for the obscure and bizarre connections I may have made." Obscure or not, they're universal feelings and observations, ranging from philosophy and music to sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll. And, oh, the movie business and growing up. As Stein observes, "I needed the real thing because the fake stuff, no matter how wonderful and titillating and exotic, quickly feels much worse than nothing at all." In other words, many of his stories leave you thinking.

On the lighter side, you'll read about how, after years of wanting a dog, Stein gave in to his wife Amy and got a cat. Yes, the man who made the movie "Mush" about the Iditarod, Alaska's famous sled dog race, is owned by a cat. Sitka P. Coldfoot, to be exact. (2023 note, Sitka has left us but it took two cats to replace Sitka) I won't ruin the story behind the name except to say Stein's connections to Alaska go beyond the Iditarod. I mean, how many LA couples do you know who were married north of the Arctic Circle?

And...and...and...there is so much I could say but I'll settle for "Check this one out!" It's about growing up and the many forks and bumps in the road we encounter, to use a cliche, and you'll discover the meaning behind the book title and the title given this review.

 

Death by a Thousand Sips (Witches' Brew Mystery #2), by Gretchen Rue

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

Before it gets lost in the midst of a review, I must mention the recipes, particularly the one for a sourdough starter. To be honest, I'm one of those who, while I appreciate that others love them, rarely does more than glance at recipes included at the end of a book. In this case, the fact it was for a sourdough starter, a staple here in Alaska, however, I couldn't resist. I liked not only the recipe but that the author made it seem more like she was right beside you guiding you through the process rather than simply listing stark directions. It made me grin when she tossed in stuff not to fret over as it was normal. As for the recipe itself, loved the comment that "Sourdough feels like kitchen witchcraft". A nice tie-in to the book itself although her witch/magic powers were largely sidelined in this episode. Loved the book cover, tho', which is what drew me to the book in the first place.

In any case, I found the mystery interesting although found myself skimming along at points when it seemed like an overload of seemingly unrelated info being dumped on us. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate a nice description of the setting and people involved but, well, for instance, I also honestly don't care what they're wearing unless it's relevant to the plot. Nor do I really care to read a lengthy description on the preparation of burgers unless it's vital to the plot. In other words, the mystery kept me reading but too much extraneous stuff. 

That said, I found myself rather liking Phoebe and her friends and associates. And, oh, let's not forget Bob the cat. He came with the lovely home she inherited from her aunt but definitely has a fan club of his own. One of Bob's favorite customers is Mr. Loughery, who you'll definitely find yourself warming to instantly. He, among many others, supports Phoebe's efforts to help find homes for the many unwanted cats in the area by showcasing them within her business. Of course, all can't be smooth sailing as Diedra Miller is, well, let's just say not a Phoebe fan.

Phoebe has the misfortune of discovering one of the estate sale company's workers dead when she attends to hopefully buy a large lot of salable books. Although I didn't get the vibe that Phoebe was a serious suspect, she feels the need to look into the case herself to help prove her innocence. Will this get her into trouble? Oh, you already know the answer to that one. I liked that she was largely smart about always having a back-up, however, and even in the end cleverly uses her own wits to help bring the guilty to justice. She even finds time for a budding romance in-between all the asking of questions and pondering over clues. 

So, who killed ambitious estate sale organizer Madeline? There are more than a few suspects but, nope, not telling. It's an easy, relatively quick read, that I enjoyed. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to Raven Creek for a taste of Phoebe's sourdough and, yikes, murder. Hope to be invited back next time to see what's going on with Rich. Fun read.

Nine Lives and Alibis: A Cat Cafe Mystery (Cat Cafe Mystery Series, 7), by Cate Conte

 

Publication August 22, 2023

There was a slow build and then I found myself absolutely engrossed. In fact, I blame my blurry eyes and yawns of today on this book. Yes, I stayed up too late reading. With likable characters and an interesting blend of mysteries old and new, the slow build actually worked to the advantage. It gave you time to become familiar with and, yes, care about the characters and feel the impact of the murder all the more. With multiple suspects and red herrings, if you're like me, you're not sure who did it until the very final reveal. Hence, it definitely kept my interest.

There's also an ample dose of Halloween but the focus remained on the characters and their inter-connections. Romance even seems to be blossoming. And, oh, yes, there are cats, cats in costume cats up for adoption, and spoiled cats with handlers, so lots of feline appearances .... and disappearances. Maddie's beloved cat JJ manages to play a role, of course, and his costume of Sherlock Holmes seems spot on. 

But, can Maddie unravel who killed famous psychic Balfour before there's another murder at the old hotel to add to the mysterious deaths there in the past. And, was Balfour for real or was he just a good guesser. Will Maddie come around to being a believer or, at the very least, not quite as skeptical. Grandfather seems to believe after Balfour shares a message with him from his beloved late wife, Maddie's grandmother, Lucy. Will there be a message for Maddie? Oh, the questions. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to spend a spooky Halloween with Maddie, Lucus, Becky, and all the rest. I wonder who won the pumpkin carving contest?

A Fatal Groove (Record Shop Mystery #2), by Olivia Blacke

 Publication July 25, 2023

With this one, you get two mysteries, one old, one new. The old one involves a bank robbery and the never recovered loot supposedly buried...somewhere. The robbers were killed before they could recover it. The second, newer mystery, who killed Cedar River's Mayor Bob? Juni(per) Jessup finds the ineffectual but relatively harmless mayor dead in his office during the town's bluebonnet festival. He's still holding a coffee cup from, you guessed it, the Sip & Spin Record shop which Juni co-owns with her family. Her sister Tansy made the coffee for him. The investigator in charge is Juni's old beau, uh, Beau. 

Cedar River, near Austin, is a small town and gossip spreads fast. How fast? Almost before Juni can ever return home after giving a statement about how she came to discover the body. In this case, the gossip seemed to spiral, from a mutilated body to little green men with probes, no lie. So, outrageously humorous and insightful into small towns and how gossip grows wilder with each sharing. Although sworn not to talk about the case, Juni does attempt to calm minds, albeit with limited success. Mayor Bob's wife is reportedly away on an Alaskan cruise.

Juni is soon investigating with the help of sisters Tansy and Maggie, with input from Uncle Calvin, who has mellowed a tad since book one, I note. His stories still tend to be long and rambling, however, they're also often revealing once Juni manages to get him to the point. What connection did Mayor Bob have to used car salesman Marcus? Does Marcus have an ulterior motive for dating Juni's widowed mother? Juni could use a map to sift through all the clues piling up, so where is that map when she needs it? Why doesn't Juni simply share the info she gets with Beau? Will people ever trust Sip & Spin for coffee again?

And, will Buttercup be a recurring character? Don't ask, just read. Daffy the cat gets some space, too, I'll note. Bottom line, it's a fun, relatively quick read with humor and romance, so lots going on. Heck, first time I've ever heard of a hole digging contest. I'm not a fan of love-triangles, however, so hope the Beau or Teddy triangle is resolved soon. Both seem great guys.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #StMartinsPaperbacks for inviting me back to Cedar River, Texas. The bluebonnets are lovely.

Skeleton in the Art Closet: A Watercolor Mystery by Gail Langer Karwoski

 

I feel like I've just spent a terrific weekend wrapped in the warmth of good times and friends. I hated to leave. Even in the midst of solving a murder, Jane and her artist friends are wonderful company, full of delightful chatter and quips. They're also wonderfully caring, albeit Jane finds herself frustrated at times when they become distracted and veer off subject. They're people you'll wish you knew, from energetic Pam's love for her not so well behaved Newfie, Tillie, Donna's tendency to faint when stressed, and Jane's laser focus, they are definitely people I'd love to know. Heck, besides Tillie's rambunctiousness, cats Levi and Lotus have personalities, too. In other words, I like them all.

Artists tend to see details many of us miss. I don't want to detail the plot too much and spoil things, but will tell you to pay attention to details. In this book, like a painting, tiny details build one layer at a time, often seeming innocuous, creating the whole picture. So, first, let's just say, the book title tells us how it all begins...but that's just the beginning. Skeletons, well, fake ones, aren't unusual in artist setting. Students and even accomplished artists use them to help visualize the whole body, so to speak. But, wait. There's a second skeleton and, yikes, this one isn't fake. Even worse, it's a child's skeleton. 

That sends the ever curious Jane, not to mention the police, off to find answers. Officer Beau Strickland treats her with respect, I was glad to see, as so often amateur sleuths are ridiculed and dismissed in cozy mysteries. So, how did a real skeleton get in the AAC facility's closet? Is it somehow connected to a loud, bottle throwing, oh, so angry artist? Are you claustrophobic? If so, stay out of the tunnel. And, if, like Pam, you tend to sneeze when dust flies, you should probably take an allergy med if you do ever have cause to venture into the tunnel. 

Sorry, no more teasers. I'll just say that like a skeleton, one clue is connected to another. One stroke of the brush, so to speak, allows Jane to finally paint the whole picture in her mind. I'll just add that a cemetery and broken human bones are involved, not to mention visits to an antique shop, orthopedist, and more. No, not spooky. Just puzzling. From the opening screams of a child to what was surely Jane's relief at the arrival of....oh, no, never mind. Too much.  You're just going to have to read the book. I'm betting, like me, you'll wish the painting group was in your group of friends, too. Highly recommended.