A Murder at Midnight, by Ellie Alexander

 Publication October 13, 2026

It sounded like a win-win. The chance to host the popular reality show "Sleeping With the Spirits" was an opportunity to not only bring in new customers but immediately add a tidy sum to the Secret Bookcase shops' bank accounts. Although Annie initially hesitated, the enthusiasm of her team for the idea quickly convinced her. After all, Halloween is quickly approaching. The cast and crew of the show would record an episode of the show overnight at the bookshop and provide guests with a special "haunted tour". 

Only one problem. Well, actually there were many problems. The best laid plans go out the window when the show's star, Palmer, has an on-camera seizure and dies. The crew initially thinks it's all part of his act and are quick to announce it's ghostly doings. Even before Palmer is pronounced dead, Annie, who never believed for one moment the bookstore was haunted despite the occasional creaking and bumps in the night from the old building, isn't buying that theory, however. I won't detail the plot further, it's much to much fun to ruin by sharing, but will note that she almost instantly has a list of suspects. After it was determined for sure that the death wasn't accidental, Detective Caldwell asks Annie (and her detective partner Fletcher) to come aboard and assist in the investigation. It's already clear that not only doesn't the cast and crew get along but that there is a shadowy history there. One that perhaps hides a former murder?

Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable, fun plot that moves along quickly while still giving us breathing space to catch us up on the current relationship between Annie and boyfriend Liam. Seems they're, whoa, house hunting. What fun although they're discovering homes listed for sale go fast in their area. Will they actually be able to look at homes while Annie's focus is divided? Gotta give Liam credit that he seems to be laid-back enough to just go with the scattered flow. Not giving away any more of the plot other than that it's a mix of reality show non-reality, old grudges and egos, secrets of the past and present, jealousy, and how far someone might be willing to go to pave their way to a big paycheck. All the regulars are there and get some time, not to mention Annie's rather chaotic thoughts concerning Hal's continuing sage focused on his lineage. Thanks #StormPublishing and #NetGalley for the early peek at Annie's sometimes complicated life as well as for introducing her to me in the first place.  Oh, and readers, make sure you read the author's comments. They add to the fun. 

 

'Tis the Season to Be Scary: A Year-Round Christmas Mystery, by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

Does it sound like fun to live in a small town that celebrates Christmas year-round? Maybe  not if it's the town of Rudolph, New York. Murders do seem to keep happening there. Merry, whose father plays Santa Claus, seems to find herself involved snooping, er, investigating them. Don't get me wrong. I find myself liking Merry, not to mention the regulars of this series, but, man, they do attract some quirky, not to mention occasionally murderous visitors. In this case, with Merry's best friend Vicky celebrating the release of her first published cookbook, the death of Vicky's harshest critic at the hospital gala after eating one of Vicky's cake pops means it's almost inevitable Merry would be seriously involved in trying to find the true killer. Never fear, recipe fans. A murder didn't detour the inclusion of recipes. Grin. 

There are quite a few suspects, too. Despite the blurb, I never felt like Vicky was considered a serious suspect, but that didn't mean there were many others to look into. As usual, Rudolph has managed to gather quite a few  guests for the heavily publicized hospital fundraiser. Let's see, besides the expected publishers and agent, there are a pair of opera singers with one hoping to lure Merry's mother back to New York to perform with him, ambitious gala organizers, small town ambitions, wannabe politicians, cookbook fans, and, uh, was that a ghost? Why is Merry convinced she's seeing a ghost of Scrooge? I mean, despite the location, it's the Halloween season, not Dickens' Christmas. Well, she is told a ghost story and that, combined with lore of Halloween Eve being a night when the veil between living and dead is thinnest, she is spooked. Of the many faces, which is the murderer, not to mention how does one explain Merry's odd sightings. The tension increases with a mysterious car chase and, well, an even more mysterious rescue of sorts. Good thing Alan was home to help soothe nerves.

Bottom line, without revealing more of this fun albeit occasionally slow moving tale, I enjoyed my virtual visit to Rudolph. It was fun to see Merry's father, who might as well be Santa, slightly unsettled, must admit, although he retained his Santa Claus calm. Well, mostly.  I chuckled early on when Merry told her dog to watch the place as she left the house as that is an echo of what I told my dog. The touch of paranormal was unexpected giving the identification of the otherworldly spirit as Scrooge appearing, but added an interesting element. I have to admit to thinking I had it solved, only to be proven wrong, so have fun seeing if you can figure it out. It actually all made sense in the end. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for the early peek into how Rudolph's finest celebrate a spooks and goblins day while clinging to its Christmas identity. 

 

Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks, by Kristin Haynes, Anna Thompson (illustrator)

I'm obviously a sucker for anything dog but team it up with Halloween and it's a win-win for me. Such a fun time of the year and, well, why shouldn't out furry friends be allowed to enjoy it, too. I did do a double take on the idea of a chocolate bone for a dog treat but reassured myself that there really is such a thing, only it used carob as a substitute ingredient rather than the "bad for dogs" chocolate. Phew, doubt checked that just to be sure. Was actually surprised how many varieties there are available, in fact.

In any case, a fun read with equally fun artwork. I especially liked the use of the rocket graphic for Rocket the dog and a guitar for Hendrix, rocket's canine buddy that pops up in spots in the book. I'm thinking the author, who turns out to live in Tasmania, is a big fan of, well, I bet you can guess. Points I especially liked were the list of things to remember before heading out to trick or treat, the focus being on safety. You'll note that even Rocket and Hendrix abide by the rules even to the point of wearing a head light, so to speak. Benny the Bat obviously doesn't need that. He's a cutie and, yes, there really is such a thing as a Tasmanian long-eared bat. They rely on pests such as insects and the like for their diet, however, not candy carob beetles. Grin. 

Bottom line, a fun, quick read that will entertain both Halloween and dog fans, not to mention, I guess, bat fans. A bit of suspense but not intense and definitely conveys the lesson of not eating everything at once, no matter how good a reason you think you may have. Hendrix certainly learned that lesson and loved the subtle hint of Rocket for him to stay close to the doggie door when they got home. The real pix of dogs at the end was a bonus treat.Thanks #BooksGoSocial for the fun reminder that one of my favorite fun seasons is approaching.  Time to start stockpiling some candy and, hmm, maybe some carob doggie bones as treats? 

Halloween Night Murder , byLeslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Liz Ireland

 

Publication August 26, 2025

Somehow, my rainy, cool weather seemed to indicate this would be the perfect time to curl up with three  favorite authors and check out their Halloween tricks-and-treats. I won't go into great detail as I've noted others already have, but will note that while I wasn't quite in the mood for the "Yikes! Oh, no, look behind you!" flavor of Lee Hollis'"Death of a Halloween Night Stalker", it was probably the most Halloween-y of them all. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent tale, perfect for those in the mood for serious chills and thrills and the feeling of being trapped with spooky, scary killers on the lam. I just wasn't there yet. An accident on the way home from a concert leaves Hayley, Liddy, and Mona stranded with no internet or way of contacting outside help during a spooky rainstorm in a house that sounds straight out of a gothic horror movie. The residents are, well, not someone you'd want to spend time with, especially the zombie son. Nope, not sharing any more. I'll be going back to this one, I assure you, when I'm more in the mood for having chills run up my spine. Yes, Hollis can do spooky and do it well. 

The first story, Leslie Meier's "Halloween Night Murder", seems to only briefly touch on Halloween. A young, ragged looking teenager shows up at Hayley's door as the night of trick-or-treat is winding down and she spontaneously gives him all the candy she had left. The next morning she's horrified to hear that he was killed by a hit-and-run driver. That's where the story veers away from the Halloween spirit, though there are some scary things to be learned as she dives into investigating not just the social services available to the children and their seemingly abused mother, but into politics, shady dealings, and the corruption of some in positions of power over others. What she finds isn't comforting and, in fact, should probably spook us more than made-up ghosts and goblins. 

The third story is the most fun of the bunch, taking us back to Christmastown. If you'd not familiar with Liz Ireland's series with April Claus' (yes, married to that certain Claus we all assume wears a red suit and is a jolly, fat ol' guy) life with talking snowman and reindeer, snow monsters, elves, flying sleighs, and some of the most fun, quirky residents you can imagine. Be prepared to suspend disbelief and simply go with the flow. Not only is Santa, aka Nick, not old, he's quite a hunk but takes his temporary status as Santa seriously while holding the position until his nephew, Christopher, reaches maturity. In this installment, we have a snowman in a coma, thought to be the victim of a just released from elf prison, caramel maker extraordinary Flake. All this in the midst of a reindeer stampede, er, race, and hotly competitive caramel baking contest that even has the elder Mrs. Claus caught up in the spirit of the competition. April's too busy snooping, er, investigating to bake although not to enjoy samples of the entries. Somehow her best friend and her boyfriend, Jake, a relative of Jack Frost, wind up going to the frozen reaches of the furthest north to convince a cranky witch to return to Christmastown with them to help remove any spell of the poor, dormant snowman but they wind up newt-sitting. Don't ask. Just suspend belief and enjoy. Who knew Santa's life was so complicated. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek at these well-down stories based around the Halloween theme. Bet you never thought about Santa's elves celebrating Halloween, did you? Grin. 

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt - Gift Edition, by Riel Nason , Byron Eggenschwiler (illustrator)

 

Publication July 1, 2025

Who knew ghosts suffer from some of the same problems humans do? Like being different. I hadn't planned to review this so early but my wandering fingers opened it by mistake and I decide to take an early look. Glad I did. Next thing I knew, I'd read the entire story. What a sweet, meaningful one. Poor little Ghost Quilt struggles to fit in with the rest of his ghostly family but, well, he isn't like them. They're all of the white sheet mode we're so used to seeing ghosts depicted as. Instead of light, swirly, twirly sheets, however, Ghost Quilt is, well, a quilt. A sweet little mostly blue quilt of blocks with various patterns but a quilt nevertheless. As a result, it's heavier and he has trouble keeping up, so to speak. No one really seems to bully him but he feels isolated just the same. Needless to say, finding the trail to his true self and realization that it's okay to be different isn't easy. You'll enjoy the story of how he does it, I'm sure, as well as the illustrations.

Speaking of illustrations, kudos to illustrator Eggenschwiler. He uses a limited pallet of colors, in fact it's largely monochromatic, but it serves us well to not just keep us in the story but show progress as it goes along. Actually, the only color that pops out initially is the blue and white of the quilt. It's as the story progresses that the color begins a slow, subtle transformation.I guess it's only appropriate for a story with ghosts that the arrival of Halloween seems to signal the switch. Be sure to pay attention to the color changes and, hey, don't miss the patterns on Ghost Quilt himself. The sunset at the end was a lovely touch.

Bottom line, a sweet, charming story that will help lead children to understand that being different isn't of itself a bad thing. It's an important message, especially to children, although one older readers can embrace, too. Thanks #TundraBookGroup for allowing me this early intro to Ghost Quilt and his world.

Puzzling Pizzas (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 33), by Mildred Abbott

 

As always, a fun, relatively quick read, albeit it seemed a bit scattered at times. We seem to zig and zag from Fred's inner demons, to Halloween decor, questioning suspects, and dining out, to the alternately cranky, treat driven Watson's growing friendship with Susan. Given his propensity to sense when to abandon his other dominate traits and show his loving, soothing side to stressed humans, I'm not sure if we should see this as signs of tough-as-nails Susan eventually cracking or just that her iron woman mask is simply slipping a bit. 

The story is cozy, too, with friends and family popping in and out, the over-the-top decorations for the holiday, and even one restaurant owner a bit jealous that his business hasn't been the scene of a crime yet. Hey, this is Fred's world, where she's seen as a murder solving celebrity and being associated with her is a perk. True, not everyone sees it that way, of course. I wonder how many homes and businesses Fred is now banned from for her intrusive style? There's a sense of paranoia to Fred, too, much of it revealed in her sessions with a counselor recommended by fellow corgi owner Paulie. The sense of looking over her shoulder constantly for Branson or the Irons Family has left its mark. To be honest, I was tired of that thread some books ago but obviously others relish the foreboding atmosphere that possibility creates. All this during Halloween season, no less, although Watson's running battle with the bewitching, battery-operated cat-in-a-box add humor. 

As for the murder, this time Fred actually sees the victim die. Of course, Fred being Fred, she seems to almost immediately sense that this is no mere drunken accident. It's murder. She even seems to know how it was done quite quickly. More amazingly, Susan listens to her. Watson is obviously having an effect on her. Grin. So, who killed Brian? Was he even the intended victim? This obviously wasn't how the charity event was supposed to end. Fred would like nothing better than the guilty party to be her obnoxious ex-husband, who she remains sure is connected to Branson. But, hey, we not only have another wedding to look forward to but a potential big events. What? Nope. Not telling. Read the book. Grin. Seriously, it's a fun read, with lots of characters that come and go but Fred and Watson, as always, remain at the center. Susan was rather prominent this time, too, as he character is emerging more each book. You're in for a treat. There are even recipes to create your own edible treats if you wish.

Catch Me If You Candy: Bakeshop Mystery #17, by Ellie Alexander

Publication August 23, 2023

First, loved the cute cover. This series is a favorite of mine, so I was eager to dive in and fully enjoy my visit to Ashland, Oregon, with Juliet Montague Capshaw, aka Jules, and her family and friends. As the main character's name might suggest, Ashland is rather a haven for Shakespearean buffs from all around the world. Ol' Willy Shakespeare doesn't play a major role in this story but the theater is central.  I mean, it's almost worthy of Shakespeare to have a story centered around two feuding stars, well, sorta. Make that two dogs, who don't seem to be feuding but, oh, my, their humans are. Then, their dog trainer, dressed as a dragon, is murdered. Jules and husband Carlos have the misfortune of finding his body outside Torte, Jules' bakeshop, as they exit after a day of Halloween fun spread throughout the entire town. Given that Jules' step-dad, a Shakespeare fan himself, is heading the investigation, it's no surprise that Jules finds herself investigating, er, just asking questions. Who killed the dragon guy?

Mystery aside, make sure you eat before you start reading. If you go into it hungry, you're bound to work up an appetite. Lots of food/baking talk, not to mention coffee brewing. Jules and Carlos used to be chefs for a cruise ship and their experience with international styles and blends is obvious. They've also assembled a top-notch crew who we also get to know a bit more about as the story progresses. There's even romance in the air. And, oh, my. That Halloween parade would be something to see. The author does an excellent job of making you feel like you are there. What costume would you be wearing? The various costume choices are both a hoot and revealing of character.

But, on to the murder. I'm not going to detail the plot as others will, but a few teasers. Will Carlos' son Ramiro continue to be an easy fit into the family? How strong must a coffee named Burial Grounds be? Is Jax the ultimate stage-dog mom? If so, she would win the annoyance award. What does King George think of it all? Did you know they make a special doggie nail polish? What does Mahjong have to do with anything? What's going on with Lance? And, oh, never mind. Seriously, you just need to read this one. It's fun and will not only make you think but make you hungry. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for letting me spend Halloween with Jules' and the gang. They're all people I feel like I know and, hmm, all those not so subtle hints about the future at the end. Can't wait. 

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?

Halloween Cupcake Murder, by Carlene O'Connor , Liz Ireland , Carol J. Perry

 

Publication August 22, 2023

This is a compilation from three different authors, one of which was unfamiiar to me. Given the cover, O'Connor's piece took me by surprise as it was heavier in tone, albeit still with a touch of humor and family. It centers about the Celtic tradition of celebrating the Samhain, with spooky, albeit human characters and a mystical cave thought to be a portal where all sorts of demons and monsters cross over into the human world one day a year. What day? You guessed it. Halloween. I get the idea that main character Tara is a crossover from another of the author's books but once I settled into the tone of the story, although I rather wished I knew more, works fine as as a short standalone. 

Liz Ireland's story is set in the unexpected setting of Santaland. As the book opens, the elves are hard at work preparing for what is still a relatively unfamiliar holiday to them, Halloween. And, oh, my gosh, there's a shortage of candy corn after a shipment of candy corn has seemingly been stolen. The whimsical, lighthearted tone allows us to easily fall into a world of not just rival elves but talking snowmen and the like, so this one was the lighthearted read I had expected. And, who knew Mrs. Claus was a sleuth?

Finally, Carol J. Perry was a new-to-me author but a situation I hope to remedy soon. I have to admit, even having an ancestor who was hanged as a with in Salem I love stories set there. This one features Lee Barrett, whose cat finds a stray cat. Hey, it's Halloween. Cats are mystical creatures anyway, so worked for me. Then a baker goes missing. Then.... oh, read the book and find out. I was intrigued enough to have now added a few of Perry's books to my list, so I imagine you won't be sorry. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for this fun bit of Halloween magic.

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant (Beacon Bakeshop #4), by Darci Hannah

 

Publication July 25, 2023

Wow. Wow. Wow. This one has so much going on that it's hard to decide where to start. Halloween at Beacon Harbor, Michigan, may never be the same. 

Let's see. What do we have here? Ghosts. Goblins. Pranksters. Costumes. Pirates and Princesses. clowns. Dogs in costume. And, oh, let's not forget the Grim Reaper. We've also got Ghost Hunters, a haunted lighthouse, missing poodle, viral videos, witches, foraging, crystals, pumpkins, and, oh, yes, a dead body. But, this particular dead body seems to have been murdered twice, just to add to the puzzlement and fears of the town. 

And, wow, that is just touching on some of the things you'll encounter within. Amazingly enough, as diverse and even contradictory as some sound, Lindsey Bakewell and her circle of family and friends somehow manage to bring it all together and make it make sense at the end. I can't even begin to explain how without giving away too much of the plot and, trust me, the fun is in getting to that point. Relax, though, as author Darci Hannah offers up a feast of yummy sounding fall recipes for you to make and devour as you read, plus more at the end of this roller-coaster ride. And, oh, there's also romance. Romance and dogs. You rock, Welly, and Trixie shows her loyalty to her humans, too. 

Bottom line, while I couldn't wait to find out whodunnit, I also didn't want this one to end. I even had a hunch as to the ultimate guilty party but, well, there were so many likely suspects that I wasn't sure until the very, very end. That ending is a wowzer, btw. If you like cozy mysteries, especially Halloween themed ones, don't miss this book. Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks -#KensingtonCozies for allowing me to visit Lindsey and friends again. After that surprising cliffhanger of a sort at the end, I can't wait to get back to Beacon Harbor.

Mischief Nights are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #8), by Libby Klein

 

Publication July 25,2023

Welcome to the frequently chaotic world of Poppy McAllister and the wacky guests at her B&B. It's always a fun ride when you're with Poppy, full of laugh-out-loud scenes and characters who are, well, characters. Even boyfriend Gia, full name Giampaola, comes with a family that largely dislikes Poppy, especially his hot-headed mother. Even her own head cook/chef calls her names. And we haven't even gotten to this episode's guest who wears a metal colander on his head or the ghost hunters who seem to be everywhere, including outside Poppy's door when she's trying to sleep.

This is such a fun series. Libby Klein is a master at creating laugh-out-loud scenes and nutsy characters you'll like, even while rolling your eyes at their antics. Toss Halloween into the mix and you've got the scene for some wild antics and adventures. And, oh, a murder. Who killed one of Poppy's B&B guests? Quite frankly, I was half beginning to think we had a Christie Orient Express situation going because all the suspects seemed to have jolly good reason to have offed the philandering victim. Figaro the cat seemed to know more than Poppy, to be honest, when it came to solving that crime. BTW, Figaro is the name of  the author's own cat. 

As for the paranormal crew, which somehow seems an awkward adjective to describe them, will they discover Poppy's B&B isn't just a murder magnet ... or is that Poppy ... and discover a real ghost. Er, right. Another weird adjective choice. Is there such a thing as real and unreal ghosts? What secrets does the B&B hide? Will Figaro ever stop secreting objects he's "found"? And, who is vandalizing Poppy's Halloween decorations, most of which just seem to appear magically. Ghosts at work? And, whoa, what's behind the absolutely hilarious tale of Kenny's youthful misadventures? 

What...oh, never mind. There is so much going on in this book, much of it humorous but with more than a touch of romance, that teasers just don't do it credit. If you want to read a fun mystery with just the right mix of mystery, romance, wacky characters, and humor, this one's for you. Thank you #NetGalley and KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for giving me just the right dose of humor and mystery to make my day. Speaking of teasers, oh, that ending....

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide, by Liz Ireland

 

Published Sept. 27, 2021

Fun. This is the second book in the series I've read, out of order, alas, but I found it just as delightful and imaginative as I did the first. Cast aside your preconceived ideas of Christmastown being the perpetually happy land of candy canes and sparkly delights. Well, no, they're there, so strike that. Okay, cast aside your image of Ol' Saint Nick as a fat, jolly, ol' man with the his sweet, slightly chubby wife, her gray hair covered by a lovely knit scarf as she bakes and bakes and bakes and, well, wait a minute. What else does Mrs. Claus do? 

Oh, never mind. The Mrs. Claus of this book, make that April Claus, is young, energetic, doesn't seem to much care for baking endless mounds of goodies, has a best friend who is an elf, and loves a good mystery. In fact, you might say she's obsessed with investigating although, quite frankly, she'd like to pretend her curiosity doesn't drive her into danger. Trust me, it does. Of course, Nick isn't a jolly ol' soul, either, and beardless is described as a surfer dude type. Christmas is their business, however, so what is all this hoopla about Halloween?

It seems to have started with an innocent remark by April that she rather missed Halloween. Christmastown is all about Christmas, 24/7, every day of the year. While there's a great deal to be said about living in a perpetual Christmas snow globe, her remark leads to Halloween being introduced to the residents of Christmastown. And, oh, what an assorted bunch they are. We have humans, of course, but elves make the town hum and seemingly run every kind of business. Far from being fun and full of good cheer 24/7, however, they show all the strengths and weaknesses of life outside. One, Tiny Sparkletoe, a shoemaker, think curly-toed elf wear, is egotistical, arrogant, and opposes the idea of Halloween coming to Christmastown. Do I need to give you any other hint who the murder victim is?

Oh, and did I mention the reindeer that not only fly but have attitude? Or the living snowmen? Literally alive, that is. The funicular run amuck? I was just glad I knew what a funicular was without having to look it up. Transport by sleigh? And, oh, yes, gigantic snow monsters. They're described basically as Neanderthals with very little brain but lots of attitude and since they're about 20 feet tall, well, you don't want to start a war with them, that's for sure. 

I know I haven't really described the plot but, well, the town itself and it's quirky residents and environment are so much fun that it's easy to forget there is a murder to solve? So, who trampled Tiny Sparkletoe, and I do mean literally trampled him? Why was his wife still doing cleaning services if he was as rich as he tried to say he was? How did the reindeer get drunk? And, oh, go read the book. It's a fun, easy read and will put a smile on your face as you follow April Claus as she tries to save both Christmastown's Halloween and help Nick, the Santa regent, soothe its citizens distress, not to mention find time amidst the distractions to get all those toys made! Love this series.

The Plot and the Pendulum (Library Lover's Mystery #13) by Jenn McKinlay (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator) AUDIO

 

Available October 11, 2022   AUDIO

Running time, 7h 4m 

Never underestimate the power of words. Such is the power of not just words but suggestion that as soon as I noted that this is the 13th book in the series and that Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum" would somehow be featured, I was hooked. It's been awhile since I last visited Lindsey and Sully, now happily married, so it was both a delightful and spooky visit. An air of sadness hovered over the story, however, perhaps due to the excellent job of conveying emotions done by narrator Ryan, that was hard to shake, I must admit. Once I started reading, well, listening to the audio version of the book, I became determined to finish asap to blow that shadow away. But, don't get me wrong. It was an absolutely fascinating, intriguing read and I loved all those chills.

I won't detail the plot other than to say Lindsey is thrilled when her beloved library is selected to receive the vast library collection of the somewhat mysterious Dorchester family. Several valuable books are involved and Lindsey is determined none be damaged. The only catch is she has only about a month to retrieve the books, hence she drafts her friends from the library staff and Crafternoon group to help. They arrive at the old Victorian estate ready to work. 

There are some complications, however, and this is where the chills and shadows begin to close in. Ghost cat? Flickering, failing lights? Rumors of a runaway bride perhaps haunting the place? Yep, all those and more. Marian Dorchester is slowly losing touch with reality due to dementia, which adds an extra element of sadness. Toss in a hidden room and initially unidentified skeleton found in that room and you have the makings of a fine, chill inducing read. Add characters with contradictory needs and desires and even Lindsey's husband Sully, usually a rock, admits being a bit spooked. On the plus side, Lindsey and Sully do get a new pet but I'll leave readers to sort out how that happens. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia - #BerkleyPublishingCompany - #Berkley - #PenguinRandomHouse for allowing me this early bit of Halloween spookiness. We're left wondering, however, do we or don't we believe in ghosts? Loved it! I need to visit Lindsey and Sully more often.

Howloween Murder (Melanie Travis #26), by Laurien Berenson

An old post on Facebook from this day two years ago. I hadn't started this blog yet but do try to fill in some spaces in my mind about what I've read prior to it and thought. 

From a Facebook Post, 2020: So, what are you reading this weekend? I just finished Laurien Berenson's "Howloween Murder", part of the Melanie Travis canine mystery series. Didn't quite seem up to her usual standards but a quick, mildly interesting read. Just picked up "And Then There Were Crumbs" by Eve Calder off the shelf at Freds while there to pick up part of my meds. A new series but has cookies and a cute dog on the cover so, well why not? Ha Also have two audios checked out from the library by Tonya Kappes that I'll probably start one of this evening. Audio books do make great "staring out the window at nothing" accompaniment.

 

Murder for Good Measure, by Devon Delaney

 

Publication Sept. 13, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Publication October 11, 2022

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

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

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

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

No Parm No Foul (Grilled Cheese Mysteries #2), by Linda Reilly

Would it surprise anyone if I tell you that I simply had to have a grilled cheese sandwich while reading this one? Didn't think so. Any excuse for a grilled cheese for us grilled cheese fans works. In any case, between bites, I found the story intriguing if a bit bemusing at times. The red herrings seemed to come at us fast and furiously, pointing main character Carly and the rest to different suspects at different times. And, who knew a Halloween costume choice might make place you directly on the police's radar for murder? Or that a local, seemingly frivolous competition between businesses for the right to call themselves the best eats could be so cut-throat? Fakes ballots? Confrontations? Anger? All for a plaque and prize that most felt they'd donate on to charity? Yep, that's right.

The morning after the festive gathering and competition, one of the competitors, the winner of the past three years, is found murdered. What does a partial footprint have to do with anything? When did Ari last see his boots and the generic Dracula cape? Could the figurine clutched in the victim's hand be a clue? Why didn't Carly report the vandalism to her vehicle? Should Carly be worried that the dead man's daughter wants to work for her temporarily? Why is the school board's efforts to cut its budget important? Who'd harm sweet Evelyn? Why are the police watching Carly's home? Why.... oh, so many questions. Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book for the answers to these and more, not to mention to find out what's in the future for talented musician/chef-wannabe Grant.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me over for a grilled cheese. It was fun to hang out with Carly and fun dog Havarti for awhile. Looking forward to more of their adventures.