A Victim at Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #5), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication Feb. 10, 2025

Annie Murray is one of those characters that stays with me when I read. That's actually surprising as, quite frankly, I wasn't immediately particularly taken with her when I read the first book in the series. Too....everything. Too intense. Too guarded. Too emotional. Too closed off, determined to push others away. As the plot evolved, however, I can to understand why she was that way and see the caring, detail oriented person she was. Annie has opened herself up once again to the world, to the possibilities it offers, including love. I'm glad I stuck around, even if I was sad to see the selected victim this go-round., although he ultimately symbolized the possible results of poor choices and broken promises.

I won't detail the plot, which revolves not only around the current murder and a cold case, but lots and lots of pink and valentines. Aaliyah is in town promoting a showcase for her matchmaking service. Even if you roll your ideas of the thought, I have to admit to being rather impressed at how well thought it was, throwing potential love matches together under both calm and stressful activities after matching them via a meticulous application. I mean, "Which side of the bed do you prefer?" was basically one of the questions. 

Yet, all isn't well. Gregarious senior George, who happens to be a multimillionaire, is suddenly ill at ease, even to the point of avoiding various characters who appear. One he'd like to have avoid is Elspeth, who says his aura is black and predicts death. Whoa. But, guess who comes up dead? While hardly a believer, Annie is shaken when she's the one to discover the body. What transpire afterward is both maddeningly confusing and meaningful. Trust me, it all makes sense at the end, even Fletcher's budding romance with Violet of the potentially competitive bookshop idea. Annie and Fletcher are about to debut their private detective agency, Novel Detectives, so she's suspicious and protective all at the same time. Best friend Pri pops in and is happily enjoying life with Penny but, hey, what's going on with her new employee? What was going on with them and George? And, oh, so much more. As usual, Alexander's books are crammed full of wonderful detail, from Valentine's Day decorations to the trail the group will follow toward the end, not to mention continuing to flesh out the already well-described characters. And, oh, you'll learn quite a bit about crows, too, which have a role to play.

The plot moved along nicely, allowing time to reflect on things like Valentine's Day and old, now gone friends. Annie remains obsessed with the tragic cold case murder of her friend Scarlet, a case that is smoothly worked into the whole here. There's also time to enjoy the building closeness of Annie and Liam Donovan, a man she couldn't tolerate in book one. Ah, love is never simple. So, i thoroughly enjoyed the setting, plot, and spending time with characters I've come to feel like I know. Well worth getting acquainted with Annie, who I'm betting will grow on you just as she did me. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to her and allowing me this sneak peek into how her ever evolving life is going. Looking forward to seeing how her partnership with Fletcher evolves, not to mention what is next for Liam and her.

Death At The Anchorage, by Jan Durham

 Publication Nov. 13, 2022

Ever used a ouiji board? What if you found yourself touching one where the ouiji spelled out M-U-R-D-E-R, not once but repeatedly? Would you be spooked? 

Well, that's how this book opens, with non-believer Liz McLuckie, after driving an older friend to a local retirement home to check out a potential room, caught up in a seemingly impromptu seance, complete with darkened room and a ouiji board. The next morning, Clara, who found the board in a game closet at the home, is found murdered. 

Liz does have a tendency to find herself in odd, even dangerous situations. On the one hand, she's smart, hardworking, and cares about others. On the other hand, she's impulsive, way too curious for her own good, and closed off where matters of the heart reside. There are also seances, fortune tellers, and skeptics. I don't want to detail too much of the plot as, quite frankly, it's fascinating to see how Liz works from one clue/suspect to the next, all while struggling to come to terms with her growing attachment to Benedict. In the process, she discovers that this investigation is perhaps far more wide-reaching than anyone imagines. Lucky for her, she has her trusty dog Nelson beside her, helping her search out clues. Good boy, Nelson.

Bottom line, while I've found that while spending time with Liz is part delight, part frustration because of her impulsive behavior, once I start reading I've found that I have trouble putting the book down.  I'm already looking forward to seeing what she'll do next that will drive DI Flynn to distraction, not to mention when she lowers that shield around her heart a bit. Thanks #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for inviting me back to Whitby to visit. Hope Liz has her renovations done by next visit.

Killer Cupid, by Laurien Berenson

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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