A Wonderful Christmas Crime (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, #6), by Jacqueline Frost

 Publication Oct. 21, 2025

Holly and Evan's joy of discovering they're about to become first time parents is quickly subdued by a murder investigation. True, Evan is trying even more than usual to caution Holly about putting herself in danger's way but, well, Holly being Holly, we pretty much know how well that'll work. Then there's the weird case of the Snowman Thief. Seriously? Who goes around stealing inflatable snowmen? And, oh, what's with the daily crossword's weird clues?

I always enjoy my virtual trips to Mistletoe, Maine, and have come to enjoy hanging out with the likable regulars. Wait till you see Libby in action in action in her new job. Holly's reputation precedes her as the Gumdrop Gumshoe, a moniker she picked up after being showcased on a true crime show, but she'd just as rather it disappear. It gets lots of play this go-round, however, making it hard to be subtle about asking questions when people not only know who you are but why you're asking. But, who knew a delightful evening out with her husband would lead to a mystery and then murder? Why was that woman trying to steal an antique ornament? Is it a coincidence that the Antiques Roadhouse is in town? Who later killed her...and why?

Bottom line, it's a fun, relatively quick read. I won't detail the plot any further other than to say that Holly quickly chaffs under the multiple mother-hen types about her but, hey, one really does need to watch their blood pressure, especially when pregnant. While the murder aspect of the plot was a bit slow in taking off, we got a fun virtual tour of the town and Holly's family Christmas tree farm, the Reindeer Games Tree Farm. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to check out the Christmas doings in Mistletoe and hear Holly's big news. Loved the ending and am already wondering what name they'll ultimately decide on. 

The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder (A Bella Winter Mystery Book 2), by Clare Chase

 

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Publication Jan. 17, 2025

May Day is a fun, busy day in Hope Eaton. It's full of ceremony and a time to share old beliefs and lore. It's not a time for murder. So, who was taunting and basically terrorizing Mary Roberts the school secretary? A former student is openly taunting her with little doll meant to resemble Mary and call to mind a frightening legend. When she's found dead the next day, suspicions flare. Who'd kill the somewhat reclusive woman? But, wait. Was she killed or was it natural? Is it murder if you frighten and terrorize someone to the point they die?

As it turns out, there are several viable suspects, among them the young man in question and Mary's vindictive ex-husband. Main character Bella Winter doesn't let the little fact that the coroner says Mary died of natural causes detour her. As Barry Dixon, the police officer in charge points out, of course, they can't do anything based on suppositions. They need hard evidence. Mary was prone to report even the most minute of wrongdoings, so they are wary of rumors of her being recently harassed by someone. In fact, it sounds so far out, based on old, spooky legends, that some suspected Mary was losing her mind, so to speak. Not Bella. She's determined and begins snooping, er, asking questions and poking about. Her late father was a police investigator and she seems to have inherited his sleuthing genes. Will it lead her into danger? Oh, boy, will it.

I won't detail the plot further but will say that despite periodic lulls in the plot, the story mostly kept my attention. I didn't feel like I knew much about Bella other than her father's job or, for that matter, the characters about her but that would probably be a result of not having read book one. While I ultimately was able to sort things out, while it worked as a standalone, I might have been able to make sense of who was who much sooner if I had. Her friends, especially co-worker at the antique store John, are likable and I liked that while her interactions with Barry Dixon weren't genuinely positive that he also was painted in a likable way, including his family situation. One of the benefits of Bella's late father's job was that she did have some connections, an idea of who to call on for help, which was a bonus. The murder itself was cruelly done, quite diabolical, even without the murderer striking a blow. The ending was also quite tense, showing Bella's quick thinking on her feet when pressed as well as the fortitude of her friends and associates. Thanks #Bookouture for the early introduction to Bella and friends. Lots of twists and red herring after red herrings in this one despite the occasional lull in pace. I'll definitely make a point of checking out the next book in the series. Quite the intro to Sweet Agnes and Hope Eaton's May Day celebrations.

The Diva Goes Overboard (A Domestic Diva Mystery #17), by Krista Davis

 

Publication May 21, 2024

Event planner Sophie Winston remains one of my favorite amateur sleuths. She's smart, likable, and genuinely seems to care about her friends and family. She's strong and independent but not foolish. She does an excellent job of having backup when she's going into potentially dangerous or volatile situations. Let's face it, all cozy mystery amateur sleuths aren't that far sighted. While Nina and ex-husband Mars seem to be her usual sidekicks, her circle of friends is there for her, just as she is for them. So, a smart, relatable cast of characters headed by a hard-working woman who isn't afraid to ask the tough questions but does it in a reasonable safe manner. Now, true, that doesn't mean she doesn't occasionally run into trouble, that's expected, but she's not TSTL, ie "too stupid to live". You're also going to learn a great deal about charcuterie boards of all kinds.

As for the mystery, it's really two mysteries that mesh into one as the book goes along. Who killed antiques dealer Orson Chatsworth and, hmm, what secrets from the past might be hiding in a hidden room. Yep, a hidden room. It holds some answers for Sophie but also creates just as many questions. I don't want to give away too much as it's delicious fun (you'll see why I use the word delicious as you read) stumbling across the clues as they slowly but surely emerge. Is Jordan as arrogantly entitled as he seems? Why do so many think they're entitled to money from Orson's estate? Family squabbles? Greed? Jealousy? All those and maybe more?

What will happen to Orson's beloved dog Rosebud? And, speaking of dogs, I definitely liked that the author made a point of mentioning how Sophie harnessed, then clicked her dog Daisy into the seat-belt. A minor thing, yes, but a nice reveal of Sophie's attention to not just detail but her focus on safety. But, as for the murder investigation, lots of suspects, albeit Sophie is reluctant to suspect some, and many red herrings throughout with a real surprise twist at the end. Nope, not telling. You'll just have to read it. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Old Town Alexandria again. I love how the end of each chapter leaves us wanting to hurry to the next, although I am inclined to think that with all the food talk and yummy recipes we may cheat a bit and use those brief moments as an excuse to grab something tasty. I definitely never read this series without at least a snack nearby.

Antiques Foe (A Trash 'n' Treasures mystery, 17), by Barbara Allan

 Publication Nov. 7, 2023

This series keeps you guessing and laughing. It's also likely to have you frequently shaking your head in an effort to drive away the sense of whiplash as the main characters bicker back and forth and the story veers from investigating a murder to recipes and random comments on grammar and, well, such things as the often confused usage of the words farthest and further and comments sent to their book editors. You just never quite know what is going to come out of the back-and-forth banter between Brandy and Vivian. You'll even find recipes interspersed here-and-there, so eat before reading. Grin.

Between the dueling narrative and occasionally dueling dual main characters .... Vivian would like my fancy word choices here .... you'll get to spend some time in jail with Vivian. Unfortunately, it isn't her first ball game, as she'd probably say, even if the younger inmates are frequently clueless on what she's talking about as she shows off her crime show vocabulary. You'll also get to see how a podcast can swerve off the rail in the blink of an eye. Oh, okay, enough ol' cliche driven phrases. It's a podcast that becomes accusatory that instigates things after Vivian explodes on camera at accusations. Then the podcast host is murdered. Guess who discovers the body? Vivian. From there on, things only become worst for her, made all the more whiplash inducing as she devises a scheme to entrap the killer. Brandy even spends some time in the hospital in a medically induced coma after being attacked. The news she receives when she wakes up is shocking. 

Nope. Not sharing any more of the plot. Danger exists but the story's overall lighthearted tone makes is a fun, quick read. Both Brandy and Vivian manage to drop the names of previous books, not to mention a quick blurb on each, making me realize I've missed a few along the line. Of course, there's some serious moments, too, including Brandy and Tony's relationship (despite the fact Tony seems to have unlimited patience) and issues with Brandy's son Jake. Overall, however, the tone remains light and downright funny at times, making it a fun read. Thanks #NetGalley and #SevernHouse for letting me drop into their antique-filled world to marvel at the obvious love beneath the banter. If you enjoy cozies with more than a touch of human and quirky characters, this is the book for you. And, hey, there's a dog, too. Sushi the Shih Tzu.

The Story of Tutankhamun: An Intimate Life of the Boy who Became King, by Garry J. Shaw

 

Publication Jan. 2, 2023

Excellent and this is coming from someone who once pondered taking up the study of archeology. Well, until I realized how tedious and boring the parts that didn't involve finding riches beyond the imagination really was. Seriously, I've always found Tutankhamun fascinating, both from the standpoint of history and the wonder of what it really must have been like for him, as a quite young boy, to suddenly be turned into what might as well have been a god. 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Howard Carter's discovery of his long hidden tomb and more modern connected events. This book, which is an easy read, takes a fascinating look at both, not to mention offers up an extensive selections of endnotes, bibliography, index, and photos, some of which were genuinely new to me despite my long-held fascination with the find. 

In other words, even if you think you know everything there is about King Tut, as he's usually called, you're likely to find something new. I know I did. I most liked the author's weaving of a non-fictional story in what I'll dub a fictional manner, bringing the story to life. It gives it the "you are there" feel. You can almost feel the heat, noise, smells, and intense activity about Tut. While the author does not attempt to project feelings of awe, fear, or wonder on the boy king, he uses existing evidence to make some educated assumptions about what his life must have been like both before and after he became king. Even after his death, you're left feeling pangs of sympathy for his young wife as she strives to hold things together, being ultimately forced to wed a much older man who had been a trusted advisor to Tut. In other words, this is both a historical and very human story. 

One image that stayed with me involved the humble laborers who slaved away in a rush to create Tutankhamun's tomb, then the more modern laborers as they cleared and worked to move discovered treasures to safer confines. Unlike the burial workers, however, they did have a railroad of sorts, a trolley, perhaps we'd call it. Given the shortage of rails, however, workers had to built, disassemble, then repeat many times to move things from the tomb area to the museum or work spaces. Nor were they all in good condition. Did you know they had to, well, take Tut's mummified remains apart to get it out of the coffin that had been treated with an over-abundance of resin? As the author details, the funeral was a rushed job, despite the fact we'd consider it a long period in modern times to prepare a body for burial. Heck, the tomb used seems to even been borrowed, perhaps from Nefertiti. Evidence supporting this assumption/educated guess is within. Since I read something regarding Tut just recently, I believe on the belief that he had a clubbed foot, it's intriguing to know the background of the burial and how the rush and accidents may impact even modern findings. 

Seriously, give this one a read. Heck, even the infamous curse gets a nod, not to mention comedian Steve Martin's 1973 novelty song "King Tut". Yep, something for everyone. Thanks #NetGalley and #YaleUniversityPress for giving me the chance to renew my interest in all things King "Tut".

Antagonizing Antiques (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 26), by Mildred Abbott

 

Book 26! How time flies when you're having fun, and fun and suspense is what you get from the Cozy Corgi Mystery series. I won't detail the plot other than to say that once again (Wini)Fred's life is turned upside-down by the past. In this case, it's her ex and his new wife, both of whom were involved in Fred losing her business and livelihood prior to moving to Estes. It's why they are there that is both troubling and mysterious. Quite frankly, I think I'd dislike the ex-husband thoroughly as a person whether he had any connection to Fred or not. 

In any case, it will come as no surprise to longtime readers that once again Fred finds a body....sorta. Maybe. That her ex-husband is hovering over it holding the supposed murder weapon is a complication. Could he be the murderer? Why would he kill Colin? What is his connection to Colin and, even weirder, why was he opening walking back and forth past the Cozy Corgi just before? Why does he seem glad Fred caught him there? Toss in an elderly English gentleman who cares his late husband's urn of ashes everywhere with him and you've only begun to touch the oddities of this story. It's to author Abbott's credit that the scenario flows smoothly along, confusion and red herrings none-the-less, and Fred and company never lose sight of who they really are and what is important. Heck, Fred even wears something besides her tried-and-true pencil skirt out with Leo for Valentine's Day. Do I need to tell you that date ran into complications, one after the other? 

Seriously, this book, indeed the entire series, is a winner. Although I've grown a bit weary of the Irons Family thread, it does add an element of, oh, what? An overhanging threat? The sense of always being watched? The idea that no one is ever safe? Yet, the characters sparkle and live their lives. Abbott has a winner here. Give it a read. The fact grumpy corgi Watson is the consistent, whether shunning unwanted attention or continuing to amaze even Fred with his sensitivity to those needing comfort, adds a fun element. My corgi mix gives this one four paws up and a tail wag.

Dead Men Don’t Decorate (Old Town Antiques Mystery #1), by Cordy Abbott

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2022

Camille Benson seems to be floundering a bit as the story opens, wondering what's next for her. Her son has just been elected mayor of their historic town and after the excitement of the campaign, heading back to her safe, no-longer challenging teaching job isn't appealing. Suddenly presented with the possibility of buying back her parent's former antique shop, she hesitates, however. Then, in almost the blink of an eye, she's buying the shop and preparing to open it on her own. Who knew things would get complicated when she and her friend Opal discover the body of the much disliked previous owner in the shop when they go to investigate an old letter Opal reports finding? And, where is that perhaps valuable letter, reportedly written from George Washington to Sally Fairfax in 1756? 

To be honest, I initially had trouble connecting to both Camille and Opal. Opal comes across as unrestrained, apt to blurt out things at the worst possible time. Camille, on the other hand, while coming across initially as low key and even lacking in self-confidence, suddenly starts aggressively peppering the police chief with investigative type questions. Yet, when back in the store and it is confirmed that it was murder, her first action is to turn away from the chief and look for the chair where Opal reported the Washington letter being hidden, even physically turning the somewhat heavy chair upside-down for a better look. No segue to this this action. She just does it.

Yet, as the story goes on, I did find myself warming up to Camille. I mean, she loves her dogs. She's raised a son capable of governing a town. She's smart and savvy about history and art. She's also impulsive, a tendency that always seems to get amateur sleuths in trouble. Her quick thinking, however, could save a life. She doesn't panic easily, which is good when she puts herself in a dangerous situation. Like Opal, she's honest, even if her honesty is sometimes harsh. In other words, she's human, full of contradictions. She turns out to be a darn good sleuth, too. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the invite to Alex--- er, Marthasville. Camille has intrigued me enough that I'll be back.

Death at the Abbey, by Jan Durham

A man is dead. Murdered. Main character Liz McLuckie finds the body. Why was the body wet with briny water, not to mention why was there a fish in his pocket? How did a drowned person wind up being found high above the nearest body of water? What was his connection to the other town citizens? What secrets lurk behind the closed doors of picturesque Whitby?  

I found the story line, the hook, if you will, intriguing. How does a missing religious relic play into the whole? Liz is beginning to feel open to people and new experiences five years after her husband's death, Although of retirement age, Liz is definitely energetic and even handy with tools. Her friend's personalities didn't seem fully characterized, normal in a first book in a series, but intriguing. Liz's constant companion, however, is Nelson, a brave, and protective bull terrier she adopted. Nelson was the star of the book as far as I was concerned but, well, I'm a sucker for dog characters anyway.

Bottom line, although I found it slow paced at first, once I caught on to the rhythm of the story line, I began to enjoy the book more and more. The pace definitely picks up as Liz begins to encounter more and more clues, which seems to irritate the local detective, DI Flint, putting herself in danger. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for introducing me to Liz and Nelson. I'm looking forward to spending some more time with them as I get to know Whitby.

The Museum, by Samuel J. Redman

Ironic, isn't it, that not long after finishing the book and taking a break on a social media site that almost the first post that popped up was one about a virtual tour of Auschwitz being offered by the Holocaust Education Center. In addition, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum posts regularly on social media, informing and, among other things, sharing photos of those whose lives were lost of changed forever by the Nazis. Far from being hidden away behind closed doors that often require an admission fee to enter, museums are visible and serving a variety of purposes today. Redman's book is a look at how they got to this point. How they have preserved and, yes, improved history.

Whether your small, local museum dedicated perhaps to local concerns or the vast Smithsonian or Louvre, all have had to adapt and learn not just from past events but current ones. It's a cliche but change is inevitable but museums have had to change frequently. Financial problems seem chronic, as do cutbacks in staff and acquisitions. Fire and natural disasters have destroyed and threatened priceless exhibits. Yet, museums persist. Whereas Redman details historical events and their impact on museums, one of the ideas was that the idea of a museums, in whatever format, is that they are durable. Wars and events such as, yes, pandemics, as well as changing attitudes and cultures have also played a role.

Quite frankly, even as a former history major, I also had no idea of the role many museums and their staffs played during the wars. For instance, they contributed not just their knowledge but linguistic skills. They shared how to preserve things, make them last. Yet, they haven't just preserved history and artifacts but shared them with the world at large. The goal of most seems to not just exist but to make a definite contribution to the community and world about them.

Bottom line, Redman does a commendable job presenting not just the history of the museum as an idea but his take on where the museum needs to go in the future. As a former history major and teacher, I was fascinated to discover how involved in the world events about them museums were, whether responding to the Great Depression and world wars to dealing with changing times and needs. That I can so readily encounter museum funded virtual videos on not just the Holocaust but almost any event that has taken place shows how quick man is to preserve. Museums serve a valuable purpose. Yes, the idea of the museum is durable.

Thank you #NetGalley and #NYUPress for the advance copy. I learned a great deal.

Antique Auctions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #7), by Libby Klein

"Why am I always surrounded by chaos?"

Given the characters, and I do mean characters, who surround her, it's no wonder main character Poppy McAllister wonders this to herself at one point. Between her family, friends, and the eccentric bunch of guests that seem to show up at her B & B, she seems caught in the middle of chaos and confusion. Something is always going on, whether work related, like the mysterious middle of the night fire alarm or disappearing goodies for the guests, or with her employee looking like something of an Egyptian mummy due to a bad sunburn, or her boyfriend's mother's mysterious quest to keep them apart. Given the author's ability to make the chaos about Poppy come to life in our minds, I gave up trying to make sense of it all initially and just enjoyed the plot's ride.

The plot is relatively simple. Who killed Auggie and crammed his body into the armoire that Poppy had put a bid in on at the auction? The fact he's stabbed with a supposed vampire hunter's wooden stake somehow isn't the half of it. Poppy does have a way of being around when murders occur. What is surprising is that amidst all the confusion, twists and turns, and red herrings, not to mention the seance at the B & B, the reappearing troll doll, and the stuffed body left in the yard, is that Poppy manages to not just keep the B & B functioning but find time for both her boyfriend and investigation as well as her snark and sanity.

If you like your mysteries fast paced, quirky, and full of humor, this one is for you. One plot thread even adds a wisp of serious sadness to the book as we learn more about Poppy's own past. And, oh, yes. The cats. There's a feline love triangle of sorts that will have you chuckling. Give it a read.  

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to catch up on Poppy's adventures.

Bake, Borrow, and Steal, a Bakershop Mystery by Ellie Alexander

First, an admission. I was initially attracted to the Bakeshop Mystery series because of the Shakespeare connection. Ashland, Oregon, the setting, is basically "Shakespeare Central" with some much of the town focused on him, from festivals and plays to shops and names. While my own knowledge of Shakespeare's work is fuzzy at best, entombed in old notebooks used for college notes, I do have a connection. According to some pretty solid family tree research, he's a distant cousin many times removed. Now that I've bored you, on with the review.

A precious, priceless artifact is coming to Jules' hometown museum, an exhibit of "Double Falsehood", a long lost Shakespeare manuscript. Jules, real name Juliet Montgue Capshaw, is a busy, successful businesswoman who finds joy in food, food of all kinds. Her restaurant, Torte, has been selected to create a unique display for the exhibit, a chocolate desk and chair, the desk even to have working drawers. Her restaurant will also provide the food and treats for the grand opening of the exhibit. No pressure, right?

Then, the manuscript goes missing. A custodian is found in the basement seriously injured just as the theft becomes known with a box of cash nearby. Not long after, the young security guard is found dead. It's a puzzle worthy of a Shakespeare play. Jules is drawn into the investigation by friend and family ties, not to mention her own curiosity. She's joined by her friend Lance, who is flamboyant and eager to investigate. Although that investigation initially seems stuck in neutral, Lance does play a critical role in the story. Toss in several strong suspects, red herrings, twists and turns, not to mention an abundance of food and food preparation mentions, yummy, and Jules' investigation seems to be flailing. Fortunately, she's not in this quest alone.

Then....oh, read the book. 

You won't be disappointed. Excellent characters you'll wish you knew, food you'll wish you could taste, a wedding to plan, and the approaching holiday season, all while attempting to help solve a murder and theft. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and hope you will, too. I've already looking forward to the next installment. Was Jules serious about what she was thinking about? I don't know. I'll have to read that book to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPaperbacks for the ARC.