A Nutcracker Nightmare (Killer Chocolate #2), by Christina Romeril

 

Publication October 17, 2023

Alex and Hannah, twin sisters who own the chocolates and mystery shop, seem to have the bad luck of stumbling over bodies. That said, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be mourning Kyle's death, either. Too bad Hannah is a suspect. 

Unable to calmly step aside, Alex seems unable to keep herself from asking not-so-subtle questions and pondering scenarios and clues. She barely hesitates even after receiving a warning note on her windshield and later being almost deliberately run over while out walking her dog, Watson. She's pretty obvious about her sleuthing. How obvious? So obvious even the anonymous gossip rag identifies her as someone prone to both finding dead bodies and sleuthing. Of course, I should also note that she's still intent upon walking the dog and even searching out and confronting suspected  murderers. Probably not the best idea, huh?

So, who killed Kyle? Kyle is so obnoxious, arrogant, and, um, let's say too hands-on with women that the list would possibly run to pages. I mean, everyone seemed to have a motive. Well, except Watson. In the meantime, both Alex and Hannah are trying to make their blooming relationships work, which is a bit complicated when Duncan, Hannah's boyfriend, is faced with officially having to keep her on the police suspect list. Alex's is a bit less scary but complicated as she can't figure out what's going on with Tom. Watching them work on their normal lives, which includes lots of chocolate and baking, was interesting. We even get to see a new trick they've taught Watson, who is adorable. But, wait! More bodies? Uh-oh....

Seriously, enough teasers. While I spent a good portion of the book annoyed at Alex for not showing common sense much of the time and what seemed a slow start, I liked the sisters and found the mystery interesting. And, sigh, I didn't guess whodunit until the reveal. Didn't see that one coming although it made sense when I thought back. 

So, sit back and enjoy the ride and, oh, be prepared for an overwhelming yen for chocolate and more chocolate before you're done reading. You'll enjoy the recipes at the end which are in more of a conversational tone as they guide you. I felt like the author was talking to me rather than just handing me a recipe card and wishing me luck. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me indulge the chocoholic in me with words and recipes. My Daisy dog says to give Watson a virtual treat, btw.

Give Fudge a Chance, by Nancy CoCo

 Publication May 23, 2023

Mackinac Island has a system of tunnels? Dang, I didn't know that. Thus, Nancy Coco has been successful in checking off one of the things that makes me most enjoy a book, it teaches me something I didn't know. Mackinac Island itself sounds like a bit of a magical, unique place. Based on what I've read, both here and in a quick search, yes, the chief mode of transportation there is bicycle, foot, or via carriage. As a horse crazy kid, I'm thinking I'd love to visit.

But, oh, yeah, the mystery. Addie McMurphy and her pregnant best friend Jenn almost literally stumble across a dead body in the fair's haunted house. Soon after, Addie's delight at winning the best fudge competition is ruined even further by accusations of having cheated by the winner of the past twenty years, Christine, and when a body hurls off the top of her building. Here was where I learned something else. Are you familiar with parkour? I wasn't and have to admit that hurling myself across high spaces (just a part of it) from one high place to the next holds no appeal. But, it's a real thing.

In any case, who killed Mike, the dead man in the haunted house? Is there any connection to the death of the parkour fanatic? Why are there signs sprouting up all over town taking sides for or against Addie or Christine? Will the Book Club ladies get involved in the investigation? If you're a past reader of the series, you definitely know the answer to that one. Addie's boyfriend, Rex, town police chief, warns her away from investigating but, well, one has a hunch he knows he's wasting his breath. Addie just can't help asking questions. Will Addie manage to get her trusty dog's daily walks in? She does seem busy. Why is handsome Harry being so helpful to Addie, even talking her into....well, never mind. You'll have to read the book to find out what Harry was able to talk Addie into doing. How will all this set with Rex?

Who is....oh, enough teasers. You'll thoroughly enjoy this book, not to mention the delicious sounding recipes interspersed throughout. I liked the fact that Addie had to show up to work, too, not always true in cozies. The characters are likable, seem like people you might know, and, oh, did I mention Addie is being tailed by some popular pod casters? Bottom line, lots going on to keep you entertained and enjoying your visit to Mackinac Island. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to spend some time with Addie and the rest on Mackinac Island. I'm thinking a carriage ride is more my speed than tunnel exploration or parkour, however.

Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie(Death by Chocolate Mystery #6), by Sarah Graves

 

Publication April 25, 2023

Wait! What? Jacobia/Jake used to work for the mob? Dang, if I knew that, I'd totally forgotten and I thought I'd read all the home repair books featuring Jake and her family and friends. Guess not, huh, or it's just been too long ago. In any case, Sarah Graves was one of my early obsessions with mysteries. The tales of Jake's father's troubled past, not to mention the headaches fixing  up her old house appeared to generate, kept my attention. Despite my lapse of memory, I'll note that the book stands alone nicely as all this and more is thoroughly shared without slowing down the pace.

That trend of grabbing my attention definitely continues. "Death By Chocolate Marshmallow Pie" is fast paced and tense, although Graves uses humor to lighten the mood well. Not only is her best friend and co-worker at The Chocolate Moose suspected of killing a nasty business rival, but her father is determined to move to a retirement center despite his wife Bella's opposition and Jake's married son Sam has simply showed up one morning in her kitchen to stay awhile. No satisfactory explanation but, well, what's a mother to do? He's family. Toss in that Jake's shadowy past (yes, the one I'd forgotten, bad me) may come out with unknown repercussions and that potential suspects seem to either wind up dead or injured and, well, Jake's life is anything but dull. 

So, who killed the rival chocolate shop owner? How did the killer get Ellie's gun, which she insists was safely locked in her car? Why is Babs so frighten looking? And, speaking of Babs, a fabric artist, how was she able to afford an assistant? That rather goes against the "poor-starving-artist" stereotype. Who.... oh, enough teasers. This one is top-notch and will keep you guessing until the end. 

I didn't guess until then and still hadn't connected all the dots. Fortunately for me, author Sarah Graves shared the connections. She also left us with a bit of a cliff-hanger not really connected to Jake. Someone is leaving Eastport, Maine? Nope, not telling. Read the book. If you like tense, fast paced mysteries with characters that have interesting backstories, not to mention chocolate, this one's for you. I mean, chocolate covered pretzels had me but, wow, chocolate covered bacon? 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for letting me drop in early to sample some of Jake and Ellie's chocolate delights. The recipe included sounds sinfully delicious.