'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. 

 

Millie and Mabel's Afterlife Adventure: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery with Ghost Sleuths (Spectral Sleuths Book 1), by Katherine Hastings

 

If you had to guess, where would you guess THE doorway to heaven would be located on earth? Whatever you guessed, I'm leaning toward you being wrong. And, nope, not telling. You'll have to read this humorous, quite quirky tale of two heavenly souls who come down to earth to...well, do a job. It is telling that they have hopes of doing a few other fun things, too, while here, but that's half the fun. I got this book late and wanted to have a review ready and up for publication day, so didn't really take notes, but after a somewhat slow start, the pace begins to pick up with their return to earth. Let's just say, things didn't go as planned.

I'm not going to detail the plot much but will say that Millie and Mabel were friends for about 90 years before they went to heaven. Even they aren't quite sure how they got there, to be honest, so that adds to the sense of anxiety that poor Millie feels at Mabel's idea. Let's just say, if you think you know what a Crossing Guard is, you're right but wrong. As noted, the start was a bit slow, setting the stage as the duo admit that they are finding perfection in heaven wonderful but a bit boring. Don't ask. Read the book. Grin. 

The story eventually evolves with them being visible to FBI agent Sarah Sadler who had had a near death experience. Sarah is investigating a serial killer and the dynamic duo find themselves getting involved. Does it go smoothly? Well, no, but that's half the fun. They're also doing their initial job, not to mention a bit more, so their stay on earth is eventful. I think you'll find it intriguing and amusing. Millie and the always more adventurous Mabel are winging it most of the time but discover they're not half bad at this investigating thing. My thanks to author #KatherineHastings and to #ReaganDavis for introducing me to this fun pair of Spectral Sleuths in her newsletter. 

Death at the Door: A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery (The Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries Book 2), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 21, 2025

Who knew there was such a learning curve to being a ghost? Good thing Cordelia Graves, our ghostly sleuth, is learning from Harp, albeit at a far slower pace than she'd like. Her living roomie and fellow sleuth, Ruby Young, is busy, too. Not only does there seem to be a potential romance blooming but, yikes, she's stumbled across another body, this time the delivery guy for her workplace. It's also where Cordelia used to work and still drifts in and out occasionally but, since her near presence seems to fry anything electronic, from light bulbs to computers, her visits can be hazardous for a data systems type site. 

While Cordelia is on a mission to protect Ruby, who she sees as being naive, Ruby's on one, too. Only her mission is to figure out who killed Marty, the delivery guy, in the company's restroom. In the process of sorting this all out, we not only learn more about Ruby's new workplace and quirky co-workers but learn quite a bit about Cordelia's past life. Let's just say, she was no angel.  I won't detail the plot, see the book blurb, but note that a popular topic of late, the algorism, gets a showcase. You know, like if you do a search online about "how to care for a plant", a topic Ruby could use help with, the next thing you know you're getting bombarded with ads and emails about that topic. Well, I guess it would be easier to explain than if you'd searched for "how to talk to a ghost", another topic Ruby could use help with as her communication with Cordelia remains limited and slow. That makes sleuthing tougher, let's face it, when you can't chat back and forth with whoever has your back. 

This is a fun, quirky mystery with, let's face it, the odd couple of sleuthing, the naive, very alive young Ruby and the very dead, never so naive, Cordelia. I liked getting to know Cordelia's background more this go-round, even if little brother Ian left me with lots of questions. Cordelia and Ian obviously didn't have an easy time of it growing up and it shows. I'd also like to learn a bit more about the quirky ghost Harp who is trying to teach Cordelia what a ghost can and can't do. That seems to boil down to anything you believe you can do although there are obviously limits as Cordelia learns. Like? her energy source is limited. Harp's attitude is rather lackluster but, well, he's a ghost and who among us knows what is normal in Ghost-ville. While all this is going on, of course, Ruby is busy sticking her nose into things others would just as rather she not mention, some of them even fellow office workers. Is one of them a killer? Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to these two very different characters and giving me an early sneak peek at how their relationship is progressing. Those are some interesting ways they've found to communicate. Grin. 

A Spirited Blend, by Lauren Elliott

 

Publication March 25, 2025

How would you like to discover you had magical powers as a full-grown adult? Let me rephrase that. How would you like to be a witch but with no real knowledge or control over your supposed powers? That's the situation in which Shay Myers finds herself. You have powers that can change lives, yours included, but no idea how to utilize them safely. Although she has had some time over the course of the series to learn certain skills, it certainly hasn't changed her life for the better. So much for all that simple twitch of the nose and all is well stuff with Samantha in "Bewitched".

In fact, her magic has made her life, if anything, more complicated and, yes, dangerous. Like, who are these people who keep showing up claiming a possible relationship to her family? Just as troubling, why is her former husband in town? What is he up to with his new wife? Why is Shay so spooked when a woman shows up claiming kinship? Surely it isn't a good omen for Shay that the woman later turns up dead, her body arranged in a ritualistic way? What's going on with the former supposed friend now in such a nasty competition with Shay's shop? Toss in the erratic relationship Shay has with Liam, who really annoyed me most of this go-round, and Shay has a great deal to deal with. Never mind that Liam's Gran keeps reassuring her things will work out. Shay obviously isn't a super patient person, especially since Liam keeps coming to Shay asking for romantic advice for his interest in other women. Oh, grrr....

On the plus side, Gran and Shay's spirit dog, well, Spirit, have her back as does, when push comes to shove, Liam. Hang on for that cliff-hanger of a life changing event near the end. The characters, even some of those that might annoy you early on, are well-developed and seem to mesh well, making you root for Shay all the more. Despite me frequent annoyance at Liam, just way too much venting over him this go-round, I fully enjoyed the read. Shay's own self-doubts make her all the more human, making it all the easier to root for her. There's even bits of good ol' fashioned Irish folklore/myth for good measure, making for an intriguing read. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for the magical early virtual peek at Shay's world. I'm looking forward to seeing where that ending is going to take us next visit.

Haunting and Homicide (A Ghost Tour Mystery #1), by Ava Burke

 Publication Jan. 21, 2025

New Orleans is the perfect setting for this book. Even in broad daylight, the sense of the past and wondering what lurks around the next corner is strong. One of my biggest memories of my long ago visit was seeing the cemetery mentioned within, so that was a real plus. While I honestly think it was the cute pup on the cover that drew me to the book initially, I'm a sucker for a cute doggie face, I'm glad I did. 

I found myself engrossed from the somewhat mysterious opening pages. Tallulah/Lou Thatcher can see and chat with ghosts? Okay. You don't even quite realize that Kenneth is a ghost initially, though it's quickly obvious. She was mourning being taken away from her beloved grandmother's home in New Orleans, so it's almost a given that she's back with her as the modern day story opens. Ironically, it's when she sees the victim's ghost and doesn't realize it's a ghost, not a human, that she literally stumbles over his body. As if that shock isn't enough, she has been at odds with the victim, Adam Brandt, and is a suspect. Just to complicate things, the investigator is her long time crush, Dylan, her best friend's brother. 

As an avid reader of cozy mysteries, I was delighted to discover that Lou was anything but a natural born sleuth. Not that she lets that stop her. In other words, she's a normal person caught in a frightening situation and not always cool, calm, and immediately talented at sleuthing out information. You know. A normal person. Heck, she's even unnerved by puppets. She's also quite likable, as are her friends. Tess, the shop assistant, and grandmother Nan and her boyfriend Ron are quite likable. Lou's unease over her grandmother's budding romance is very realistic, wanting to both see her grandmother happy yet preserve memories of her grandfather. They all step up to help when step-brother Bryce appears unexpectedly. That side story didn't quite jibe with the rest of the plot but is probably a means of bringing him into the story for future books. There's definitely a sense of family throughout, with Lou clinging to it while embracing, sometimes reluctantly, her future. Toby the stray that Nan rescued is a hit, full of energy and constant amusement. It was hinted that he also could see ghosts, or at least Adam's, so that may play into future books, too. There's even some romance though we may be headed toward a love triangle, one of my least favorite elements of any story.

Bottom line, this one unexpectedly hit the spot for me. I found the fact that even the ghosts mentioned seem to have backstories, not to mention different sets of skills and abilities, albeit much of the reasoning behind those elements seem to elude them. Having strolled the streets of New Orleans, it was interesting to ponder how/why a ghost might be limited to certain areas, too, often about the site of death. I even found myself feeling sympathetic to the initially obnoxious Adam at the end as different layers are exposed. In any case, enough rambling. My thanks to #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Lou and allowing me to revisit one of the most fascinating places I've even been, New Orleans. I'm looking forward to seeing which of the already revealed ghosts make return visits as we go along. In other words, I'm ready for the next book, which is impressive since paranormal elements are not really a big draw for me.

A New Lease on Death(Supernatural Mysteries #1), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 29, 2024

I've got to admit, the premise of a ghost somehow investigating a murder drew me in. I was probably more invested in the frustrating situation between Cordelia, the ghost, and Ruby, the living, then sorting out who killed Jake. I love such character driven stories. Their ability to even communicate seemed limited, so how could they work together? What fun to see how they gradually found and then smoothed out their means of communication, albeit Ruby seemed to have a tendency to misread or not even catch some of Cordelia's initially fumbling efforts. Next time something electronic goes poof at my place, I think I may simply blame it on wandering ghosts. Grin.

Cordelia and Ruby basically alternate perspectives, giving us a view of life, er, death from Cordelia's side and Ruby's struggling real life. While there is humor, there is also an air of sadness to the story, one that deals with more than one real world issue. While they're not situated in a bad area, they're not in a good one, either, hence life isn't easy for Ruby. In any case, as the book progresses, we get to experience the frustration Cordelia feels as a ghost watching things happen that she had no power in which to intervene. Cordelia hasn't even been dead long and is still learning the abilities and limits to her powers. Not exactly the ideal working relationship but somehow they make it work. 

I found myself genuinely liking both Cordelia and Ruby, even if she never seemed to stop talking. The chasm that existed between the deal and living was seemingly insurmountable and we don't know much about either as the book begins. How will they figure out who killed Jake? For that matter, who'd want to kill Jake? Was his death somehow connected to Cordelia's mysterious, reported suicide earlier? Why can't ghosts remember the details of their death? Will Ruby discover any workable leads from Cordelia's awkward prods? What do Cordelia's "flashbacks" have to do with anything? Why are people fighting over Jake's not particularly great apartment? Why was Jake outside without shoes anyway? And....nope, more than enough teasers. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this bewildering but fascinating duo. I'm most definitely looking forward to book two after that teaser at the end from Ruby!

Hexes and the Haunted House (A Williams Witch Mystery Book 4), by

 

Think it'd be great to be a witch? Dani wouldn't quite agree. Now, true, she only learned of her witchy powers as an adult, so she's struggling to understand and control them while trying to go about her normal life. She isn't always successful. Even worse, her daughter has inherited the witch gene, too, only it seems to have disrupted her life even more. As a witch with psychometry ability, which means being able to sense any emotional residue, so to speak, of emotions left behind in objects by those who touched them last, good or bad. She hasn't learned how to control this power yet, meaning she's been forced to leave college and come home, wearing gloves almost constantly to reduce the sense. Dani has the same power but not to the same extent. Grace sees visions of the past, whereas Dani sees visions of what is going to happen, visions she's rarely able to interpret. So, no, Dani and Grace probably wouldn't agree with you that being a witch is the coolest thing ever. The learning curve isn't easy.

It's both her psychometry powers and simple observation and common sense that lead Dani into another murder investigation. I won't give away that hint but it's a solid one. At the same time, Dani and Grace are leading themselves and the Retirees into investigating a haunted house. This is where you'll learn more about powers. Sarah, who seems to have the evocation power, control over elements, only has it when the moon is full. Agnes' curse, and you'll learn about this in the book, is to never be able to leave Point Pleasant, their home town. The whole story of the curse is shadowy and, to be honest, largely seems to be setting us up for more reveals in future books. And, oh, before I forget, there's a ghostly encounter, too. Never a dull moment. 

So, who killed poor Edmund Hastings? there seem to be ample suspects, largely family members. Dani finds herself teaming up with reporter friend Izzy again, tagging along as photographer as Izzy conducts interviews for a newspaper tribute to Edmund. Oh, the things she uncovers while snooping, er, investigating.In some ways I feel discover of whodunit relies too heavily on the magic but, well, that's also part of the charm. It's all a bit mysterious and intriguing, keeping me reading. I did like that Dani seems to have settled into a romantic relationship this go-round even though she still hasn't found the right time to tell him her own secrets. I'm definitely curious to see when/how she makes this big reveal. Most likely, however, there is a great deal of self-discovery ahead of her before that point, though. Over all, a quick, easy read, full of friends, backstories, magic, and, yes, just a bit of romance in the midst of that murder investigation. Thanks #BookSirens for letting me take an early peek at how life is treating Dani nowadays. Love the scene with the cat.

Sapphires & Secrets: From the Magical Papillon Mysteries Series, by Sabine Frisch

 

Publication c. June 14, 2024

Buckle up, you're about to go on one wild roller coaster ride. I won't even attempt to summarize the plot but will say it involves breaking and entering, cryptic clues, ghosts, a magical Papillon, with the ghost and dog working together, a magician, courtroom drama, an enchanted sapphire, and, well, more. Much more. In addition, you've got the very human element of romance, a mother's love and a family sticking together through thick and thin, to use a cliche, and the excitement of a wild car ride...or two. 

As much as that cute doggie face on the cover first drew me, it's the human elements that keep me coming back. Sarah Anderson is still in the process of understanding her powers (with help from a ghost and talking dog, no lie) but she will do whatever it takes to keep her children safe, even if it means facing down armed attackers and engage in some amazing plots to right wrongs. Pixie, the dog, has her back but Sarah also has Pixie's back. Let's just say, Pixie does manage to get into some dangerous situations despite her magic. Of course, being a dog, she also loves chasing squirrels and cuddling with her humans, which makes her a normal dog when she isn't raising a dust storm or some such antic. Dogs are magical but Pixie is beyond magical, let's just say.

Bottom line, this is a fun, entertaining story with paranormal elements but very human humans that will grab your attention. There's is rarely a dull moment. Sarah is likable and at times seems to be the only one who actually doubts her powers. That said, she has the mother's worry of watching daughter Emma showing similar talents. It's going to be interesting to see how Sarah deals with this, not to mention any jealousy between Emma and brother Cory over such skills, albeit it'd be hard to match Cory when it comes to doing research. His idol seems to be Matthew, Sarah's relatively new boyfriend. I loved the progress in their relationship this time, btw, and how the so-far non-magical Matthew simply accepts things as they are and is willing to protect them at all costs without magical power to help him. Same with Lily, who has shown courage and even an eagerness to be helpful no matter what the situation. Thanks #BookSirens and #SabineFrisch for inviting me to ride along (and with Lily that's always an adventure) for an early peek at Sarah's frequently otherworldly adventures. Lovely to see Amelia growing stronger as a character, too. I'm almost afraid to imagine what Pixie and she might conjure up next.

Booked on Murder, by Allison Brook

 Publication August 6, 2024

Finding a dead body not only a few days before your wedding but at the actual wedding site is never a good thing. In this case, it kicks off a flood of seemingly unrelated things. What things? In this, the 8th and final installment of the Haunted Library mystery series, they range from, let's see, bank robbery, old diaries, witchcraft, mysterious emails, a long lost diary of Verity, a woman hanged as a witch, a secret society, newspaper articles, wild rides, and, well, more. And, oh, yes, let's not forget, ghosts. In the middle of it all, Carrie Singleton is seeking to bring order to the countless lists of wedding prep tasks she's tasked with, from dress fittings to seating arrangements.

I enjoyed this last chance to hang out with Carrie, Evelyn the library ghost, and her family and friends. It's always an interesting read. With this being the grand finale, so to speak, I expected various things to be brought to a timely, neat end. True, the happily-ever-after ending was delightful, but some things just seemed to be "off". Like, how did Carrie not know about the secret club when so many other non-members seemed to know? Also, Evelyn didn't even play a particularly major role here, so the addition of two child ghosts in Carrie and Dylan's soon-to-be new home was unexpected. Kinda fun but not quite sure what it added given this is the end of the series. What did actually pull me out of the flow, however, was the actions taken or, in this case, not taken to protect the long dead Verity's old diary. They knew someone wanted the diary. Yet, Carrie and the library staff never seemed to think about finding a safer, out of the public eye spot to store it safely, even after an attempt to steal it was made. They seem determined to right old wrongs but don't seem to do the minimum to keep it safe, hence I kept being thrown off by that inaction every time the manuscript was mentioned.

Yet, I honestly enjoyed the story. Having read the series from the start, it's been fun to watch the growth Carrie has undergone. Let's face it, she didn't seem to promising at the start given her Goth Girl tendencies. Now she's getting married and apparently planning a family. She's made good friends and her relationship with her own family has grown closer, too. I liked the relationship Dylan and she have developed, too. They don't always seem to be on the same page but do have each others' back, even when danger is involved. Well, especially when danger is involved. I'm going to miss visiting the library, too, with all its fun and interesting activities, many born from Carrie's mind. Although Evelyn seems to have appeared less and less frequently as the series went along, it was always something I looked forward to. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Carrie, Dylan, and Evelyn but, hey, we never found out where she got her ever changing wardrobe!

Divinations and the Disappearing Dead (A Williams Witch Mystery Book 3), by Eloise Everhart

How would you cope as an adult suddenly discovering you're not who you thought you were? You're more. You're a witch. You have powers that you neither understand not, quite frankly, want. You have horrifying dreams and sense things others don't. No cute Samantha stuff with the twitch of a nose. Powers that control you more than you can control them. Then, to your dismay, you discover your college aged daughter is also a witch. She is also having frightening dreams, dreams that drive her away from her college and back home. She senses things that even you don't and is given to wearing gloves to distill the sensations she receives from even a simple touch. No, this is not the cute, fun, magical world of Bewitched. This is a darker world, one where powers can be used for good but must first be understood and controlled. That's where Dani Williams finds herself magic-wise.

Toss in a murder, which to her horror Dani dreamed would happen but couldn't stop, and her life seems to be in constant turmoil. Amazingly, she manages to keep going, even doing her job as an insurance adjuster in the midst of upsetting dreams and her daughter's struggles. She feels very much alone, fearing to trust her secret self with even her best, non-magical friend, Heather. Their friendship is tested as a result, with Dani learning a lesson about trust. Fortunately, there is help, help in the frequently amusing group of seniors that seem to travel in a pack. You'll learn there is more to their bond as this book and series progresses. You are definitely going to admire and like Grace, Dani's daughter. She's a sensible young woman who is determined to find answers rather than retreat. Then there's Dani's relationship with Chris, the deputy who seems to have a knack for saving her life. If murders and such keep didn't keep interrupting their date plans, who knows what might happen there. And, oops, she still hasn't told him she's a witch. That might be enough to put a real crimp in any relationship, huh? 

Dani's still limited control of her powers is utilized frequently, making me wonder how she'd manage without that magical ability to make people more willing to talk or to be able to see things through the eyes of even a face on a worn banner. Yep, lots of unusual stuff here. But, aside from that and that she often seemed more focused on finding the murderer than her own daughter's turmoil, I'm still drawn to the, oh, so very human element of this book. You're going to like Dani and admire her courage, even while questioning some of her decisions. Hey, it's a cozy mystery after all. Isn't the amateur sleuth almost required to be in danger a time or two? Grin. There's even a story to the "why" of the murder that will give you pause, so buckle up and prepare to ride Dani's magical life with all its bumps and joys. Thanks #BooksSirens for inviting me back to enjoy the Winter Extravaganza. I'll be back for Dani and Grace's next step as we see where Grace's hunch at the end leads them.

 

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.

Hammers and Homicide, by Paula Charles

 

Publication Jan. 16, 2024

It took me awhile to get into this book, to be honest, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Like most first books of a series, it has to introduce characters and setting, you know, all that stuff we know by the third or fourth book without thinking, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far. The characters, including main character Dawna, are quirky and fit into the small town atmosphere perfectly. Although I found it slow going initially when it was largely only focused on Dawna, once the other characters appeared, things really began to pick up. Dawna's relationship with her adult daughter April is realistic and I loved their back-and-forth banter. They came across like real people, in other words, with a long established relationship. I'm assuming there's some romance in April's future, too, based on comments about JT, the detective investigating the murder in Dawna's hardware store. Well, the shared bathroom of the hardware store and the neighboring boutique shop run by Darlene. 

Who killed land developer Warren Highcastle? Why? Although many weren't happy with his bid to buy the old theater, would that be enough to make someone kill him? What was the argument Dawna overheard about? Why was Steve so uncharacteristically late that morning? And, hey, big question. Why was Dawna so invested in finding the murderer that she brought her daughter into her investigation? I have to admit, I did cringe at some of her questions and actions, especially when she....oh, no. Wait. Enough teasers. 

A promising start to a new series that I will be following. I liked the characters. I liked the relationship between Dawna and April. Now, true, I wasn't expecting the paranormal aspects but they weren't a real distraction. Kinda fun, in fact. The chapters were relatively short and it was an easy read. And, no, I didn't guess whodunit until the big reveal, either, so it will keep you guessing, not to mention throw in some surprises along the way. Bottom line, a good start and I'm looking forward to watching the quirky, occasionally clumsy Dawna evolve as an amateur sleuth. This should be fun. Thanks #NetGalley and ##CrookedLaneBooks for letting me take this peek into a fun, new series. I think the hardware store will be an intriguing business connection.

The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9), by Vicki Delany

 

Publication Jan. 9, 2024

Emma isn't going to the seance. Definitely not going. Nope. Not going. So, how'd she wind up there anyway, albeit perched outside the door where the event is taking place?

This has become a favorite series for me although, quite frankly, I still find Emma Doyle more annoying then likable. That said, she's definitely improved and grown on me over the series. I even think I'd like her as a friend, albeit one that'd wear on my nerves quickly. It isn't that she rivals Sherlock Holmes with her observation skills and ability to put complex clues together. That's impressive. It's just that her people skills need work. That said, it's obvious in this book that she's trying to be a better friend. She hesitates and doesn't always spout out what she's thinking, thoughts that are often negative toward the one she's speaking to/about. She doesn't make abrupt phone calls in the middle of the night, showing more awareness. It's Emma's smarts and ability to learn and change, albeit slowly, that keep me coming back. Toss in that Vicki Delaney/Eva Gates is a superb writer and hooks me from the very start and I find myself gravitating to this series, not to mention being so intent upon trying to sort it out that I tend to read the book in one or two sittings. 

So, who killed the medium? Why didn't she allow Gemma into the room for the seance? It doesn't matter whether we believe in such things or not, there are characters who do and that is the reason for the gathering. Or, is it? Why was Donald disappointed in the seance even before it really got started? Who was that last angry voice heard? Will Ryan, the detective/boyfriend, accept Gemma's help or not? Will Moriarty the cat ever warm up to Gemma? Why is the medium's assistant so interested in Bunny? Will Rebecca ever make peace with her step-son? And, once again, who is this diabolical killer? Can even Emma's masterful deduction skills find the truth in time? 

Bottom line, I loved this book/series. Great cover. The writing flows and the characters are fully-developed, even the minor ones. And, heck, you'll learn quite a bit about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the process of reading, too, so a win-win. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me to spend some time in Emma's world and mind. I think my mind is still spinning at how she put it all together.

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.

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (Salem B&B Mystery, #7)m by Traci Wilton

 Publication August 23, 2023

The cover is what drew me to this new-to-me series/book. Having not read previous books in the series, I went into it blind but had no trouble sorting out who was who and the relationships quickly. Now, true, I rather wished I knew more about how the ghostly Jack came to be not just there but visible to Charlene Morris but, hey, something tells me I'll be delving back into this series to play catch up soon. As it was, simply knowing he was there, no one else could see him, and he had been a doctor when alive were enough to satisfy me. As for Avery, her sheer energy pretty much wore me out. Ah, youth. Toss in some fun guests, one of whom found out fishing isn't always a leisurely activity, all of whom we're nicely introduced to, and you'll feel right at home.

The mystery itself was intriguing. Who killed Elise during the theater's reopening bash and showing of Lon Chaney's "The Wolfman"? And what's with all the talk of werewolves and ghosts? Well, the story is set in Salem, so such talk is perhaps not that unusual but, whoa, where is all that anguished howling coming from? How could an evening of popcorn and old movies go so wrong? Could the bouquet of wolf's bane have somehow been the weapon? The spouse is always the obvious first suspect, which Darren surely doesn't help with his insistence on opening the theater up again asap. Why is he so secretive about his past? A worker in fear of losing their job? Oh, so many suspects, not to mention red herrings. Charlene, with her seemingly unstoppable need to help others, has her work cut out for her if she hopes to help Sam, the detective, figure out what's going on, not to mention subtly share herbal knowledge Jack is somehow able to find. Did you know ghosts can use computers? 

Bottom line, although it took me a bit to fall into the rhythm of the book, especially since the viewpoint seemed to switch periodically, I enjoyed my intro to this series. I mean, who doesn't love a spooky mystery? Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to spend some time at Charlene's B&B. I'll be back.

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?

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....

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.

Murder in Plein Air by Karen Leigh Charles, aka Karen Neary Smithson

 

Publication Oct. 18, 2022

The premise intrigued me. An artist who also works as as private investigator. Toss in that her best friend, Pix, is accused of murder and you have the makings of an interesting cozy mystery. Becca seems more at home dealing with the likes of cheating spouses and such, however, than actual murder, but vows to do her best for Pix, even if it annoys detective Daily. To be honest, although I didn't find myself warming much to either Becca or Pix, a younger, more trendy audience may find this one a fun read. I found Pix more annoying than not, however, with her seemingly insatiable flirting, even though she seems to have a steady, dependable boyfriend. I mean, it's when she flirts with a Hollywood cameraman and stands up Chuck, the boyfriend, to go out with him that things go wrong. Nick, the Hollywood guy, winds up dead and Chuck, while an obvious suspect, winds up injured and in the hospital from an unknown attacker. On the positive side, Pix does seem to have matured in her attitude by the end of the book, so let's hope that common sense holds.

Why are the townspeople largely so against Pix's lingerie business? I mean, she even has historical aspects of it highlighted in the shop windows, perfectly meshing with the town's historical bent. Could someone have snapped when her business drew the attention of a Hollywood reality show? Pix's parents are rich, former hippies? That's an odd combo, you have to admit. Is Robert Sullivan a figment of Pix's imagination or is he really a ghost haunting her shop? I really wanted to know more about his story. Is he gone now or will he be a recurring, albeit invisible character? Why does Chuck feel unworthy of Pix? Why has Becca drawn the attention of a rich patron, Geoffrey Taylor? How many men seem unable to resist Pix's innocent flirting? Could PTSD have triggered a murder? Why.... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Not the book for me but others may thoroughly enjoy it.

Thank you #NetGalley and #MichaelDolan - #WindingRoadStories for inviting me over to meet Becca and Pix.