Murder Sundae (Blue Lake Cozy Murder Mysteries #4), by Hadley K. Knox

 

Former NYPD forensics expert Celia Strong and her daughter, Katie, moved to Blue Lake for a slower, more peaceful life. Although this was my first read of this series, it doesn't sound like those aspects have quite worked out yet. She is, however, fitting in after about a year and has made new friends and even managed to be accepted by the local police. That's a nice change from the usual adversarial tone of many cozies where the police/detectives shove aside amateur sleuths, no matter how talented they are at ferreting out clues. In this case, after being recommended for what is basically a private investigative job by the local deputy (the sheriff is out of town), she finds herself also involved in deciphering a murder. 

The book opens with a newsletter type chapter, detailing not only the events upcoming but some of the news about local residents, including Celia and Katie. We also get a peek into Katie's diary, detailing her being cast as Maria in the school's upcoming play, "Sound of Music". This diary entry is a wonderful bit of insight into Katie. As the actual story opens, Celia is approached by Lottie Porter who wants her to find out what happened to the body of, let's see if I remember correctly, her great-grandmother's sister. I think. Celia will have the help of the local historical group for this task, whose characters we get to know. New read for me or not, I pretty quickly sorted out who was who and the connections, so it worked as a stand-alone. 

As for the actual murder, that was a tricky one. It takes awhile for the method to even be sorted out for sure. As noted, I didn't find myself quite as caught up in this case as the one of the missing body, but it was interesting to see how Celia, with the help of friends (and her daughter), works through the evidence using her own knowledge and what they find. I'm not going to detail either case further, including how they are connected....or are they?.... but after a bit of adjustment to the time travel, so to speak, regarding the empty casket case, as well as the varying advantage points, it was an interesting read. A somewhat slow start, true, but other than that and my own wish that I'd read the previous books simply because I was curious, not because something was lacking, it was a fun read. I liked Celia and the cast and will definitely be catching up with their past while looking forward to her next venture into investigation. Thanks #NetGalley and #StolenKeyPress for introducing me to Blue Lake and Celia. And, oh, readers, did I mention that there's actually a third, seemingly ongoing mystery: What's the story behind the murder of Celia's undercover cop husband? Yep, definitely lots to look forward to.

Case of the Hobbit Heist (Corgi Case Files Book 19), by Jeffrey (JM) Poole

 

This book was exactly what I needed this weekend. It was great to relax into the amazingly complex and intriguing world of Zach and Jillian, not to mention their corgis. Heck, who am I kidding? It was the corgi connection that drew me to this series to begin with and I'm glad it did. Sherlock and Watson aren't just your ordinary corgis. They are crime solving corgis with an amazing ability to sniff out clues almost without effort. Unfortunately, their humans are more often than not initially bewildered as to what the dogs are trying to tell them. What the heck does the number eight, for instance, have to do with stolen movie memorabilia? Having learned his lesson in previous books, however, Zach knows he needs to take a photo of whatever the dogs indicate because it will be important. Part of the fun is for us as readers to try and show we're smarter than Zack and the other humans involved, including their good friend the police chief who uses the dogs as police consultants. They've become internationally famous, I might add, not to mention got to meet Queen Elizabeth. I will note, their humans, including Vance, the police chief, are getting better, albeit not much faster at sorting out clues.

The plot revolves around what turns out to be a much larger than initially believed theft. Who is stealing movie memorabilia and why? Why is that gun so special? How the heck do the dogs just know? Will Zach ever take advantage of that fancy gym? How does Jillian get fooled? And, oh, I don't want to spoil the fun and surprises for you so I'll leave it at that. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. You'll also get a tour of Zach and Jillian's rather monster sized home with all just about every feature you can imagine, from a hidden library to a theater complex, and some you can't imagine. You'll laugh as Zach describes the place while searching its vast footage in search of his wife, I might note.

You're going to love this series and this book in particular. Co-starring with Sherlock and Watson, and, oh, yeah, Zach, is real life actor Michael Biehn as they sort out all the "what ifs" involved. Biehn and Poole are genuinely friends, btw. Biehn's foreward regarding how they met and bonded, which seems to have included a trek into a remote area of Arizona to try to find and dig up an old grave is a hoot, as is Poole's reference to it later. Biehn says he did NOT take that movie prop, however, and I believe him.

Bottom line, it's a quick, fun read with both humor and some tense moments but, hey, Sherlock and Watson are on top of things. Now, if Zach could just catch up with what the clues mean. 

Wedding Bells Brew Murder, by Carolyn Arnold

 

Publication August 29, 2023

Fast paced with suspect upon suspect. Lots of suspects. Some four hundred. All in a closed room, so to speak. Not quite a locked room, but security was on every door and invitations were required to be allowed inside. Inside for what, you ask? Apparently the wedding of the year, at least as far as Cotton Spring Falls is concerned. 

Sara and Sean are moments away from walking down the aisle when the woman who baked their wedding cake appears at the door where Sara and her bridesmaids are preparing. And, yikes, it isn't for a cake emergency. Cake maker Darlene has a knife in her back and dies after uttering just one word, "icing". Needless to say, that's the end of the wedding and the beginning of investigating. 

This was a new series to me and although I quickly grasped the basics, I did feel I would have benefited from reading previous books. Sara's relationship with the detective she herself calls to the scene, Ryan, for instance. I didn't fully warm up to Sara, however, feeling more annoyed with her than empathy. For a former police officer, she flaunts rules she'd have had a fit about had they happened to her during a case. She and Sean worked together prior to falling in love and retiring, not to mention Sean, whoa, inheriting a billion dollars. Both jump at the chance to sleuth. 

So, who killed Darlene? What does a feather, man with a limp, and black, laced shoes have to do with anything? What pretty obvious clue do the police seem to ignore? Why did Trinity and Darlene argue just prior to Darlene's death? Greed? Ambition? How did someone get past security? What does the pushy reporter know? Does she have explosive news? Who....oh, enough teasers. Read the book.

I should note that the viewpoint jumps back and forth a few times between Sara and Sean, too, allowing us to be privy to their individual findings and feelings. Actually, we even get to spend some time seeing through the eyes of Jimmy, a friend and still with the police. He seems to be a good guy, however, with doggie treats perpetually available in a pocket for Magnum, Sara's Beagle. 

Overall, I enjoyed the mystery despite feeling a bit lost about relationships at times. Thanks #NetGalley and #Hibbert&StilesPublishingInc for introducing me to Sara and Sean and life in Cotton Spring Falls. I'll definitely be looking for their next adventure and, time permitting, catching up on that background.

Just Murdered: Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, by Katherine Kovacic

 Publication Jan. 10, 2023 

Since I hadn't seen the tv screenplay by Deb Cox this is based on, I began the book with no expectations. The dialogue rang true and it was easy to visualize how much of the action would play on the screen.

The supporting characters were intriguing, from the thoroughly unlikable Inspector Sparrow, to the strong, multi-talented women of the Adventuresses' Club. I'd definitely like to know much more about them. Detective Steed seems a bit taken about by Peregrine but although constantly under pressure from Inspector Sparrow to arrest Sparrow's designated guilty party, shows promise. I see a budding romance coming. I also liked the growth seen in just this book of the female police officer, who Peregrine earned a few points on my respect monitor for standing up for. 

Unfortunately, after a promising opening, I found Peregrine Fisher to be less than charming. She was rather careless and not at all dependable from the very beginning. For example, her flippant attitude toward the poor woman in the hair salon's dilemma after she rushed out to be with her boyfriend without insuring someone would check the progress on the woman's treated hair, was uncaring and caused harm. I also found myself disliking her self-important attitude, especially given that we're frequently reminded she's failed at about everything she's tried, and her "in you face attitude" toward Detective Steed. As noted earlier, I did like that she stood up for the policewoman, however, a sign that maybe there was hope. She's definitely gutsy, gutsy and thinks quickly on her feet.

As the plot progressed, I found myself warming to her, however, and will definitely give future books of this series a chance, I just couldn't get into the idea that she was suddenly worthy of joining the seemingly exclusive Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes. 3.5 overall, rounded to a 4.

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for introducing me to Peregrine, who I was warming up to as the book drew to a close. I hope they find her aunt.

Ice Girls Finish Last, by Reagan Davis

 

I was instantly reminded why I so thoroughly enjoy Reagan Davis' books. Her writing and deft use of words draws me in every time. This time it was the very first sentence about driving through a pounding downpour in "a jittery silence". That immediately conveyed the atmosphere and hovering mood, with the "squeaky determination of the windshield wipers" making me flashback to a few drenching Florida downpours I remember from living there. I was instantly in the scene, albeit thankful that as much rain as my now home of Alaska gets, it never quite seems to come down as pounding as those dreaded Florida thunderstorms.

In any case, this is a quick, easy read, a flashback to the beginnings of Karla's days in Bellbrook. We meet her half sister, Max, who dreams of being a police officer, and Rob(yn) who is studying to be a doctor. Together, especially with Karla's knack of quickly discerning people's "tells" if they lie, they make a great team, even in this, their younger days. They are sent detouring around after the storm washes out some roads and encounter a dazed, injured woman who cannot even remember her own name. Then, they see the notice about an escaped serial killer. Uh, oh...

Roads and phones are out and this story takes place before even GPS in cars was common, let alone cell phones. They are on their own. And, they use their collective strengths to slowly begin to put the pieces together and figure out who to trust and who not to trust. And, hey, there's even a dog stranded with them at the gas station/store. Bottom line, a fun, quick read that both fills in some blanks on Karla and the rest as well as keeps the reader engrossed and entertained. Or, maybe I should say "jittery"?

Bait and Switch, by Reagan Davis

What would you do if you were suddenly cut off from the outside world with no way to leave or even phone or internet access? 

 

That is the situation Megan and friends find themselves caught up in in "Bait & Stitch". This time, they are out of their usual element without the usual backup that includes Megan's husband Mike, who is with the police. In other words, they are forced to rely on their own wits, common sense, and some new faces. 

 

I won't detail the plot as others will but will give you a hint that even Megan seems to be considered suspect at one point. As always, even out of its usual setting, this latest entry in the Knitorious murder mystery series is a winner. Heck, you may find yourself doing the same thing I did when I first discovered it and going back to read the entire series. It's that good. Give it a read.

 

 

Death by Arts and Crafts (Abby McCree Mystery #6), by Alexis Morgan

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

Likable characters, fast paced, with lots and lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation into the murder of an iron work artist, Abby McCree does seem to have the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a body is discovered. And, to think, it all started with a fun combo work and girl's weekend out with friends Bridey Booker, who is about six months pregnant, and ceramic artist and long time friend Dayna Fisk. It somehow ends with Dayna being a suspect.

I'm not going to detail the plot, it's readily available elsewhere. It was one of those books I found myself reluctant to put down and spent some down time pondering who did it when doing other things. That's when I know a book has hooked me, when it makes me think.

The characters are well-rounded, with strengths and weaknesses, and includes solid friendships with police friends Gage and Ben. Ben is the more intense of the two while Gage is more protective of Abby, although neither is as invested as Tripp, who Abby isn't quite sure to describe as just a good friend or boyfriend. He, like Zeke the part mastiff dog that owns Abby (dog owners know why I use that phrase), has her back.

So, who managed to brutally kill an artist at an arts and crafts fair without being seen or heard? Why is Dayna a suspect? Why did the artist's assistant go missing? How the heck is medium Madame G involved? A seance? Well, that went off the rails quickly. And, oh, where is Dayna's missing business partner? Why....oh, never mind. This one stands on it's own so well that more teasers aren't needed. You'll quickly fall in love with Abby, the quite reluctant sleuth, who even when she isn't trying has the knack of falling into things at the wrong/right time. A fun series. Give it a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Snowberry Creek's first-ever arts and crafts show. I'm looking forward to seeing where the ending takes us with Tripp and Abby.

Case of the Rusty Sword (Corgi Case Files #16), by Jeffrey M. Poole

 

Does a mystery book always have to focus around a murder? No. This book is proof-positive of that. Full of fun bit of history, focusing on Civil War times and the gold rush, fun corgis that are, well, way smarter than any of the humans around them, the "Case of the Rusty Sword" is a quick, fun read. As a history major and owner of a corgi mix, it hit just the right spot for me.

I've followed this series since the beginning and have found that I tend to somehow always find time to sit down immediately and read about Sherlock and Watson's latest crime solving antics. And, oh, yeah, their humans and human friends. Human Zach has at least grown accustomed to pulling out his phone to snap a photo of whatever the dogs seem to be focused on, usually some vague clue that, you guessed it, leads to the guilty party. It just takes the humans awhile to sit down and mull over the photos to decipher what clue the dogs are trying to give them. How do Sherlock and Watson, who I guess should be addressed as Lady Watson, do it? I have no clue. Neither do their human companions and friends. It doesn't matter. It's always a fun read, full of self-deprecating humor and, yes, intriguing clues.

In this case, they're focused on Civil War era artifacts found under the foundation of Zach's home, and the identities of human bones also found. It's rather nice to see Zach go against the usual amateur sleuth trend when they are stolen and, rather than trying to solve the mystery of who and why, call in others more qualified to sort things out, including archeologists and the police. The dogs, of course, are front-and-center when it comes time to figure out who'd steal those same bones. Why would anyone swipe old bones? Not telling. You'll just have to read the book. I think you'll enjoy it, especially if you like your mysteries with humor, fun characters, wisecracks, and way smart, adorable corgis.

Bread Over Troubled Water, by Winnie Archer

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

Wow, the first chapter wore me out. So much activity. So many people coming and going. So much drama. Maybe it's just me not being familiar with the series but I had a hard time not just sorting out who was who but how they were all connected. Once I sorted it all out it was fine but that did initially slow me down. The whole scene with Mae and her mother was, well, weird. As the book progressed, I came to understand Mae's concerns but had no clue when the story began.

That said, it was an interesting story. Josh, a seemingly well liked customer of Olaya's bread shop is murdered. Early info that he was poisoned leads many to turn on her. As the one who found the body (or her dog Agatha did), Ivy is even accused, in front of news cameras, no less. As more info about  Josh is discovered, however, attention moves elsewhere. Josh not only wasn't universally liked, he wasn't trusted by some. Why? What about that bunch of women who seemed to be following him at one point? Why? How will Olaya handle the pressure of the investigation while taking on the caretaker role for Pilar, her orphaned niece? Who was that man who followed Josh out of the bread shop the morning he was killed? Why are there poisonous plants growing openly in town? 

And, that's just the tip of the twists and turns that Ivy encounters. Some are real clues, some are red herrings, and some are, well, just confusing her. She needs to get this solved, however, as she has a wedding engagement party to plan. As a photography buff myself, I chuckled at Ivy's plan to take pictures of everything at the park where it'd be held. Visuals are important. As is a last minute light-bulb going off in one's head rather than on the camera.

Bottom line, despite my initial confusion over the number of characters and, to me, odd events going on in the bread shop, the mystery itself was a good one and, nope, didn't figure it out. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to try Olaya's delectable breads, not to mention the recipes!

A Vacation to Die For (A Tourist Trap Mystery #14), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Sept. 6, 2022

When I last dropped in on Jill Gardner, she was reeling after discovering a body when stopping to pick up a party gown, only to discover the person she thought had been killed alive and well soon after. This visit there's another body. Thankfully, Jill didn't discover it this time. Instead, the unidentified man sort of fell into the police station, I guess saving the police a trip to a murder site. It's this event that cuts Jill and her detective boyfriend Greg's vacation short.

The body remains unidentified throughout much of the book but the suspects are numerous and the side-stories intriguing. Are they related? It's unclear. Somehow it all seems to be related to one of Jill's shop workers, distracting her once again from wedding planning. Gee, will Jill and Greg ever manage to walk down the aisle? Author Lynn Cahoon remains a must-read for me, so I'm sure I'll be on the wedding invitation list, right?

I like Jill and Greg, who worries about her but without being overbearing, and the cast of supporting characters. I was definitely intrigued by Judith, a fill-in bookshop hire. Btw, as a bookaholic myself, I did have to laugh at Jill's idea that a heavy book in hand was better than no weapon at all. She even manages to stay out of danger's way, well, mostly. It wouldn't be a cozy mystery if our amateur sleuth wasn't in peril at some point, after all. That said, she does have the knack of being in the right (wrong?) place at the right (wrong?) time and is instrumental in discovering the identity of the dead man, not to mention his possible connections to others. She even gets to visit a shrine of sorts to actress Vivian Leigh in the process, which made me curious as she describes what she's seeing. Lynn Cahoon always manages to come up with intriguing characters to whet our curiosity.

Bottom line, an easy, interesting read with fun characters, mysterious bodies, reclusive wives, plus civic issues that also occupy Jill's time. I'm already looking forward to the next visit. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to catch up with Jill, Greg, and the rest but, oh, we can't forget, their dogs.

Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul (ebook), by Michael Fanone, with John Shiffman

 

Publication Oct. 11, 2022

Powerful. As I read, I felt like I'd been transitioned back to that fateful day when I watched in horrified disbelief the events going down in Washington DC. Given the impact this book had on me, I cannot imagine what it must have taken Michael Fanone to find the will to write it. It took strength of not just character but belief. His belief that our democracy was on the line shines through. We owe him and the others who stood firm on the side of democracy a huge thank you.

As such, I won't detract from the importance of this book by trying to find the fancy words to describe it. It carries a powerful punch. Read it.

Thank you #MichaelFanone #NetGalley and AtriaBooks for making this important work available to the American people.

A Doomful of Sugar, by Catherine Bruns

 

Publication Oct. 25, 2022

Ah, life in small town Vermont in the fall. That immediately conjures up images of bright, colorful fall foliage, cooler evenings, fireplaces, and, well, maple syrup. Murder is unexpected.

Her father's murder throws Leila Khoury for a loop. She arrived home from her job and life in Florida thinking her beloved father had been killed in a robbery gone wrong. That was hard enough to accept but, murder? She thought everyone liked her father. I mean, she obviously adored him and was very much a Daddy's Girl, so the idea of anyone deliberately murdering him stuns her. 

Her initial reaction of disbelief is quickly replaced by a fixed, unswerving conviction that she knows who did it, her father's right-hand-man, Noah. This emotional swing made me wary of her upfront, I must admit, and it took awhile for me to get past that initial reaction. I mean, she hadn't even met this Noah yet, not to mention she has no evidence, but she's already convicted him in her mind. 

That said, the mystery was an intriguing one. Who knows what secrets are hidden behind closed doors of even the most scenic small town? Who had reason to kill Victor, Leila's father? Why was she so determined that Noah was guilty? Why had her father changed his will? Why is her reporter brother arrested? Did he do it or was he set up? But, by who? He did sorta try to wave Leila away from taking over the farm, after all. What's going on at the farm? How did Toast get that name? Is money an issue? Is it true that anyone is capable of murder? Who.....oh, okay, enough teasers. This just scratches the surface of an intriguing plot that, quite frankly, I didn't guess until the big reveal at the end. In addition, once Leila calmed down, I gradually came to like her and her family and friends. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for inviting me to Vermont to see the fall colors. The recipes sound sweet and yummy, too.

Death by Spiced Chai (Bookstore Cafe Mystery #10), by Alex Erickson

Publication October 25, 2022

If you've ever been prank called and hung up on or simply had the feeling someone was following you, you know how unsettling that can be. In Krissy Hancock's case, however, she's enduring not just these things but being framed for murder.  This can certainly be read as a stand-alone, I was new to the series, but I wished I knew more about the past cases that are brought up as the book continues. Although it's eventually explained where the town residents are getting their gossip about Krissy, I never quite understood why they were so willing to believe what was being shared, for instance. I guess I'm just too accustomed to the typical amateur sleuth being an admired and well liked character in most cozy mysteries but it did leave me in the dark, perhaps intentionally, just as Krissy was initially.

That said, I found the mystery intriguing. The preparation for terrorizing Krissy was extensive. The culprit obviously knew a great deal about her. That allowed them to push emotional buttons, such as the blurry photo suggesting her boyfriend was cheating on her. What's the connection to her father's books? But, yuck, cockroaches? Writing nasty reviews in Krissy's name? Vandalism? Why was the lead investigator so willing to believe she was the guilty party? Who had she wronged so horribly in the past that they'd set such an elaborate plan in action? What is the connection to the victim who'd simply visited her stop? Who is behind all the rumors and gossip flowing through the town? How did the master mind behind the murder and stalking of Krissy know so much? Why did her neighbor lie? Why... oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's a relatively quick read and you'll find yourself feeling the suspense and same unsettled nerves that Krissy feels as it progresses. 

Thanks #NetGalley and KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Krissy's bookshop cafe. I'm going to catch up with this series asap so I'll be ready next visit.

Six Feet Deep Dish, by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication August 25, 2022

What a delight! I not only found a new-to-me author to follow but the joy of reading this fast-paced, fun cozy mystery. Delilah O'Leary is focused so much on opening her new gourmet pizzeria that the worst of her control freak side has ruined a relationship, then she discovers a dead body outside at the pizzeria's soft opening. It's her elderly Aunt Biz's caretaker, Jeremy. The murder weapon is found in her aunt's possession. Enter Geneva Bay's police detective Capone, great grandson of the legendary Al Capone. Fur is going to fly and it isn't all going to come from Butterball, Deliliah's plus-sized cat.

I found myself immediately sucked into the story. Not only is Delilah's personality one you can't ignore but her pizzeria staff is made up of equally unique characters. All have back stories and needs and depend on Delilah to one extent or the other. Oh, the pressure of being the boss. They have her back, fortunately, and the dialogue, quips, and zingers seem to flow naturally, making them someone we'd like to know. Despite having just seen Sam, her boyfriend exit, she finds herself drawn to Capone. His backstory trickles out as the book continues and you will find yourself liking him, too, I'm sure. Delilah sure did but, well, will that be enough? Maybe. Life is never perfect, alas. 

Who killed Jeremy? As it turns out, there are many legitimate suspects. Since Delilah was storming out of the pizzeria determined to fire Carson when she found the body and he was nowhere to be found, he's an obvious suspect. Biz? After all, the gun was hers. Who steals Aunt Biz's medications? Why does she wind up in the hospital? Did Sam's jaunt cleanse his heart chakra and help him reconnect with himself? Why does Veronica call Jeremy a viper? What surprise is found in Biz's shed? And, oh, so much more. The twist at the end was a stunner. Put this one on your "TBR" list and enjoy the recipes at the end, too. They were made extra special by being given in the "voices" of various characters, adding to the fun. Let's just say, I rarely do more than scan recipes. These I read with a grin.

Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for inviting me to Geneva Bay, Wisconsin, for Delilah's grand opening. It was fun and I will definitely be back.

The Murder Question (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 3), Alice Castle

 

Originally published as "Calamity in Camberwell"

It's so easy to let yourself be drawn into Beth Haldane's world. Alice Castle's writing engages you quickly and you find yourself rooting for Beth. Given that this installment in the series focuses almost as much on her private, home world as the mystery itself. Beth is a romantic. We get the "meet cute" moment when Beth and her late husband James met, for instance, and her trepidation as she's urged to enter the dating world again. For reasons she is yet to admit, she can't quite stop thinking of Detective Inspector Harry York every time that topic comes up. He both fascinates and frustrates her. Interestingly enough, since this series takes us into the minds of different characters, he's growing tired of being alone, too. His purchase of Beth's favorite tea is a sweet, telling gesture.

As for the mystery, we do get a glimpse into the mind of the missing Jen. Her new husband, after initially seeming perfect, is abusive, seemingly both physically as well as mentally. Dulwich is proof positive that we never know what secrets hide behind firmly closed doors. Then, Jen goes missing. Beth. always drawn to a mystery, can't help snooping. This time it lands her in the hospital. Harry is there when she wakes up. 

Where is Jen? Who put Beth in the hospital? Who is that mystery doctor she vaguely recalls seeing one night? Will all her dates be as, uh, odd as the first? Was sending son Jake for extra tutoring a good idea? Who ransacks Beth's office? Is online dating dangerous? Does the pressure to bow to the opinions of the "yummy mummies" of Dulwich play a role in keeping spousal abuse hidden? What other secrets are hidden behind firmly closed doors? Will Harry be around to save her the next time she gets in trouble?

There's so much more. Life is never simple, even in upper crust areas. One of the things I applaud Alice Castle for is stepping forward and tackling difficult topics.Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to Dulwich. I hope to return soon as I look forward to following Beth and her ability to find trouble without trying as this series continues. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what is next for Beth and Harry. I've spent reading time in their heads and like them both immensely, so I'm rooting for them.

 

The Murder Museum (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 2), by Alice Castle

 

Previously published as The Girl in the Gallery.  

Beth Haldane is someone you can root for. She isn't perfect, which she acknowledges to herself rather frequently, but she cares about people and wants justice done where there is injustice. This brings her into contact and frequent conflict with Harry, the Detective Inspector. What I particularly liked about this story is that we get to spend time in not just Beth's head, but Harry's, giving us insight into who he is as a human being, too. Heck, we get to visit quite a few different minds in this installment of the series, including that of pouty, self-centered, and, oh, so spoiled and neglected schoolgirl Sophia. Even her drug wasted "boyfriend" gets a turn and, quite frankly, I hope he doesn't pop up again. Let's just say, bad news.

 The mystery begins benignly enough. Beth, playing a childhood game in her head of "Which work of art would you save in a fire?" is making a quick visit to the upscale school museum where she works. Instead of a fun, relaxing visit, however, she finds a body. Well, not quite a body. The mystery girl is still alive but in what appears to be a coma. She's wearing a flowing white dress and has her hands folded against her chest, recalling several works of art that Beth is familiar with. It's the folded hands that won't allow Beth to let the image go and next thing we know, she's off on her own investigation. Her budding friendship with Harry is already shaky but this time it takes off on a roller coaster of a ride as he alternately shoves her away and allows her into his world as the investigation goes along. 

The case is baffling. How did the comatose girl get into the mausoleum? Who arranged her so picturesquely? More importantly, who is she? Why haven't her parents reported her as missing? Why is she comatose? Drugs? Why is the upper crust school so shaken? How does a parent make the horrendous decision of life or death for the child they carried within them? What does the Blue Whales challenge have to do with anything? Is social media to blame? How powerful does being a known influencer make a teenage girl feel? Do we blame society? Busy, distracted parents? Seriously, what sort of nasty secrets are lurking under the veneer of upper crust Dulwich? I know I didn't see the ending coming, that's for sure. It was at once satisfying and saddening. Author Alice Castle made me care about her characters, even the ones we only meet in passing, and I was fully, intently invested until the end. And, hey, what about that ending?

If you like multi-layer mysteries with well-defined characters and suspects, you will surely love this one. Go into it with an open mind and be prepared to think, "Whoa!", sit back and think periodically. There's a great deal to this book and this is just an overview of all that is tackled. The world we live in is a complicated one and one never really knows what is going on behind closed doors, be they at home, school, or elsewhere. This one made me think, reflect, and as a former teacher, feel the pangs of knowing I can't gather all my students under my wings and protect them from real life. Kudos to Alice Castle. This series has me hooked.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to Dulwich. It was an uneasy trip occasionally but I adored the moments when the prose flowed and we saw the world through Beth's whimsical, romantic eyes. I'll be diving into book three asap.

The Murder Mystery (A Beth Haldane Mystery Book 1), by Alice Castle

 

Previously published as Death in Dulwich.

Beth Haldane seems like a nice woman, realistic, likable and somehow both confident and unsure of herself. She compares herself to that adorable little pony while wishing for longer legs herself and a more tameable mane. I immediately liked her attitude, which is good as we spend a great deal of time in her head. Determined to give her 9 year-old son the best life possible, she's accepted a job at a posh, rather snooty school. Yet, she can't figure out why they hired her. She knows her own resume was sketchy in the area of historical archivist and that there were surely other applicants far more experienced. She's grateful, however, as she presents herself at the school the next morning. 

That gratefulness turns to uneasiness. To be polite, let's just say her boss leers. She's actually glad when he heads out to meet someone and leaves her alone in the shed, er, office for hours. He never returns. Finally steeling herself to find lunch and a restroom, Beth heads out, only to get turned around on the school's paths. Then, she finds her boss. He's dead. That is where the story truly begins. Detective Inspector Harry York soon arrives to begin the investigation. 

Who killed Dr. Alan Jenkins, her boss? She slowly comes to grips with the thought that the person who finds the body is often a suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, albeit without a clue how to do so, Beth begins her own investigation. Will this get her in trouble? Oh, come on. You know the answer to that. This is a cozy mystery after all. This brings her into frequent contact and conflict with Det. York. Will he tell her not to get involved? Of course. Will she listen? Of course not. They gradually come to respect and even, hmm, like each other, however, as the book continues. 

What I liked most about this book, aside from the likable main character, is that the murder plot involved more depth than who killed Jenkins. Sadly, many readers, especially women, will relate. Like Beth, Jenkins has a backstory and it isn't an admirable one. Maybe this explains the reactions of so many to his death? Will Beth get herself fired asking nosy questions at the school? It's an upscale facility, think parents with money and prestige, and the school is anxious to move past this and regain its usual hallowed status. Is the fact Beth spied the headmaster near where the body was found meaningful? Who was that flash of pink she saw? Is the receptionist friend or foe? Why are so many relieved to know Jenkins is dead? Why was there a handkerchief over his face? What secrets are hidden in the archive office? Oh, my, so much to think about but, enough teasers. Read the book. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for introducing me to Beth and her posh new job setting. I wasn't sure what to expect but am glad I accepted and am looking forward to the next in the series. I wonder if she'll listen more to her cat's not so subtle hints that a bad day may be at hand.

Death on the Pier, by Jamie West

 

Publication October 11, 2011

Deliciously clever. Delicately woven around theatre (British spelling) customs and production elements, it's a bit like stepping onstage and into the middle of a classic Agatha Christie type mystery for which you neither know the lines nor how the play ends. Nothing seems quite wrong....or right. 

That's the situation successful playwright Bertie Carroll finds himself in as he attends a performance of one of his older productions at Brighton's Palace Pier Theatre. It's the 1930s. The theatre was real, btw, and a quick search reveals it must have been rather resplendent at one time. Sadly, it no longer exists. But, I digress. Bertie is in town to meet with an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman who has a reputation for solving impossible cases. Bertie is, well, an unassuming writer and feels out of his element as the investigation into the onstage death of fading star Celia Hamilton begins.

It happened in front of an audience who simply thought it was part of the play, as did Bertie initially, to be honest. It quickly becomes evident that it was no well-played death scene, however. It was the real thing. Celia is dead. The actress who pulled the trigger of the prop gun is the obvious suspect but, well, we all know that things aren't always what they seem. I won't detail the plot/investigation but it's fun watching Bertie gain in confidence as he uses his knowledge of day-to-day theatre customs, whether on casting, production, staging, or dressing the stage, to help solve the crime. You'll learn a great deal about the theatre in the process of solving this mystery. 

So, who did it? Did the butler do it? Was it the young, unknown actress, perhaps hoping to replace the difficult star? Perhaps the stage manager had snapped at one too many caustic criticisms? Or maybe the handsome young actor who seems, well, a tad undisciplined onstage? Breaking the fourth wall is a no-no, you know. Why is this show being produced anyway? It isn't even one of Bertie's hits. And, why is Hugh there in the first place? Do you know what a cigarette card is/was in that time period? He gives one to Bertie. There are subtle hints of their connection but, given the era, they remain shadowy. I rather like that as I liked them both and it makes them human but doesn't distract from the story. But, enough teasers. Read the book. You won't be sorry, especially if you're a fan of classic mysteries and/or the theatre.

Thanks to #NetGalley and BrabingerPublishing for the invite to the show. It was a delight to meet Bertie and Hugh and feel engulfed by the mystic of the theatre. Hope to catch another show with them soon!

Death and the Conjuror (Joseph Spector #1), by Tom Mead, narrated by Jake Ruddle AUDIOBOOK

 

 Audiobook, Unabridged       6 Hours, 40 Minutes   

 Delightful! I had absolutely no clue who did it but definitely enjoyed the ride.

Anyone who has ever read and enjoyed the classic mysteries of the past will love this one. I lost track of all the nods to the classic mysteries as I was driving while listening to much of this. They included not just Agatha Christie and her "Murder of Roger Ackroyd", but Poe, Macbeth, and John Dickson Carr's lecture on locked room mysteries in "The Hollow Man". The language flows eloquently, with a vocabulary that borders on melodic at times, and Mead does an excellent job conjuring up the atmosphere. I could almost taste the damp, foggy night as that mysterious dark, cloaked figure lingered ominously in the shadows. 

I'm a sucker for a British accent so it's probably a no-brainer that I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. While no attempt was made to generate a particularly female sounding voice for the female characters, Rudder did an excellent job differentiating by changes of tone, inflection, and speed, so to speak. Chapter changes, as well as titles, were announced. Hint: Pay attention. His skill was such that I could feel the tenseness in scenes and even sense the ominousness of that mysterious, dark cloaked figure lingering in the rain and darkness. 

I won't detail the plot, which can be found elsewhere, as I don't want to give away even the smallest clue. Let's just say, the clues are all there, as the interlude near the big reveal notes, even if I didn't figure it all out. I am looking forward to illusionist/magician Joseph Spector's next adventure along with Inspector Flint. The emphasis on the psychological aspects of this particular case only added to the mystery of "Dang, how did Spector do that trick?" 

Much thanks to #NetGalley and #HighBridgeAudio for inviting me along for this delightfully intriguing trip back to the days of classic mysteries. It was a puzzling but fun read.

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.