Murder in the Upper Crust, by Mindy Quigley

 

Publication Oct. 27, 202

I'm going to start this review in rather an odd place, at the end with the recipe selection. Seriously, don't peek, they don't give away whodunit, but they are humorous and well done. Let's face it, while many love the added recipes, they are just that. Recipes. These, rather than the sort you can find in just about any recipe book, however, are not only relevant to the story but each is written in the particular style of one of the characters. Given Quigley's humor, it's fun to read them and basically feel like the character is there reciting them to you, some of the characters chiding you for being so slow, or worse. Anyway, make sure you read the recipes. 

Okay, after that weird detour, on to the real adventure, Delilah's misadventures doing her feeding people routine at a wellness retreat. An upscale one at that. What could possibly go wrong? Well, lots. First off, it's interfering with an infrequent matchup of days off for Delilah, aka Dee, and boyfriend Detective Calvin Capone. Yes, that Capone family. In addition, long time readers can predict that detail oriented, stick to the schedule until everything is perfectly perfect Delilah, is hardly cut out for such a meetup. Calvin isn't the type, either, but he's lured into helping Delilah cater the event by the lure of meeting a long time jazz performer that he admires who, it turns out, owns the site of the actual retreat. Needless to say, to cut to the chase, Delilah stumbles across another murder victim. Oh, did I mention that the retreat is taking place at a place with a very well stocked poison garden. Yikes. We get to meet the new police chief, Carol Dwyer, soon after and, oh, my, she is a delight although I was debating whether her scatterbrained manner was deliberate or just who she was. In any case, with both Sonya's girlfriend and mother as potential suspects, Delilah is definitely on the case. 

Bottom line, quirky characters, an ex-boyfriend and current boyfriend both under the same roof at the retreat, poisonous plants in abundance, devious wellness spokespersons, suspicious conversations overheard and reactions observed, there is a great deal to sort through. i won't detail the process but will say aside from not quite grasping the new police chief's approach to involving Delilah, the story flowed nicely and even tied up some loose ends from the past side stories. And, oh, I can't forget Butterball, Delilah's, er, Delilah and Sam's cat -- it's explained in the book -- definitely has a role to play. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for giving me this early peek at a character that while I can't say I like her, fascinates me. It was great to see her growth within as she comes to terms with her own control freak personality and how it may impact others. Great ending, btw. So glad to see a seeming change for the house/cat issue. Nope, not telling why there is one or what changed. Read the book. Grin. 

'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. 

 

Death of a Gingerbread Man, by Lee Hollis

 Publication Sept. 24, 2024

Ah, Christmas. A time when family and friends gather and a merry ol' time is had by all. Well, maybe in all the Hallmark movies we watch but that isn't the case for Hayley Powell. Not only is her mother from heck arriving from Florida but there's another surprise visitor, too. Her father, who disappeared out of their lives some forty years ago. And, oh, boy, is Dwight Jordan a piece of work. True, he's apparently a master chef, with the skill to bake a gingerbread replica of one of the most famous fairy tale castles ever, but he also seems to have a record as long as, possibly longer, than his recipe list. Both charmer and conman, his visit is just the beginning of a memorable Christmas for both Hayley and the town of Bar Harbor.

I won't detail the plot, the blurb is an excellent introduction to the book, but will say that it involves not just holiday high jinx but murder, jealous, volatile couples, past sins, family reunions, whether wanted or not, icy escapades, Christmas gift exchanges, pets that don't get along, and a seriously competitive  gingerbread contest. Heck, even Hayley's mother manages to get involved in that (for reasons you'll learn) despite that baking isn't her strength, plus shootings, and more. Through it all, Hayley's column for the paper, full of anecdotes and recipes, is a fun extra as she struggles to keep her mother and father as far apart as possible.

That column has always been a way we've gotten a peek into Hayley's past but the appearance of her father definitely brings out old stories from, well, almost everyone. Not all are good. In fact, most are anything but good. Is the FBI really on his trail as one story has it? In any case, it was fun to see another side of Hayley as well as how she reacted to the sudden reappearance of a man she barely knew. Brother Randy barely remembers him, in fact, due to his age when Dwight went missing. Through it all, Lee Hollis' use of humor softens the edges and keeps us grinning. Mona's driving record even gets a mention, so she's in there, too, albeit the focus is on Hayley and her family this go-round. Everyone pulls together, even her mother, albeit grousing all the way. There are enough suspects and twists and turns to keep even the biggest bah-humbug of Christmas stories reading. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to pop in early to see what's going on in Bar Harbor with Hayley and the rest. It's always an adventure and, oh, boy, some of those recipes sound delicious.

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

 Publication Nov. 7, 2023

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

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

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

Death by a Thousand Sips (Witches' Brew Mystery #2), by Gretchen Rue

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

Before it gets lost in the midst of a review, I must mention the recipes, particularly the one for a sourdough starter. To be honest, I'm one of those who, while I appreciate that others love them, rarely does more than glance at recipes included at the end of a book. In this case, the fact it was for a sourdough starter, a staple here in Alaska, however, I couldn't resist. I liked not only the recipe but that the author made it seem more like she was right beside you guiding you through the process rather than simply listing stark directions. It made me grin when she tossed in stuff not to fret over as it was normal. As for the recipe itself, loved the comment that "Sourdough feels like kitchen witchcraft". A nice tie-in to the book itself although her witch/magic powers were largely sidelined in this episode. Loved the book cover, tho', which is what drew me to the book in the first place.

In any case, I found the mystery interesting although found myself skimming along at points when it seemed like an overload of seemingly unrelated info being dumped on us. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate a nice description of the setting and people involved but, well, for instance, I also honestly don't care what they're wearing unless it's relevant to the plot. Nor do I really care to read a lengthy description on the preparation of burgers unless it's vital to the plot. In other words, the mystery kept me reading but too much extraneous stuff. 

That said, I found myself rather liking Phoebe and her friends and associates. And, oh, let's not forget Bob the cat. He came with the lovely home she inherited from her aunt but definitely has a fan club of his own. One of Bob's favorite customers is Mr. Loughery, who you'll definitely find yourself warming to instantly. He, among many others, supports Phoebe's efforts to help find homes for the many unwanted cats in the area by showcasing them within her business. Of course, all can't be smooth sailing as Diedra Miller is, well, let's just say not a Phoebe fan.

Phoebe has the misfortune of discovering one of the estate sale company's workers dead when she attends to hopefully buy a large lot of salable books. Although I didn't get the vibe that Phoebe was a serious suspect, she feels the need to look into the case herself to help prove her innocence. Will this get her into trouble? Oh, you already know the answer to that one. I liked that she was largely smart about always having a back-up, however, and even in the end cleverly uses her own wits to help bring the guilty to justice. She even finds time for a budding romance in-between all the asking of questions and pondering over clues. 

So, who killed ambitious estate sale organizer Madeline? There are more than a few suspects but, nope, not telling. It's an easy, relatively quick read, that I enjoyed. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to Raven Creek for a taste of Phoebe's sourdough and, yikes, murder. Hope to be invited back next time to see what's going on with Rich. Fun read.

Barkcuterie: 25 Pawsome Snack Boards Your Dog Will Love, by Hammy, Olivia

 Publication April 18, 2023

Being familiar with the fun, cute videos of Hammy and Olivia, I was expecting, well, cute and fun. It's all that and more. Not only do we get colorful photos of Hammy and Olivia to illustrate whatever the creation is celebrating, but the book is well-set and an easy guide to follow. It's very well done, especially for two adorable corgis. <insert chuckle>

You say you don't have a board or cookie shape cutters shaped like a paw print or bone? No problem. As is noted, you can certainly use what's at hand but a list of online resources is available at the end. But, with a bit of artful arrangement, you can easily use even a plate to display your results. It's just cuter and, well, more doggie with the shapes. 

As for the recipes, they are simple and easy to follow. Hammy and Olivia introduce each, though their humans do manage to get a few words in here and there, including an introduction. Ingredients and tools are listed and the recipes themselves tend to be short, easy steps. No massive reading required. You also have full color photos of not just the dogs ready to celebrate but the boards themselves to use as a visual guideline. And, yes, for those owned by cats, there are some adorable cat themed boards, too.

The authors also provide a boxed list of safe, safe but should be used only sparingly, and things you should never feed your pets. It's all handy and on one page, easy to copy and keep handy for everyday occasions, not just celebratory ones. I liked that the authors added a caution that just because a food is listed here as safe, you need to be aware of pet allergies or bad reactions to foods and substitute as needed. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup- #RockPoint for making this adorable and creative barkcuterie guide available. My Daisy dog's birthday is coming up soon, not to mention her Gotcha Day , so....hmm. Daisy gives this one four paws up and a tail wag  

Quarto Publishing Group – Rock Point

Barking up the Wrong Tree, Gone to the Dogs #3, by Janice Thompson

 

Publication Jan. 1, 2023               

A missing pet, every pet owner's worst nightmare. Even worse, this one doesn't seem to have wandered off on his own. Remington is a champion agility dog and had just won a trip to nationals when something strange happens. Oh, the family still has a dog, a Sheltie who looks like Remi, but is of an entirely different disposition and health status. A blood test reveals the truth. The dog the family has been so worried about isn't Remington.

I found this an intriguing read for several reasons. First, well, I'm a sucker for anything dog and the cover photo immediately reeled me in. I once owned a Sheltie mix, so was automatically drawn to the story. I have friends who do rescue (my own dog is a rescue) and friends who work at a vet clinic. It was interesting to follow the routine of this fictional clinic, knowing how close to reality it was. It was also nice, quite frankly, to read a mystery that didn't involve a murder. Yes, all mysteries don't require a dead body and this one is proof. 

Aside from the mystery of Remington's well-being and focus on dog rescue, there was ample time for the character stories to be developed, too. Kristin Keller's family was open and loving and, oh, so very Southern in speech and manner. They immediately took to Tyler, too, Kristin's co-worker and romantic interest. Although we never actually meet his family, we learn a great deal about them (and Tyler) through his memories as he shares with Kristin. God also plays a major, visible role in the story but without beating you over the head. Scriptures used are from the New Life Version Bible, I might note, but most used relate to the animal/human bond and simply caring for all.  All God's creatures are important and deserve love, in other words.

Bottom line, if you want to read a sweet, easy-to-read mystery that doesn't involve bloodshed but has its tense moments nevertheless, give this one a read. There are, of course, lots of dogs, even a sad, abandoned corgi, but also romance, food, oh, my, the food, a delicious sounding recipe, and, hey, a country music star. And, of course, if you are a dog lover, so much the better. Thanks #NetGalley and #BarbourPublishing - #BarbourFiction for introducing me to this book. I'll definitely be on the lookout for previous books as well as anything else by the author.

Murder Served Neat (A Cocktails and Catering Mystery #2), by Michelle Hillen Klump

 Publication Feb. 21, 2023

Samantha Warren left her job as a journalist to start a career as a mixologist. While that may seem like a downward step, as it turns out she's excellent at the job. Sam and her business partner/friend, Beth, who does most of the cooking, leaving the unique drink concoctions to Sam, are building an impressive client catering and customer list. Romance is even in the air. I know which guy I'm rooting for but, dang it, liked them both. Anyway, in other words, Sam's busy and has definitely gained self-confidence and direction since I first met her in book one. 

So, how is it Sam keeps getting caught up in murder investigations? In this case, the question is, "Who killed Angela Clawson?" She was a society mover-and-shaker and involved in a community project that had both strong support and detractors. Although the police immediately zero in on a suspect, one who turns out to be her visiting mother's long-time friend Patty, it turns out the suspect list is lengthy. Patty wasn't the only one who had a heated argument with Angela.  Could it be a family member? Did fancy money handling have anything to do with the murder? Who was that snickering at the funeral? Oh, so many possibilities.

Sam is reluctant to become involved. She recalls her brush with death last time she encountered a killer. It's only when she realizes she can't turn her back on her mother, Lillian, and her concern for Patty that Sam reluctantly begins to research and ask questions. Will that lead her into danger? Oh, come on. This is a cozy mystery. Of course it will. 

In the process, there's lots and lots of food talk and, hmm, I think I even learned a thing or two about mixing drinks. There are even some delicious, intriguing recipes at the end, including one for Samantha's Sparkling Cocktail, so not just food recipes! Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me drop in on Sam and friends again. Can't wait to come back!

Four Leaf Cleaver, by Maddie Day

 

Publication Jan. 31, 2023       Country Store Mystery #11 

A relatively quick, easy read that will both entertain you and leave you hungry. Never fear, there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes at the end. Lots of food talk in the book, too, of course. You'll also get a peek at the personal lives of many involved, including Robbie and Abe.

The plot centers about Robbie's country store and restaurant, Pans 'N Pancakes, being selected to host a holiday cooking competition. In this case, the holiday is St. Patrick's Day. Gee, I'm betting you guessed that from the title and cover. <smile> In any case, even Robbie's husband, Abe, gets into the spirit and is one of the contestants. Unfortunately, Tara O'Hara, the show's hostess, is found dead the morning the show is to be filmed. As it turns out, there are ample suspects and clues and red herrings to keep Robbie's curiosity on full alert, not to mention that when, surprisingly, the show's powers that be decide the show will go on, Robbie is drafted to do the hostess duties. To be honest, although I'm not really familiar with cooking shows, that did strike me as a tad unrealistic. She not only is inexperienced, busy and distracted, but there are others handy who believe they should have gotten the nod. 

That's all I'm going to say about the plot, sorry, so you're going to have to read the book to find out not just how Robbie handles her impromptu hostessing duties but another dead body in her store. As a long time reader of this series, I just knew her curiosity and unending questions would get her in trouble and, of course.... oh, wait. I said I wasn't sharing any more of the plot.  Yep, you need to read this one. It's a fun series. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to watch the filming and hang out with Robbie. I was a bit startled at one of the places we went, however, but it was fun.

Through the Liquor Glass (Literary Pub Mystery #5), by Sarah Fox

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

Caught and held my attention from beginning to the end. Sadie Colemen is a likable character even if her questioning technique needs a bit of fine tuning. She's blunt, let's just say. Of course, a body having been found in her boyfriend's brewery that leaves him the most viable suspect is enough to make anyone a bit snippy. Toss in dealing with the Taste of Shady Creek (Vermont) festival, the presence of celebrated food critics in town,and the anticipated arrival of her mother in town and Sadie has a few things on her mind. 

Initially it's simply will her mother like her chosen home and business, not to mention boyfriend Grayson, but that quickly changes after Grayson and Sadie find the dead body. It's one of the critics that, as it turns out, Grayson has a history with. Grayson, realizing he'll be the chief suspect, opts to go into hiding and use his former PI skills to try to prove his own innocence. He wisely doesn't tell Sadie where he's going. That was smart as, at one point thinking she knows where he's hiding out, she goes there...even though she knows she is likely under police surveillance. She's lucky, or unlucky, depending on how you look at it, as it turns out he isn't where she thought he was and, phew, the police were busy with another incident.

So, who killed critic Dominique? What is her connection to Grayson? Could it have been a competing critic, one Sadie overheard saying she planned to get her resume in to replace Dominique? Who is the mysterious man that seems to have spooked Dominique? Phoebe and he seem to know each other. How will Sadie's mom react when she hears her daughter's boyfriend is a murder suspect? Why is someone trying to frame Grayson? How did Dominique ruin Alicia's dreams? Why are George and Mildred acting so suspicious? Why....oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's fast paced, well written, and full of characters you'll like in a lovely fall setting. It is part of a series but works well as a standalone, not to mention there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes at the end. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Shady Creek for a dose of Maple Butter Popcorn, fall colors and, gulp, murder.

Bake Offed (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #8), by Maya Corrigan

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

This one had me hooked from the beginning with its nod to Agatha Christy's use of a list of characters at the beginning of the story. Toss in regular references to not just Christie, particularly "Murder on the Orient Express", Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple, and it was fun from the start. Val Deniston and her grandfather, Don, are attending the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest and find themselves involved in a real murder: Who killed Cynthia Sweet? 

Needless to say, surrounded by mystery buffs, the theories and suspects are many. In fact, many in the crowd seem determined to believe the murder and appearance of the police, not to mention the collapse of another attendee in the bar, are all part of the show. Toss in that the hotel was the site of another unsolved mystery a year ago and it's all just too exciting for many to believe reality has intruded again. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Val and Grandpa Don, both of whom are smart and able to think things through. For Don, however, he is a tad distracted by the disappearance of his Nero Wolfe inspired boxed book of recipes. Is that disappearance somehow connected? Cynthia had been accused of stealing others' ideas before, so why not a genuine, valuable keepsake. And, what does a tea kettle have to do with anything? Why were some attendees going to such extremes to disguise themselves? Poison rings? Inheritances? What would drive someone to murder?

Bottom line, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the surprising end. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to this so to speak, mystery fest gathering. Looking forward to spending more time with Val and her grandfather soon. Maybe he'll share more recipes!

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.

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.

A Book of Murder in Notchey Creek (Harley Henrickson #4), by Liz S. Andrews

 Shared pasts. 

Shared memories. 

Shared secrets.

Superb mystery with many layers. The author's writing style flows, almost poetic at one moment, insanely tense at others, all while moving the story steadily forward. Her imagery is superb, capturing moments and sounds that vividly help us visualize the beauty of the setting and mood. I didn't write it down exactly, bad me, but one phrase introducing a tense encounter sorta encapsulated that ability as she describes crickets chiming out the "beleaguered seconds" like a metronome. In other words, I fully loved this book. 

I won't detail the plot, which is easily found elsewhere, but simply say that it's far more complex that the cute cover might indicate. Harley has an amazing ability to remember and quote passages from books. She's well read and once had a scholarship to Harvard. Yet, she's known for her cocktail mixes, hence many underestimate her. Although this worked nicely as a stand-alone, I found myself wanting to know more about not just Harley's past but that of her rock star friend, Beau, who seems to share so many of her memories. She's also got a good friend in Jed, the sheriff, who in contrast to the more stereotypical police-v-amateur sleuth relationship, seem to work together well and trust each other. How refreshing. 

As for the murder, it's complicated. On the surface, it begins simply enough with the death of an unknown woman. Then bodies start piling up. First, who is the unknown woman? Is there some connection between the deaths or is there a random killer at large? Wow, did you realize how much rare books are worth? How is a tatoo connected to the book "Jane Eyre"?  What did Suzanne mean when she called "Jane Eyre" a little golden Easter egg? A maid mumbling literary verse? Why is the press hounding....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Read the book. I don't think you'll regret it and, hey, Matilda the pig does get a couple scenes.

Thanks #NetGalley and #LittleForestPress for introducing me to the wonderful series. I'll be back! And, oh, those cocktail recipes sound wonderful.

A Colorful Scheme (Pen & Ink #4), by Krista Davis

Publishes August 30, 2022

A wedding camouflaged as a party, a lost and found bride, and, oh, yeah, murder. This is what faces coloring book artist and book shop manager Florrie Fox as the book opens. I was hooked from the beginning and found myself compelled to finish. I liked Florrie and the surrounding cast of characters. Each came off as a unique, well rounded personality with their own quirks, strengths and weaknesses and seemed like people I'd like to know. The plot was face paced and multi-layered. Heck, I lost track of how many mysteries were revealed and solved by the time to book ended. Loved it.

I won't detail the plot, a synopsis is easily found elsewhere, but will say that what starts as party crashers ends with a seemingly innocuous man dead in the pool. Florrie is stunned to find herself a suspect in not just this death but that of an admittedly annoying wannabe journalist who had been stalking her. While I could understand why Sgt. Bridges might focus on her as a suspect, the ol' wrong place, wrong time thing, that did seem a bit obsessive. Boyfriend and police officer Eric noted that it was Bridges first big case and he was frustrated, a thought that while it didn't make Florrie any happier, did calm her own nerves and frustration somewhat. A highlight of the book was the introduction of Jezebel Fish, grandmother of Eric's friend Fish Gordon. Jezebel is a force onto herself and I hope to see more of her in future books. Yes, I'm already looking forward to seeing what is next for Florrie and her friends, particularly those who write. Now I'm off to find my crayons to color that lovely cover art.

Top notch. Put it on your "Must Read" list. Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for sending me the invite to the party/wedding and letting me hang out with Florrie, Jezebel, and the rest. Loved every minute of it. 

Mint Chocolate Murder (Ice Cream Shop Mysteries #2), by Meri Allen

 

Castles with rumors of a weeping ghost, locked door mysteries, ice cream, royalty, bees, and, oh, yeah, a murder. In the locked room. And that somehow just scratches the surface. There's also ice cream.

Riley Rhodes may be the manager of the Udderly Delightful Ice Cream Shop but she's also a former CIA librarian, one who did the occasional covert mission. I found her rather nervous and a bit impulsive to have had such training but, shrug, what do I know? Anyway, hired to create a Scottish inspired dessert featuring ice cream for an art show, she finds herself at Penniman's Moy Mull Castle when the pretentious, manipulative photographer appearing at the show is murdered. In a locked room, no less. The only known key was still tucked away in the cabinet it is stored in. Security cameras show no one entering the dungeon, er, conference room, other than the victim. Nor do old blue prints handed over to the police show any hidden rooms or passageways. Who killed Adam Blasco? Equally puzzling, how?

The whys seem to be numerous. His photographs are unsettling and he seems to treat everyone with scorn....unless he sees a way to use them. Riley's young friend Willow is seemingly targeted, which is upsetting to not just Riley but Willow's boyfriend Luca. Could Luca have killed Adam in a fit of jealousy? What evidence is found that puts him on the suspect list? Why does Adam's assistant Vye go missing when the body is found? What are Max and Bree up to? What happened to the missing photo called Dallas? Again, how? Could the castle, made from stones brought from Scotland, really be haunted? Is the Weeping Lady real or just a figment of imagination? And, can jovial, personable Prentiss be hiding a secret? Like, he killed Adam? What startling discovery is made about hostess Maud's brief marriage to Adam? And, oh, so much more. Seriously, the twists and turns had twists and turns. Multiple suspects, so many in fact that I had difficulty keeping who was who straight, and surprises at every turn.

Despite my initial confusion keeping the multiple characters straight, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once we got past the initial background introductions, the pace was quick and I found it hard to put the book aside. Okay, who am I kidding? I stayed up way too late reading last night. Like Riley, I wanted to know "whodunit" and how. Locked room mysteries are a favorite of mystery readers and this one did not disappoint. And, oh, did I mention that there is a spoiled diva of a cat, Sprinkles, who gets her own side story? Lots to like as well as ponder. I'm betting you'll like this one but, well, don't stay up too late reading.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for giving me an all access pass to Moy Mull Castle. Having Riley as my guide was intense but fun.

Murder at the Blueberry Festival (Beacon Bakeshop #3), by Darci Hannah

Brilliant. "Murder at the Blueberry Festival" elevates the cozy mystery genre to a new level. 

I went into this book expecting a light, fun read. It was that, true, but so much more. Kudos to author Darci Hannah for her deft, sensitive handling of a serious issue that has touched many families, including my own. That she managed to do so while doling out not just funny, clever dialogue but making me hungry with all the talk of delicious blueberry dishes and recipes is all the more impressive. 

Quite frankly, for the longest time, I expected my opening review line to be "a goat afloat on a boat, with a body". On the surface, that oft' repeated line rather nicely summed up the plot. True, it leaves out a few bewildering points, like  said body on said boat was dressed as a Viking. The boat resembled a Viking ship. Beside the body were several items, including a sword and charred arrow? Charred? And, let's not forget the hay, slightly charred but being munched on by the goat. This entire sight is discovered by main character Lindsey, who lives in a, no lie, haunted lighthouse, and boyfriend Rory, an ex-SEAL. 

All this after a series of pranks had disrupted the annual blueberry festival, not to mention the small-town parade held in its honor. The author does an excellent job of drawing you into the atmosphere. You feel the excitement in the air as children dart about, laughing and grabbing for the candy thrown from the floats. You sense the flavor of the various goodies being sold and consumed as spectators waved and applauded passing floats while chowing down. You see in your mind's eye the young musicians in the parade trying to march in step while struggling to play music. And, hey, is that choir on the float in tune? Doesn't matter. It's all in fun. 

Until it isn't. Suddenly water balloon rain down on parade participants and spectators alike. The next day a herd of rustled goats stampedes through a fashion show made up of local models showcasing designs by Lindsey's ex-model mother, who utilized pets in costumes, too. Let's just say, Lindsey's big boy Wellie must have thought he was a herding dog, one with a raucous assist from the rest. Then there were the, yuck, mice in a pie at the pie baking contest. All these are disruptive but deemed harmless....until the goat in a boat with a body turns up. 

Who killed Lars and set him afloat in a boat with a goat? Why? Lars was a member of Rory's unofficial veteran group and his death hits Rory hard. This is the third in the Beacon Bakeshop series and Lindsey and her family and friends come together to help solve the mystery. That is when things go from predictable to bewildering. I won't detail the plot more than I have since I'd like to let your approach it as blindly as I did other than to say you'll probably find yourself liking everyone involved, including the suspects and even the guilty party. They are revealed as real people, people we would enjoy knowing, with depth and quirks of their own. I mean, who else but Kennedy would outfit the goat from the boat as a unicorn? Girlie-girl or not, Kennedy, as well as the rest, have Lindsey's back and genuinely care about each other. Friendship is important. Your heart will ache for Lars' family and closest friends as the ending is revealed. There's nothing simply about this cozy mystery otherwise full of witty dialogue and set in a gorgeous place. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to attend this blueberry festival with Lindsey and the rest. Kudos to the author for her deft hand with the unexpected ending.

Death a Sketch (A Paint & Shine Mystery), by Cheryl Hollon

How can you not like a book that includes Moonshine Cocktails recipes at the end?

Miranda Trent is hired by the Big Sky corporation, a prominent graphical design company, to put on a four day bonding workshop for the company. It's perhaps the biggest job she's tackled with her still relatively new business and it turns out to be even more of a challenge than she'd imagined. Not only does the corporate big-wig want it to be more competitive than bonding but the prize is, uh, you won't lose your job if your team wins. Miranda feels lucky that the administrative assistant sent along to assist is an ol' high school friend, well, at least until that old friend is found holding a bloody rock in her hand over a dead body. More amazing, the workshop isn't canceled. Determined not to let her old friend take the blame, Miranda sets out to find clues and the guilty party, all while hosting the various competitions and gatherings.

Although the book seemed to start slowly, it did allow new readers to get to know Miranda, her mother, and the reasons Miranda was willing to take on such a demanding, stressful job. Although I'd read the second installment of this now three book series, it was a nice refresher for even me and set up new readers nicely. Miranda is likable, hard working, loyal to friends and family and, genuinely seems to love the isolated beauty of her home It doesn't hurt that a handsome forest ranger is a neighbor, I'm sure. Ah, Austin, such a good guy. Heck, there's even an adorable puppy, Sandy. All this and a beautiful setting, not to mention some tasty moonshine and, hmm, romance?

In any case, oh, yes, the murder. Who killed Burns? Why? Was it one of the workshop participants that are still involved? I've got to admit, I was kept guessing until the end. Sabotage? How does forest ranger Austin get involved? Is Rowena innocent? How much do people change after their high school years? Will Miranda regret inviting Rowena to stay at her place for the duration of the workshop? Why does Tobin insist on those last minute changes? Is he really as cheap as he seems? Or, is he something worse than just cheap? Who... oh, never mind. You're just going to have to read the book for the answers to these and many other questions.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to shadow Miranda's frighteningly competitive bonding workshop. Looking forward to my next visit. I think I'll skip the sessions and just settle for sitting in the rocker on the porch under one of her mom's quilts while I scratch Sandy's ears.

Steeped to Death (Witches' Brew Mystery #1), by Gretchen Rue

Publishing Sept. 6, 2022

I loved this book. I'd be lying if I told you upfront that I would love it because, well, I always tend to be a bit skeptical of new to me authors that offer us magical mysteries, so to speak. I'm glad I was wrong and, quite frankly, have added author Gretchen Rue and the Witches' Brew Mystery series to my "must read" list.

Phoebe is in town to claim an inheritance from her late aunt. She's inherited both an old Victorian house, Lane End House, and her aunt's shop. And, oh, a cat named Bob. Turns out she's inherited more than that from her aunt, actually, not even counting the renter in the shop apartment. In the process of discovering how her world has changed, she copes with Dierdre who is not just pushy and obnoxious about demanding Phoebe sell her the house and shop but seems unable to take no for an answer. Then, a dead body is discovered at the shop's back door.

Who killed the man, whose name isn't even known to Phoebe initially? Why? Was he trying to rob the shop? Was he working with Dierdre? Why does Rich, who turns out to be an old friend from her childhood, keep turning up in unexpected places? How can Phoebe be both wary of and attracted to him at the same time? Why is he there? Why is the shoe store guy so hostile? Is there really a recipe that will make someone tell the truth? After a frightening nightmare, why does Phoebe go out for a run the next morning? What does she discover during lunch with Rich? Will Honey be helpful or just sell her a crystal? How many letters did her aunt write to Phoebe? Why.... oh, never mind. You'll have to read the book for the answers to these and many, many other questions. I went from skeptical and unsure about this book to loving it and you might find yourself doing the same. And, did I mention there are recipes at the end. No, not magical ones, sorry.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me to get to know Phoebe and her new friends. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this intriguing small town and its residents.