You’ve Lost That Livin’ Feelin’, by Nicholas George

 

Publication Jan. 6, 202

Rather a leisurely pace but the characters, banter, and music references kept my attention. Adam Parrall and wife Shawna make an interesting, likable pair. Former rock stars, now retired, they seem content to live quietly in the small town of Cordoba. Well matched in temperament and ambitions, they both may crave a bit more excitement after days of their rock'n'roll glory but, well, they're also happy. But, hmm, when the opportunity to perform again is thrust on them by circumstances, Shawna, in particular, has lingering doubts. Then the murder of Righteous Brothers tribute singer Barry Haddon happens as they wait to see his most recent appearance and Adam is the one to find the body. They're pulled into an unexpected role as amateur sleuths. Well, mostly Adam. He's the one to embrace the rush of being part of something new albeit Shawna finds herself pulled in via, no lie, her cooking class. Shawna needs to keep her day job as a realtor, I think. Not being a serious cook myself, I chuckled at her inept efforts, gotta admit.

Along the way, you'll meet family and friends of both our duo and the victim. Let's just say, they're an, uh, interesting, quirky bunch. Could one of them be a killer? Like Barry's wife? And, why do so many knives keep popping up? Who is their mysterious new neighbor? I don't want to give away more of the plot but will say it involves, let's see, prepping a house for sale, a robber the local press has dubbed the Blade Runner, lots of rock'n'roll mentions, even The Archies, Adam's odd award nomination,  a rookie cop with untried theories, music promotion, nostalgia, and red herrings galore. Lots of quirky characters along with the importance of making life choices. And, more.

Bottom line, despite the slow pace, I enjoyed the book and will be looking for the next. I liked the characters, even some of the less likable ones had reasons to root for them, even the surly teenager who wanted to be a drummer. Wonder if Adam will regret offering drumming lessons? I'd also like to know more about the goings on in the maybe deceptively sedate Cordoba. Here's to both Adam's radio show and record shop doing a booming business and Shawna's realtor efforts being equally successful. Oh, that doesn't mean I don't want to virtually see them on stage again, even if Shawna reminds us that age means the back and legs aren't as ready to rock as her heart might be. Thanks #SevernHouse for the early introduction to this quirky but delightful pair of rock'n'roll amateur sleuths. It was fun to be in their shoes virtually for a bit. 

An Extremely Unlikely Death, by Hannah Hendy

 

Publication March 20, 2025

This was a new-to-me series and I’m glad I gave it a chance. I was quickly able to orient myself with who was who and info on previous relationships and plots flowed smoothly into the story and dialogue. While some may find it relatively slow paced, it unfolded in such a way that I felt comfortable with the characters as I became equally comfortable with the largely school setting. Margery and Clementine make an interesting couple sleuths and differences in approaches are noted as we go along. They also have a job that I don't recall encountering an amateur sleuth in, albeit countless are in that same general field, food. Nope, not owners or bakers of a trendy bakery or cafe. They provide meals in Summerview school's cafeteria. They, along with their friends, The Dinner Lady Detectives, wind up not only having a case to solve but must worry about salvaging their own jobs given the arrival of a new headmaster after the first is found dead at the bottom of the steps at his home. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, the local police quickly declare it a tragic accident and block their soon to be detective, Symon, from investigating further. Bothered by it all, he's the one who asks Margery and Clementine to  look into it. Then, much to their surprise, the discover they inherited everything from FItzgerald, including his beloved Jack Russell, Jason.

That's when the story really takes off. They visit his, now their, new property and find some interesting clues, not to mention lots of, well, miscellaneous stuff. They even have some unmarked keys but are having trouble finding the one they're just sure will help them find some vital clues. Toss in the upheaval at the school, where the new, seemingly to-be-temporary headmaster, Janet Cooper, is issuing some odd demands and new rules. She's also set up a sort of "tattle tale" group of students who are taxed with reporting anything out of the ordinary to her. As a former teacher, I could see where this could lead to trouble, no, make that Trouble with a capital "T". Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. Then there is the very troublesome issue of why the police seem to be covering up evidence. What is going on? In the middle of all this, Margery is told she must learn a new computer program to order cafeteria food and supplies, cutting out local suppliers for a company the new headmaster mandates be used. On the home front, the question is, will their cats get along with new dog Jason. Speaking of Jason, it's a hoot watching Dinner Detective/teacher Rose take him around with her at school while dog-sitting. Emotional support dog? Okay, works for me. And, oh, so much more but that's enough teasers for now. 

All in all, a fun, interesting read with both its serious moments and humor. While not quite hooked yet, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book. I really do want to get to know this cast of characters  better, not to mention keep up with senior dog Jason. Poor baby. Locked in a cabinet? I already disliked whoever the whodunit character was and the book had only begun. And, as a former teacher, of course I found the school setting of interest, albeit I'm happy to say my schools were never as, oh, what word should I use? Okay, let's be mundane, "interesting" as Summerview. I definitely give kudos to author Hendy for sharing that former headmaster James admits he's surprised to discover how much he's enjoying being with students and his return to teaching English without carrying all that bureaucratic responsibilities. Thanks #Canelo for introducing me to not just Margery and Clementine but their school. I'm sure I'm going to feel right at home there. Well, as long as I don't get murdered. Grin.

The Cream Tea Killer (Morwenna Mutton Mystery #3), by Judy Leigh

 

Publication Jan. 4, 2025

Morwenna Mutton is one of those amateur sleuths that I find both intriguing and maddening. She's smart and clever about sorting out clues but, well, sometimes doesn't show much common sense in how she gets them. This go-round, she finds her snooping may put not just her but those she loves in danger, too. That's one angle you don't see often in cozy mysteries, the fact that an even semi-intelligent murderer might not hesitate to harm your loved ones if you get too close, so kudos to Judy Leigh for going there. Morwenna is also almost 63 year-old, so she's hardly got youth as an excuse. Even more amazing, she seems to be on friendly working terms with Jane, the local investigator, so her habit of not sharing until she finds out just one more thing, so to speak, seems foolhardy.

Nonetheless, Morwenna is determined to see justice done, using her wits and smarts to find out, in this case, who killed radio DJ Irina. She's told Morwenna she was on the verge of uncovering something important but didn't share. You guessed it. She had one more thing to verify before sharing. Bad move. They plan to meet the next morning. Irina is a no-show. Initially Morwenna doesn't think too much about it, expecting she'd been detained, but when her efforts to locate Irina prove fruitless, she pretty much begins investigating without much thought. That's when the trouble... and danger.... begins. Irina's body is found washed up along the shore near where Morwenna and a group of avid swimmers meet to share their love of the sport, even when the water is frigid. Brr. Cornwall isn't exactly a tropical spot in England. In any case, she's pushy and has the help of Ruan, her ex-husband who just happens to live across the street. There's a love-triangle of sorts involved, too, although quite frankly, I'm on Team Ruan. All that aside, putting herself into some dicey situations, usually with Ruan along, Morwenna slowly uncover the secret Irina died without revealing.

I won't detail any more of the plot but it was far more intricate than expected. I liked Morwenna although, sigh, a little bit of her, oh, so talkative grand-daughter went a long way. Toss in Morwenna's  attraction to Barnaby, a monied plastic surgeon, while obviously harboring feeling for Ruan wore on me. I like Ruan's calm, always-there-for- her presence. That said, I didn't dislike even the annoying grand-daughter, who desperately wants a real dog, but just wished for less of her. Seal Bay seems an intriguing place, full of interesting characters, and, oh, yes, there's that little matter of whether the library Morwenna works at is haunted. Louise, a friend and co-worker, is on Team Ghost, I'll note. And let's not forget Brenda, the cat, who seems to have the ability to sleep peacefully through almost everything, even gun shots. Bottom line, an intriguing multi-level mystery with likable, interesting characters, even if I do think I'd pass on the swimming sessions. And, oops, almost forgot, thanks #BoldwoodBooks for not only allowing me an early peek at Morwenna's latest adventures but including that handy glossary of terms. I'm happy to say that I didn't much need it as they mostly made sense, but was handy to have.

Old Girls Behaving Badly, by Kate Galley

 Publication May 13, 2024

Delightful. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story, expecting a bit of a mad-cap adventure story involving two older women, which sounded like fun, but it was that and much more. It's probably fair to say it edged into cozy mystery territory. Neither 89-year old Dorothy nor 71-year old Gina have had an easy time of it of late. Dorothy has a plan, however, but needs someone to help her execute it. When she discovers Gina's background in art, she feels sure Gina is the one. Gina's husband of 43 years recently left her to find himself, whatever that meant, and they needed to sell their family home, leaving Gina to find another home. Still reeling, Gina takes a one week job as companion to Dorothy and that is when the fun begins. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of the setting and lovely homes, making me almost wish I could visit. The boat house you'll hear more about also sounds absolutely perfect.

I won't detail the plot, read the blurb, but will say that I liked both Dorothy and Gina a great deal. Both have their moments, Gina usually underestimating herself while Dorothy's tendency to blurt things better left unsaid out adds to the human side of them. We alternate their viewpoints, btw, adding to our understanding of what is going on in their minds as needed. Dorothy isn't over her husband's tragic death and blames... well, I'll leave you to find out when you read .... and seems simply incapable of letting it go and moving on. She's financially solid, even well off, offering Gina not just a job but stability and a safe place. Both become a force to deal with in their own ways, especially when joined by a younger wannabe sleuth, granddaughter Juliet. You'll meet the rest of the family, too, but those are the standouts. The mystery of the missing painting and the strange family dynamics are intriguing, I must admit. Most importantly, Dorothy and Gina remind us to live our lives without being forced into a stereotyped age-appropriate lifestyle. I'm hoping this is to become a series. I'm not done hanging out with Dorothy and Gina yet and, hmm, Erik? 

Bottom line, a fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with a strong character focus, interesting situations, a lovely setting, and message of living our best lives, no matter our age. Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dorothy and Gina. I'm hoping there will be more chances to hang out with them, say in France? I mean, what sort of mischief can two ol' ladies get up to in France, especially simply with Gina doing a good deed for Dorothy?

Bloodshed on the Boards (The Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 2), by Judy Leigh

 

Publication April 11, 2024 

I discovered Judy Leigh via her non-mystery books but this is the first time I've read her recent cozy mystery series featuring Morwenna Mutton. It's set in Seal Bay and has a rather large cast of characters, probably expected due to it featuring an acting troupe putting on "The Return of the Cornish King". The mystery begins when Daniel Kitto, who played Uther Pendragon, literally dies onstage. At first it's thought a natural death but following instincts, Morwenna thinks otherwise.  

Although I haven't read the first book in this series, I quickly warmed to Morwenna despite cringing when she, uh, "borrowed" potential evidence. She's smart, loves swimming no matter how freaking cold the ocean water is, and rides her bicycle everywhere.  She also admits to herself that she still has feeling for ex-husband Ruan, who basically lives next door. That is an interesting side story but there are several bubbling under the surface. Another is her mother Lamorna, who was more than a bit enamored with Daniel, a feeling with a backstory. So, her interest in finding out what really happened to Daniel is personal although, well, one gets the idea she simply enjoys solving the puzzle of whodunit, too.

So, who killed Daniel? Turns out there are several suspects. Although Lamorna was smitten, many of those in Daniel's acting company didn't like him. But, although the troupe as a whole might benefit from his death, would one of them have hated him enough to kill him? Or, maybe the killer is a local? Could the disappointment of a stage mom at her daughter not being chosen for the child mermaid role allotted to a local have been angry enough to kill? Why is Barnaby there and will he helpful or a hindrance? Why isn't Morwenna involving the police? And, spooky, how is Lamorna getting phone calls supposedly from Daniel? Why is Morwenna paying so much attention to Ruan's comings-and-goings? Who .... oh, enough teasers. 

Overall, despite being new to this relatively young series, I felt it did well as a standalone. My only real issue was trying to sort out who-was-who, a task complicated by the characters in the acting troupe, but Leigh did an excellent job introducing each and fleshing them out nicely. To be honest, since this was my intro to the series, I appreciated the initially slow moving plot though some may be anxious to move along more swiftly. I also enjoyed my introduction to the village and some of its characters and also realized at some point that I was no longer having to refer to the glossary at each local phrase/word. Fortunately, that glossary is provided early on and I did initially find it helpful although many of the terms were relatively obvious in meaning. Bottom line, I enjoyed meeting Morwenna and her family and friends although, brr, I think I'd skip those early morning swims in the cold ocean. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Morweena and giving me this sneak peek into her life and surroundings. I'll be back.