Roadside Homicide (River Sutton Country Cozy Mysteries Book 1), by Nancy Basile

 I enjoyed this book. An interesting story combined with the weirdness many feel when coming home after a long time gone. Robin literally almost crashes into this mystery as the soon to be dead man stumbles out in front of her car. He's only able to mutter a few syllables before he dies but that is enough to make Robin, a computer search wiz, determined to find out not just who killed him but why. Along the way she encounters some blasts from the past, both good and bad. I had the wrong suspect pegged as the murderer, by the way, but it all made perfect sense at the end.

I liked Robin. Having been quite shy during my own high school days, more at home with my nose in a book than being social, I could relate. That made her ability to focus on finding long forgotten clues that tied two cases together make sense. She seemed to jump right into questioning people and pushing ahead when it might have been wiser to allow Chris, the local police and a former crush, to take the lead, of course. Will she get smarter and let him into her amateur investigation? Will Jenn's wedding come off with no more problems? Will Chris ever act on his long ago crush? Will Robin stay or will Robin go?

This book seemed to be a nice mesh of mystery and romance. Between Jenn's upcoming wedding (and I should probably note for any who care that it's a same sex wedding, in small town West Virginia, no less) and Robin discovering Chris' long ago crush, the mystery occasionally seems shoved into the background. That's actually good as, let's face it, even in real life investigations shouldn't focus our attention on finding the solution 24/7 but allow those involved to continue living, too. I liked that. On the downside, I made an early note to myself saying, "Will what's in her suitcase matter?" as I read the great detail given to that aspect of Robin's trip back to her ol' home town. Let's just say, the book started slow in my eyes. No fault of the author, I'm sure, but Ch. 2 was a repeat of Ch. 1, so the real action didn't start until the third chapter. After that, however, the pace began to pick up and I found myself interested in not just the mystery but Robin's family and relationships about her. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MediaMedusaLLC for the copy.

A Very Furry Christmas Mystery (Curly Bay Animal Rescue #8) by Donna Doyle

 

This is a sweet, wonderful story of dog rescue wrapped up in Christmas paper as a cozy mystery. Courtney's efforts to find creative ways to find homes for the pets at the shelter she manages collide with murder but, well, this is a Christmas mystery, so it's all rather subtle. Gracie the Golden Retriever is the ultimate heroine and, again, this being Christmas, not only is the murderer caught, Courtney's media appearances do wonders for the adoption rates. I loved the dogs, especially Gracie, and look forward to getting my hands on some of the other books of this series. It's a short, quick read with lots of adorable dogs and cats. What more could we ask for in a Christmas read?

Death by the Finish Line (An Abby McCree Mystery Book 5) by Alexis Morgan

 

This was a solid, entertaining read with interesting characters and, oh, yes, a cool dog. Main character Abby isn't the one who finds the body but that doesn't stop her from being involved in the investigation, even as she tries to stay out of Gage's way and investigation. Yet, despite a tremendous amount of time baking and serving up food to, well, basically anyone who crosses her path, her curiosity won't allow her to completely let go. Although this is the fifth book in the Abby McCree Mystery series, it worked nicely as a stand-alone. That said, as a new reader to the series, I couldn't quite wrap my brains around the complicated relationship she has with Tripp, who seems to be a former government agent of some sort, or even Gage, the local police detective. I definitely enjoyed getting a look into Gage's relationship with his daughter, who feels protective toward him while understanding the responsibilities of his job. Doesn't mean she has to like it, however. He's good at it, though, and that is emphasized throughout. That is a nice change from some cozy mysteries where the local police and main character are set up as adversaries. Bottom line, I had no clue who did it until Abby knew. What makes a father basically disown his own daughter? What is Zeke the dog's role in the conclusion? Would you have been clever enough to leave a clue behind like Abby did for her hoped for rescuers? Will Gil get Abby on the back of his motorcycle? Will the townspeople be shocked if he does? What is going on between Tripp and Abby? And what job will the mayor volunteer Abby for next? How will that turn out? Like me, you're just going to have to read this book to find out. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure for Abby and her intriguing circle of friends, not to mention to see how many treats big dog Zeke can bum off of them next time.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for the ARC and for introducing me to a new-to-me series.

Mrs. Jeffries and the Midwinter Murders (Mrs. Jeffries #40), by Emily Brightwell

First, how the heck did I miss the first 39 books in this series? Wow. Impressive. 

Second, coming off reading several fast paced, intense murder mysteries in a row, the slower pace of this one was actually quite nice. It had, well, Victorian sensibilities and a slower, more measured pace than more modern mysteries tend to do. I liked that although I'm honest enough to say I probably wouldn't like that full time, especially given the repetition involved as the helpful crew report back to each other daily. No razzle dazzle, just good ol' fashioned sleuthing and working as a team here as Mrs. Jeffries and the other characters, all of whom we got to meet briefly but sufficiently for the plot, secretly assist "their" Inspector Witherspoon to solve the locked room Christmas murder mystery. The suspects are intriguing themselves, most seemingly having a reason to kill, and I loved the teamwork and organization displayed by Witherspoon's unknown to him assistant sleuths. All and all, a delightful, intriguing read with lots of teamwork and obvious love and caring amongst the crew around Mrs. Jeffries and Inspector Witherspoon. I think I'm going to have to go do some serious catching up with this new to me series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishingGroup for the ARC and for introducing me to a delightful series I've somehow missed.
 

Murder at the Bake Sale, by Lee Hollis

Lipstick taser?

Now that I have your attention I'll note that though it took me longer to get into this book than expected, once I got into it I was thoroughly into it. I had the advantage of having read the first in the series and found the budding partnership between Maya and Sandra intriguing, so it was doubly interesting to see how it had progressed. They are definitely an odd couple, with layers of illusion they've garbed themselves with the protect their inner core, layers that are slowly being peeled away in "A Murder at the Bake Sale". I honestly had no clue who the murderer was until the very end. With several parallel stories drawn from both the political and real world, There are many, many things going on within the larger whole. The relationships Maya and Sandra have with their husbands is given a bit more emphasis here, with decisions being made that will impact more than just Maya and Sandra.  One of my main takeaways from the book is how the smallest action or lack of action can impact so many, ranging from high school students and school staff to political movers and shakers, not to mention ones own children. Thus, as the book wound up some loose ends, I couldn't help feeling both satisfied and sad. Real life has a way of doing that and author Lee Hollis pulls us into not just Maya and Sandra's worlds but the world and people about them. 

Despite it taking me awhile to get into the book, which may be as much my fault as the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and ultimately went with the five star rating. I came away thinking of, well, so many things and looking forward to the next visit to Maya and Sandra. One of the things I'm thinking of, of course, is that darn lipstick taser. While I'm checking on where to buy one, make sure you add this one to your "To Be Read" list. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #Kensington Books for the ARC

The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder, by Marla A. White

This was a fun, quick read. Although I'm still fuzzy on why Mel doesn't admit upfront to Marks that she's an ex-cop, I found that I liked and even sympathized with her, both past and present. While she comes across on the surface as cool and efficient, there are layers beneath that calm exterior that reveal the real Mel O'Rourke Due to the shortness of the story, think novella, the plot moves along quickly as the starring characters make their appearances and establish a connection to Mel. The setting sounds delightful, a bit of a winter wonderland, although I'm with Mel. No way I'd be crossing the rope bridge unless I absolutely needed to do so. What makes Mel, whose vertigo is established fairly early on, cross that bridge? Who isn't what they appear to be? Will Mel ever master her grandmother's seemingly famous cookie recipe? Will she save the family business? I hope there is a sequel because I for one don't have answers to all those questions. In the meantime, as I ponder them, give this book a read. It's short, fun, and full of action, not to mention there are a couple men that could be vying for Mel's affections.

Thank you #NetGalley, #BacklitPR and #TheWildRosePressInc for the ARC and a fun read. 

Lethal Lace (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #23), by Mildred Abbott

I've loved this series from day one and that love affair continues. Abbott has done a wonderful job of character development, making me feel like I know Fred and Watson and their many friends and family members. This book in the series struck me as both poignant and hopeful, with an eye to the future while treasuring the past. Just as grumpy corgi Watson remains, well, grumpy, Fred remains true to her fashion sense, even when it comes to weddings. For those who've followed the series, never fear. Help is at hand.... if she'll accept it. The murder may dominate Fred's thoughts leading up to the Christmas holiday but there is some family "stuff" to deal with, too, as well as the mystery of who did it. I have to admit, I didn't warm up to Leo initially but over time as the series has progressed have come to really respect and appreciate him for the man that has emerged from his past. Hey, Watson loves him. That's good enough for me.

Bottom line, if you like mysteries with well-rounded characters, even some who wear on you at times, people who care about others, even those who've done wrong, an incredibly beautiful setting, food, oh, my, the food, and corgis, grumpy or not, Lethal Lace should be a must read for you. In fact, you'll probably enjoy the entire series. My corgi mix, who isn't quite a grumpy as Watson, thank goodness, gives this one four paws and a tail wag. 

Life Crafter Death, A Knitorous Murder Mystery, Book 9, by Reagan Davis

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humor in it, mostly the result of busy body neighbors, was cute and connected, too. Poor, Eric. In any case, as with the rest of the series, this addition is complex and full of twists and turns, not to mention multiple suspects. Main character Megan is quite likeable and I admire the friendly relationship she and her former husband, Adam, have forged for the benefit of their daughter Hannah. Adam's a lawyer, too, which comes in handy in this story.

I won't detail the plot aside from that one comment as I'm sure others will do a better summation than I could. Instead, I'll simply say that the story, while perhaps confusing to first time readers given the comings and going of characters and their back stories, moves right along. Megan has come to respect boyfriend Eric's need for evidence, not hunches, frustrating as it might be, not to mention the conflict he's facing being pulled in two different direction as he investigates a case that is essentially connected to a family member. Okay, almost family member.

So, mystery that keeps you guessing, abundant characters that we do learn quite a bit about, even the seemingly peripheral ones, some humor, and family ties. Give it a read. You won't regret it.

Case of the Missing Marine (Corgi Case Files Book 14), byJeffrey Poole

This series is just plain fun. The corgis are adorable and, as always, way ahead of the humans. They could charm, well, the Queen. I won't detail the plot other than to say it moves along at a rapid pace with few down moments. The corgi duo of Sherlock and Watson had it under control, even if it did take the humans awhile to figure out what the clues the dogs kept dropping in their laps meant. The quick tour of Jolly Ol' England was nice, too, as I've never been. A fun, quick read that will make you smile and wish you had a corgi. Four paws and a tail way from my corgi mix.

Put Out to Pasture (Farm to Table Mysteries #2), by Amanda Flower

I was much too young to have real memories of life on our family's farm but it did bring back some memories of old photos of me in a diaper feeding a bottle to a lamb and looking terrified while surrounded by chickens in another. Even with those vague memories, I felt a tug of recognition in Shiloh Bellamy's dedication to her family's farm. While I can't imagine doing the work she is required to do with minimal help, I could respect her efforts and courage, not to mention her energy. Faced with a mystery, the murder of a woman with an unlawful past, and that initial evidence seems to point to her best friend as the murderer, Shiloh adds saving her friend from arrest to her to-do list.

The plot moves along nicely, albeit interrupted by episodes of farm life and chores that give you a feel for the setting. In addition, the characters are colorful and could be our own neighbors, even the cranky ones. I even felt a pang of sadness for the seemingly unlikable victim near the end. Good writers have a way of doing that. Amanda Flower has a real feel for small town and farm life, making these characters and the setting come alive for us. The addition of a new neighbor adds promise, too, and not just because he is male model gorgeous and seems too good to be true. He shares Shiloh's dream of turning his newly purchased farm into an organic one, too. Hmm, dang, can't wait to see how this plays out in future books. Of course, there is steady, handsome Quinn, too, although Shiloh seems almost too busy to think of romance for more than a few fleeting seconds here and there.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, What's extra nice is that I can revisit the dream farm of my toddler days without having to ponder doing any of the work. An intriguing mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, characters I'd like to call friends, and no farm chores. Yep, that's a win for us as readers.

Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the ARC.