The Socialite's Guide to Murder (Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #1), by S.K. Golden

 

 

Publication October 11, 2022

What secrets lurk behind the walls of the Prohibition Era style luxury hotel? Will spoiled rich girl Evelyn be able to find them and the murderer of artist Billie Bell? 

To be honest, if you'd asked me early on in the book, I'd have said no way. Evelyn, daughter of the mega rich hotel owner, comes across as rather an empty headed, Marilyn Monroe wannabe. She's all about the style and drama, from selecting the perfect outfit to playing along with photographers seeking photos of her with actor boyfriend Henry. She carries a Pomeranian mix with her seemingly at all times, Presley, who resembles a bear cub, and her hotel suite is, well, pink. Very pink. Pink with lots of fancy clothes and jewelry. In other words, she doesn't appear to be likely to solve anything other than perhaps how to fix a broken nail. 

But, don't let appearances fool you. She's anything but empty headed. True, she's lived a sheltered, catered to life, and throws her money and name around to get what she wants, but there's a brain in that blond-by-choice head of hers. Although the hints are subtle at first, she's also faced trauma. She discovered the body of her murdered mother outside the hotel as a child. She considers the hotel her safe place, so to speak. Her sense of security is shattered when she discovers a bloody body in the hallway of what she considers her hotel, a man Henry had a rather public argument with earlier. When another hotel employee is arrested she should feel relieved but feels he is innocent and has the overwhelming need to help find the real murderer. How can someone who suffers from agoraphonia, however much she denies it to herself, and hasn't left the hotel in fourteen months going to solve a murder?

So, if neither the man arrested nor Henry killed artist Billie Bell, who did? Did they also steal the missing painting? What secret is Henry keeping? How about Mac, the man Evelyn is slowly beginning to realize she genuinely loves? Will he accept being a kept man? Heck, how will star Henry react to losing his girlfriend to a bellboy? Why is Mac dragged down to the police station? What habit may get Evelyn into trouble or worse, danger? Why is the mystery maid threatening Evelyn in a hallway? Could a Countess be guilty of murder? Who trashed Evelyn's, sigh, pink hotel suite? Could her day maid be a threat? Why doesn't Henry keep the expensive gift Evelyn gives him, in front of cameras, no less? And, oh, so much more for a book that I thought I wasn't going to particularly like initially. As it turned out, after the slow start I found myself unable to set it aside. Evelyn may be naive and spoiled but I liked her (and Presley). I liked Mac and his sister. Heck, even the police investigator was likable, even while dealing with spoiled Evelyn's horror of having to share a hospital room with someone else. Hospital, you say? Nope, not telling, you're just going to have to read the book. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to spend some time at the lovely Pinnacle Hotel to get to know Evelyn. After rolling me eyes lots at her, I've become a fan and am looking forward to the next adventure.

Donut Disturb (A Bakeshop Mystery #15), by Ellie Alexander

 

 I love this series! Great setting, Ashland, Oregon, something of a Shakespearean mecca, great characters who are fleshed out with back stories of their own, and lots and lots of food talk with Shakespearean quotes and references popping up frequently, and it all makes for a fun, intriguing read. Main character Juliet Montague Capshaw is smart, energetic, and cares about her friends, family, and her town, Juliet and husband Carlos operate not just popular bakery Torte but Uva, a winery. The tale of how both Carlos and Juliet came to be where they are has been fascinating but they're seemingly in a happy place as this book opens, staying very busy and, hmm, thinking of future plans. Juliet is likable and seems to be respected and trusted in her community and it's hard not to wish that the extended cast of family and friends is your own. This is #15 in the series but this can be read easily as a standalone although I encourage you to read the series because it's plain ol' good.

Juliet's also a darn good amateur sleuth. In this installment of the long running series she finds herself investigating a murder that takes place not long before good friends Kerry and Thomas are about to walk down the aisle and be married. Even worse than the timing, Kerry's father, who has shown up unexpectedly, is the main suspect. While his background is, well, shady at best, could he have gone to the great effort of being there despite obstacles only to turn right around and ruin his daughter's big day? What connection does he, not to mention some others, have to the victim, Brett? I mean, could the 80 year-old have committed this murder? Or maybe one of the other members of the jazz band the victim was bassist with? Dani does seem particularly driven. Could seemingly always cranky business neighbor Richard have done it? Why won't Nat take his information to the police himself? Why does he want Juliet to be involved? Who.....nope, not telling any more. You're just going to have to read the book. I do have one suggestion, however. Make sure you eat before you start reading. All that talk of food prep and fine wines makes you almost able to sense the smells and tastes. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the invite to Kerry and Thomas' wedding. Glad I hung around after to taste test and see how Juliet's sleuthing was going. I'm looking forward to the next adventure which sounds like it may be a bit of a trip.

Old Farts on a Bus, by C. A. Hocking

 

Can you guess why I picked up this book to read? You've got to admit, that title is intriguing. In the back of my mind I was probably thinking senior citizen mystery or something akin to that given that it popped up in the midst of blurbs for cozy mysteries. Instead, it's the author's remembrance of a guided tour she (and her husband) made to Egypt. It was both humorous and insightful into both the joys and angst of "old fart" travel and guided tours. I've never been on a true guided tour but it did bring back memories of taking advantage of cruise ship excursions, riding a bus with a driver whose stories to entertain us were memorable, and rubbing elbows with until then total strangers. The author, who does write mysteries, I later discovered, does a fun job of showing both the joys and angst of such trips, not glossing over the added difficulties of age on travelers. 

There were lots of laughs but also moments of sadness as the travelers adjusted to the behavior of an Alzheimer diminished fellow traveler and the foibles of each other. Having dealt with that horrid disease in my own family, I felt sympathy pangs for the duo involved. The group also learned not to drink the water in Egypt. Oh, boy, did they. The author's tale of her plane ride home was, well, rather a stark reminder of what happens when you forget that caution. Along the way, however, she backed up my belief that photos are perhaps best left to point-and-shoot cameras that do it all for you, and the need to read the "instructions" usually provided on what to wear and pack. Let's just say, as one of their group discovered to her dismay, Egypt is not the place to worry about showing off fancy heels. 

Bottom line, a fun, quick read with both laughs and moments of worry and concern. A sense of family developed between tour group members and it was reassuring to see them rise to any occasion and help in dire situations just as much as they learned what made each other behave as they did. And, oh, did I mention the shopping? I'm not particularly into shopping but I'd have loved to have seen the colors and swirl and movement so often described. You'll even learn a bit about the fine art of haggling down prices.  If you're looking for a fun, quick read that has some depth, not to mention a lovely virtual tour of Egypt, give this one a try.

Killers of a Feather (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 2), by T. C. LoTempio

 

I am delighted by this new-to-me series. Author LoTempio does an excellent job introducing the characters and giving us a glimpse of Fox Hollow, the small town where the story takes place. Although the fact main character Shell McMillan is shown to be a former TV series star quite a few times, that fact seemed extraneous and I wound up liking not only Shell but the supporting cast, so to speak. They seemed to be well-rounded and likable, even her rather over-the-top, seemingly self-centered retired actress mother. Ah, family ties. Heck, even the critters involved such as Honey Belle the parrot and cats Purrday and Kahlua's personalities shown through. Is Purrday as smart as he seems? Let's hope so since Shell has a tendency to find herself in dangerous situations at times.

As for the mystery, it centers about the murder of former resident Johnny Draco who many accuse of swindling them out of significant sums of money and simply disappearing when the investment fell through. Could Rita have killed him? How about her husband? Or the former girlfriend? Or any other of the many who felt they'd been swindled? Why is Shell's detective boyfriend focused on Rita? Could Shell's habit of thinking aloud get her into trouble? Why is she keeping secrets from Josh? Who left the threatening note for her? How about those mad White Boarding skills shown by Shell, Gary, Olivia, and Ron? Why does  Shell.....oh, never mind. No more teasers but, oh, what unexpected twists, turns, and danger before all is said and done. Read the book. I'll be reading the first one in the series to play catch up while you're doing that.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for inviting me to Fox Hollow for the grand opening of Shell's pet store. I'm looking forward to many return visits and that local theater production.

Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts--with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors, by Linda Sivertsen

Savor this book. Take it to heart. Read it when you need encouragement. 
Read it when you need inspiration. Read it when you feel you can't write
 another word. Read it when you feel like you're the only writer in the 
entire world who has lived through being able to force another word onto
 paper. Read it just for fun. Read it.

Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BenBellaBooks for making this wonderful guide available.
         

 

Kill Them With Canvas (A Paint By Murder Mystery #2), by Bailee Abbott

 

Available October 11, 2022

First, I enjoyed the book. However, while I liked the determination and courage Chloe and Izzy showed trying to prove their Aunt Constance's innocence in a murder case, they were way over the top all too often. While I understand they are still young, they tend to go into high drama and impulsive behavior way too frequently for my taste. Toss in, say, Constance's tendency to get hysterical and faint when confronted with problems, Dewey's strangeness, and Chloe's seemingly unending fretting about her love life and, well, it was a tad much. Hopefully they mature a bit and tone it down in future installments. 

The mystery itself was fun, with hints of ghostly visitations, and enough suspects to keep you guessing. How did Viola wind up dead in the lake supposedly haunted by the ghost of Abigail Bellows, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died over a hundred years ago? Where did the mysterious painting left behind after the party hosted by Chloe and Izzy come from? Was it a hint, confession or, well, sheer coincidence? Would you be freaked out or glad to have the likes of Marilyn stalking, er, keeping an eye on you? What is going on with Wink? Where does police detective Hunter Barrett get his patience when it comes to dealing with Chloe sticking her nose into his case? Does she trust him or not? Is Spencer genuinely worried about her mother or is she trying to scam her? And, and, and....oh, so much more. Ignore the high drama and dangerously naive plans hatched by Chloe to catch the killer and you'll enjoy the story. Besides, there are cute dogs to pet virtually while you're reading and the premise of the sisters' Paint With a View business and location is intriguing.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me sit in on Chloe and Izzy's Paint With a View sessions and observe how they operate. I'm curious enough to admit that I'll be looking for the next in the series, too, as it was fun. 3.5 rounded to a 4 for entertainment value.

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.

Canter with a Killer, by Amber Camp

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2022

As a horse crazy gal from way back, I felt an immediate connection to Mallory Martin. Kudos to new author Amber Camp for having her associated with a horse rescue. Even though I wasn't comfortable with Mallory's tactics to find the real killer of cranky neighbor Albert Cunningham, not to mention that it was Mallory who created the conflict that made old friend Grady/the police the enemy, I rather imagine I wouldn't always be rational if I were the suspect in a murder, either. 

I found myself liking not just Mallory but friends like Lanie and Bill and workers at the rescue, Ashley and Tanner, as well as legal eagles Ethan and Andy It was interesting to watch the various relationships as they emerged and developed, even as hurtful small town gossip created additional problems. And, oh, the horses. I loved that the author described each horse, its history, and strengths and weaknesses, even explaining the names given them. That was a real plus for me as a former horse owner/lover. Her lovable dog, Bingo, who has never met a stranger, reminding me of one I once owned, and Biscuit, an absolutely adorable donkey with a personality that wouldn't allow him to be ignored, round out the rescue critters.

Mallory is shocked to discover Albert Cunningham has been killed. Even worse, she finds herself a suspect. Why? Wouldn't the girlfriend be a more likely suspect? Or, could the environmental activist have done it? What does a lost glove have to do with anything? Maybe the neighbor angry at Albert for blocking him off from his own property? Could the photos Mallory took early on reveal a clue? Why is everyone so convinced Mallory is guilty? Why is Andy's receptionist so cool toward Mallory? What will Mallory's father have to say about all this when he gets home from his cruise? For that matter, how will her daughter react about being kept in the dark about the situation? And, oh, so many questions but, nope, not telling you the answers. If you're a horse lover, you'll thoroughly enjoy this one. If your simply a mystery fan, you will, too. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Mallory's Hillspring Horse Rescue story. And, hey, give Biscuit a couple extra virtual treats!

Death At The Feast, by Jan Durham

 

Liz McLuckie amazes me. That's both good and bad. Good because she's smart, plucky, and makes connections others miss. She's loyal to her friends and loves her dog. On the other hand, she's impulsive and doesn't seem to always think things through before blundering into situations that could be dangerous. Her persistence in asking "rude" questions is just one example of that although, I have to admit, visualizing her on the exercise machines while she tries to pry information from a potential suspect is rather amusing. So, too, was the, sigh, tug-of-war she gets into over a Christmas tree which, unfortunately, puts Nelson, her English Bull Terrier in jeopardy. She's....human. Impulsive, smart, deserving of eye rolls at times, but I like her. 

Author Jan Durham does an excellent job introducing new readers to the series (I read book 1 but not book 2) and revealing how they are intertwined and connected as well as setting the scene. Whitby is a real place, by the way. It was the birthplace of explorer Captain Cook, not to mention helped inspire Bram Stoker's "Dracula". There's even a connection to Queen Victoria but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own. It sounds like an interesting small town fishing village, an excellent setting for a mystery series.

As for the murder mystery itself, although you'll find the plot detailed elsewhere, I will note that it sounds simple on the surface. Who killed Mayor Neil Grogan? Why didn't his Epi-pen help? Was it an accident? How did sesame oil get into the food? That's when things begin to get, well, weird. Why would anyone steal the mayor's body the night before the funeral? Did the wife do it? I mean, the spouse is usually the first suspect. Why is Liz tasting possibly tainted coffee? Will Liz ever learn to be more subtle in her questioning? Oh, probably not. Will she survive her visit to the gym after years without exercise? Will Liz and Benedict ever figure out if they're "just friends" or more? Oh, what's this? Another romance blossoming? And, uh, how does one "un-steal" a body? In fact, why? And, oh, wait. Nope. Not sharing any more. You're just going to have to read the book for these answers and more. Despite the slow to me start, the mystery was intriguing with several funny scenes to visualize as they happen, not to mention as you wonder if Liz, who admits how much she enjoys investigating, will survive to sing in that year's Christmas service. Well, that's assuming it even happens. Give it a read! 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for inviting me to visit Liz in Whitby again. Can't wait to see how her shaky efforts to become friends with Dora work in the next book.

Death by Beach Read (Lighthouse Library Mystery #9), by Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault (Narrator) Audio book

 

Audio   8 h 48 m duration

This is the first time I've listened to an audio of a book I've previously read and, since I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it's no surprise that the audio version is a winner, too. Narrator Elise Arsenault has a pleasant voice that fits the character of librarian Lucy well. She does a good job changing her voice to make a distinction between characters without missing a beat and each time the voice fit the character nicely. One of the things I noted was how she matched the rapid heartbeat pace when anxious at one point, a small but deft touch.

It's little things like that which make the difference between a good experience and a great one. Kudos to Arsenault for that masterful touch. The pacing was smooth and her tones matched the descriptive sections, whether happy or unnerved or, for that matter, simply impatient without disrupting the flow. Chapter changes were noted with a simple "Chapter 2" or whatever. Bottom line, an excellent job.

As for the plot itself, having reviewed it earlier I'll simply say, one, a plot synopsis is easily found elsewhere and, two. the conclusion was both satisfying and saddening. Youthful misadventures do change lives. Lucy still annoys me with her tendency to not share information with those who need it most, the police, or even Connor, but she's likable, as are her friends and family. Even the neighbors are well-rounded and show the best of human nature....most of the time. And, let's not forget Charles the Library Cat. He's a character all to himself. Bottom line, both an excellent read and listen. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio version and felt like I actually picked up on some subtle things I'd missed in the reading, so it was a win all the way around. Give it a listen or read or, heck, both.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for letting me revisit Lucy's world and ponder whether ghosts really exist or should it be human nature we fear. #EvaGates is a favorite author, so looking forward to what's next from her.