Murder at a Scottish Wedding, by Traci Hall

 

Publication Jan. 24, 2023

I bet you quickly find yourself reading with a Scottish accent, ye ken? Understand? Seriously, although I found myself hesitating initially as I ran across the phonetically written Scottish phrases, without knowing it, I picked up on them quickly and it flowed nicely. All was guid. 

The plot, well, the main plot, revolves around the question of "Who poisoned the brooch that killed Felice?" A secondary plot, which I felt might make a solid, separate book itself, dealt with main character Paislee's missing uncle and his involvement with either Scotland Yard or a deadly criminal gang of thieves, or maybe both. It remained fuzzy until the end. This side-plot rather threw me at first as it seemed like in the blink of an eye we were taken from pondering who and how the heirloom brooch that ultimately caused Felice's death was poisoned to DI Zeffer appearing and questioning Paislee and her grandfather about not just Felice's death but the whereabouts of the long missing uncle. In this case, I might have benefited from reading previous books in the series although this was only a momentary issue. Dinnae fret. It is all explained as we go along.

There's a long list of suspects, including a mega-superstitious almost-mother-in-law of Paislee's best friend Lydia, who has taken a strong dislike to Lydia, and a fortune telling librarian. Was it an accident or sabotage that caused Lydia's car to wreck? Who left the threatening photos and message in Lydia's apartment? Family ties are strong, both in Lydia's real and almost family, as well as Paislee's bonds and loyalty to her own and love for her son. And, yikes. Explosions?

Cannae tell you more, sairy. You're just going to have to read the book. Although I found it a bit disconcerting to switch between two such strong story lines, they are both interesting and, nae, didn't guess whodunit though the clues were all there. Despite this, I liked the story and will most definitely be back. Treats for Wallace the Scottish terrier!

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting my latent Scottish ancestry flourish for a bit with this nod tae/to Scotland and the accent. Loved that the author wrote this during the planning for her own wedding.

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.

Candy Canes, Canines & Crime, by Kathy Manos Penn

 A Dickens & Christie Mystery #8 

I had to go cuddle with my Daisy dog a few extra times as I read this one. There’s no murder in this mystery but a beloved pet going missing is every pet owner's nightmare. And, of course, there’s far more to this than simply a missing pets story. 

I should note upfront that Leta and her pets talk, not only talk but understand each other. It all seems quite normal. I mean, while I'm sure there are many times I'd just as rather not know exactly what Daisy is thinking, I find myself talking aloud to her, telling her that I wish I could understand what she's saying as I read. She just gives me "that look". Leta does hear and understand her pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, but they are typical pets, full of love, fun and mischief. Nothing magical. In fact, it's Dickens' caring heart that leads him astray as he attempts to protect and help Buttercup, a fellow canine. You've gotta love that dog.

From there the story evolves into not just main character Leta's search for her missing canine friend but a tale of community wide dog napping. As Leta searches, she's also preparing for the arrival of boyfriend Dave, who had to return to New York to prepare for his move to England. She's surrounded by her friends, too, who want to help, particularly the LOL (Little Old Ladies) detective group. They definitely up their game in the quest to return not just Dickens to the safely of his home but other missing pets. All this, mind you, when a storm is kicking in, sending them driving in circles at times, not to mention sliding.

In other words, as noted, it's a character driven story, with both the human and critters playing important roles, and, wow, Ellie! Nope, not telling any more. You won't regret picking up this one to read. It has become a favorite and much anticipated read for me, one for which I set aside whatever else I'm reading to read. Give it a read! Heck, spoil yourself and get the entire series. It's that good.

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

 Publication Jan. 10, 2023 

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

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

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

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

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

The Story of Tutankhamun: An Intimate Life of the Boy who Became King, by Garry J. Shaw

 

Publication Jan. 2, 2023

Excellent and this is coming from someone who once pondered taking up the study of archeology. Well, until I realized how tedious and boring the parts that didn't involve finding riches beyond the imagination really was. Seriously, I've always found Tutankhamun fascinating, both from the standpoint of history and the wonder of what it really must have been like for him, as a quite young boy, to suddenly be turned into what might as well have been a god. 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Howard Carter's discovery of his long hidden tomb and more modern connected events. This book, which is an easy read, takes a fascinating look at both, not to mention offers up an extensive selections of endnotes, bibliography, index, and photos, some of which were genuinely new to me despite my long-held fascination with the find. 

In other words, even if you think you know everything there is about King Tut, as he's usually called, you're likely to find something new. I know I did. I most liked the author's weaving of a non-fictional story in what I'll dub a fictional manner, bringing the story to life. It gives it the "you are there" feel. You can almost feel the heat, noise, smells, and intense activity about Tut. While the author does not attempt to project feelings of awe, fear, or wonder on the boy king, he uses existing evidence to make some educated assumptions about what his life must have been like both before and after he became king. Even after his death, you're left feeling pangs of sympathy for his young wife as she strives to hold things together, being ultimately forced to wed a much older man who had been a trusted advisor to Tut. In other words, this is both a historical and very human story. 

One image that stayed with me involved the humble laborers who slaved away in a rush to create Tutankhamun's tomb, then the more modern laborers as they cleared and worked to move discovered treasures to safer confines. Unlike the burial workers, however, they did have a railroad of sorts, a trolley, perhaps we'd call it. Given the shortage of rails, however, workers had to built, disassemble, then repeat many times to move things from the tomb area to the museum or work spaces. Nor were they all in good condition. Did you know they had to, well, take Tut's mummified remains apart to get it out of the coffin that had been treated with an over-abundance of resin? As the author details, the funeral was a rushed job, despite the fact we'd consider it a long period in modern times to prepare a body for burial. Heck, the tomb used seems to even been borrowed, perhaps from Nefertiti. Evidence supporting this assumption/educated guess is within. Since I read something regarding Tut just recently, I believe on the belief that he had a clubbed foot, it's intriguing to know the background of the burial and how the rush and accidents may impact even modern findings. 

Seriously, give this one a read. Heck, even the infamous curse gets a nod, not to mention comedian Steve Martin's 1973 novelty song "King Tut". Yep, something for everyone. Thanks #NetGalley and #YaleUniversityPress for giving me the chance to renew my interest in all things King "Tut".

Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide, by Liz Ireland

 

Published Sept. 27, 2021

Fun. This is the second book in the series I've read, out of order, alas, but I found it just as delightful and imaginative as I did the first. Cast aside your preconceived ideas of Christmastown being the perpetually happy land of candy canes and sparkly delights. Well, no, they're there, so strike that. Okay, cast aside your image of Ol' Saint Nick as a fat, jolly, ol' man with the his sweet, slightly chubby wife, her gray hair covered by a lovely knit scarf as she bakes and bakes and bakes and, well, wait a minute. What else does Mrs. Claus do? 

Oh, never mind. The Mrs. Claus of this book, make that April Claus, is young, energetic, doesn't seem to much care for baking endless mounds of goodies, has a best friend who is an elf, and loves a good mystery. In fact, you might say she's obsessed with investigating although, quite frankly, she'd like to pretend her curiosity doesn't drive her into danger. Trust me, it does. Of course, Nick isn't a jolly ol' soul, either, and beardless is described as a surfer dude type. Christmas is their business, however, so what is all this hoopla about Halloween?

It seems to have started with an innocent remark by April that she rather missed Halloween. Christmastown is all about Christmas, 24/7, every day of the year. While there's a great deal to be said about living in a perpetual Christmas snow globe, her remark leads to Halloween being introduced to the residents of Christmastown. And, oh, what an assorted bunch they are. We have humans, of course, but elves make the town hum and seemingly run every kind of business. Far from being fun and full of good cheer 24/7, however, they show all the strengths and weaknesses of life outside. One, Tiny Sparkletoe, a shoemaker, think curly-toed elf wear, is egotistical, arrogant, and opposes the idea of Halloween coming to Christmastown. Do I need to give you any other hint who the murder victim is?

Oh, and did I mention the reindeer that not only fly but have attitude? Or the living snowmen? Literally alive, that is. The funicular run amuck? I was just glad I knew what a funicular was without having to look it up. Transport by sleigh? And, oh, yes, gigantic snow monsters. They're described basically as Neanderthals with very little brain but lots of attitude and since they're about 20 feet tall, well, you don't want to start a war with them, that's for sure. 

I know I haven't really described the plot but, well, the town itself and it's quirky residents and environment are so much fun that it's easy to forget there is a murder to solve? So, who trampled Tiny Sparkletoe, and I do mean literally trampled him? Why was his wife still doing cleaning services if he was as rich as he tried to say he was? How did the reindeer get drunk? And, oh, go read the book. It's a fun, easy read and will put a smile on your face as you follow April Claus as she tries to save both Christmastown's Halloween and help Nick, the Santa regent, soothe its citizens distress, not to mention find time amidst the distractions to get all those toys made! Love this series.

Irish Coffee Murderl, story collection by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross

 

Publication Jan. 24, 2023

The luck of the Irish was definitely with me. Not only a collection of mysteries built around the theme of Irish Coffee, but by three of my favorite authors and sets of characters. I definitely felt like I'd found the reader's pot of gold.

I won't detail the plot except to note that each author shines with their own voice and style. Even better, you don't have to be a former reader of that author to thoroughly enjoy the story, all of which include tidbits from past adventures but don't rely on them for the solution. Mysteries include the death of a single mother of a talented young Irish dancer, the poisoning of an up-and-coming stand-up comedian, and a very cold case, as in over a century old unsolved crime. The collection provides a great introduction to the various series and characters, including seeming to introduce some newcomers. In other words, a winning combination for both authors and readers. ENJOY! I know I did.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me over for some Irish Coffee.

FOR BLOG READERS, the publisher's book blurb:

" You don't need to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick's Day in Maine, where the chilly March weather offers the perfect excuse to curl up with an Irish coffee. But someone may have spiked this year's brew with
murder . . .

IRISH COFFEE MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Part-time reporter Lucy Stone is writing a piece for the Courier about four Irish step dancing students from Tinker's Cove on the cusp of making it big. But the story becomes headline news for all the wrong reasons when one girl's mother is found dead in her bathtub. Did a stage mom take rivalry too far, or is some other motive at play?

DEATH OF AN IRISH COFFEE DRINKER by LEE HOLLIS
As owner of Bar Harbor's hottest new restaurant, Hayley Powell offers to cater the after-party for popular comedian Jefferson O'Keefe, who's playing his old hometown for St. Patrick's Day. But it's no laughing matter when Jefferson keels over after gulping down his post-show Irish coffee, leaving Hayley to figure out who decided this joker had gone too far . . .

PERKED UP by BARBARA ROSS
It's a snowy St. Patrick's Day in Busman's Harbor. But when the power goes out, what better way for Julia Snowden to spend the evening than sharing local ghost stories--and Irish coffees--with friends and family? By the time the lights come back, they might even have solved the coldest case in town .

Brave Bird at Wounded Knee: A Story of Protest on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (I Am America Set 5), Rachel Bithell (author), Eric Freeberg (Illustrator)

 

Publication Jan. 1, 2023

Impressive. Patsy Antoine may be a fictional character but the events are real. As one with some Native ancestry, it's a story I knew but seeing it through the eyes of 11-year old Patsy, who is half-Lakota, made it all the more real to me. 

Author Rachel Bithell not only knows her material, but how to bring it alive to her audience, in this case ages 8-12/grades 4-6. She presents the material in a variety of ways, including letters, news clippings, and a journal Patsy begins when she visits the reservation with her father. There are illustrations interspersed throughout which, in their simplicity, add greatly to the mood, plus real photos at the end (of the digital version I read).

I liked the books straight-forward approach, one that neither elevates not derides the events of the occupation. It does, however, take the stance, via Patsy's belief, that violence isn't an answer. In the process, we learn a bit about life on the reservation in 1973 -- many still had only outhouses! -- as well as some words in Lakota. We're also gently directed to two excellent sources of information via a short research paper Patsy is urged to do for "extra credit" for her social studies class: "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and "Black Elk Speaks". Both are on my own bookshelves. 

Excellent work and one that should be shared. Reminders like Patsy's Lakota father having to hide his identity while her white mother goes to the bank to apply for a home loan are a reminder that equality touches many. And, that journal? Given to her by an understanding, caring teacher. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthStarEditions - #JollyFishPress for allowing me to reexamine the story of Wounded Knee. It's a story more should know about.

For blog readers: Here's the publisher's blurb for the book, taken from GoodReads:

"

It’s 1973, and in Denver, Colorado, Patsy Antoine doesn’t usually give much thought to her relatives living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After all, her classmates don’t even know she’s part Lakota. Then she learns the tiny town of Wounded Knee has been occupied. Now Patsy’s relatives are stuck amid the conflict between American Indian Movement activists and Oglala Lakota tribe members on the one side, and federal marshals and FBI agents on the other. When Patsy visits her relatives on Pine Ridge, she learns more about her heritage and the clashing perspectives on the Wounded Knee occupation. As she connects with her roots, Patsy must grapple with the complexities of the conflict and of being biracial. It’s the storytellers that preserve a nation’s history. But what happens when some stories are silenced? The I Am America series features fictional stories based on important historical events about people whose voices have been excluded, lost, or forgotten over time.

160 pages, Paperback

Death at Beresford Hall (Adam and Eve Mystery #4), by Emma Davies

 

 

Publication Dec. 6/7, 2022

This series keeps getting better and better. It was a delight to see young Adam, who once hid in a closet to avoid meeting people, take a major role in this installment. Fran, aka the Eve of the title, Francesca Eve, is roped into participating in a cooking show, giving her less time to devote to the issue at hand. Although it started with Fran and Adam responding to Detective Nell's request that they do some investigating of the delivery of disturbing gifts to the show's hostess, it evolves into a murder investigation when Miranda Appleby, face of the cooking show, is killed. Who killed Miranda? Why? And, why is the least likely killer the only suspect without an alibi? Who had the time, motive, and opportunity to kill Miranda?

Adam frequently finds himself on his own. True, he spends a quality amount of that time in the kitchen scarfing down whatever Beresford Hall's friendly, chatty cook puts in front of him, but that doesn't mean his mind isn't in overdrive. His ability to think outside the box, matched with Fran's observational skills, face a real challenge. Toss in the Fran is discovering that the raised adrenaline rush of cooking in front of cameras during a set time span and, well, she isn't quite as able to focus as usual. Far from being the benign, fun cooking show expected, they're suddenly faced with an array of suspects, some with secrets they'd just as rather remain hidden. The show has a few secrets it'd prefer remain unknown, too. 

Nope, not revealing any more of the plot. I will note that we get to see more of the human side of Nell, taxed with solving the case quickly, as well as how much she genuinely feels for those she seems to scare senseless when interrogating them. We also get an interesting look at the unreality of reality show such as this cooking competition. Let's just say, what viewers see isn't always exactly what happened, when. Bottom line, I was impressed by Fran's composure under pressure and Adam's growth from the beginning of the series until now. I mean, he's helped ascertain whether that dead body is really dead, a first for him, and is relying more on observation than his usual gadgets although, okay, there is that one time....no, nope, not telling. You're going to have to read the book. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to Adam and Fran/Eve's world again. I'm looking forward revisiting soon.

Prancer the Demon Chihuahua: Fashionista, Icon, and Heckin’ Good Boofer, by Pam Pho (author) , Cloris Chou (Illustrations)

 

Publication Jan. 17, 2023

I'm not so sure I'd call Prancer a demon but, well, then again, those aren't my shoes regularly being watered by Prancer. This is a cute one, aimed at children, and though it's subtle, shows the growing relationship between Prancer, the rescue Chihuahua, and his human. I mean, pay attention to how Prancer, the supposed author, refers to her human throughout. 

Adopted from Last Chance Rescue, Prancer seems to have become famous online, not to mention in drive-thru lines. The book part details Prancer's growing attachment to his human, Prancer's likes and dislikes as well as favorite activities, not to mention offers up cute little games and jokes throughout. My favorite joke, btw, is one my short legged corgi mix would agree with. "What do you call a Chihuahua in the rain? Mad." 

Chihuahua lovers are sure to find something familiar and to chuckle over as they read. I rated it a 3.5 for me, rounded to a 4, which is more likely to be an accurate rating for children. Thanks #NetGalley and #AndrewsMcMeelPublishing for introducing me to Prancer and giving me a few chuckles.