Four-Alarm Homicide (House-Flipper Mystery #6), by Diane Kelly

 Publication April 23, 2024

Whitney and Buck have no clue what a headache their latest flip project will be. It starts when they buy the old firehouse to renovate and sale, then take on an around-the-corner townhouse at the urging of its neighbor, Joanne. Little did they know that Joanne would die mysteriously in Whitney's arms not long after. The suspect list is obvious, the deceased's family, or maybe the seemingly greedy neighbor who, on the surface, appeared to be a dear friend, or, sigh, the lovely young couple living nearby that craved a bigger home for their expanding family. Suddenly it seems like they've barely gotten started when there is a crowd forming that insists on buying the place. Toss in some annoyingly wannabe-helpful senior citizens who believe they know more about renovation than Whitney and, well, things are both chaotic and testy.

I've come to love this series. It's one that, quite frankly, I tend to pick up asap to read and seem compelled to finish asap, too. I mean, I can sleep another time, right? After opening with a humorous scene, let's just say involving a fireman's pole, the characters and set-up may seem to lag but important information was being shared about relationships and the sites. To be honest, I had the wrong person in my sights, although it ultimately all made sense. I really enjoy how Whitney seems to find a way to use her and cousin Buck's current projects in a positive way before selling, too. That adds to the overall positive vibes I always get from this series, not to mention the frequent viewpoint of Sawdust, Whitney's cat. The other regulars are nicely characterized and you'll even learn a bit about mortgages and home ownership complications. Heck, not to give away too much, but you'll even get some info on how arson investigators. well, investigate how/where fires were started. And, oh, you'll love the ending. 

Bottom line, this was a fun, easy read that kept me invested in what was happening, even if my amateur sleuth skills were lacking this go-round. The sites and potential seen in them is always fascinating and it's nice to see recurring side-characters pop up and play a role. So, house flipping, renovation, entertaining if annoying seniors, a feisty cat, fireman's pole, loud fire alarm, squabbling family, romance, and, oh, yes, a recipe at the end. Fun read that, although I highly recommend you check out the entire series simply because it's a great read, works well as a standalone. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for letting me have a sneak peek at Whitney and cousin Buck's latest project, not to mention the invite to the big event at the end.

The Poison Pen: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery (#9), by Paige Shelton

 

Publication April 9, 2024

Virtually shadowing Delaney as she works her way through the maze of oblique, confusing clues is also reather like doing a complicated jig-saw puzzle. A large, complex jig-saw puzzle. Just when you think you've found the right piece, boom, nope, and you throw up your hands in frustration. Yet, after you take a few deep breaths (and probably collect the pieces you've also tossed away in frustration), the puzzle slowly, achingly slowly, begins to come together. 

Who killed the seemingly innocuous Alban? He seemed to have no real enemies or, for that matter, friends. Elias, who drove Delaney to an appointment at Jolie Lannister's home, is friends with Homer, the man found standing over the victim with a bloodied rake. The story, with all its maddening twists and turns and countless detours, is off-and-running from that point. As always, Shelton's writing is excellent, managing to capture both Delaney's horror and her need to establish order in what she's seen. In the process, we learn quite a bit about not just Scottish history and pride, including a few Scottish phrases, but how strict relic related laws are about not just the handling of such items as a (maybe) Crusader sword, but who has custody of such items. Delaney's boss Edwin, always a bit mysterious, doesn't always seem to quite follow the exact letter of the law but means well, we discover. So, who are the others lusting after the sword and what might they do to obtain it? And, what the heck does the late Queen Elizabeth and once king Edward and Wallis Simpson have to do with anything? 

I won't detail the plot. It's complicated and at times seem to go off in different directions. In the process of watching Delaney try to tie all the clues together, you'll get to meet some interesting characters. It works well as a standalone but long time readers will delight in a glimpse of Edwin MacAlister's past as well as getting to know Delaney's husband Tom's father better. Then there is Jolie, who turns out to be a hoarder in fear of being forcibly removed from her home by an obnoxious lawyer. Why is the lawyer suddenly so insistent? Why show up after the discovery of the sword? Good thing Delaney seems to have Inspector Winters on speed dial. And, who is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. All in all a sometimes perplexing but always satisfying read with interesting characters and story lines. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for inviting me along for this virtual visit to Delaney and Scotland. Always a pleasure.

 

Falling for Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska #1), by Belle Calhoune

 Publication March 26,2024

As an Alaskan, I'm always a sucker for a book related to Alaska. While I'm reading fewer romances nowadays, shrug, I found this one a fun, easy read. I liked the main characters, Xavier and True, and the others about them. From the moment the book opened on Xavier and his two younger brothers as children dealing with their parent's divorce and move to Arizona from Alaska -- talk about different environments! -- I was hooked. True seemed a bit prickly, for lack of a better word, when we met her but as we get to know her back story, including her parent's death in a plane crash and raising her younger brother alone, I came to like and respect her....even when her hormones seemed to run out of control at times. Xavier's grandmother, despite living on borrowed time, is a hoot and someone we'd all enjoy having as a grandma. Even Xavier's two brothers, although we don't get to know them as well, are likable. Toss in the beauty of Alaska and I simply sit back and enjoyed the read.

We get to see the story build through different viewpoints, too, from Xavier and True, to Hattie, the grandmother's take on things. That helps give us a fuller picture. And, oh, how could I not love the name Northern Exposure for Hattie's business that True manages and dreams of owning one day. Sparks seemed to fly the moment True and Xavier set eyes on each other but that didn't make the road to couple-hood any easier. Toss in humor and the beauty of the area, not to mention a moose or two, and you have a fun romance to watch build, hit a few bumps, and finally find its balance once both Xavier and True face old emotional bruises head-on. Thank you #NetGalley and #Forever - #GreatCentralPublishing for inviting me for a virtual visit to the Kenai to meet True and Xavier. I'm looking forward to my next visit already.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Plants and Flowers: What Will You Find?, by Editors of Storey Publishing

 

Publication March 26, 2024

Fun! Even better, shh, don't tell the kids, it's educational. Kids of all ages, including us old kids, can learn quite a bit from this deceptively simple book. The illustrations (see cover) are realistic, mostly photos, and colorful, and draw you into the text. While the cover lured me in, I was definitely impressed with not only the illustrations and organization, but the numerous variety of hands-on activities suggested throughout. Each section ended with ideas for getting involved, getting your hands dirty, so to speak. I've read that there are even stickers provided in the actual book for children to use to mark their discoveries as they investigate the world of plants and flowers, not to mention berries and grasses. As an adult who still loves stickers, I can see where they would be a great motivator. 

The info is presented in an easy to read manner but don't let that fool you. It's full of great info and ideas, as well as photos showing the various items mentioned. I would anticipate many children gravitating to the activity showing them how to use the juices of various plants and berries to create masterpieces of their own designs. In addition, if you have a budding prince or princess, there are instructions on how to create flower/plant crowns, not to mention many, many more activities to get them involved. As almost any teacher will tell you, getting children to feel a part of the actual learning (without knowing it) is half the battle. 

This lovely, colorful, easy-to-read book would make a lovely gift for both children and not-so-young adults, too. I'll also mention that the book takes the space to caution young explorers about plants to be avoided, not to mention warns them simply not to go around picking flowers without permission. That brought back memories of plucking some of my grandma's beloved roses as a child. She was gracious but, of course, in retrospect, may have been holding back tears. In any case, thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek. If there wasn't three feet of snow outside my windows here in Alaska, I'd be outside checking out some of nature's beautiful works of wonder.

Rhythm and Clues (Record Shop Mystery #3), Olivia Blacke

 Publication March 28, 2024

What song makes you flashback to the past?  Makes you remember who you were with and where? Makes you instantly remember the emotions that song conjures up? 

Juni probably has that song on vinyl. She and her sisters operate Sip & Spin Records, It came into being on the back of nostalgia for vinyl records and although it's been doing okay, they are considering a proposal from a financier who turns out to have a sketchy record, both in business and his personal relationships. During a business meeting at a hockey game, he flirts openly with Juni despite "not my boyfriend" Beau being with her. I've been to hockey games and am amazed anyone would consider having a business meeting there but, well, to each his own. Not surprisingly, it's a no sale and Juni and Beau leave early.

Then a torrential storm hits, leading Juni and a sister to check out the status of the shop. Just as they're about to leave, they hear a horrible crash outside. Someone has hit their car during the downpour. Even worse, turns out someone is dead. Guess who? Yep, the too hands on financier, Zack. That's when things get complicated. Was it an accident or murder? Who'd be out in the middle of an almost historic storm, manage to hurl a brick at the windshield, and kill Zack? As it turns out, there are multiple suspects with good reason to wish him dead. Juni is determined to figure out whodunit, even while being warned away by Beau, the local detective and Juni's high school beau. 

To be honest, although I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, either, but never quite felt pulled into caring, if that makes sense. Although I like the characters and idea of the vinyl record shop, I just didn't feel invested enough in the story to care, although I will admit I was delighted to see the end of the love triangle. I don't care for that tactic in any book, to be honest. In this case, it seemed to be as much about that as it was the mystery. Juni's investigations seem to have even become a bit of a joke in the gossip-filled, or should I say fueled town, too, and the side stories were more a distraction than anything else. Toss in the weirdness of the unexpected guest and Juni's mom issues and it was hard to remain focused on whodunit. 

Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this book. It was a relatively quick read that did keep me reading until the end although, quite frankly, I am still not quite sure why the killer killed. That said, I have enjoyed the series and look forward to getting back in sync with Juni and the gang next book. Curious to see if the end of the love triangle holds and what mischief Juni will get herself involved in next. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for inviting me along for this nostalgic trip down musical lane.

Sam’s New Sister (Norman the Button Book 4), by Michelle Olson

 

Absolutely adorable. What a delight! 

Even more importantly than its adorableness, "Sam's New Sister" captures some of the ordinary worries of children, from dealing with a new sibling to feeling like an outsider in one's own family. Children will be captivated by Sam's troubles while adults will perhaps have a wistful smile as they read with a child. Both can enjoy the story as Sam, so accustomed to being the center of attention, suddenly feels displaced by the arrival of a new, "adopted sister", Maggie. 

I'm betting lots of us have at least wanted to run away from home at one time or the other, too, so that's a universal theme. I mean, come on. Even we so-called adults sometimes wish we could run away from home. I had to grin remembering one of my own "runaway" experiences, venturing no further than the apple orchard you could see from about every window in the house but feeling like I'd gone into exile forever at the time. Sam opts for, well, a distant place from his snug craft box, the edge of the counter. How that brings Sam and his little sister Maggie together is a sweet, relatable tale I'll leave for readers to discover.

I have to admit, I adored the illustrations. While many children's books are illustrated by drawings, these seem to be photo-like renditions of the action being described. Sam's button family lives in a cozy craft box, surrounded by everyday "crafty" items. My favorite, I think, was the "beadball" hoop, made using a thimble as the hoop. It'd make a fun activity to see how many items you can spy as you read. While many children may not be familiar with them all, I bet many adult readers will be. The yarn alone made me itch to reach out and touch its softness. 

I really want to know more about how the author, who is also the illustrator, created the illustrations. They most definitely spurred both my curiosity and ideas to try for some creative photography with the help of my computer. Thanks so much Michelle Olson for asking me to read and review this book. It definitely won't be my last Button Family visit.

Three Fudges and a Baby (Candy-Coated, #12), by Nancy CoCo

 

Publication March 26, 2024

Would you be willing to sell your soul to "the devil" to help a friend?

The emotions seem to swirl about in this book. Not only Jenn, past her due date and insistent she just can't have this baby without doula Hannah there, but the family ties that both complicate and comfort, not to mention bumps on the road to romance. If it isn't obvious, I love books that are character driven and this one is that plus. Allie is dealing with all of them, not to mention keeping her fudge business going during off-season on Mackinac Island. I've never been there but have come to adore Mackinac Island's slower moving, ol' fashioned ways. I mean, the cops ride bicycles and we're talking the kind you peddle, not motorized. Horse-drawn carriage meander about with both locals and tourists and Victorian homes seem to dominate much of the area. 

Jenn's raw emotions and determination to have her baby on the island with the help of Hannah and a midwife come to dominate Allie's hours, hours complicated by the arrival of her mother with an ol' boyfriend of Allie's in tow. Seems he's done well for himself and flown in on his own plane and dear ol' mom thinks Allie should give him another chance. After all, he may be governor someday. Never mind Allie is in love with Rex, the island's investigative detective. And, oh, my, Allie and Jenn stumble across a murder victim and, yikes, holding the gun is Hannah, who turns out to have been his girlfriend. That's when things get complicated.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot because it's too much fun to immerse yourself in life in Mackinac and Allie's world to spoil anything. Let's just say, things get testy between Rex and Allie as she plows forward trying to help Jenn by investigating. As usual, that means putting herself in danger although I'm glad to see she's gotten far smarter about having backup handy. So, who killed Matthew, a man everyone seems to have liked? Could it really have been Hannah? How far will Allie go to help Jenn? What does her mother say that gives Allie pause about her life's plan? Why does having your reputation precede you both help and hinder?  How reliable are eye-witnesses? Is Jenn being devious? Who...oh, never mind. Enough teasers. This book is a fun read with great characters and a unique setting. I love how character driven it is, almost to the point that whodunit becomes secondary to trying to mentally sort out the side stories. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this sneak peek at the turmoil and joy surrounding Jenn's blessed event.

That's So New York: Short (and Very Short) Stories about the Greatest City on Earth, by Dan Saltzstein

 

Publication March 12, 2024

Illustrations by Emily Carpenter, design by Jon Glick

Anything can and does happen in New York. Some are improbable, like the person stepping on a rat and getting a sort of skateboard ride, or having Sting sit down beside you at a club show. I've never been to NYC but have friends there and have, of course, visited virtually many times via the screen, most recently an upscale area hosting the show "Only Murders in the Building". I'm leaning toward thinking I'd be more at home in the "In the Heights" area, however. I do have friends who frequent NYC and based on their stories and photos would have to say this book captures the reality, good and bad, and humor nicely.

It definitely does an excellent job of capturing random moments, both in words and artwork. To be honest, I was probably more captivated by the seemingly always in motion, colorful, diverse illustrations. The colors and vibes seemed to almost jump out at you at time. The accompanying blurbs/captions were often humorous and to the point, whether capturing street scenes or riding the subway. It was definitely interesting to discover that having a bladder of steel might be a must qualification for subway operators. And, oh, my, the stories from the woman involved in pest removal. Rats! Let's just say, rats seem to be a dominant thread of NYC memories. 

Oddly enough, while negative memories were frequent shares, that actually made the book all the more powerful. Heaven only knows there are plenty of commercially prepared raves about not just NYC but just about any local. The negatives somehow seemed to blur into a blurred memory of mixed feelings. Maybe a sense of "Yeah, we got rats. So what? They're our rats." Overall, of course, the book is positive, maybe not quite a love letter to New York City but definitely a positive remembrance. I mean, even Sully doing an emergency landing on the Hudson River was somehow initially momentarily viewed as an "Are they filming a movie?" scene. Yes, definitely only in NYC could a large passenger plane landing on a major river be seen as just another movie scene. Thanks #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for the unpredictable virtual tour. I still want to hear more about Molly Jong-Fast's haunted childhood home, of course.

Introverts Unite to Color! But Separately and In Your Own Homes: A Comically Calming Adult Coloring Book for Introverts, from H.R. Wallace Publishing

 

Color on! Go dig out your colored pencils or markers or a long forgotten box of crayons. There's fun to be had here. There's something relaxing about simply sitting down in a comfy chair and coloring a picture. We knew it as children but somehow forgot this simple pleasure as we aged. 

While this collection targets introverts, it should be a fun, relaxing activity for all, even if you tend to color outside the lines. I could go into great detail about the benefits but, well, fun tops the list for me. I've always enjoyed coloring and have several adult coloring books scattered about at any given time. The drawings just begging to be colored here are humorous and offer the chance for lots of color choices. My only qualm was that although there is a dog in one of the pictures, this one was probably largely designed with cat people in mind. No matter. Still fun.

The drawings are cute and funny. See the cover. There are 58 pages with fun sayings. Each drawing occupies a full page with the facing side blank, meaning you can easily remove said artwork without having to choose one side over the other. I had the ebook version, so can't address the quality of the paper but given the design, lean toward it probably being quite appropriate for most coloring tools, maybe even paints. No author/illustrator credited, so probably done in house by the publishers. 

Kudos to the creators who managed one of my favorite sayings since covid appeared, "It's too peopley outside." Another, although I'd have to change the "cat" to "dog", was "I'd love to but my cat and I already have plans." "Enjoy the silence" was another appropriate one for those of us who crave the peace of silence and nothing but a furry pet to distract us from out books, ie "Not today. I'm already booked". Bottom line, lots of fun. Thanks #NetGalley and #HRWallacePublishing for the creative inspiration.

The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom The Board Game Chronicles: Book 1, by Kim Davis

 Publication January 30, 2024

Fun! Just plain ol' fun. A bit of a mix of Alice in Wonderland, albeit with a mint green rabbit, and Dorothy trying to find her way home from Oz, with maybe a bit of Wonka treats tossed in for good measure. It's a quick, easy read and I'm not sure I stopped grinning more than a time or two all the way through. Magical gingerbread characters, an enchanted horse, castles, kings and princesses, and Taylor Swift even gets a mention. Sorry about your Swiftie tee-shirt, Amber.

After starting out in a realistic bent, an older sister annoyed at missing her BFF's birthday party to babysit her little sister, things get interesting. Ava, the little sister, keeps insisting Amber play the Sweet Treats board game with her and, even worse, keeps beating Amber. In a fit of anger, Amber flings the board away, breaking it into pieces. That's when the fun begins. Sucked into a swirling vortex, Amber and Eva find themselves in a land ruled by an evil queen, one where they soft land on what appears to be a football-sized trampoline of .... jello? Nope, you're not in California any more, girls. That was no earthquake.

I stopped taking notes at that point and just enjoyed. We meet an array of characters, from the rabbit and gingerbread families, to an enchanted horse, not to mention a syrup swamp and tales of golden princesses. Amber just wants to rescue her sister and go home. First she has to find her, however. I won't ruin the story and share. It's much too much fun to start your journey with a blank slate just as Amber does after her sister is taken away by the evil queen. I honestly didn't intend to read it all in basically one setting but, well, once I started reading, I fell under the book's spell and next thing your know, "The End". How it got there is yours to discover. Enjoy the trip and don't eat too many sweet treats. Sugar highs can be rough, you know. Thanks #BookSirens and author #KimDavis for giving me this sneak peak at a brand new middle-grade series. I'm way past that age but I'll be back.