Poppy Done to Death(Aurora Teagarden #8), by Charlaine Harris

 

I've had this one sitting around the house for awhile and decided to give it another read before donating it to the library for their used book sale. Let's just say I'm not very good at remembering whodunit. It's one of those books I didn't love but didn't hate. The characters would probably be considered stereotypes today (the book is nearly two decades old) and, boy, but one had to wonder if anyone in town was actually faithful to their marriage vows. Oh, not Aurora (Roe), she's true blue and loyal to her writer boyfriend but overall doesn't seem to judge people. we actually get a look at her family this go-round when her brother Phillip (there's a story there) shows up uninvited after basically running away from home due to infidelity there. Me thinks he chose the wrong town but Roe seems determined to do her best for him. 

As for the murder, it leads Roe to a flood of secrets in her small, Southern town. She also learns more about Poppy than she perhaps ever wanted to know, too. Poor Poppy, who was, let's see if I can get this right, Roe's step-sister-in-law (there's another story there) about to receive the honor of being inducted into the Uppity Women Book Club. She's a no-show at the induction, however, which embarrasses Roe, who does try hard to do the right thing. Needless to say, as soon as possible Roe goes looking for her, determined to give her a piece of her mind. That's when the story really starts for, as the title says, she finds Poppy dead in her own home. Equally disturbing, Poppy's husband John David is nowhere to be found. Poppy tracks him down and is soon investigating. As noted, she turns up lots of information and clues, some of which she'd just as rather have not seen or know. Needless to say, in this bed-hopping community, the suspects are frequently linked or related, adding to the difficulty. 

Okay, not detailing the plot any further. It's not my favorite series by Harris but was entertaining once you get past the infidelities of so many. Glad I picked it up for some idle reading. The ending was well worth the read.

When Dogs Work, by Opal Sinclair

 Publication Nov. 12, 2024

Dog person that I am, I was drawn to this book. I liked it even more as I began to peruse the pages. The pictures are real people and real working dogs. By that I mean that they appear to be genuine photos taken in action, not something posed. There are a variety of dogs and human characters, not to mention a herd of sheep. Love those guardian dogs. The author dedicates the book to her own dogs, too, a nice touch and loved the paw/hand photo used with the dedication.

Each working type gets a two page spread. One page is devoted to a short, rhythmical description of the dog's job. It's accompanied by a color photo of that type of dog doing its job. There's a bit of humor in the text, too, a plus for children who enjoy a giggle. As noted, the descriptions are brief. The author isn't trying to tell us everything there is to know about each canine job, simply to share the very basics of the job and, so to speak, offer kudos to those dogs. As an Alaskan who has attended many sled dog events, of course, I feel compelled to mention the inclusion of sled dogs as a canine job. Yeah, huskies. My favorite canine job, though, was the last one mentioned, the job of being a pet dog. In other words, they have a job, too. It's to love us and be there for us every day. My corgi mix, whose heritage would call her a working (herding) dog, falls into that category and I, for one, appreciated the inclusion. 

Finally, the book closes with a list of suggested activities to expand upon the contents and focus on the idea of helping these dogs symbolize. The suggestions are simple one that anyone can do. They don't involved collecting a bunch of supplies and finding a specific time or place. In fact, one is simply to note dogs to the child when out and about on daily routines, asking questions such as what kind of dog do you think that is or what sort of job might that dog be suited for. All easy and low pressure type activities. Thanks #PajamaPress - #PublisherSpotlight for giving me a sneak peek at this book. I'll definitely be mentioning it to my friends.

The Poison Pen Letters(The Village Detectives #2), by Fiona Walker

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2024

I found myself all over the place with this one. On the one hand, it used an unique murder weapon, that's for sure. I honestly didn't care much for the characters as the book began but they did grow on me as I got to know them better. I'm not sure if reading the first book in this series would have made a difference. Probably not as it eventually worked as a standalone for me. I did seriously wish they'd find Juno the perfect boyfriend soon, if only so she'd stop obsessing over men so much. Part of her character, true, but it did distract me at times. Phoebe, the writer and possible target of the murder, and her husband Felix, a film producer, seemed genuinely in love even while they also seemed to both push and pull away repeatedly. It's obvious they care for each other. Mil Winterbourne, was younger than the rest but has a crush on Juno that she can't quite bring herself to reciprocate. 

These relationships, good, bad, or indifferent, are sidelined when Phoebe's chatty postman Craig is murdered. Let's just say a package he was delivering to Phoebe explodes and kills him. Was he the intended target or Phoebe? Who'd hate either of them enough to kill them in such a dramatic manner? As it turns out, Phoebe does have a long list of potential enemies. She's been stalked before and getting an invite to her own funeral the day before is rather telling about who the intended victim was, I'd say. Phoebe's friends, who've been dubbed the Village Detectives, gather to investigate and then scatter here and there to do so. I won't detail the plot further other than to say the ending was quite intense.

Despite the murder and following events, there is also humor. Just the characters alone provided much of it, especially their thoughts as they encounter others. Juno and Felix combining forces to investigate offered lots of laughs as well as "Uh, oh, what if..." thoughts. And, as over-the-top as Juno's man crazy persona was, I found myself liking her and thinking she'd be someone I'd want on my side. Readers just need to relax and go with the flow, so to speak, and not try to make it all make sense as frequently as I initially did. The theme of cyber stalking is definitely a timely one, so that kept my attention, too. The red herrings are plentiful, as are the twists and turns. While not quite the book for me, 3.5 rounded to 4 stars, it was still an intriguing read with characters you're likely to grow to like. I may make a point of reading the first book now because it's a series that intrigued (yes, there's that word again) me enough to want to know them all more. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Phoebe, Felix, Juno, and Mil early, not to mention the rest of the cast of characters. That ending was both intense and funny, something hard to make come off but the author managed it well.

Last Dance in Salzburg, by Vivian Conroy

 

Publication Nov. 8, 2024

This was a delightful mix of intrigue, romantic angst, looking back, wishing things had been different, finding oneself, deciding what is most important in your life, and history. Quite a mixture, huh? And, I didn't even mention that murder is involved. Actually, let me back up. It begins with a mysterious invite to attend a ballet in Salzburg. It's to honor both an 18th birthday celebration and anniversary of a jewel heist of a sapphire necklace at the same location. The invitation is sent to Atalanta's late grandfather, Clarence Ashford, but she is intrigued enough by the wording to be determined to attend in his place. 

Just as she might be wavering, handsome, flirtatious Raoul appears and agrees to go with her. I'm not going to detail the plot other than to say that initially much of it seems focused on Atalanta's romantic yearnings for Raoul, a famous race car driver. We get a peek into his childhood this go-round, one that helps explain his determination not to become seriously involved with Atalanta. In any case, who murdered the man just released from prison for the theft of the sapphire necklace. It's all wrapped up in the past, of course, meaning Atalanta has two cases to solve to her satisfaction. There are also a host of potential suspects for the murder Alalanta stumbles across while chasing after....oh, I think I'll leave that for you to find out. It's all part of the overall mixed bag of themes mentioned. Alalanta, whose name means "huntress", is caught between yearning for a dance with Raoul and finding a murderer, not to mention protecting her late grandfather's reputation. An impulsive young ballerina eloping with her somewhat older beau complicates things. 

Bottom line, I liked Atalanta and despite her frustration with Raoul, came away with more respect for him than in the past. Respect and a sense of sadness at his personal baggage. His comment about how a passion become an obsession was telling of his own parent's relationship. Even the stuffy upper crust characters largely came across sympathetically. Renard, who was her grandfather's butler, while admitting even he doesn't know the full truth of the stolen sapphire case her grandfather investigated, plays a vital role this go-round. I've barely touched the surface here but if you like stories set in fabulous setting that are quite character driven, you'll like this once you settle into the slower pace. Thanks #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter for allowing me to take a virtual time travel trip back to November 1930 to catch up early with the complicated, intriguing Atalanta.

The Gardener's Plot, by Deborah J. Benoit

 Publication Nov. 5, 2024

I'm not much of a gardener but I love flowers, so decided to give this one a chance. I'm so glad I did. While I have to admit to finding Maggie Walker's questioning style pushy and rather obvious, I liked her. Like many, she's making a new start by going back to known places, ie living in her late grandmother's home, and dealing with both old friends and enemies as well as trying to make new friends. She's a master gardener and has started writing a gardening column for the local paper, so she seems to be on the right track. Even more impressive, she was tapped to help organize the local community garden. She's excited about that...until she discovers a boot in one of the plots. A boot attached to a foot. Uh, oh.

Without giving away the plot, I will say that while it seemed slow in spots, my hunch is we were getting valuable background for future book in a series. At least I hope so. I liked Maggie, pushy and occasionally fractious as she was when confronted by the standard operating procedure of the police. There seems to be a history with local police chief Sam, one that has lead to Sam's wife Catherine being openly hateful to Maggie. And, oh, that detective, Matt Quinn. While grudgingly admitting he's good looking, Maggie seems at odds with him the entire book. Well, almost the entire book. Love the possibilities the ending offers. Like Maggie, Sam and Matt seem to be good people, caught in the middle between their softer side and the bureaucracy of police procedure. Maggie's friend and neighbor, Sally, is there for Maggie, even when she fears it might put her family in danger. And, yes, danger is lurking. Not one but two murders occur. Even worse, Maggie is with Sally when they stumble across the second body thanks to Sally's dog Dreyfus. And that's just the beginning of the action, which also involves snotty encounters with Catherine, cranky garden plot owners, Maggie's annoying pest of a cousin, and a growing fear that this isn't over simply because the bodies have been discovered. Trust me, it isn't. 

You don't have to be a gardener to enjoy this one, either. In fact, if you read carefully, you might even pick up a few helpful tidbits. Maggie and Sally, the featured characters, are quite likable and seem to work well together, showing promise as amateur sleuths. Maggie seems to recognize at the end that her probing questions may have help create the danger Sally and she faced at the end, too, so it'll be interesting to see how that balances with her natural curiosity and need to know. Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early introduction to Maggie and the cast of characters that surround her. And, oh, I definitely liked the role the K9 police dog played at the end. What can I say? I'm a dog person. Grin.

The Body in the Lighthouse (A Georgina Drake Mystery #4), by Kate Hardy

Publication October 29, 2024

I'm hooked. Once I started reading, I was compelled to finish. I've come to like Georgina, Colin, and the cast of characters that surrounds her. It's a pleasure to see a main character who actually works with the police, not against them, and doesn't hesitate to share any info gathered. Nor does she go dashing off into dangerous situations, something few of our other favorite amateur sleuths can boast of. She's smart, cares about others, and able to sort out things not always obvious to the frequently overworked and stressed Colin. I have to admit to patting myself on the back, of course, for picking up on a missed clue before it became important, so maybe I'm getting better at this sleuthing thing, too. Toss in Georgina's spaniel Bert, who has the not-so-desired trait of digging up bodies, and it's a fun read.

The author does an excellent job of mixing myth and history, fuzzy as some of the events were in most memories. I won't detail the plot as I don't want to give away too much as the twists and turns are part of the fun, not to mention they make our brains work We're reminded of a history within the lifespan of many of us, however, when acceptance of differences was not common and those who wavered from the expected path might face danger. Everyone has secrets but, as the book notes, secrets kept can fester. This time they lead to murder. Who killed developer Eliot Manson and his girlfriend? Why? As it turns out, the list of suspects is a long one. There's also the matter of the human bone Bert digs up? Who was it? Why were they buried at the lighthouse? Does the legend of Black Shuck, a huge mastiff that once seen means you only have a week to live, have something to do with this situation? Priests' holes? What is Georgina learning about Colin during all this, well, aside from reaffirming his fatigue at being compared to Mr. Darcy? Oh, and so many Shakespeare references, too. What's up with that? 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are likable, people whose situations most can relate to, and the setting is lovely. You'll learn some history, not to mention Shakespeare quotes, and get to hang out with some adorable dogs. And, oh, I can't forget Doris. Doris is a ghost heard only by Georgina via her hearing aid. I feared Doris might be gone after the last book so was delighted to see her pop up again, especially with news of her beloved Harrison. She's able to be part of the investigation, too, an extra plus. Colin remains a tad stuffy but we learn more of his backstory, too, one that impacted his life, so he's making strides forward with Georgina. Thanks #StormPublishing for allowing me this early look at all that is going on in Georgina's world. As an amateur photographer myself, I found myself drawn to her initially and have come to like her a great deal. I'm looking forward to the next book to see if my hunch about what secret she's keeping from Colin is right, not to mention if she'll actually share it with him.

A New Lease on Death(Supernatural Mysteries #1), by Olivia Blacke

 

Publication October 29, 2024

I've got to admit, the premise of a ghost somehow investigating a murder drew me in. I was probably more invested in the frustrating situation between Cordelia, the ghost, and Ruby, the living, then sorting out who killed Jake. I love such character driven stories. Their ability to even communicate seemed limited, so how could they work together? What fun to see how they gradually found and then smoothed out their means of communication, albeit Ruby seemed to have a tendency to misread or not even catch some of Cordelia's initially fumbling efforts. Next time something electronic goes poof at my place, I think I may simply blame it on wandering ghosts. Grin.

Cordelia and Ruby basically alternate perspectives, giving us a view of life, er, death from Cordelia's side and Ruby's struggling real life. While there is humor, there is also an air of sadness to the story, one that deals with more than one real world issue. While they're not situated in a bad area, they're not in a good one, either, hence life isn't easy for Ruby. In any case, as the book progresses, we get to experience the frustration Cordelia feels as a ghost watching things happen that she had no power in which to intervene. Cordelia hasn't even been dead long and is still learning the abilities and limits to her powers. Not exactly the ideal working relationship but somehow they make it work. 

I found myself genuinely liking both Cordelia and Ruby, even if she never seemed to stop talking. The chasm that existed between the deal and living was seemingly insurmountable and we don't know much about either as the book begins. How will they figure out who killed Jake? For that matter, who'd want to kill Jake? Was his death somehow connected to Cordelia's mysterious, reported suicide earlier? Why can't ghosts remember the details of their death? Will Ruby discover any workable leads from Cordelia's awkward prods? What do Cordelia's "flashbacks" have to do with anything? Why are people fighting over Jake's not particularly great apartment? Why was Jake outside without shoes anyway? And....nope, more than enough teasers. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to this bewildering but fascinating duo. I'm most definitely looking forward to book two after that teaser at the end from Ruby!

Deader Than a Wet Hen (A Dixie French Mystery Book 2), by Ella Duke

 

Publication October 8, 2024

I like Dixie and Miriam but, man, they are not very good detectives. They're way too obvious and, especially in Dixie's case, way too direct in their questioning. Dixie can get away with a certain amount of curiosity due to her relatively newcomer in town status but that may be dwindling. That said, it really doesn't matter, They are likable with hearts of gold, even if bumbling into situations at times they are unable to handle alone. Fortunately, police officer/friend Toni tends to have their backs while, at the same time, practically begging them to stay out of the investigation. Their disregard or blindness to this aspect of the situation, one where the police chief is riding Toni's back with threats of demotion and such, is one thing I don't like about them. That said, they did seem better at trying to convey information they stumble across to Toni in a more timely matter this go-round. Never mind that their idea of timely and Toni's may not exactly jibe. 

There are lots of laughs, most at the misguided efforts of Dixie and Miriam to investigate. I mean, being caught staring at suspicious (to them) customers in Twin Perks, the local coffee shop, and then tailing them in a flashy, bright colored vehicle isn't exactly subtle. Kudos to the prey, er, suspects, for how they elude them without much effort, however. So, who did kill home-town fishing tournament hero Greg Cole? Are tournaments really that cut-throat? Well, after reading of the prizes, maybe. Greg has friends and supporters in town, some long-time friends, but his ex-wife obviously isn't among his cheerleaders. Could she have killed him? And, hey, what about the duo Dixie and Miriam dubbed suspicious? What connection did they have to the ex-wife? You'll even learn how some contestants attempt to cheat in the tournament, one tactic I've seen used even here in Alaska. Did the location of the murder have anything to do with anything? I mean, a waterfall (inspired by a real one, btw) that could only be reached by boat? Does that narrow the list of suspects? Will DIxie and Miriam manage to survive their sleuthing without getting Toni demoted or even, yikes, fired? 

And, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Despite the fact that I frequently found myself going "No! Don't do it!" in my head at their impulses, I thorough enjoyed my time with Dixie and Miriam. I mean, after all, I'm reasonably safe since it's only a virtual visit, right? Thanks #BookSirens and #EllaDuke for introducing me to Dixie and Miriam's world, frustrating as it may be at times watching them in action. Bring on the next adventure!

Santa Overboard (Potomac Shores #2), Carolyn McBride

 

Available Sept. 24, 2024   Audio Book   3h 55m      Narrated by Maria Marquis 

This was a fun mix of romance and women finding themselves, with a touch of humor, and, obviously, Christmas magic. Having not read the previous book, this was my intro to the series. It did take me a bit to sort of the various characters although I swiftly admired their strength both as individuals and a group. I will note upfront that covid and the pandemic is mentioned frequently, so keep that it mind if that is a trigger for you. The main character, in fact, Katie, lost her mother to the disease. Katie is now trying to find herself after that and, well, let's just say, bad luck with men/marriage. As a result, she's reluctant to trust herself, ie take a chance on loving again. Her family and friends, known collectively as the Beach Bonfire Babes, are there for her, however, plus a new friend she makes who loves the feel of boating as much as she does. Together, with romantic interest Deke, she has a formidable support group.

While it seemed a bit slow paced at time, the narrator, Maria Marquis was excellent. She did a great job conveying the various, often rapidly changing emotions/moods, and seemed to genuinely be enjoying the story just as much as listeners. She even did a good job of voicing both men and women, not always the case with narrators. Chapter changes were simply announced, ie "Chapter (whatever)" and we moved on. As for the characters themselves, they were an interesting bunch but, probably on me more than the author given distractions as I was listening, I didn't feel like I got to know most well. Not sure whether reading the first book or not would help in this instance but it didn't impact my understanding of the plot and basic situations.

The chief relationship, of course, is between Katie and Deke. Both have been wounded by love in the past, so they do have baggage that they bring to the relationship. Deke seems the more solid of the twosome despite initially being unable to grasp how much their being together at Christmas means to Katie. She is more inflexible, some odd combo of disappointed and angry that he has business obligations that will take him away during the Christmas holidays, an expedition planned before they got close. In other words, she's frustrated, including at herelf. I'm not going to detail more of the plot, I've already said quite a bit, but how sort things out is the fun. The Santa antics are a hoot, too.

There's a lot to take in between Katie and Deke's edging toward and away from each other as well as what is going on with the other Beach Bonfire Babes. Lives and life styles may....or may not.... change. Bottom line, a fun read that makes me ready to read the next adventure this cast of characters engage in. Thanks to #MakeWavesPress - #IBPA for introducing me to Katie and her friends. I'll be looking forward to the next book.Love the little history lessons included.

Essentials of Murder (Aromatherapy Apothecary, #1), by Kim Davis

Publication Sept. 24, 2024

Back home again after being falsely accused and arrested for a crime she didn't commit, aromatherapy shop owner Carissa Carmichael finds herself a target again. Even worse, a dead body is found in her as yet unopened shop. One she was seen having an altercation with earlier. Never mind that the man, Russ, is the son of the next door shop owner, Victoria, who believes Carissa and she can work together to benefit both shops. Russ is angry and fears Carissa will take business, ie money, from his mother. Oh, did I mention he is, er, was in his 30's? Never mind. He's dead and the detective sent in to relieve her police chief father of the case due to conflict of interest is determined she is guilty. He may be wickedly handsome but he is definitely not on Cari's side. Heck, even Victoria accuses her of killing her son in an outburst of emotion. And this is where the story begins to take off.

I won't detail the plot. As it turns out, Russ had more than his share of enemies and, well, small towns have secrets. Never mind that Oak Creek seems an idyllic place, full of artists, New Age type residents and businesses, and is one of those small towns that help us stereotype small towns. So, who killed Russ? Why are the detective and Cari's police chief father seemingly at odds? Why is everyone telling her she needs a dog? What's going on with Jasper? Why has Cari shut herself off from most old friends? Why is Mari there? Will Ashley be a help or hindrance? How does one hire new workers while under suspicion of murder? Will Cari ever stop saying, "Daaaaadd!" And, oh, so much more. There are even hints of romance.

Bottom line, I liked Oak Creek and the characters. Heck, even the bad guys had interesting backstories. The dialogue seemed natural and I definitely loved Carissa's chats with her father. Well, aside from her flipping back into school girl mode at times. I'll also point out that as can be expected by a Kim Davis book, there is lots of talk about food. Definitely do not miss Jasper's recipe at the end. Speaking of not to be missed, do not skip the Aromatherapy Basic Care Guide at the end, either. I was expecting lots of talk about mixing and creating but, instead, it's full of practical, daily life suggestions on how aromatherapy ingredients can be a help in one's day-to-day life. The plot, while there were a few slow moments, often when Carissa mused about the food or her crush on someone or how handsome another guy was, moves along well and Davis does a good job tying the various seeming side-stories together at the end. I'm looking forward to next book when the shop fully opens and watching the development of the interesting cast of characters growing about Carissa. Thanks #BookSirens and #KimDavis for allowing me this look into Carissa's business and all the related info shared. I found it both helpful and intriguing.