Book Review: Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower

A bicycle race is not Charming Books proprietor Violet Waverly's idea of a pleasant pastime. But police chief David Rainwater wheelie wants them to enter the Tour de Cascade as a couple, so she reluctantly consents.

The Tour de Cascade is the brainchild of Violet's Grandma Daisy. The race is a fundraiser to build the Cascade Springs Underground Railroad Museum. But not everyone in this Niagara Region village supports the race. As if the bike race weren't tiring enough, pesky private investigator Joel Redding is snooping around Charming Books. It takes all of Violet's and Grandma Daisy's ingenuity to keep Redding from discovering the shop's magical essence--which communicates with Violet through books.

When Redding perishes in an accident during the race, David discovers that the brake line of the private eye's bike was cut. Worse, Violet tops his list of suspects. As Emerson the tuxedo cat and resident crow Faulkner look on, Charming Books steers Violet to the works of Walt Whitman to solve the crime. But no other names ring a bell as culprits, and as David's investigation picks up speed, Violet will have to get in gear to clear her name.[summary via Amazon]

Cascade Springs and the Waverly women have completely stolen my cozy mystery-loving heart! This is the fourth book in the Magical Bookshop mysteries, and I've read all four this year! I absolutely cannot get enough of this series!!!

Violet Waverly, with the help of her boyfriend, Chief Rainwater, is entering a bicycle race. While it's not Violet's idea of fun, she's happy to give it a go to make Rainwater happy. However, a dampener falls on the day when a rider ends up dead. The rider is none other than PI Redding, who has been chasing Violet, determined to uncover her secret and tell the world. Together with her Grandma Daisy, the Waverly women are on the case and ready to solve a new mystery!

I loved this mystery. It follows the life of Walt Whitman, who I didn't know a lot about. I grew up in Australia, so American poets weren't really on my radar. Through the clues that the magical tree gives Violet, I learnt a lot about Whitman, and it was all very fascinating! I love books within books, and readers of past reviews will know I really love that aspect of this series. I love learning more about books and authors I know little about.

Early on I took a stab in the dark and guessed the murderer by chance, but the reasoning behind it alluded me. It was interesting watching the story unravel, and the final denouement was exciting.

Beyond the mystery I love all the little "side plots" involving Violet and her friends. It is so wonderful to see the people of Cascade Springs progress with their relationships and lives, and I always enjoy "catching up with them". Of course my favourite is Violet and Chief Rainwater, who take leaps and bounds in their relationship. My heart was absolutely singing through many moments of this book, thanks to Violet and Rainwater and their budding romance.

I simply can't recommend this series enough. It is magical, but not overly supernatural. It is fun and light, but heart warming and delivers a fantastic mystery. If you haven't picked it up yet, I highly recommend it!

Book Review: The Ghost and the Dead Deb by Alice Kimberly

The only rule bookshop owner and widow Penelope Thornton-McClure has given ghostly hard boiled P.I. Jack Shepard is to not haunt the customers. But when hot, young author Angel Stark arrives at the store to promote her latest, a true crime novel, Jack can hardly contain himself. After all, this is his specialty!

Angel’s book is an unsolved mystery about a debutante found strangled to death. And it’s filled with juicy details that point a finger at a number of people in the deb’s high society circle. But when the author winds up dead too—in precisely the same way—Pen is fast on the case...which means Jack is too. After all, a ghost detective never rests in peace.[summary via Amazon]

It has been some years since I've read The Ghost and Mrs McClure, the first book in the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Mainly because of the sheer number of cozy mysteries on my shelf, not because I didn't enjoy the first book... because I did! A reader on Instagram brought this series to my attention again, and I decided to dive back in. I'm so glad I did!!

The second adventure sees Penelope Thornton-McClure hosting a book reading for a very controversial book, involving the death of a socialite. During the reading, mayhem ensues as several people threaten the author, Angel Stark! When Angel turns up dead, Penelope fears that the murderer of the socialite has struck again. With the help of her "ghostly PI" Jack Shepard, they try to solve the crime before there is another death.

I really like the elements that make up the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. As regular readers will know "bookshops/libraries" are my favourite setting for cozy mysteries. I love books within books. With this series there is also the added element of the supernatural with PI Jack Shepard. Jack plays a bit of a mentor role to Pen, helping her solve the crime. It is starting to look like Jack might also play another role... this aspect is super interesting and I can't wait to see how it unravels in future books.

The mystery is a little edgier then other cozy mysteries that I have read recently. Not enough to be suspense, but it did keep me on the edge of my seat. The mystery involves the upper class and it was interesting to see what they would do to keep their secrets buried.

The Ghost and the Dead Deb was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I will definitely be picking up the next book to see what is in store for Pen and Jack!

Book Review: To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton

Star City is known for its slopes and its powder. But nestled in the valley of this ski resort town is a side street full of shops that specialize in the simple charms of earlier eras. One of those shops is the Rescued Word, where Chester Henry and his adult granddaughter Clare lovingly repair old typewriters and restore old books. Who ever thought their quaint store would hold the key to some modern-day trouble?

When a stranger to town demands they turn over an antique Underwood typewriter they’re repairing for a customer, Clare fears she may need to be rescued. A call to the police scares the man off, but later Clare finds his dead body in the back alley. What about a dusty old typewriter could possibly be worth killing for?[summary via Amazon]

Love! LOVE! LOVE! Okay so now we got the message that I absolutely loved the first book in the Dangerous Type Mysteries, To Helvetica and Back. This mystery brought back my memories of the 80s and 90s when I did all my school assignments on a typewriter (because I thought it was insanely cool at the time!) and rolled with it a great whodunnit that I couldn't put down!!

In To Helvetica and Back we are introduced to Clare Henry, who works with her grandfather at the Rescued Word, repairing typewriters and books. She has an adorable cat called Baskerville, and she's best friend's with police officer Jodie. With the slopes just minutes away she lives an idyllic life in Star City. However life gets really interesting when a dead body turns up behind her shop, and she tries to find the link from the body to the typewriter she is repairing.

I really enjoyed this original concept. In a world with a lot of different cozy mystery sub-genres, this was the first one that I read that is set in a typewriter shop. It is nostalgic and wonderful, and I can't wait to read more!!

I liked Clare a lot! She's feisty and not afraid to involve herself in the case. Along the way she meets newcomer to Star City, geologist Seth. Seth is nerdy and adorable, and I simply love the pair of the mtogether!!! I can't wait for more adventures with Clare and Seth!

To Helvetica and Back was a home run for me. The mystery was fantastic, and kept me guessing, the characters are perfect, and I know this is one series that I am going to love! I can't wait for the next book.

Book Review: Death by Eggnog by Alex Erickson

Krissy Hancock is staying in her adopted hometown of Pine Hills, Ohio, for Christmas this year—and she even has a whole week off from her combination bookstore-café. But a killer is about to dampen her spirits . . .

Unfortunately, Krissy’s been roped into filling in for a sick elf in the local holiday musical extravaganza. With a demanding director, backstage gossip, and two men in fierce competition for the starring role, it isn’t all sweetness and Christmas lights. Then a murder puts a stop to the production, and Krissy is faced with a pageant of suspects.

Could her ex-boyfriend, a fellow elf, really be the culprit as the police are claiming? Or will the actor playing Santa be trading his red suit for an orange jumpsuit? When her behind-the-scenes investigation starts getting dangerous, the only thing Krissy really wants is to make it to Christmas dinner alive. But first she’ll have to finish wrapping up this case . . .[summary via Amazon]

This year, I've become really hooked on the Bookstore Cafe Mysteries by Alex Erickson. I've been reading them in quick succession and have been looking forward to every new adventure with Krissy, her mischievous cat, Misfit, and her bookstore, Death by Coffee.

In Death by Eggnog it is the Christmas season and Krissy is staying in Pine Hills, while her father goes on a holiday with his new girlfriend. Krissy gets roped into taking part in a Christmas play, and murder and mayhem ensue when her ex-boyfriend is fingered for the murder of Mr Claus. 

I love how Krissy throws herself into everything she does, including murder investigations!!! This time it is Mr Claus that is found dead, and she's doing everything she can to save Christmas!! It was fun watching her try to be part of a musical and solve a crime!

The crime itself was interesting. Mr Claus aka Chuck is a very unlikable person, and it seems Krissy has her pick of suspects to go through. The suspects are related to the play, and there is a lot of drama as Krissy digs through trying to find the killer. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, as I was trying to figure out who the killer was, and I didn't manage to before Krissy.

Okay so let's chat Krissy... and her love life. As most readers of my blog know, I love the relationship elements. Krissy is with Will, the doctor. He's cute, sexy and... not right for her! (in my opinion) She has a past with Detective Paul, and I'm hoping things work out between them! Yes I'm #TeamPaul. I absolutely can't wait for the next book (already bought and on my nightstand, waiting to start) and to see how her life unfolds.

If you haven't already check out the Bookstore Cafe mysteries. You won't be disappointed!!

Book Review: Murders & Metaphors by Amanda Flower

January means ice wine season in the Niagara Falls region, but the festivities leave Charming Books owner Violet Waverly cold, still reeling from a past heartbreak. A past heartbreak who will be present at the annual midnight grape-harvest festival, and no magic in the world or incantation powerful enough could get Violet to attend. But Grandma Daisy, an omniscient force all on her own, informs Violet that she’s already arranged for the mystical Charming Books to host celebrity sommelier Belinda Perkins’s book signing at the party. Little do either Waverly women know, the ice wine festival will turn colder still when Violet finds Belinda in the middle of the frozen vineyard—with a grape harvest knife protruding from her chest.

Belinda grew up in Cascade Springs, but she left town years ago after a huge falling-out with her three sisters. One of those sisters, Violet’s high school friend Lacey Dupont, attends the book signing in the hope of making amends with her sister, but Belinda and Lacey end up disrupting the signing with a very public shouting match and Lacey quickly becomes the prime suspect in the sommelier’s murder.

Violet is sure Lacey is innocent, and to keep her friend out of prison, Violet asks for guidance from her magical bookshop. The shop’s ethereal essence points her to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, but what have the four March sisters to do with the four Perkins sisters? If she can’t figure it out, Violet, herself, may turn as cold as ice.[summary via Amazon]

Cozy readers welcome to Cascade Springs! Cascade Springs is home to wineries, delightful cafe and the most magical bookstore you will ever find... Charming Books.

Violet and Grandma Daisy are gearing up for the midnight grape-harvest festival, where they will be hosting a book signing of world renowned wine expert, Belinda Perkins. Belinda is originally from Cascade Springs, but hasn't returned in years. It seems not everyone is happy to see Belinda... especially when she turns up dead in the vineyard. Violet must insert herself into the investigation to clear her friend's name and find the real killer!

This is my third visit to Cascade Springs, and I enjoy each new adventure more than the last. This time the reader gets to experience the cutting of the grapes for ice wine, and all the resulting perils. I really enjoy watching Violet grow in her job as Caretaker at Charming Books. I love the magic surrounding the birch tree and its "essence". I wish I could visit a bookshop where the shop chose the books for me!

Murders & Metaphors centres around Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. It was fun to find the link between the murder and Little Women. After I finished solving the mystery I was left with a feeling of wanting to pick up Little Women as well. I love books that inspire to me to read even more fiction.

In this book there is a lot going on besides the murder. I love all those little "side storylines" and seeing how they tie into the residents of Cascade Springs. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in the series to catch up with Violet, Daisy, Chief Rainwater and all their friends!

Book Review: Death by Vanilla Latte by Alex Erickson

Ever since café owner Krissy Hancock settled into a relationship and—mostly—forgot about old flames, life has become surprisingly serene. Too bad her father, famed mystery writer James Hancock, had to pay an unexpected visit to Death by Coffee and brew up a batch of trouble...

While caught off-guard by her dad’s presence, Krissy never dreamed he’d become the biggest murder suspect in town. But that’s exactly what happens when James’s boorish agent—a man he allegedly fired just hours earlier—is found cold and lifeless, a still-warm vanilla latte resting by his hand...

With Pine Hills divided over her father’s innocence and a fanatical fan keen on locking the author away for safe keeping, Krissy must end the madness and identify the real criminal—even if that means meeting an ex or two along the way. But as her social life becomes increasingly chaotic, Krissy may be caught in a case that’s far too hot to handle...[summary via Amazon]

It's time for a visit to Pine Hills favourite bookstore cafe, Death by Chocolate!

Krissy Hancock is surprised when her dad comes to visit Death by Coffee for a book signing. James Hancock brings along his agent, Rick Wiseman, who everyone seems to dislike - especially Krissy. When Rick turns up dead, Krissy will need to join forces with her dad to solve a real life mystery and find a killer!

I loved the pairing of Krissy and her dad as a detective duo. James Hancock writes detective fiction and this time he gets to do some real life detecting! They both seem to really enjoy the hunt for the killer, and all the (mis)adventures that go with it!!!

I liked the mystery. Rick was really unlikable, especially with the aspiring writers of Pine Hills. There were a lot of suspects, and when the final denouement came down I wasn't able to guess the killer before Krissy. I love when I get stumped by the mystery!!

Death by Vanilla Latte was another enjoyable visit with Krissy and her cat Misfit! I'm absolutely addicted to their adventures and I can't wait for the next book.

Book Review: No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker

Catering her childhood friend's beachfront wedding was a dream come true for Everly Swan—and, with hundreds of guests in attendance, great exposure for her new iced tea shop and café. But when the well-to-do groom is found floating facedown in the surf, the locals of Charm, North Carolina, turn their suspicions to his new bride. Could she have been so desperate to lay her hands on his fortune that she arranged for his murder before they even set off on their honeymoon?

Everly knows her love-struck friend couldn't be behind the murder, but with clues pointing in several directions, she can't decide which wedding guest is the most likely culprit. Meanwhile, the frustratingly handsome Detective Hays has made it clear that Everly should stay out of the investigation altogether. But with a killer on the loose and a feeling that someone is watching her café very closely, Everly knows that if she can't solve this murder soon, her cake might be iced for good.[summary via Amazon]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Seaside Cafe mysteries, Live and Let Chai, and I couldn't wait to visit Charm again! My second visit to Charm was even better than my first.

Everly Swan is helping organize a wedding for her childhood friend, Judy. However things go awry when the groom is found dead on the beach. Together with best friend, Amelia, and her feline sidekick, Maggie, they set about to follow the clues and solve the murder!

I really, really, really loved No Good Tea Goes Unpunished! It was my first cozy mystery in a while, and it reminded me why I love this genre so much. It is a well-written, fun, frothy mystery, with delightful characters, and it leaves me wanting more and more... just like a good glass of iced tea!

As regular readers of my blog know, I love the relationships in cozy mysteries. Everly is a Swan, and the history goes that all Swan women are cursed in love. Everly seems intent to test this theory, especially with a romantic interest growing with Detective Grady Hays, and her ex-boyfriend back in town. I really like the romantic angle and I can't wait to see how it develops.

If you're looking for a fun summer read, I highly recommend the Seaside Cafe mysteries. They are fun and light, but very well written, with characters that. you will want to visit again and again.