Book Review: A Familiar Tail by Delia James

Unlucky-in-love artist Annabelle Britton decides that a visit to the seaside town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the perfect way to get over her problems. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble.

Suddenly saddled with a witch's wand and a furry familiar, Annabelle soon meets a friendly group of women who use their spells, charms, and potions to keep the people of Portsmouth safe. But despite their gifts, the witches can’t prevent every wicked deed in town....

Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.[summary via Amazon]

I absolutely debut mysteries that are instant loves! Delia James' A Familiar Tail is the perfect example of this. Within the first few pages I instantly fell in love with this story and knew it was one series that I would be eagerly awaiting the second book! 

In this first book in the series, we meet Annabelle, the human and soon-to-be witch, and Alistair, cat and her soon-to-be familiar. From their first appearance together I was mesmerized by their interactions together, and this village, where magic is very much alive! As the story develops, the reader learns more about Annabelle's magical family and the other witches in town. I loved learning more about each character, and what they added to the investigation.

The sleepy seaside town of Portsmouth is anything but quiet and there is plenty of action to satisfy every mystery reader. The mystery itself was a tangled weave, that I didn't quite have solved before Annabelle. I suspect, however, Alistair, had it solved long before us!!!

If you're a fan of magical mysteries, such as those by Ellery Adams and Heather Blake, you need to be adding Delia James to your must-read list. With the killer combination of magic and cats, this series is sure going to be a favorite amongst many readers!

Buy A Familiar Tail by Delia James at Amazon.

Cover Reveal: DEAD DANDELIONS by Chrystle Fiedler

Today we're taking part in the cover reveal for Dead Dandelions by Chrystle Fiedler. 

Dandelion Dead: A Natural Remedies September 27, 2016 by Chrystle Fiedler 

In a spicy cozy mystery filled with herbal remedies readers will love, a sustainable winery becomes the backdrop for murder! Fortunately, solving crimes comes naturally to charmingly unconventional homeopath and amateur sleuth Willow McQuade, as she looks for clues that will reveal a killer’s true essence. 

Pre-Order today – Amazon – B&N - IndieBound

This series is fantastic, and I can't wait to read Dandelion Dead when it comes out on September 27!

Top 5 Places to Visit in a Cozy Town with J.B. Hawker

Today we have J.B. Hawker visiting with us, to share her Top 5 Places to Visit in Bannoch.

The cozy town of Bannoch sits serenely on the Oregon coast, between sandy beaches and forested hillsides. This fictional village is about an hour south of Tillamook and is home to the various churches and parsonages the pastors’ wives of the First Ladies Club series call home. The town was most recently featured in A Corpse in the Chapel, book three in the series.

When visiting Bannoch and its many interesting local churches, don’t miss the following:

1. Ramparts Rock Beach recreation area: With golden sands and rocky outcroppings holding many secrets in their tide pools, this is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Even Eastern European gangsters have been known to visit.

2. The Ships Stores Mall: This converted fish processing plant on the water’s edge houses an array of small boutique shops and is anchored by the Boatworks Coffee Shop, a popular eating and meeting place. The nautical atmosphere appeals to the many tourists driving along busy Highway 101. The First Ladies Club occasionally holds meetings in the banquet room.

3. The Crab Shack, famous for its crab and lobster sandwiches and fresh fish and chips, is another spot where the year-around inhabitants like to gather.

4. The Haleby Family Memorial Nature Reserve in the hills above the town provides acres of shady glades and nature walks among the pine and fir, but avoid the ruins of the family’s chapel, as you never know what unpleasant surprise may be inside.

5. The First Baptist Church with its restored historic sanctuary is always worth a visit to admire the hand-carved pews and inspiring stained glass windows. Those with a macabre bent may wish to take in the atmosphere of its infamous belfry. If you are especially lucky, you might encounter a hometown celebrity, the professional organist, Peregrine Bostwich, rehearsing a sacred classical piece on the church pipe organ.

Doesn't Bannoch sound like a great place to visit?

Check out A Corpse in the Chapel at Amazon.

Visit J.B. Hawker on the web: Website

Top 5 Places to Visit in Wildwood Cove with Sarah Fox

Today we have Sarah Fox joining us to share her Top 5 Places to Visit in Wildwood Cove.

With The Crêpes of Wrath about to kick off my Pancake House Mystery series on August 16, 2016, I thought I’d introduce everyone to the town of Wildwood Cove where the series is set. Nestled along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, Wildwood Cove is home to rambling Victorian houses, stunning views, and—of course—the best pancakes around.

As for places to visit, Wildwood Cove has some fantastic ones. Here are the top five:

1. The Flip Side Pancake House. This is the obvious top choice, but not just because it’s what brings Marley McKinney to Wildwood Cove where her sleuthing adventures begin. With its rustic interior, seaside location, and scrumptious food, The Flip Side should definitely not be missed. While the burly chef might be intimidating, there’s nothing frightening about the delicious meals he cooks up. If you like the sound of churro waffles, blueberry crumble pancakes, and s’mores crêpes, be sure to stop by The Flip Side!

2. Wildwood Beach. With views of the San Juan Islands, Wildwood Beach offers beauty and tranquility. Go for a dip in the ocean or relax on the soft sand while listening to the lapping waves and watching seals swim just off shore.

3. Scoops Ice Cream Shop. Located near the marina on the western side of town, Scoops offers a multitude of delicious flavors of ice cream to enjoy while walking along the beach or taking in the sights of the town.

4. Johnny’s Juice Hut. If you’re looking for a cold drink on a hot day, this is the place to go. Johnny’s Juice Hut offers smoothies, bubble tea, and—naturally—many types of juice. Located on Main Street, right in the center of town, you can find Johnny’s Juice Hut nestled between an antiques shop and a shoe store.

5. Farmers’ Market. This fantastic market takes place every Saturday morning between the middle of May and early October. Located on the promenade that runs along the top of Wildwood Beach, the local farmers’ market offers everything from local produce and baked goods to handicrafts and artwork. Enjoy the fresh ocean air as you stroll from stall the stall, checking out everything the local farmers and artisans have to offer.

While those are my top five picks for places to visit in Wildwood Cove, the town is brimming with charming shops and sites. I hope you’ll all get to know the town better in The Crêpes of Wrath.

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Doesn't Wildwood Cove sound great?

Check out The Crepes of Wrath on Amazon, available for pre-order now!

Visit Sarah Fox on the Web: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Book Review: Literally Murder by Ali Brandon

After a video of Darla and Hamlet performing at a martial arts tournament goes viral, the Florida chapter of the Feline Society of America invites the "Karate Kitty” to be the guest of honor at their championship cat show in Fort Lauderdale.

Upon arrival, Darla discovers that not everyone in the Sunshine State has a sunny disposition. Animal rights activists are on the march, and a cat show contestant stages his own angry protest when his special breed Minx—half Sphynx, half Manx—doesn’t win. Then Hamlet disappears—only to be found next to the dead body of the Minx owner. Now it’s up to Darla and Hamlet to take best in show and collar the killer…[via Goodreads]

Another adventure with the charming Hamlet, and his owner, Darla! This time Hamlet, Darla and Jake are heading for some sun, sand and surf in Florida. Hamlet has been invited to be a guest at a cat show and Darla and Jake are happy to join him on a mini holiday. However, where Hamlet goes adventure and mayhem follows, and soon the three are thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. 

Don't tell my cats, but I think Hamlet might just be my favorite cozy cat. He reminds me a lot of my tuxedo cat, Agatha, who is also full of spunk, attitude and likes to act like a boss! Hamlet is all these things and more, and he's a huge part as to why I enjoy this series so much. He's always right in the middle of the action, right along with his human friends! Every adventure with this cast of characters is never boring!!

I like that Ali Brandon has taken the action away from the store for this adventure. I did miss seeing more of Robert and James, the ying and yang of bookstore workers, as I like to call them! However, they're soon forgotten as the adventure takes hold. Readers get to learn more about Jake, when we meet her mom, who lives in Florida, and a host of eclectic, interesting people, that belong to the "cat show" community! It all added up to one of their best adventures yet, and I'm eager to find out what is next for my favorite adventurous trio!

You don't need to be a cat lover to love this series, with so many bookish references and different personalities amongst the cast, there really is something for everyone. However,  if you're a cat lover, then you're going to be absolutely smitten with this series. Once Hamlet puts his paw on your heart, you know you're going to be coming back for every adventure!!

Buy Literally Murder from Amazon.