Audiobook Review: Agatha's First Case by M.C. Beaton

At age 26 Agatha Raisin has already come a long way. She has clawed her way up since leaving the Birmingham slum where she was born. She's lost her Birmingham accent, run away from her drunken husband, and found a job at a public relations office as a secretary. Then her boss asks Agatha to go to the home of Sir Bryce Teller to tell him that he is soon to be arrested for the murder of his wife and that the agency no longer wants to represent him.

Teller, impressed with the pugnacious Agatha, asks her to handle PR for him and even offers her an office and tells her she can hire a staff. Certainly the best thing Agatha can do for her first client is to find out who really murdered his wife and clear his name. And with her wits and gumption, Agatha sets out to do just that.[summary via Audible]

I've been reading the Agatha Raisin mysteries for the last few years and I've loved every one of them. Agatha is big on spirit and determination and regardless of your age she sure is a great model for the strong, confident woman with a "can-do" attitude! When I heard M.C. Beaton was writing a story about her first case, I was excited. I wanted to know what Agatha was like in her 20s!

In this story we get to meet Agatha when she is 26. She is just starting out at a ad agency as a general "dogsbody" and has quite made it yet. She gets thrust in the middle of a murder case, and alike to her cases later on, she bumbles around and gets everything right. She's hesitant to begin with, but her strong passion to make something of herself shines through and she starts to show the Agatha Raisin spirit that we all love!

Agatha Raisin is my all time favorite sleuth and I simply loved her first story. I'm hoping maybe one day M.C. Beaton will write more stories of her younger days, as this one was a delight.

If you're a new fan to the Agatha Raisin mysteries this would be the perfect place to start.

I enjoyed Alison Larkin's narration. Penelope Keith is my all-time favorite narrator of this series but Alison's narration was quite good too.

Definitely a A+ listen and I can't wait for the new book, Dishing the Dirt!

Book Review: Christmas Al Dente by Jennifer L. Hart

'Tis the season for pasta and mayhem.

Andy Buckland is determined that nothing will interrupt her first Christmas with Malcolm Jones and her last holiday spent in her childhood home. When the family recipe book disappears from the Bowtie Angel, and Aunt Cecily threatens to put "The Eye" on the entire population of Beaverton if it isn't returned, Andy and Jones decide to put the eggnog on hold for a little old fashioned sleuthing. But as one secret leads to another, and rumors are served up along with hot buttered penne, Andy can't shake the suspicion that her life is about to change forever.[summary via Publisher]

It's July but that doesn't mean we can't get into the festive mood. With Jennifer L. Hart's latest book in the Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries readers can get into the festive spirit with a great mystery.

It's Christmas time and Andy and her family are busy gearing up for the festive season. Andy is busy trying to arrange her holidays, hopefully without Malcolm's evil half-sister, and things get thrown into turmoil when the family recipe book goes missing!

I loved visiting with Andy, Malcolm and the feisty Aunt Cecily. I've enjoyed both of the books in this series, and it was fun to visit with them during the holiday season.

Jennifer L. Hart hits all the right festive notes with this one, giving the reader a delightful story, a mystery without a dead body!, and leaving readers of the series wanting more! After all if a series is a favorite, like this one is to me, of course you're going to want more!

Another great story and I can't wait to see what Jennifer has in store for these characters next!

Book Review: A Fatal Slip by Meg London

In the third book in the Sweet Nothings Lingerie Mysteries, Emma Taylor is settling into life in Paris, Tennessee. She’s in a relationship with Brian, who helps his father at their hardware store and is starting his own renovation business, and enjoying working with her Aunt Arabella at Sweet Nothing Lingerie Store. However it all unravels when a former beau walks into the store and sends Arabella into a spin. What begins as an invitation to a lavish dinner ends in murder, with Arabella as the prime suspect!! Once again, Emma and her friends must play sleuth and try and clear Arabella’s name!

Using the word “Sweet” in this mystery series is perfect because everything about Paris, Tennessee is sweet. From the adorable lingerie store to the delicious cupcakes they bring in for their “Valentines Day” shopping events and even Arabella’s French Bulldog, Pierre, everything is sweetness and love. I find slipping amongst the pages of these mysteries as easy as curling up in my favourite reading chair. The only difference is that I don’t have a nice glass of Tennessee tea, or Arabella’s famous fried chicken!!

Alike to the other two books in this series, A Fatal Slip completely lived up to my expectation. Meg London always delivers a stunning mystery and this one is no exception. Emma goes to work part-time at the Granger’s to catalogue their art collection. Of course it’s the perfect place to snoop into the mysterious death of Hugh Granger, art extraordinaire and Arabella’s ex-love. I found all the tidbits about the art world very fascinating – especially as the author gives us a little lesson in art history as well!

All in all a stunning instalment in a series that I’ve grown to love with each new mystery! I can’t wait for more books in this series to be published, and in the meantime I plan to read the Gourmet De-Lite Mysteries (published under Peg Cochran).

Book Review: The Oracle of Delphi by Agatha Christie

Parker Pyne is traveling incognito under the name of Mr. Thompson. In Delphi, he learns that someone calling himself Parker Pyne is being consulted by Mrs. Peters, who refers to him as "the good gentleman." But who is this imposter, and what does he want with Mrs. Peters?[summary via Amazon]

This was the last story in the anthology, Parker Pyne Investigates, and probably the most intriguing one of them all. A woman's son is kidnapped and she is willing to do all she can to get him back. However, the ending was unpredictable and certainly surprised me!!

I like Parker Pyne. Rather than investigating murder, he seems to investigate missing items or people. I've only seen him thrown into a murder investigation once and at first he didn't quite seem what to make of it. He certainly seemed more at home in this mystery!

For fans of Agatha Christie, I highly recommend the Parker Pyne short stories. They can be read individually, or in the anthology, Parker Pyne Investigates.

Audiobook Review: Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie

Back in print in an all-new edition is the engaging and illuminating chronicle of the life of the "Queen of Mystery". Fans of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple and readers of John Curran’s fascinating biographies Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks and Murder in the Making will be spellbound by the compelling, authoritative account of one of the world’s most influential and fascinating novelists, told in her own words and inimitable style - and here in her own voice. These audio excerpts were dictated by Agatha Christie herself.[summary via Audible]

Audible has an autobiography of Agatha Christie, actually narrated by the Queen of Crime herself. This seems to be a hidden gem amongst the Audible shelves. While there are plenty of biographies, and even an autobiography, about Agatha Christie, this is the only one narrated by herself.

This recording was recorded late into her career. No date is actually given as to when it was recorded, but she mentions quite a few of her books and I would think it was done in the 1960's or 1970's. A warning to those do listen: it is very static-y and there is a somewhat hissing sound, but this is Agatha Christie talking about her life. To hear the Queen of Crime talking about writing and her life is far more important than hearing quality.

Agatha lived a fascinating life and I loved listening to every second of this fascinating recording. She talks about how it took a long time for her to consider her profession that of a writer, and in fact she quite often wrote "married woman" on documents rather than writer. She talks about her mother-in-law telling her write something "worthwhile" and her success at writing, and why she wrote the romances under the name Mary Westmacott.

She doesn't talk about her disappearance. I assumed she wouldn't, but of course one can only hope that she might touch on it.

I particularly enjoyed hearing her talk about The Mousetrap, which originally written for the Queen, and she talks about how she believed it would only run for 8 months. Well it is now the longest running play and still going strong!

For fans of her books this is a insightful account of her life in her opinion and it delighted me immensely. I plan to listen to it again at a later date.

It is currently free for Audible and can be found at their website.

Audiobook Review: The Regatta Mystery by Agatha Christie

Diamond merchant Isaac Pointz and his guests come ashore at Dartmouth to enjoy the fair after the yacht races. Over dinner, young Eve Leathern bets she can make Pointz's famous diamond, the Morning Star, disappear right at the table. When the girl does exactly that, she discovers she has made the priceless gem disappear more completely than she had intended. Fortunately, Parker Pyne is able to get to the bottom of what really happened to the Morning Star.[summary via Amazon]

The Regatta Mystery is a classic locked room mystery, where a disappearance takes place (this time a jewel) and the occupants in the room all claim to have not taken in. It takes the detective mind of Parker Pyne to solve the mystery.

I find it interesting that usually the detective is int he room at the time of the loss, but not in this case. Parker Pyne manages to solve the mystery without having actually been at the scene!!

This is another interesting short story from Agatha Christie. I'm finding that most of the Parker Pyne mysteries don't involve murder, but involve a disappearance. I haven't quite warmed to Parker Pyne yet, but mainly because I have read many mysteries with him.

I do find it interesting that there is a Parker Pyne version and Hercule Poirot version of The Regatta Mystery. I listened to the Pyne version, but I'm going to try and hunt down the Poirot version too!

A delightful locked room mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the short stories.

Audiobook Review: Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

In the sleepy little English country village of St Mary Mead, all is not as it seems. Under a seemingly peaceful exterior lurks intrigue, guilt, deception - and murder.

Colonel Protheroe, local magistrate and overbearing landowner, is the most detested man in the village. Everyone, even the vicar, wishes he were dead. And very soon he is - shot in the head in the vicar's own study.

A visiting artist confesses to the murder, but residents saw him elsewhere at the time the Colonel was shot. If he didn't do it, who did? Is he protecting the wife whom he loves? Faced with a surfeit of suspects, only the inscrutable Miss Marple can unravel the tangled web of clues. A trap set, and Miss Marple's theory is put to the test when the true killer is finally unmasked.[summary via Audible]

Murder at the Vicarage is the first adventure with Miss Marple. Jane Marple is often thought of as a nosy old lady. She's often seen pottering in her garden and knows everything that is going on at St. Mary's Mead. When Colonel Protheroe turns up dead, the vicar and police turn to Miss Marple to assist in piecing the events together.

I love Miss Marple. She's a little nosy, but not over-the-top. She understands human nature and always gets to the bottom of the crime. Given a choice between Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, I'd say Miss Marple is the clear winner for my favorite sleuth. While Poirot is egotistical and acts so very superior, Miss Marple is subtle and unobtrusive. Miss Marple only appears in 12 full-length novels, and it's probably the reason I've re-read so many of her adventures. I do wish Agatha Christie had written more featuring her.

In this first book we get to visit with Miss Marple in her own village and try to figure out who killed the Colonel. This is probably one of a few that I already knew the killer, having re-read it so many times. I delight in re-reading it, as I'm often amazed at Agatha Christie's brilliance.

This is my favorite part, right at the end: "I wonder, Miss Marple," I said suddenly, "if you were to commit a murder whether you would ever be found out." "What a terrible idea," said Miss Marple, shocked. "I hope I could never do such a wicked thing." "But human nature being what it is," I murmured.

I do wonder if this planted the seed in Agatha's mind for one of her later novels, when the detective did do it!

I love re-reading this book and I really enjoyed listening to the full-cast audiobook. Each book would be a fabulous starting point for anyone new to Agatha Christie. June Whitfield voices Miss Marple and she does a tremendous job. I'm looking forward to re-reading more of my favorite Agatha Christie's!

Audiobook Review: After the Funeral by Agatha Christie

When Cora Lansquenet is savagely murdered with a hatchet, the extraordinary remark she made the previous day at her brother Richard's funeral suddenly takes on a chilling significance. At the reading of Richard's will, Cora was clearly heard to say, "It's been hushed up very nicely, hasn't it.... But he was murdered, wasn't he?"

In desperation, the family solicitor turns to Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery....[summary via Audible]

After the Funeral is one of the few Hercule Poirot stories I've never read and I opted to listen the BBC Radio Play version, with John Moffat voicing Hercule Poirot.

After the Funeral is classic Christie in many regards: english setting and what seems to be a well-off family fighting over the inheritance of a recently deceased family member. However when Cora blurts out that her brother was murdered, everything starts to get complicated.

I enjoy every mystery I've read by Agatha Christie and this one is no exception. I couldn't figure out who killed Richard and subsequently Cora either. When the murderer is revealed I certainly was shocked. Yet again Hercule Poirot's reasoning was clear after he explained the denouement.

I'm loving listening to these books as the BBC radio plays. They are a condensed version but whether you are a new reader to Agatha Christie or a seasoned reader, looking to re-read your favorites, these are fabulous. While I still prefer David Suchet as the voice of Poirot, I'm really enjoying John Moffat in the role. He seems to have Poirot's mannerisms down perfectly and is a joy to listen to.

Audiobook Review: Something Borrowed, Someone Dead by M.C. Beaton

Gloria French was a jolly widow with dyed blonde hair, a raucous laugh and rosy cheeks. When she first moved from London to the charming Cotswolds hills, she was heartily welcomed. She seemed a do-gooder par excellence, raising funds for the church and caring for the elderly. But she had a nasty habit of borrowing things and not giving them back, just small things, a teapot here, a set of silverware there. So it's quite the shock when she is found dead, murdered by a poisoned bottle of elderberry wine. Afraid the murder will be a blight on the small town, Parish councillor, Jerry Tarrant, hires private detective Agatha Raisin to track down the murderer.

But the village is secretive and the residents resent Agatha's investigation. Of course that doesn't stop the ever-persistent Agatha from investigating and sticking her nose where no one wants it--especially as the suspect list grows. And, as if it isn't enough that Agatha's ex has reentered the picture, the murderer is now targeting Agatha![summary via Amazon]

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead is the 24th book in the Agatha Raisin mysteries. After 23 previous mysteries, M.C. Beaton continues to do something remarkable.... she keeps every mystery fresh and interesting. With long-running mysteries I find I can easily get bored of the same characters. The thing that M.C. Beaton does right in both this series and the Hamish Macbeth series is that every now and then she takes the mystery away from its small village and to another small village. After all slowly killing off everyone in Carsely wouldn't be interesting!!

This time Agatha and her fellow detective, Toni Gilmour, are investigating a mystery in Piddlebury. Piddlebury is a odd sort of village and Agatha and Toni have to keep their wits about them to solve the mystery!

For fans of the residents of Carsely there is frequent trips back to Carsely, and all our favorite characters are ever present, including James Lacey and Sir Charles Fraith. I delighted at all the going ons with the regulars, and trying to figure out what the residents of Piddlebury were up to as well.

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead was another wonderful adventure in a series that keeps getting better and better! Penelope Keith is back to narrate this installment in the series, and as ever I was thrilled to hear her narration. For me, Penelope Keith is the voice of Agatha Raisin, and I really hope we will see her back for future audiobooks. She does such a marvelous job narrating the various residents and makes an already wonderful series, fabulous!

Audiobook Review: A Vision in Velvet by Juliet Blackwell

As soon as Lily opens her recently purchased trunk of old clothes, she feels strange vibrations emanating from a mysterious velvet cloak. When she tries it on, Lily sees awful visions from the past. And when the antiques dealer who sold her the cape is killed, Lily suspects a supernatural force might be behind his death. Then Lily's familiar, Oscar the potbellied pig, disappears. Lily will do anything to get him back - including battling the spirit of a powerful witch reaching out from the past. But even with the aid of her grandmother, unmasking a killer and saving Oscar might be more than one well-intentioned sorceress can handle.[summary via Audible]

I've been listening to this series on audio since the first book. I love watching how Lily has progressed with her witchy skills and her relationships and friendships as well. When Lily first arrived in the city she was slow to call on anyone to help her, and in A Vision in Velvet we can see how she's come full circle - especially with her familiar, Oscar, missing. She calls on everyone to help and she will move heaven and earth to bring Oscar back!!

The mystery itself was really interested as it involved the Salem witch trials and the history surrounded witches was fascinating. This was a good mystery that kept me on my toes, and I didn't quite have it all solved before Lily.

Xe Sands is outstanding as the voice of Lily and all the characters in Lily's life. However my favourite voice she narrates is Oscar!!! I will never imagine anyone else as the voice of Oscar. Another outstanding narration and I can't wait for the next book.

Book Review: By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates

Lucy Richardson is looking forward to a very enjoyable summer. She's just started working at the library of her dreams, the Lighthouse Library at Bodie Island. Lucy spent her summers on Bodie Island as a child with her Aunt Ellen and Uncle Amos and has always loved the Lighthouse Library. However, not everyone is happy to see Lucy working as a librarian at the Lighthouse Library. Mr Uppiton, chariman of the library board, is still upset that Lucy's Aunt Ellen got the funding for Lucy to have a summer job. When Mr Uppiton is found murdered Lucy's boss, Bertie, is accused of the murder and Lucy steps in to help solve the crime!

I have a love for mysteries set in libraries, and especially those that feature cats. When you combine these together, along with a idyllic setting, it usually ends in an afternoon of perfect reading! This was definitely the case with Eva Gates' debut novel, By Book or By Crook.

Eva Gates reels the reader in right from the beginning. Bodie Island sounds absolutely heavenly with its picturesque views, and a library in a lighthouse... well what's not to love?

Lucy is not enjoying her job at the Harvard Library and a change is just want she needs. There may be a little opposition to her new job at the Lighthouse Library, but she's really enjoying it. Especially with keeping company likes Charles, the resident Himalayan cat, named after Charles Dickens! Of course when a murder occurs and then valuable Jane Austen first editions are stolen, she must find the clues to solve the case!

Lucy is bright and fun, and together with all the interesting characters in Bodie Island, I found it a true pleasure to take a trip with her on her first adventure.

Eva Gates does everything right in this first novel. She's created reader magic in By Book or By Crook. I'm not talking the witchcraft magic, but the magic that resides in every reader and their love for books, whether it be old first editions or beloved new releases. The authors love of books shines through each and every page of this stunning mystery, and it enriched my own love of books.

By Book or By Crook is a first rate debut and I'm looking forward to taking another visit to Bodie Island for the next adventure.

Audiobook Review: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Death on the Nile is one of Agatha Christie's more popular mysteries, and it has been adapted into a radio play and also to several movies. My favorite movie adaption is the 1978 film starring Mia Farrow.

Hercule Poirot is on holidays in Egypt and taking a cruise down the infamous Nile river. On board with him is a cast of people from all walks of life, and among them is one person with murderous intent. Linnet Ridgway, the wealthy heiress, is there with her new husband, Simon Doyle. Also on board is Simon Doyle's jilted fiance and friend to Linnet,Jacqueline de Bellefort. Or we should say ex-friend. Jacqueline was devastated when Simon left her for Linnet, and is determined to make their honeymoon as wretched as possible. When Linnet is found dead, it looks like a clear case that Jacqueline was the murderer, but the clues do not add up and luckily Poirot is on the case.

There are only a handful of Agatha Christie's that I remember the final denouement. While I've read Death on the Nile a couple of times and seen the movie several times as well, I couldn't remember who the killer was. As such it was perfect timing to experience the book again.

This time I chose to listen to the radio play, produced by the BBC. It provides a condensed, but accurate version, of Agatha Christie's novel and tells of crime most foul aboard the high seas.

Death on the Nile is such a classic Agatha Christie novel. You don't need any prior history reading a Hercule Poirot adventure and it would be the perfect spot to start if you were new to Agatha Christie. We meet the infamous detective, Hercule Poirot, who is famous for using his "little grey cells" to solve mysteries. However in this mystery, where none of the suspects can escape, will he solve the crime before they dock?

I like this one for a number of reasons, but what struck a chord with me when I first read it was the exotic local. It's no sleepy town but it is still a cozy mystery and it's a mystery of love and mayhem. If you love so deeply would you be willing to kill to recover that love? With all the modern contemporary mysteries, Agatha Christie still stands the test of time, and it's particularly evident in this one.

I've been listening to a lot of the short stories with Hugh Fraser narrating as Hercule Poirot, but I did enjoy John Moffat's interpretation here. He provides a good voice to the famous detective and the cast kept me interested in this shorter version of Agatha Christie's book.

The radio play adaptions would be perfect for a new fan to Agatha Christie's novels. They are full of high adventure and suspense and only a little over 2 hours long. I'm looking forward to listening to more in this series.

Audiobook Review: Kissing Christmas Goodbye by M.C. Beaton

With the Christmas season approaching Agatha Raisin is looking forward to the season and is planning a huge meal for all her friends. However, before the big day arrives Agatha has to solve a couple of mundane cases for her detective agency, and also a case that looks far more interesting!

A rich old woman, a Phyllis Tamworthy, believes her family are plotting to kill her and asks Agatha to come down and investigate. Agatha heads down to investigate and is unable to protect Phyllis before she is found dead! With a dead client on her hands Agatha starts to investigate a family and a town, where nothing is what is seems.

I love Agatha Raisin. She's the coolest mature-age sleuth. I've been reading her stories for about three years and with each adventure I admire her even more. She has sass and vinegar and isn't afraid to speak her mind. She also has a softer side, and we get a sneak peek at her softer side in this adventure.

In Kissing Christmas Goodbye Agatha hires a new detective, Toni Gilmour. Toni is young, only 17, and has an abusive brother and drunk mother. Agatha, coming from the wrong side of the track herself, sees that Toni needs help and offers to improve her situation in life. I love seeing the softer side of Agatha. She comes across hard nosed but she is also very sweet as well.

I enjoyed the mystery in Kissing Christmas Goodbye. There is certainly more to the Tamworthy family then meets the eye, and they are certainly more twisted than they appear. I enjoyed watching Toni and Agatha work together to solve the mystery and look forward to more adventures with Toni.

I listened to Kissing Christmas Goodbye on audio, and I enjoyed the narration. It certainly wasn't as good as Penelope Keith's narration but was better than some of the other narrators for this series. I continue to enjoy listening to this series on audio and I look forward to listening to the rest of the books.

Audiobook Review: Death at the Door by Carolyn Hart

Annie and Max are back for their 24th adventure together, and it is definitely going to take all their sleuthing powers to solve this one! On the peaceful and tranquil island of Broward's Rock murder and mayhem is brewing. A local doctor, Paul Martin, is found dead and the authorities rule it as suicide. Shortly after a housewife is found battered to death. Her artist husband is accused of murder. Meanwhile the doctor's sister doesn't believe that her brother would commit suicide and begs Annie and Max to investigate. As the delve deeper they untangle a mysterious web that will rock the peaceful island!

Carolyn Hart is a seasoned cozy mystery author and she stands in a class all of her own. I absolutely adore her writing style. For those that aren't sure if cozy mysteries are not right for them, I always encourage them to start with Death on Demand, the first book in this series. She has a style that is intelligent, heart-warming and really pulls you in. Her books are not fluffy, and with Annie's husband, Max, running a PI business you get a little bit of a police procedural feel to them as well.

Death at the Door is the 24th book in this series and Carolyn Hart has kept the same consistent five-star quality through all her books. Annie runs the the Death on Demand Bookstore and Max runs a PI business. Together they solve crimes and to my mind are the modern day Tommy and Tuppence.

This mystery was interesting because we actually start with Paul Martin, prior to his death. We get a look into his mind. He knows something about someone, but the reader doesn't find out who or what quite yet. As I read my mind wandered back to those early scenes, and I tried to piece everything together.

I love every visit back to Broward's Rock and this one was no different to the others. I enjoyed my visit with Agatha, the bookstore cat, and Dorothy L, Annie and Max's cat at home, and of course the bookstore, Death on Demand.

If you are looking for a tantalizing mystery this spring, I strongly recommend you read Death at the Door. This story will leave you for a longing for more adventures with Annie and Max, and luckily there are 23 other adventures!

I listened to Death at the Door on audio, with Kate Reading narrating. I've listened to several of the books in this series on audiobook and I really enjoy Kate's narration. She really brings these characters alive, and improves on a fantastic cozy mystery.

Book Review: Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Moran

In Terrie Moran's debut mystery series she creates murder and mayhem with a unique setting in Well Read, Then Dead. Mary "Sassy" Cabot and Bridget Mayfield are best friends and together run the Read 'Em and Eat Bookstore Cafe. Life is pretty tranquil in their sunny town of Fort Meyers Beach. It seems the most rowdy it gets is at the heated discussions of the book club, especially when fellow book club member Rowena Gustavson starts debating each book. However life in the small town is about to become very interesting when the the quietest member of the book club, Delia Batson, is found dead. Delia's cousin, Augusta, is absolutely distraught by her death, and asks Sassy for help on finding her killer!!

I want to pack myself on a one-way trip to the Read 'Em and Eat Bookstore Cafe. The second I walked through those doors in the first chapter of Well Read, Then Dead I was absolutely smitten. Everything from the delicious food and drinks to the tables that each sport on articles, photos and excerpts of all my favorite mystery authors! I was in book lover heaven. I knew any mystery that started with this setting had to be a good one and I was right!!

Sassy takes us into her life as owner of Read 'Em and Eat Bookstore Cafe and the lives of her friends and residents of Fort Meyers Beach. They're an eclectic bunch and it was a delight to meet them and try to solve a mystery.

Apart from the delectable treats and the cozy atmosphere of the bookstore cafe, what I loved the most were the surprises! Delia was the last person I expected to be the victim! When a story starts with a boisterous personality like Rowena, I for sure had her pegged as the victim. I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to kill Delia, and I knew both Sassy (and me!) had our work cut out for us trying to find the killer!!

I'm about 8 months behind everyone else that has been raving about this series. With so many cozies on my shelf I hadn't gotten to this one before now, and I really wish I had squeezed the time in to read it when it was released, last August. Terrie Moran delighted me to little itty bitty pieces with this mystery full of southern charm and friendship. I felt the anguish that Augusta felt at the loss of her cousin and the triumph that Sassy feels when she finally solves the case!

If you haven't picked up Well Read, Then Dead pick it up today. You will be delighted by the charm of the Read 'Em and Eat Bookstore Cafe and all the residents of Fort Meyers Beach.

Audiobook Review: Final Catcall by Sofie Kelly

In the fifth installment of the Magical Cat Mysteries, kitties Hercules and Owen are helping their owner and librarian, Kathleen Paulson, unravel another mystery. When a theater troupe relocates to Mayville Heights, Minnesota, the locals are looking forward to a performance of Yesterday's Child. However, rumor has it that the production is cursed. The rumors may actually be close to the truth, especially when Kathleen discovers the director has been murdered. With her mom in town to step in as director, and her ex-boyfriend surprising Kathleen with a visit, the last thing Kathleen needs to do is solve another murder. Especially as police officer, Marcus, is still upset at her involvement in the previous murder cases, however Hercules and Owen are scenting out clues and Kathleen has her nose on the case as well.

A long-running cozy mystery series needs to bring something special to each book. While it is the small town and murder that binds each novel, there must be something special about the characters and hidden surprises that keeps readers interested. Sofie Kelly achieves this with her Magical Cats mysteries. In each novel she creates a interesting whodunnit for readers to solve, but it is her characters (and cats!) that have readers coming back for more.

At the end of Cat Trick readers see a separation between Marcus and Kathleen. Marcus believes that Kathleen doesn't trust him, and Kathleen will do anything to protect her friends. I find the turn that Sofie Kelly has taken their relationship very realistic. With a police officer and amateur sleuth dating there certainly has to be give and take. I know that I'm not sure how I would take it if my spouse nosed around in my job everyday! I like that Sofie Kelly is taking these characters through the many turns of the road that make up relationships, and I was eager to see if they could solve their differences.

Of course the cats are back! I love Hercules and Owen so much. They are very much like my cats in their little antics. Although my cats can't walk through walls like Hercules or disappear like Owen. Even so, many pet owners will find they can relate their own cats to the always mischievous and fun Hercules and Owen.

Kathleen's mom makes a visit to Mayville Heights to replace the murdered director, and it was interesting having her in town and watching the mother and daughter relationship. Her mom is not conventional, but definitely a delight.

I could write 100 pages on how wonderful these characters are! This series is full of small town charm, and the characters are charming as well, but also real. Kathleen and her friends have formed a solid friendship, and the kind that when found is something to treasure. Together there is nothing that they can't overcome.

I'm looking forward to taking another visit with these characters in A Midwinter's Tail and seeing what murder and mayhem is to follow.

I listened to Final Catcall as an audiobook and it was narrated by Cassandra Campbell. Cassandra Campbell is a seasoned narrator and I've listened to her quite a bit. She narrates everything from popular literary fiction to science fiction and always brings a flawless narration. I really enjoyed listening to Final Catcall. She narrates the characters perfectly, including Hercules' little meows! I plan to keep listening on audio to this series.

Audiobook Review: One Potion in the Grave by Heather Blake

Carly Bell Hartwell lives in Hitching Post, Alabama, a town with the unique reputation of being the number one place couples go to get married. Her mama runs a local wedding chapel, and there is a lot of activity in town as a wealthy senator is in town for his son's upcoming wedding, due to take place at her mama's chapel. However, there is also plenty of activity at her own potions shop, when a old friend stops by. Carly hasn't seen Katie Sue (now Katherine) since she left town many years ago. However it seems that Katie Sue is back to cause trouble for the wealthy Calhoun's. When Katie Sue turns up dead Carly is determined to find a killer and let her friend rest in peace.

I've been a fan of Heather's writing since my days of reading the Lucy Valentine books. It's been a joy to watch her develop her writing range, and move onto the magical mysteries, by the way of the Magic Potion Mysteries and the Wishcraft Mysteries. Up until now, I've favored the Wishcraft Mysteries slightly more. With already four mysteries in the Wishcraft Mysteries (and a new release coming in May), I've been reading that series longer. However, after finishing One Potion in the Grave, I don't think I could pick a favorite between the two series anymore.

While I certainly enjoyed A Potion to Die For, One Potion in the Grave made me really love this series. Narrated by Carly Sue, we hear a story of a woman with a troubled past, that certainly didn't deserve to die before her time. Carly Sue is determined to find the killer, at all costs. For me, Carly is so real. She has a on-and-off again relationship with police officer, Dylan. Not all love is black and white, and Carly and Dylan certainly have a colorful history, including a burning chapel! She's passionate about her friends and family and confused about her relationship with Dylan, and one of the most delightful amateur sleuths I've read.

I loved the mystery in this story. While I did guess several aspects of the mystery, I was surprised by the final denouement. Heather Blake writes human nature and emotions and in this story she really taps into the dysfunctional family very well.

One side story line that I loved was Carly's relationship with her cousin, Delia, who is the black to Carly's white, and they are a odd couple, but it is a joy watching them get closer. More than this, I loved Carly's relationship with her Aunt Margie. Margie is a riot. She shoots people for trespassing and uses a pitchfork to ward off unwanted guests. After an injury she ends up staying with Carly and it was fun watching them interact and their relationship grow stronger and closer.

With such an eclectic range of characters, readers will adore this series. It is full of characters that you will remember long after you've turned the last page, and fondly be looking forward to another visit to Hitching Post.

I listened to One Potion in the Grave on audio and I loved Carla Mercer-Meyer's narration. While I don't live in the south, her southern accent sounded authentic and she brought all the necessary emotion required to Carly, as she hunts down a killer, while mourning the loss of her friend. I hope she continues to narrate this series as I'm really enjoying the extra enjoyment she brings for me to this series.

Book Review: A Bird in the Hand by Dane McCaslin

Have you ever wondered what it would be like for a mystery writer to solve an actual crime? Do you think mystery writers would be nosy and throw themselves head first into a murder mystery, right in their town? Well Dane McCaslin answers that with a resounding "yes!" in her new book, A Bird in the Hand.

In Dane McCaslin's debut series, readers get to dive into the world of a mystery writer that finds herself right in the middle of a real-life crime! Caro Layton-Browning and her husband, Greg, are British ex-Pats, navigating life in New York. When they stumble across a body in the park it spikes Caro's curiosity. Soon another dead body is discovered, that of a fellow resident in picturesque Seneca Meadows, and Caro and Greg get investigating, determined to find a killer before he strikes again.

Plain and simple, Caro is awesome! Right from the first page, I found myself enjoying Caro's "quirks" as she spies on her neighbors, and rallies against her neighbor, the "Cat Lady", who she accuses of allowing her cats to use Caro's yard as a giant litter box. She has adorable quirks, like not wanting to walk in the rain!, and did I mention she's nosy? I loved that about her.

Caro is determined to unravel this mystery, and she pulls her husband, Greg, right into the mystery too!! In Caro and Greg, Dane McCasslin has created a happily married couple, that work together to solve the crime. In many ways Caro and Greg remind me of Tommy and Tuppence from the series written by Agatha Christie, and they were truly as enjoyable to read and spend time with, as Tommy and Tuppence are.

With a gang of ecclectic and unforgettable characters, A Bird in the Hand is a fast-paced mystery that will have you turning the pages faster and faster, trying to solve the mystery alongside Caro and Greg. I soaked up this mystery, like a caffeine addict that hasn't had a cup of coffee for a week!, and I'm eager to find out what kind of fun and adventure Caro and Greg will get up to next!

Audiobook Review: Steeped in Evil by Laura Childs

It's time for another visit to my favorite tea shop in the fictional world... the Indigo Tea Shop. In Theodosia's latest adventure she is spending some time away from the tea shop, at a wine tasting. A local winery, Knighthall Winery, is owned by Jordan Knight, a friend of Drayton Conneley, Theodosia's co-worker and fellow tea expert. When disaster strikes on the night of the tasting, with Jordan's son being killed in a most gruesome way, Drayton and Jordan beg Theodosia to step in and find a killer. With a Downtown Abbey Tea to plan, a tea shop to run and catch a killer, Drayton and Theodosia find themselves very busy!! Will they be too busy to catch a killer before he/she strikes again?

I am absolutely head over heels smitten with the Indigo Tea Shop and Drayton and Theodosia. Laura Childs writes engaging, compelling mysteries, but it's her characters that make her stand out above the crowd. I love how Drayton and Theodosia fit together as friends and co-workers. There is not a love angle between them, they are great friends and they fit together. Drayton can be quite stuffy and Theodosia is more fun, and they make a great pair to solve a crime!

The actual mystery was very intriguing. It starts with quite a gruesome killing, with Drew Knight being found dead in a barrel of wine!! The path to find the murderer is a tangled web of local and even international intrigue, that leaves Drayton and Theodosia running about town to solve it before the killer strikes again! I was kept on my toes, willing the audiobook to read faster and faster, so I could find out what happens!!

I listened to Steeped in Evil as an audiobook and I have to say that Barbara McCulloch has won me over on listening to future installments as audios. This is my second audiobook in the series and I really enjoy her narration. She builds on the characters that Laura Childs has created, and it's a joy to listen on audio. I listened with a cup of tea at my side, and knitting needles clicking away, and I had a fabulous time enjoying the latest Tea Shop Mystery.

The Tea Shop Mysteries are interesting and timeless mysteries.If you haven't picked this series up yet, I highly recommend giving them a read or a listen.

Audiobook Review: Dying for a Cupcake by Denise Swanson

Devereaux “Dev” Sinclair's Dime Store is taking part in a cupcake contest to end all cupcake contests. Kizzy Cutler is the famous Cupcake Queen, and she's returning home to be a part of the contest, and award the grand prize. Not everyone is happy to see Kizzy Cutler though. When her assistant is killed, and attempts are made on Kizzy's life, it is clear that someone wants the Cupcake Queen dead. With Noah and Jake out of town, Dev and friends, along with the help of the sexy new fire chief, Coop, get on the case to find out who is trying to kill Kizzy.

I have to say Denise Swanson sure knows how to pack a punch with her cozy mysteries. With 21 cozy mysteries published between her two series, she certainly has the experience and this shows in her latest offering, Dying for a Cupcake.

It's a action-packed time for Dev, as she helps with the Cupcake Contest. This isn't the taste-testing, which surely Dev would prefer, but keeping her Dime Store running, keeping Kizzy under control with her infamous short-temper, and more importantly, keeping Kizzy alive! From High School Queen to Cupcake Queen, Kizzy has a natural ability at annoying people, and it turns out she's annoyed one person so much that they want her dead.

Noah and Jake are both absent in this story, with Noah providing medical aid overseas and Jake on the trail of the man who kidnapped his ex-wife, leaving Dev alone to sort through this mess. She's more than capable... after all she's solved three other cases!! However, we have a newcomer on board in the form of the new fire chief, Coop. Sexy as all get up, Coop isn't shy to show his interest for Dev, and I think it will be interesting to see how that storyline plays out in future books.

What I enjoy the most about Denise Swanson's books is she provides a fun adventure, with adorable and obnoxious characters alike, but she touches on some real issues as well. In Dying for a Cupcake, she touches on the tender subject of bullying and does it in a way that is subtle but to the point. I always turn the final page of her books, feeling like I've had satisfied of a great read and a great adventure.

Whether it's a visit to Scumble River or to Shadow Bend, you can't go wrong with a mystery by Denise Swanson.

I listened to Dying for a Cupcake on audio, and I loved it. I whiled my weekend away knitting, while I soaked up to atmosphere in Shadow Bend, and it was a fantastic listen. I've listened to all four books on audio, and I love Maia Guest's narration. For me, she is the voice of the inhabitants of Shadow Bend, and I'm hoping she will continue to narrate the books in this series.

Book Review: Chef Maurice and the Rather Fishy Tale by J.A. Lang

When Chef Maurice uncovers a wooden fish inside the day's fresh bass, with a plea written on the fish, he's not sure what to make of it. His friend, food critic, Arthur Wordington-Smythe, insists there is something fishy going on and wants to investigate. Together they start to investigate, and head all over in attempt to find the person, that has written the message on the wooden fish.

I read Chef Maurice and the Rather Fishy Tale as a prequel introduction to J.A. Lang's first full-length novel, Chef Maurice and a Spot of Truffle, and it was just the perfect short story to whet my appetite for this new-to-me series.

The friendship between Chef Maurice and Arthur was a fun one, as Arthur gets Chef Maurice into interesting situations, in an attempt to solve this mystery. I had a fun time with this duo and it will be definitely be entertaining to watch them get into more mischief in their next adventure.

It's clear this series will be a culinary delight for fans of culinary mysteries. With the mouth-watering descriptions of the seafood, y the time I turned the last page I was ready to seek out some fish and chips for myself!

With a good mystery, and delicious culinary delights, this was a perfect short story to introduce readers to the series. I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series.

Check out Chef Maurice and the Rather Fishy Tale by J.A. Lang at Amazon. At the time of posting this review, this book is free for Kindle.

Book Review: Suspendered Sentence by Laura Bradford

Suspendered Sentence is the fourth book in the Amish Mysteries by Laura Bradford. Claire Weatherly, owner of Heavenly Treasures, lives amongst the Amish and English in the town of Heavenly, Pennsylvania. She loves the quiet life in Heavenly, but it certainly isn't dull and boring. During the raising of a new barn, human bones are discovered and they are believed to belong to a Amish teenager, who ran away many years ago. With police officer, Jakob, and Claire on the trail, they try to piece together this cold case, and figure out who the killer is.

I live in a town, where there are no Amish about, but that doesn't stop my curiosity about them and the lifestyle they lead. In some ways they have a simple, beautiful life, where they help each other when help is needed. Of course when it comes to crimes they are reticent about having police involvement, and this makes Jakob's job more difficult.

The lastest installment in the Amish Mysteries is certainly a page-turning, unputdownable read. Laura Bradford beautifully describes the ups and downs of Amish life, in a almost lyrical style, and as her words drew me in, I found myself stepping alongside Claire, her Aunt, Diane, and police officer, Jakob, trying to solve the murder with them.

The events that lead to this murder surround the rumspringa. For those that aren't family the rumspringa is a rite of passage available to Amish youth around the age of 16 when they are allowed to see the world outside the closed Amish community. It ends when the youths return to the community to be baptized into the Amish church or decide to remain outside it. It's a interesting time in the life of the young Amish and I like how this rite of passage was weaved through the mystery, letting readers learn more about this.

As with the other books in this series, Laura Bradford doesn't disappoint with Suspendered Sentence. As befitting someone living in a Amish town, she is moving the relationship between Claire and Jakob at a perfect pace, and I enjoyed several toe-curling moments between them, and I look forward to seeing where the path leads for both of these characters.

I had a wonderful time visiting the fine folks of Heavenly, and I absolutely cannot wait to tag along for another adventure, when the next book is released.

If you are looking for a first class mystery, pick up the Amish Mysteries today. They are written so that you can pick up any book in the series, and just read, or to really do this series justice, pick up Hearse and Buggy, and enjoy four of the best mysteries on the market today.

Book Review: A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart

In Fran Stewart's debut series she introduces readers to Margaret "Peggy" Winn. Peggy lives in Hamelin, Vermont, a town that is like a mini Scotland in America, and owns the Scotshop, a darling little store selling Scottish items. On a trip to Scotland, to purchase more items for her store, she brings home with her an unwanted gift in the form of a 600+ year old ghost, who she names Dirk. With a ghost following her around, marveling at all the changes in the last 600 years, Peggy is determined to carry on with her life, and put the heartbreak of finding her boyfriend in bed with her best friend, behind her. However, this proves difficult when her ex-boyfriend is found dead in her shop and her cousin is accused of murder. With the help of her "wee ghostie" Peggy and her friend set out to clear her cousin's name, and try to find a murderer.

Fran Stewart has done something so incredibly right with this new series. She whisked me away to the land of Scotland right from the beginning, and the magic of Scotland carried through, even when Peggy returned back to Hamelin. Of course this was helped with the Scottish atmosphere of Hamelin, where kilts are aplenty, and of course thanks to Dirk, her wee Scottish ghostie.

Dirk is the perfect gentleman, and everything about the 21st century is a surprise to him! Peggy tries to explain to him, but of course she's talking to a ghost, so at times Dirk has to fumble along for himself, lest Peggy looks like she's talking to thin air!! Dirk was a delight, and at times I found myself copying his old Scottish account, and delighting in his every action and word!

The mystery in this debut book is very interesting, because Fran Stewart doesn't give us many suspects. With a mystery that involved hidden rooms, secrets codes and only a handful of suspects, I certainly had a hard time trying to solve it before Peggy and Dirk!

Fran Stewart's debut is a strong start to what is going to be a fabulous series. She's created very memorable characters, full of charm and mischief, and readers will be fondly recalling this adventure long after they turn the last page. If you haven't picked up this first book in the Scot Shop Mysteries yet, go grab a copy today, because it is going to be one series you don't want to miss!

Book Review: Assault & Pepper by Leslie Budewitz

In Leslie Budewitz's new series, she's spicing up the Seattle scene with a delectable culinary mystery to appeal to all the senses!

After a corporate crash leaves Pepper Reece jobless, she opens up a spice shop, called Seattle Spice Shop. All is going well with her somewhat relationship with local restaurant owner, Alex Howard, and running her store. That is until she finds a dead body on her front step, and the dead person looks to be connected to one of her employees. With her nose to the ground, she's soon trying to catch the scent of a killer, that is if she can stay out of the way of her ex-husband, police officer, Tag Buhner.

I really enjoyed the first book in Leslie Budewitz's debut series, the Food Lovers' Village Mysteries with Death Al Dente, and I was excited to hear that she was also releasing a second series, surrounding a spice store.

Assault and Pepper is certainly a book for all the senses! Right from the first chapter I felt like I could almost smell the delicious scents that must waft in and out of the Seattle Spice Shop. The way the different spices, and recipes, are described I was practically racing to my local stores to try out lots of new spices!! With an atmosphere like this to begin with, the mystery that followed could have only made this debut novel better.

I found it interesting that Pepper starts off with a boyfriend of sorts, especially as in in most cozy mystery debuts we see the sleuth as single and looking for the love of her life. I won't spoil this story line for readers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the direction that Leslie Budewitz takes Pepper, in both her business and her personal life, and I absolutely can't wait to see what kind of adventure she has in store for her next.

The mystery was first class and it kept me guessing until the end. Leslie Budewitz certainly delivers in this new series: a first class mystery, delightful characters and when the mystery is all finished, there are mouth-watering recipes for the reader to try.

Book Review: Lease on the Beach by Jennifer L. Hart

Jackie Parker, with her Damaged Goods Property Management crew, are back for another adventure. Reeling after the near death events in Final Notice, things aren't going smoothly for Jackie and her ex-marines husband, Luke. Especially not with the sexy Logan, Luke's brother and Jackie's one-time fling many years ago. However business is business and together they are off to evict to another dead beat in their jobs as property managers. What begins with evictions leads to "furries", drug labs and murderers on the loose for the Damaged Goods team.

I simply can't get enough of the Damaged Goods Mysteries. I really enjoyed the first book, Final Notice, and when I finished it I was eager for a second story. I patiently waited for a sequel and I was rewarded with "Lease on the Beach".

Lease on the Beach was definitely worth the wait. Jennifer L. Hart has created a very intense relationship with Jackie and Luke, throw in the mix the sexy brother, Logan, and there is definitely drama aplenty. Jackie is not the usual airhead running into situations without warning, and I like that she does think about the situations before diving in. She is definitely a amateur sleuth worth following!

Lease on the Beach was full of adventure on every page, and I loved every second of it. This is not a series that you will be bored with, and one that you will get thoroughly addicted to.

I give Lease on the Beach five sparkling stars (if I could give it a trillion stars I would!) and I am very eager to visit with Jackie and the Parker boys again to find out what is in store for them next.

Book Review: Played By The Book by Lucy Arlington

In the fourth book in the Novel Idea Mysteries, Lila Wilkins, and the gang at Novel Idea Literary Agency are gearing up for a signing and dinner with their newest and biggest client, television show host Damian York, with his new gardening book. However gardening isn't just going on between the pages as the local gardening club gears up for a contest and Lila uncovers a skeleton in her backyard. With a cold case on hand, and a murderer looming it's up to Lila to help her police officer boyfriend solve another crime.

Ever since I read the first book in this series, Buried in a Book, I have been completely enamored with this series. As far as I'm concerned Lila has the perfect job! She is paid to read stories every day. Lila is a great main character. She always has her nose to the crime, and it doesn't hurt that she lives in the idyllic town of Inspiration Valley, and has some fantastic friends.

I love that something is always happening in Inspiration Valley. You might think these small towns are sleepy, but that's not so. With a gardening contest that is so competitive, that someone might kill to win the "van Gogh" prize, romance and the possibilities of wedding bells in the air, and a murderer on the loose, every page of this latest addition of the series kept me on the edge of my seat.

Played by the Book was another fabulous addition to a series that gets better with every book. If you're a book lover and haven't added this series to your reading pile don't hesitate to pick it up. It will be a series that you will treasure for a long time.

Note: I wanted to add a little note about Lucy Arlington. Lucy Arlington was the pseudonym for Ellery Adams and Sylvia May. Having these two tremendously talented authors behind this series was part of my reason for picking the series up to begin with. For this book the author behind the series was changed to Susan Furlong. I only discovered this when I was halfway through reading this book and read another review on this title. The transition has been absolutely seamless. If I hadn't read about the change in author I wouldn't have realized it by reading this book. Whether it's Ellery Adams and Sylvia May or Susan Furlong behind the words, they've done a fantastic job of creating a enjoyable mystery series that keeps readers engrossed from the first page to the last, and I can't wait to see where they will take the series next.

Audiobook Review: Bless Her Dead Little Heart by Miranda James

This series is the spin off to Miranda James' Cats in the Stacks Mysteries and features Miss An'gel and Miss Dickce Ducote. The sisters are pet sitting Charlie Harris' maine coon cat, Diesel, and get themselves involved in an adventure. When their former sorority sister, Rosabelle Sultan, turns up on their door step, claiming that her family is trying to kill her they don't really believe her. After all Rosabelle loves drama! However when someone else falls victim to a trap set for Rosabelle it really looks like Rosabelle's family mean her harm. With the Sultan family residing at their house too, An'gel and Dickce must try to solve the mystery before they become the next victim.

I just adore Diesel and the Cats in the Stacks Mysteries. This spin off was great. While I did miss Charlie Harris, I did like this story. An'gel and Dickce are such a hoot, and with their southern manners they tend to keep their snarky comments to themselves. That doesn't mean they don't think them. Rosabelle and her family are pretty uncouth and it was interesting watching them all clash with each other!

This was my first time listening to a Miranda James novel. I've previously read all the others. However having said that I enjoyed Jorgena Marie's narration. I liked the southern accents she used and I would definitely listen to another book in this series, with her narration.

Bless Her Dead Little Heart was a fun debut in this series. If you enjoy the Cats in the Stacks mysteries I thoroughly recommend picking this one up. If you are new to Miranda James give this one a try and I guarantee you that you will be racing out to buy her other series too!

Book Review: Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams

Readers get ready to be transported to a magical estate where readers will get to immerse themselves in their love of books. This is exactly what readers have in store for them when they visit Storyton Hall. In her newest series Ellery Adams is transporting readers to a holiday estate, where visitors get to spend their days reading books in various themed rooms, or walking on the beautiful grounds. When resort manager, Jane Stewart, hosts a themed week "Murder and Mayhem Week" she doesn't realize Storyton Hall will be the scene for an actual murder, as someone is intent on recovering a book at all costs!

Amongst all the genres I love mysteries the most. There is such a great variety for readers, from the classics of Agatha Christie to the modern cozy mystery. Murder in the Mystery Suite is a celebration of the mystery genre. From the reading rooms named after authors, to the murder, which centers around a lost manuscript from a great mystery author. Every page delighted in me, as I felt fully immersed in the mystery, and enjoyed the delightful name dropping of all the authors mentioned.

I loved all the characters at Storyton Hall, and those in the town as well. There is more than meets the eye to Jane Stewart, and her delightful twins, as well as her Aunt and Uncle. They kept me on my toes and I wasn't able to guess who the murderer was, or other surprises along the way.

Alike to her other mysteries, Ellery Adams has subtly weaved magic within the pages, and left readers absolutely mesmerized with this new series. While not of the paranormal kind, it is the kind of magic that leaves readers absolutely hooked on each series, and this is one that I won't be forgetting in a hurry. I absolutely can't wait to see what Ellery Adams has in store for Jane Stewart in the next story.

Audiobook Review: The Coming of Mr Quin by Agatha Christie

On a dark evening, Mr. Harley Quin appears at the door of Royston Hall under the premise that his car has broken down. Once inside, he embarks upon the tragic tale of Royston Hall's former occupants, leading to a dramatic change in the perceptions of the current inhabitants - but has Mr. Quin's revelation come too late?[summary via Audible]

This is a interesting little story about a murder a suicide that happened sometime ago and Mr Quin flies in one night to solve the mystery. I haven't read many stories featuring Mr Quin and I quite enjoyed watching him untangle this one. I liked the story and also the narration. This was a good one to get me back into the groove of listening to Agatha Christie mysteries on audio.

Audiobook Review: If The Shoe Kills by Lynn Cahoon

The holiday season is fast approaching in the sleepy town of South Cove. Jill Gardiner, owner of Coffee, Books and More, is busy planning a holiday supper and fundraising for the season. The last thing she needs is to get involved in another murder case. However, one seems to land right in her lap when she discovers the body of a visitor to town. Ted Hendricks is a first class jerk and also the director of a work program, placing interns in local businesses to help them garner some experience. When Ted turns up dead Jill doesn’t have to look far for suspects. It seems everyone had a reason to dislike Ted and Jill and her boyfriend police officer, Greg, will have their work cut out trying to find the killer.

If The Shoe Kills was my first visit with Jill and her dog, Emma, to South Cove. However, after listening to just one book I know it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the variety of people that live in South Cove, and the addition of the interns visiting certainly provided a lot of color and intrigue!

The murder aside, what really drew me into this story was Jill’s store, Coffee, Books and More. I really like books about books. So many of my favorite cozy mystery series are set in bookstores and libraries. Being such an avid reader I can’t get enough of cozy mysteries that heavily feature books in their stories. I felt right at home in Coffee, Books and More and I liked how Jill not just works there, but talks about books, not just mentioning titles but giving the reader a great view of what goes into running the bookstore. In every scene I really felt like Jill was as much an avid lover of books as I am.

With the interns of the work program in town, there were a lot of visitors to South Cove. This made trying to figure out the killer so much harder, especially as the victim was new to town as well. I had an interesting time trying to figure it out and didn’t manage to solve this one before Jill.

I listened to If The Shoe Kills on audio and I enjoyed Susan Boyce’s narration. It didn’t take me long to get into the story and I quickly found myself hooked, which is a good indicator to a great author and narrator combination.

If the Shoe Kills was a great introduction into this series for me. I plan to go back and read/listen to the earlier books in the series, to find out a bit more about Jill’s other adventures. If you like charming cozies about enchanting small towns I highly recommend picking this one up.