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.

* * * * *

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.

Book Review: Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah Swensen thought she'd finally discovered the recipe for a perfect life. But her sometime beau Norman Rhodes tosses a surprise ingredient into the mix when he phones to tell her he's just bought a house from local drugstore clerk Rhonda Scharf--which he plans to tear down in order to build the dream home he and Hannah designed. It seems the plan has been cooking for quite some time, and Hannah's shocked. Especially since her ring finger is still very much bare. . .

The good news is that the soon-to-be-torn-down house is full of antiques--and Norman has given Hannah and her mother first dibs. They uncover some gorgeous old furniture, a patchwork quilt. . .and Rhonda Scharf's dead body. A little more sleuthing turns up the half-eaten remains of a very special dinner for two--and one of The Cookie Jar's famous lemon meringue pies. Now it's up to Hannah to turn up the heat--and get busy tracking down clues. Starting in her very own kitchen. . .[summary from Amazon]

Another week and another delicious, scrumptious Hannah Swensen mystery to devour! This time with my favorite desert on the front cover, Lemon Meringue Pie!

In Lake Eden, Hannah is getting used to life dating both Norman and Mike, running The Cookie Jar and having her mother's new business right next door! Life is busy, but good for Hannah and her friends. Things start to get interesting, however, when Norman announces that he has bought a house, and the previous owner is found dead in the basement!! It's another murder mystery for Hannah to solve, with the help of not just her sister, Andrea, but her mother too!!

This is the fourth Hannah Swensen I've read as part of my read-along and I'm loving each and every one of them. With each book I'm developing a feeling of coming home, to visit family and friends, and in my opinion that is the mark of a good cozy mystery! Just like real estate it's "location, location, location" and I love visiting with all the folks at Lake Eden! 

I solved the mystery in Lemon Meringue Pie Murder about two-thirds of the way through the book but this didn't take any enjoyment away from the story. I enjoyed watching Hannah try to piece the story together. 

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder was another enjoyable visit to Lake Eden. It has all the thrills of a good adventure, romance and scrumptious recipes. I do warn readers though, after you finish reading you'll be rushing to the kitchen to bake some of these yummy recipes yourself!

Buy Lemon Meringue Pie Murder at Amazon.

Feature & Giveaway: The Cat, The Collector and the Killer by Leann Sweeney

As part of our double-feature today, we're featuring Leann Sweeney's new release, The Cat, the Collector & the Killer:

Jillian Hart and police chief Tom Stewart are enjoying peaceful, newly wedded bliss in Mercy, South Carolina, until a woman is found wandering the streets one night. She's in her night clothes, disoriented, and carrying a kitten in a tote bag. A search of the woman’s house reveals many more cats, a maze of cardboard boxes—and a dead man. 

Although the evidence suggests the frail woman is the killer, Jillian doesn’t believe she’s capable of such a crime. The dead man had many enemies in town, which means finding the real murderer may prove to be its own cat and mouse game...

Today we're giving away a paperback of The Cat, the Collector & the Killer:

GIVEAWAY: 

To enter:
1. Leave a comment with your email address or fill in this form.
2. Giveaway is open to US/Canada and ends August 3, 2016.

Feature & Giveaway: The Cat, the Sneak & the Secret by Leann Sweeney

Today we have a double-feature with two great books from Leann Sweeney, one that is out today!!

First we have book 7 of the Cats in Trouble Mysteries:

In the latest from the author of The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim, a feline with a penchant for pilfering ends up unearthing a deadly mystery.… 

 Jillian Hart and Tom are finally tying the knot, but first they need to make sure Tom’s stepson, Finn, is as comfortable as possible in the lake house they will all call home. So when it becomes clear that Finn has fallen for a pretty cat from the Mercy Animal Sanctuary, Jillian and Tom readily agree to make room for one more—even though the tortoiseshell kitty is a notorious kleptomaniac. 

So far, the cat has sneaked out of the adoption center time after time, bringing back trinkets, shoelaces, and socks. But when she brings back an antique locket, Finn enlists Tom’s and Jillian’s sleuthing skills. They hope to return the treasured item to its owner, but their search for answers is sidetracked when a body is found. Still, their sneaky cat’s find may just lead them to a killer.…

Today we're giving away a paperback of The Cat, the Sneak & the Secret:

GIVEAWAY:

To enter:

1. Leave a comment with your email address or fill in this form.

2. Giveaway is open to US/Canada and ends August 3, 2016.

Book Review: Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

Preparations are underway for Lake Eden, Minnesota's annual Winter Carnival--and Hannah Swensen is set to bake up a storm at her popular shop, The Cookie Jar. Too bad the honor of creating the official Winter Carnival cake went to famous lifestyle maven Connie Mac--a half-baked idea, in Hannah's opinion. She suspects Connie Mac is a lot like the confections she whips up on her cable TV cooking show--sweet, light, and scrumptious-looking, but likely to leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Hannah's suspicions are confirmed when Connie Mac's limo rolls into town. Turns out America's "Cooking Sweetheart" is bossy, bad-tempered, and downright domineering. Things finally boil over when Hannah arrives at The Cookie Jar to find the Winter Carnival cake burnt to a crisp—and Connie Mac lying dead in her pantry, struck down while eating one of Hannah's famous blueberry muffins.

Next thing Hannah knows, the police have declared The Cookie Jar's kitchen crime scene off-limits. She's a baker without an oven--and the Carnival is right around the corner. Hannah's only alternative is to cook up a plan to save her business--by finding the killer herself...[summary via Goodreads]

Blueberry Muffin Murder is the third book the Hannah Swensen Mysteries, and for me was a re-read. I originally read Blueberry Muffin Murder in 2011 and I've now re-read it as part of my Hannah Swensen Mysteries readalong. It was just as delightful the second time around!!

Hannah is busy helping with the Winter Carnival. However her life gets a whole lot busier with the arrival of America's Cooking Sweetheart, Connie Mac, who is bossy and seems to get on the bad side of everyone! When Connie turns up dead, and one of Hannah's oldest friends is pinned for the murder, Hannah and her sister, Andrea, must try and find the killer.

Every Hannah Swensen mystery I've read so far has been a delicious read. Blueberry Muffin Murder is no different. The mystery itself was interesting, especially as it involved the empire of a cooking sweetheart, that certainly left enough suspects in her wake. It was interesting watching Hannah and Andrea hunt for clues and find the killer, especially with such a long list of suspects!

I enjoy every visit to Lake Eden. There is the eclectic mix of people in Lake Eden, especially their mother, Delores, who is determined to marry Hannah off!!! It's always fun watching Delores and her match-making. I especially enjoy the relationships in Lake Eden, watching Hannah and Andrea's sisterly bond growing and watching Hannah's romance with dentist, Norman, and police detective, Mike. It all made for an another enjoyable visit to Lake Eden!

If you haven't visited Lake Eden yet, what are you waiting for? Pickup The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder and enjoy this fabulous series.

Purchase Blueberry Muffin Murder at Amazon.

Feature & Giveaway: The Cat, the Vagabond & the Victim by Leann Sweeney

Today we're featuring the sixth book in the Cats in Trouble Mysteries, The Cat, the Vagabond & the Victim:

When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret. 

But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an eldery man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.…[summary via Goodreads]

Have you read The Cat, the Vagabond & the Victim? Did you enjoy it as much as we did?

Time for a giveaway. Today we're giving away a paperback of The Cat, the Vagabond & the Victim.

GIVEAWAY: 

To enter: 

1. Leave a comment with your email address. 

2. Giveaway is open to everyone and ends on August 2, 2016 at midnight.