Book Review: Bookmarked for Murder by V.M. Burns

Amateur sleuth Samantha Washington’s shopping trip to Chicago takes a deadly detour when a man is murdered on her bus . . .

After some post-Christmas retail therapy in the Windy City, mystery bookshop owner and historical whodunit novelist Sam Washington is returning home to North Harbor, Michigan, on a chartered bus. With Nana Jo and her gal pals Irma, Dorothy, and Ruby Mae from Shady Acres Retirement Village along for the ride, it's a lively trip. But one passenger is not so lively—a gentleman Irma befriended is found dead in his seat after an unscheduled stop. The ladies immediately shift gears to find out who punched his ticket, while Sam slips into the driver's seat to make sure Nana Jo and her crew steer clear of fatal conclusions . . .[summary via Amazon]

Sam Washington and her Senior Sleuths are back for their fifth adventure in Bookmarked for Murder. What starts out as a post-Christmas shopping trip soon turns deadly when one of the Senior Sleuth's seat mates turns up dead. Nana Jo, ever the inquisitive one, is determined to solve the crime and find the killer, and ropes Sam and her friends in on the case!

Ever since I read The Plot is Murder, I've been absolutely hooked on this series. Each book is a mystery within a mystery, as V.M. Burns combines two stories together. Sam is writing a historical mystery, while she's trying to solve the modern day mystery, and I simply love how to the two mysteries intertwine together.

From the first chapter, I was completely hooked. Nana Jo is an absolute riot and she's the main reason I often reference this series as "Golden Girls meets Murder She Wrote". Her zest for life leaps off the pages, and I'm sure she's the reason that Sam has such an interesting life! Together with her friends from Shady Acres Retirement Village, they provide some of these best, most outrageous scenarios you will find in a cozy mystery!

The mystery itself was very fascinating, as it involves the death of an investigative reporter. There is no shortage of suspects, especially as his new book is supposed to be the great expose of them all! Sam and her friends definitely have their work cut out for them, trying to find the killer before they strike again!

I really enjoy the pace of this series. The mystery is always a heart-stopping pace, and I'm always eager to try to pick up the clues before Sam and Nana Jo. However, it's the pace of Sam's own personal story I enjoy the most. After the death of her husband Leon, Sam opened her mystery bookshop, and she is now starting to date and find love again. I love that the romance aspect doesn't feel rushed at all. For anyone that enjoys a thrilling mystery, with a dash of sweet romance, will definitely appreciate this series!

Bookmarked for Murder is another great instalment in the Mystery Bookshop mysteries. Fans of this series are going to want to add this one to their fall reading, so they can laugh at the Senior Sleuths antics (especially Irma in her "hooker heels" while she tries to nab every senior in her vicinity) and be thrilled by another mystery to solve. Haven't read the series yet? Start right here. V.M. Burns gives enough information that you won't feel lost, but I guarantee you're going to want to go back and read the earlier mysteries. This is one series that you don't want to miss a single book!

Book Review: The Witches' Tree by M.C. Beaton

Cotswolds inhabitants are used to inclement weather, but the night sky is especially foggy as Rory and Molly Devere, the new vicar and his wife, drive slowly home from a dinner party in their village of Sumpton Harcourt. They strain to see the road ahead—and then suddenly brake, screeching to a halt. Right in front of them, aglow in the headlights, a body hangs from a gnarled tree at the edge of town. Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered—and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.

Agatha Raisin rises to the occasion (a little glad for the excitement, to tell the truth, after a long run of lost cats and divorces on the books). But Sumpton Harcourt is a small and private village, she finds—a place that poses more questions than answers. And when two more murders follow the first, Agatha begins to fear for her reputation—and even her life. That the village has its own coven of witches certainly doesn't make her feel any better...[summary via Amazon]

#QuickandCozy reviews are quick, bite-size reviews that feature all our favourite aspects of cozy mysteries. These reviews are provided on books that I have purchased only.

COZY TOWN: Welcome to the heart of the Cotswolds. Carsley is like every other village, quaint, cute, picturesque, and with a killer lurking around the bush!

THE CRIME: When a vicar and his wife are returning from a dinner party, they are surprised to see something hanging from the witches' tree. They discover it is the body of elderly spinster, Margaret Darby. Who would kill a spinster? Maybe her twin sister? Maybe someone from her past? It's up to Agatha Raisin to find out!

ROMANCE: Oh poor Aggie! Between her dud of an ex-husband, James Lacey, and we're-just-friends Sir Charles Fraith, she is need of some romance, and that's romance with a R! I've read 28 mysteries with Agatha Raisin and I've stuck with her from her first foot in Carsley. I've watched her heart be broken, and her heart soar again. What I really would love to see is a real romance, and maybe even a real boyfriend. Seriously with how many times she's almost been killed she needs some love in her life!

FURRY SIDEKICK: Agatha's housemates, Hodge and Boswell, play minor parts in The Witches' Tree but I always like seeing them cross the page. 

MY VERDICT: Another great mystery with Agatha. I got caught up in Agatha's relationship (or lack there of) with Sir Charles, and didn't manage to solve the mystery before Agatha. I loved the paranormal element with the local coven. This definitely added a change from her usual mysteries. I will be digging into the 29th mystery, The Dead Ringer, really soon and I can't wait to see what is next for Agatha.

Book Review: Crime & Poetry by Amanda Flower

Rushing home to sit by her ailing grandmother’s bedside, Violet Waverly is shocked to find Grandma Daisy the picture of perfect health. Violet doesn’t need to read between the lines: her grandma wants Violet back home and working in her magical store, Charming Books. It’s where the perfect book tends to fly off the shelf and pick you... 

Violet has every intention to hightail it back to Chicago, but then a dead man is discovered clutching a volume of Emily Dickinson’s poems from Grandma Daisy’s shop. The victim is Benedict Raisin, who recently put Grandma Daisy in his will, making her a prime suspect. Now, with the help of a tuxedo cat named Emerson, Violet will have to find a killer to keep Grandma from getting booked for good...[summary via Amazon]

#QuickandCozy reviews are quick, bite-size reviews that feature all our favourite aspects of cozy mysteries. These reviews are provided on books that I have purchased only.

COZY TOWN: Welcome to Cascade Springs. The town is as picturesque as it sounds, especially with the magical spring waters.

THE CRIME: Violet has returned home for a fly-in visit, when her Grandma dupes into believing that she is going to die. Instead she finds Grandma Daisy is healthy and happy, until the dead body of Daisy's boyfriend is found outside her bookshop. Who is Benedict Raisin and who wanted him dead?

ROMANCE: Oh la la! Daisy left behind high school sweetheart, Nathan, (who is now Mayor) when she left 12 years ago. He seems intent on reuniting the spark. There is also the added appeal of Police Chief, David Rainwater. Just to go on record right now, I'm total #TeamDavid. He writes children's books in his spare time!

CHARMING BOOKS: This bookstore is magical, and sounds like the kind of place I'd want to curl up all day! Did I mention it's magical? The magic part is so intriguing and I can't wait to dig deeper into the bookshelves!

MY VERDICT: This is a fabulous first-in-a-new-to-me-series. The mystery was fantastic. I didn't guess the killer, and Cascade Springs... well lets just say I know there is more mystery under the surface. I absolutely can't wait for the next book!

Book Review: French Fried by Kylie Logan

The Statue of Liberty is 130 years old, and for the struggling residents of Hubbard, Ohio, any opportunity to bring in tourists is reason enough for a celebration. Laurel Inwood and her aunt, Sophie, are pitching in. Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks, a former greasy spoon turned charming ethnic eatery, will be offering French cuisine for the entire week.

For expert help with their quiche and escargot, the ladies turn to Raquel “Rocky” Arnaud, a former French chef and friend of Sophie. What looks like a match made in heaven turns rank as quickly as buttermilk on a summer’s day. Rocky turns up dead and when her nightly red wine shows notes of oak, cinnamon, and poison, Laurel turns from soufflé to sleuth.[summary via Amazon]

#QuickandCozy reviews are quick, bite-size reviews that feature all our favourite aspects of cozy mysteries. These reviews are provided on books that I have purchased only.

COZY TOWN: Hubbard, Ohio is your regular picturesque small town, where you can't imagine anything bad ever happening. The cozy shops are quaint, and well Terminal at the Tracks is just delightful. I love the ethnic twist at the Terminal - with each month a new ethnic treat is being served up!

THE CRIME: Sophie's friend, Raquel "Rocky" Arnaud has been murdered. Rocky is a French ex-chef, who likes to potter amongst her herbs. Who would want her dead?

ROMANCE: The incorrigible, Irishman, Declan, is on the scene to help Laurel solve the crime. However, also enter Police Detective, Tony Russo. Things are definitely sizzling up between the pages. Not a fan of love triangles? Don't worry! I have it on good authority that Laurel's love life is going to resolve itself by the end of the book!

MY VERDICT: I'm absolutely crazy for Kylie Logan's books! I loved her League of Literary Ladies books, and the Ethnic Eats are just as good! I'm not usually one for foodie-themed mysteries, but I definitely make the exception for this series. The mystery itself is thrilling, with lots of twists and turns. The Ethnic Eats mysteries are getting better and better, and I can't wait to see what mischief Laurel is going to get up to in Italian Iced.

Book Review: Dying for Devil's Food by Jenn McKinlay

Melanie Cooper has zero interest in catering her fifteen-year high school reunion, but Angie insists it's only right that they bask in the success of Fairy Tale Cupcakes--and Mel's engagement to the delicious Joe DeLaura is the cherry on top!

Everything is going better than expected until Cassidy Havers, resident mean girl and Mel's high school nemesis, picks a fight. No longer willing to put up with Cassidy's bullying, Mel is ready to tell the former homecoming queen to shut her piehole and call it a night. But as Mel and Joe prepare to depart, Cassidy is found dead in the girl's bathroom, next to a note written in lipstick that points right to Mel--making her the prime suspect.

Now, Mel must follow the clues to find the real killer and keep her reputation from being frosted for a crime she didn't commit.[summary via Amazon]

Another cupcake bakery mystery! There are a small handful of cozy mystery series that I've stayed up to date with since I discovered cozy mysteries and the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries is one of them! I've been a fan since I read Sprinkle with Murder, and just like a delicious cupcake this is one series that I don't think I will be quitting anytime soon!

This time Mel, Angie and Tate are returning to school for their reunion. Soon they realize that so many people haven't changed and it is just like the song says "high school never ends"! Especially when mean girl, Cassidy Havers, starts to bully Mel. However, Mel has learnt to stand up for herself and doesn't want to be pushed around! When Mel finds Cassidy dead, all fingers (and lipstick) are pointing to Mel! It's going to take our favourite detecting trio all they've got to solve this one!

In the words of Mel herself, this is how this series feels to me:

As soon as she unwrapped it and took her first bite, she felt the sugar hit her bloodstream and suddenly her world made sense again.

-Dying for Devil's Food

This is positively the life essence of this series. Each mystery is well-plotted and intriguing, but just like a good cupcake it is also addictive and you can't just have one! I sunk into Dying for Devil's Food like you would a truly delicious buttercream frosting, and devoured it in less than 24 hours! 

The mystery itself is fast-paced and thoroughly unputdownable as the victim, Cassidy, is such a classic "mean girl" type. This leaves the gang with so many suspects to sort through. It was interesting to see how some people changed over the 15 years since high school ended, and some not so much! By setting the mystery at their reunion, I like how the reader got a window into their lives as teenagers, and how they dealt with the bulling - both then and now.

It's impossible for Jenn McKinlay to write a mystery that I don't like, and as such I absolutely loved Dying for Devil's Food. The mystery is great, character progression is spot on... and... Marty flossing to a rap song.... well you have to read it just for that!

The Cupcake Bakery Mysteries are always #1 on my list when recommending "foodie" themed cozies. They're the perfect decadent treat anytime of the year and I can't wait for the next one.

Book Review: Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsay

Blossom Valley, West Virginia, is home to Smythe Orchards, Winnie and her Granny’s beloved twenty-five-acre farm and family business. But any way you slice it, it’s struggling. That’s why they’re trying to drum up business with the “First Annual Christmas at the Orchard,” a good old-fashioned holiday festival with enough delicious draw to satisfy apple-picking locals and cider-loving tourists alike—until the whole endeavor takes a sour turn when the body of Nadine Cooper, Granny’s long-time, grudge-holding nemesis, is found lodged in the apple press. Now, with Granny the number one suspect, Winnie is hard-pressed to prove her innocence before the real killer delivers another murder . . .[summary via Amazon]

Welcome to Blossom Valley, West Virginia, where the sun shines over the mountains and across the farms. However, not all is perfect in Blossom Valley and the population is about to be one less... Winnie Montgomery is trying to help her grandmother save the struggling Smythe Orchards. To help during their slow season, she is planning a Christmas festival. However, what isn't in her plan is finding a dead body in their barn.  With the new Sheriff trying to peg the crime on her grandmother, Winnie must solve the mystery and keep the farm from going under!

Apple Cider Slaying is the first in a new series from Julie Anne Lindsey, who also writes the Kitty Couture Mysteries as Julie Chase.  With Apple Cider Slaying she delivers an intriguing mystery surrounding an apple orchard, that evolves into one of the most heart-felt mysteries I've read in a while.

What makes this series so special is the relationship between Winnie and her grandparents. Winnie has been raised by her grandparents, after being abandoned by her mother. The love between Winnie and her grandmother, Granny Smythe, shines through the pages, and as I read the story I wished I had a Granny Smythe in my life. Julie Anne Lindsey has perfectly captured the relationship between them, and I think readers are going to cherish these two long after they turn the last page.

The mystery itself is very compelling. I read over 100 cozy mystery novels a year, and I love it when I'm completely stumped and have no clue who the killer is. This happened with Apple Cider Slaying. Right up to the "big reveal" I was stumbling in the dark trying to figure out who wanted the bossy, annoying Nadine Cooper dead. 

Apple Cider Slaying will definitely be hitting my Top 5 favourite books of 2019. Beyond the mystery and wonderful relationship between Winnie and Granny Smythe, I can see there is a lot more to unravel in future books. I'm excited to dig into the lives of the residents of Blossom Valley again, and see what kind of adventures they go on!

If you're looking for the perfect holiday read pick up Apple Cider Slaying. It's got adventure, a little romance, intrigue and two cute feline sidekicks. However, this book comes with a warning.... it is so good you will want to finish it in one day (I did!) and want to eat apple pie and drink cider while you do (I did this too!)

Book Review: Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town's legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That's when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo's front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo's Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally's reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally's death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.[summary via Amazon]

Do you love a fast paced mystery, with a little sprinkling of romance? Do you love a dead body thrown into the first chapter, and then a mad dash to find the killer? If you answered yes to both of these questions then you need to read first book in the Main Street Book Club Mysteries, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder.

Arlo Stanley loves everything about her life in Sugar Springs. Together with her best friend, Chloe Carter, they own and run "Arlo and Chloe's Books & More, and life is pretty idyllic. That is until a dead body is found outside their shop. The body in question is Wally Harrison, best selling author and the town's golden boy, and the father of Chloe's son, Jayden. With Chief Matthew "Mads" Keller determined to pin the crime on Chloe, Arlo must join forces with her book club to keep Chloe from jail and find the real killer.

As a reader, what I love the most is a dead body early on! There is nothing like a dead body hitting the first chapter to really keep me entertained! In this case it is a dead body hitting the first page and the pavement! From this early excitement, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder, got better and better. Especially when Arlo enlists the help of her book club to find the killer!

The "Main Street Book Club" members are an eclectic bunch, including ex-teacher, Camille, and Arlo's godmother, Helen, and the ever interesting, Fern. Not to mention new member, Sam, who is returning to town after years away. Sam provides a lot of colour to the situation, as he is also Arlo's ex-boyfriend!  These group are an absolute hoot, as they go around town interrogating people and looking for clues!!! If this first adventure is anything to go by, I'm going to love future mysteries with this book club!

Amy Lillard sets a great pace for the mystery. With the early excitement, she doesn't ease up on the pace, and I found myself wanting to read faster and faster, trying to uncover clues. While I did guess some aspects of the mystery, I was definitely surprised when the final denouement came down. 

And, because I absolutely adore the feline, furry and feathered friends of cozy mysteries... A special mention to Faulkner, "the book shop bird", who is an absolute hoot! His contributions to the case are hilarious, especially when they involve "bad kitty" Auggie!

Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder is a strong, delightful first in a new series. For those that enjoy a dash of romance with their mysteries, we have two of Arlo's ex-boyfriends now back in Sugar Springs and I'm definitely looking forward to how that will play out!!

Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder should be on everyone's fall reading list. You won't be disappointed!

Book Review: Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie

When Catherine Cooper settles in the Hamptons on the heels of a nasty split from her long-time husband, the luxurious coastal community seems like the perfect place to get back on track in style. But as Cat soon discovers, starting fresh on the East End can be deadly . . . 

 Cat Cooper never imagined selling off her in-demand marketing firm would mean going from the pinnacle of success to a walking hot mess. Gouged from an unexpected divorce, Cat suddenly finds herself struggling through a new career as a business-savvy life coach for the hopelessly adrift in East Hampton and contending with Heather Holland—a spiteful neighbor who will do anything to bully her out of town. But her second act may very well continue behind bars when Heather’s dead body turns up next to a shattered punchbowl . . . and Cat’s pinned as the murderer. 

But given Heather’s mean girl reputation, any one of the guests at her invite-only luncheon could have committed the crime before planting Cat’s punchbowl next to the body. Determined not to trade designer duds for an unflattering prison jumpsuit, Cat sides with her best friend Gilley to scour chic boutiques and oceanfront mansions in search of the criminal who framed her. With a stoic detective looking to get her in cuffs, it’s up to Cat to catch the real killer and land on her feet once again . . .[summary via Amazon]

Are you looking for a new, tantalizing, fast paced cozy mystery series to start? Perhaps a little something cozy and mysterious for these beautiful fall days? Then look no further than this new series by seasoned cozy mystery author, Victoria Laurie.

Coached to Death is the first book in the Cat & Gilley Life Coach mysteries. Following her divorce, Catherine "Cat" Cooper has moved to East Hampton to start a new life, and a new career as a life coach. However, not all is clear sailing with her new life. Her neighbour, Heather Holland, is determined to make her life miserable, and try to bully her into leaving town. When Heather turns up dead, all fingers point to Cat. However, as Cat soon finds out, Heather had many enemies in the Hamptons. It's up to Cat, with the help of her best friend, Gilley, find the murderer.

Victoria Laurie's  Psychic Eye Mysteries and the Ghost Hunter Mysteries are well known for being first class paranormal cozy mysteries. As a fan of both series, I was absolutely thrilled to see that she was starting a new series, as a spin-off involving Abby's sister, Cat, and her best friend, Gilley. 

There is nothing ghostly or paranormal about Cat. She's just your normal blonde Hamptons mom. Well almost normal. As her sidekick she has the ever awesome Gilley, who lives with her while Gilley's husband is abroad. Gilley comes with sleuthing experience, as he used to help MJ (see the Ghost Hunter Mysteries). This experience is sure going to come in handy, as Cat and Gilley try to find a killer, and avoid being the target of some pretty crazy people!

I absolutely loved this mystery. The pace is fast! It's not just your average cozy mystery with amateur sleuths solving the mystery at a normal pace. No this is a race to the end, and with Gilley involved there isn't a dull moment! When you add in a mysterious new man, named Maks, the temperamental policy detective, Detective Shephard, and a crime family, well you've got a fast-paced mystery that is a thrill a minute.

If you're only going to read one new series this fall, make it this one! Coached to Death is a book you don't want to miss! Coached to Death was, simply, unputdownable and I absolutely can't wait for the next book in the series. 

Book Review: Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece by Rose Pressey

Artist Celeste Cabot welcomes the chance to show her paintings at a craft fair in her hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she and her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, can park her vintage Shasta trailer and sell her creations, too.

Unfortunately, her sales take a hit when a customer returns a painting, claiming it’s haunted. When a fellow vendor discovers images hidden in Celeste’s artwork—and a ghost pays her a late-night visit—she’s shocked to realize she has psychic abilities. After the grumpy manager of the craft fair is found with a knife in his neck, Celeste’s brushes with the paranormal may help fill in the picture—and make sure the wrong person doesn’t get framed . . .[summary via Amazon]

Look out cozy world! There is a new four-legged cozy pet here and he's ready to steal your hearts! Meet Van (named after Vincent Van Gogh) and he's the cutest chihuahua in the cozy world, and he's ready to help his owner, Celeste Cabot, solve a crime!

Celeste Cabot is an artist with a a lot of talent and she's the newest vendor at a local fair. However, she's about to discover she has a hidden talent for painting with her psychic abilities. Furthermore, when the organizer of the fair turns up dead, Celeste is going to need to use those talents and her inquisitive nature to find a killer! 

Wow! It's been a while since I've read a paranormal mystery, and I'd forgotten how wonderful they are!! Rose Pressey pulled me back into the world of paranormal mysteries with a delightful tale that includes a ghost and an artist's ability to paint hidden images within paintings. It was both of these elements that had me head over heels for the first Haunted Craft Fair Mystery!

Celeste doesn't realize she has psychic abilities until a customer returns a painting, claiming it is haunted. From there, she goes down a road of discovery, and it definitely turns into a tantalizing tale for paranormal enthusiasts. I really liked the paranormal elements, especially the hidden images within the paintings, and her ability to paint "haunted" images. These are elements that are new-to-me within a cozy mystery, and I absolutely love when I find something unique and interesting.

The mystery surrounding Evan's death kept me on the edge of my seat. The mystery is coupled with a second, and smaller, mystery of missing money amongst the vendors. I had a hard trying to find the culprit on both mysteries, and piece everything together.

By the end of Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece I was happy to have a read a well-crafted, spooky mystery, but it left me with lots of questions about the characters and what is going to happen next. Celeste seems to have her hands full with painting, a ghost and her crazy family. I absolutely can't wait to see what they all have in store for her in the next book!

Book Review: Deadly Ride by Jody Holford

Newspaper editor Molly Owens loves her new life—and her new man—in the beautiful seaside town of Britton Bay, Oregon. But when a car-show killer strikes, she needs to put the brakes on the culprit . . .

As editor-in-chief of the Britton Bay Bulletin, Molly steps in for a sick reporter to cover the Classic Car Crawl, an exhibit of vintage automobiles. Her main challenge is not being driven to distraction by the presence of her hunky boyfriend, Sam Alderich, a fellow car enthusiast whose auto shop is sponsoring the event. But when she and Sam discover the co-founder dead in his car, Molly quickly shifts gears to solve the murder.

With a showroom full of suspects—including the co-founder's longtime partner, much-younger wife, enigmatic ex, and car owners with grudges and grievances—Molly soon starts to feel like she's spinning her wheels. And after things take a turn for the worse, it's all she can do to steer clear of trouble and stay out of a killer's clutches . . .[summary via Amazon]

In the third instalment of the Britton Bay Mysteries, Molly Owens is setting up for a fun weekend with boyfriend, Sam Alderich, as Britton Bay hosts the Classic Car Crawl. However, its not just the cars that are revving up, when tempers start to flare among the participants. When one of the co-founders is found dead, Molly must put on her "reporter hat" and solve the mystery, before the killer strikes again.

I'm fast falling in love with this series! It is set in the beautiful, picturesque Britton Bay. As read, I can't help but imagine myself walking past all the wonderful described shops and locations in Britton Bay. From the gorgeous B&B, where Molly lives, to stopping at the diner for delicious food, it's a treat for the senses, and that's before we even delve into the mystery!

I like that this mystery involved visitors from out of town. More often then not, some cozy mystery series involve a local being killed book after book, and that can get a little too predictable for me. And, this series that is anything but predictable!! With the colourful crew from the car show world, there were a lot of new and interesting people for Molly (and me) to choose from as a potential suspect.  

Beyond the drama of the car show world, I loved the little "side plots" that centre around the inhabitants of Britton Bay. While I love a good, toe-curling mystery, these side plots can make or break a book for me, and in the case of Deadly Ride they definitely made it! I feel with each story we're getting to know not just Molly and Sam, but everyone in Britton Bay a little more each time. It definitely makes me want to come back for more adventures!!

Deadly Ride is another beautifully paced and intriguing instalment in the Britton Bay Mysteries. This is a series that is getting better and better, and should be on every cozy mystery readers list. With the perfect balance of mystery and romance, it is a series you're going to want to read to and devour as quickly as you can!

Book Review: Murder in the First Edition by Lauren Elliott

Addie Greyborne is preparing for the holidays at her bookstore in seaside New England—but a winter storm is coming, in more ways than one . . .

Addie’s getting into the spirit for the upcoming Charity Auction—especially since she’s got an 1843 copy of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to donate. Her former colleagues at the Boston Public Library have confirmed that its worth runs toward the high five figures, which should help with the new pediatric wing. Her mood darkens, though, when a visitor from the past appears—Jonathan Hemingway, the father of her late fiancé. His presence stirs up sad memories for Addie, but also has her fuming when Jonathan, true to his womanizing ways, runs off for a lunchtime liaison with Teresa Lang, who’s in charge of the auction. 

Soon after, Addie heads to Teresa’s office at the hospital—and finds the poor woman’s dead body. What she doesn’t find is her valuable first edition. What sort of Scrooge would steal from sick children and commit murder in the process? As a Nor’easter bears down and a mystery emerges about Jonathan’s past, Addie must find out if she can appraise people’s motives and characters as well as she can appraise rare books . . .[summary via Amazon]

It's time for another visit to Greyborne Harbour. This time it's a Christmas adventure with Addie and her friends.

Addie is getting into the spirit of Christmas by donating a rare copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to a local charity auction. However it appears someone isn't in the Christmas spirit when the auction organizer turns up dead and the copy of A Christmas Carol goes missing. Addie must put her romantic troubles on hold while she tries to solve the mystery.

I really, really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and I was eager to start this Christmas-themed mystery. There is nothing I like better than a holiday-themed mystery, and Murder in the First Edition doesn't disappoint with the feeling of holidays and all things cozy in the air!! Particularly as Addie will need to tackle snow storms to find a killer!

The mystery itself is very well plotted. There is red herrings aplenty, as I had trouble trying to untangle the different suspects and find the killer before Addie. Alas, in this one, Lauren Elliott (and Addie) beat me too it, and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't anywhere close to finding out who the killer was. This is one mystery that definitely kept me guessing again and again!

In addition to the general holiday spirit, I really appreciated how Lauren Elliott weaves Addie's emotion of the holidays into the storyline. Prior to arriving in Greyborne Manor, Addie's fiancé was murdered, and the holidays can be difficult for those that have lost loved ones. I feel like she tackled this storyline really well, and I definitely shed a tear or two towards the end.

I have no hesitation in recommending this series to cozy mystery fans, especially those that love books about books! The series is getting stronger and stronger, with each new addition, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Greyborne Harbour.

Book Review: Read and Buried by Eva Gates

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library Classic Novel Book Club is reading Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne while workers dig into the earth to repair the Lighthouse Library's foundations. The digging halts when Lucy pulls a battered tin box containing a Civil War-era diary from the pit. Tucked inside is a hand-drawn map of the Outer Banks accompanied by a page written in an indecipherable code.

The library is overrun by people clamoring to see the artifact. Later that night, Lucy and Connor McNeil find the body of historical society member Jeremy Hughes inside the library. Clearly Jeremy was not the only one who broke into the library--the map and the coded page are missing.

Lucy's nemesis, Louise Jane McKaughnan, confesses to entering the library after closing to sneak a peek but denies seeing Jeremy--or his killer. When Lucy discovers that fellow-librarian Charlene had a past with Jeremy, she's forced to do what she vowed not to do--get involved in the case. Meanwhile, the entire library staff and community become obsessed with trying to decode the page. But when the library has a second break in, it becomes clear that someone is determined to solve that code.[summary via Amazon]

Lucy Richardson, and all our favourite librarians at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are back for their 6th adventure, with a story to captivate the masses!

It's the height of summer, and the famous lighthouse is undergoing repairs. Meanwhile the rest of the town is preparing for the big Settler's Day festivities. When the construction crew uncover an old box, containing a diary from the 1800s with a mysterious map, Lucy and her fellow librarians must use all their best decoding skills to decode the artifacts. However, their job gets even more perilous when a member of the historical society turns up dead at the library. Who would kill over a map? It's up to Lucy to try to find the answer!!

I'm a big fan of books about books, and it doesn't get more interesting than a library in a lighthouse! Perhaps it's the author's description of the lighthouse being "bigger on the inside, like the Tardis", or the fact that she always delivers a fantastic mystery. Let's call it both!

This mystery was very captivating!! Lucy's book group is reading The Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne, and there a lot of similarities  between the book they're reading and the mystery itself. I really enjoyed how the author ties in the fictional book with mystery. Afterwards I was left with a craving to pick up the classic by Jules Verne. Any book that makes me want to read more, is a great book!!

I really enjoyed the way the author described the history in the Outer Banks, and the activity leading up to the Settler's Day festivities. The reader gets a real feel for the history surrounding Bodie Island, and why this map and diary could be so important.

If you're looking for an unputdownable cozy mystery that will help you soak up those last few rays of summer, with a captivating mystery and a little toe curling relationship (because I absolutely adore Connor and Lucy together!), then pick up Read and Buried today. This is definitely a series that should be on your reading list!

#QuickandCozy Book Review: Deadly News by Jody Holford

Former Army brat Molly Owens is ready to put down roots, and the picturesque seaside town of Britton Bay on the Oregon Coast seems like the perfect place for it. Especially when she lands a job as editor of the local paper. But she’s got one colleague who’s very bad news . . . 

As an experienced journalist, Molly is eager to bring the struggling Britton Bay Bulletin up to speed. But when she pushes Vernon, one of her less welcoming reporters, to dig a little deeper into the story of a prominent local family, the man ends up dead. The fact that he wasn’t well-liked makes finding the killer extra complicated. The lists of suspects range from his ex-wife to his own son to Molly’s boss, who has a secret of his own. But when Molly’s attempts to sleuth out the truth result in her receiving frightening threats, the trouble is just beginning . . . 

The one bright spot is Molly’s newfound flirtation with Sam Alderich. The sexy mechanic is used to taking things apart and piecing them back together, and between the two of them they just might be able to solve this deadly puzzle—if Molly can survive peaceful small-town life long enough . . .[summary via Amazon]

#QuickandCozy reviews are quick, bite-size reviews that feature all our favourite aspects of cozy mysteries. These reviews are provided on books that I have purchased only.

COZY TOWN: Welcome to Britton Bay, on the Oregon Coast. It's picturesque and the perfect place for reporter Molly Owens to set down roots! I absolutely loved Jody Holford's description of all the quaint shops to visit, and being a town by the water, I was itching to pick myself up and run to the nearest beach!

THE CRIME: Fellow reporter, Vernon, is found dead. He's unlikable and seems to have an issue with almost everyone in Britton's Bay. It's up to Molly to put her best reporting skills to work to uncover the killer!

ROMANCE: Ahh it wouldn't be a cozy mystery with a little romance. As a seasoned romance writer as well, Jody Holford does a wonderful job of setting the sparks flying between Molly and mechanic, Sam. They're a perfect match (in goofiness and adorableness) and I'm looking forward to seeing more of these two in future books!

FURRY SIDEKICK: Molly is adopted by a adorable puppy, who she calls "Tigger" because he bounces!! I loved Tigger, especially since it's a name you usually see for cats, and because he's so adorable! I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of mischief Molly and Tigger get up to in future books.

MY VERDICT: Jody Holford delivers a delightful, compelling mystery to start this series. She kept me engaged with a host of interesting characters. Under the mystery she deals with the tough subject of depression, and I like how she intertwines mental illness into the storyline. This is something that a lot of people go through, and I like how well she wrote it into the story. I'm definitely going to be reading the next book in the series.

Book Review: Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien

In the fourth in Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop delicious mystery series, Ho-Lee Noodle House is ready to take the Cleveland night market by storm—until a brand-new food venue literally explodes onto the scene.

Lana Lee is all smiles when the first evening of Cleveland’s Asian Night Market kicks off the summer. The weekly festival is always good for business, packed with locals and tourists, and this year, some stiff new food-truck competition. Wonton on Wheels, run by old friends of Lana’s parents, promises to have customers lining up for their delicately wrapped delights—until the truck blows up at evening’s end.

Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, had been planning a birthday getaway for the two of them but, lo and behold, Lana must assume the role of amateur sleuth yet again. With one proprietor of Wonton on Wheels dead, it’s beginning to look more like murder and less like an unfortunate accident. And as they begin to unwrap layers of disturbing secrets, Lana’s own family erupts into new drama. Will Lana be able to solve this crime—or has she jumped from the wok right into the fire? [summary via Amazon]

Wonton Terror is the fourth book in the Noodle Shop Mysteries, and my first step into the Ho-Lee Noodle House. If the earlier books are anything like Wonton Terror then this is one series I should have been reading from the start!!

The mystery centres around a night market, where a local vendor's food truck explodes. When one of the owner's dies in the accident, Lana decides to find the killer, and help her mom's friend find some peace. 

Wonton Terror is an absolute breath of fresh air! This is the first cozy mystery series I've encountered that features an Asian-American amateur sleuth, and I loved every second of it. Lana Lee is feisty in a dog-with-a-bone kind of way and she's determined to get to the bottom of the mystery - even if it means she's late to Dim Sum with her family!!

I found the mystery very compelling. Vivien Chien lays the clues out for the reader to pick up and follow, and as a seasoned mystery reader I was able to solve the mystery before Lana. However, this didn't diminish how much I enjoyed Wonton Terror at all. With the bickering between Lana's mom and her Aunt Grace, and Lana's own troubled relationship between with her sister, I was drawn in by the family drama and I loved every second of it. 

As mentioned above, Wonton Terror is my first adventure with the Noodle Shop Mysteries. I jumped right in with the fourth book and I didn't feel lost at all. Vivien Chien gives enough background information so that the reader can jump right in without feeling confused. However, no spoilers were given to previous mysteries, and I will definitely be going back to read the earlier mysteries. I need to know what kind of trouble Lana has caused before! 

If you're looking for a more diverse kind of cozy mystery, I thoroughly recommend the Noodle Shop Mysteries. You will be hooked from the first page!

Book Review: Cookies & Clairvoyance by Bailey Cates

Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot is juggling wedding preparations, a visit from her father, and home renovations on top of her long hours at the Honeybee Bakery, where she and her aunt Lucy imbue their yummy cookies and pastries with beneficial magic. But when firefighter Randy Post is accused of murdering a collector of rarities, and his prints are on the statue that was used to kill the man, Katie steps in.

Randy is not only Katie's fiancé's coworker, but also the boyfriend of fellow spellbook club member and witch Bianca Devereaux. Bianca and Declan are both sure Randy is innocent, and so is Katie. However, to prove it she'll have to work with ornery detective Peter Quinn again—and this time around he knows she's more than your everyday baker.[summary via Amazon]

Cookies and Clairvoyance is the 8th book in the Magical Bakery Mysteries. This time the spellbook club members are at hand to help find another killer! The police are determined to point the finger at Bianca's boyfriend, resident nice guy and firefighter, Randy, for the death of a local collector. However, with Katie, Declan and others on the case, they will do all they can to prove Randy's innocence.

It's been a little while since I've taken a visit to the Honeybee Bakery. I was instantly welcomed into the fold of the spell book club, and the magic that surrounds the Honeybee Bakery. From the enchanting mystery to the delectable treats, I was absolutely enthralled. Bailey Cates described the most mouth-watering treats, I wish I had been able to pluck a treat right off the page!

The mystery itself is very magical. The victim in question is a collector of paranormal items, and it was interesting to see the different branches of magic intertwine as Katie tries to unravel the mystery.

I like that Bailey Cates delivers more than just a mystery. Yes, there is the delectable treats and recipes, but there is also the well-developed magic sub-plots. It's these extra doses of witchiness that has me coming back for more!! I particularly enjoyed the direction the magic takes in Cookies and Clairvoyance and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

As mentioned earlier, I've not read the last couple of books in this series. With so many new series on the shelves, I'm finding it hard to keep up. However, I wanted to jump right back into this series, and Bailey Cates does a great job of enabling readers to do that! She gives a little background information, without spoiling the previous books, and I didn't feel lost at all. If you haven't read this series yet, you can certainly "jump right in" with Cookies & Clairvoyance. Of course after one book, you will be wanting to go back and devour the rest!

Book Review: Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott

Gossip columnists love a bold-faced name—but “Miss Newsy” at Greyborne Harbor’s local paper seems to specialize in bald-faced lies. She’s pointed a finger of suspicion at Addie after librarian June Winslow never makes it home from a book club meeting. And when June’s found at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs, Addie’s not only dealing with a busybody, but a dead body.

It’s a good thing the guy she’s dating is the police chief. But both the case and her love life get more complicated when a lanky blonde reporter from Los Angeles shows up. She’s trying her hardest to drive a wedge between the couple . . . as if Addie doesn’t have enough problems dealing with angry townspeople. Despite all the rumors, Addie doesn’t know a thing about the murder—but she plans to find out. And the key may lie in a book about pirate legends that June published. Now she just has to hunt down the clues before she becomes a buried treasure herself.[summary via Amazon]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! The first book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries, Murder by the Book, really captured my attention, but this second book has my attention forever!! Yes, I really enjoyed Prologue to Murder that much!

Addie Greyborne is preparing for the Founder's Day celebrations in Greyborne Harbour. However, the celebrations take a deadly turn when the local librarian is found dead. Unfortunately for Addie a local newspaper columnist is determined to point the finger at Addie. With time against her, Addie must solve the mystery before she ends up with life behind bars!

I've come right off reading another cozy mystery featuring buried treasure (Read and Buried by Eva Gates - it's awesome, go check it out). As coincidence would have it I picked up a second story (completely unrelated) involving buried treasure. This time the buried treasure involves pirates, and not the Jack Sparrow kind!

Greyborne Harbour is celebrating Founder's Day, and there are a couple of new faces in town! Lacey Davenport, ex-fiance of police chief, Marc, and best friend to Serena, is in town to stir up trouble and try to win Marc back!! Meanwhile, there is also a new Doctor and Coroner in town, in the way of Dr Simon Emerson. With chemistry brewing between Addie and Simon, this could mean trouble for Marc!

I loved these new additions to Greyborne Harbour. Lacey is a complete love-to-hate character, and it was interesting to see how far she would go to sabotage Addie. Would Lacey go as far as murder? And Simon? Well that's the toe-curling romance I was talking about. Simon is light hearted and quick with a smile, and I'm clearly already finding myself in the Team Simon camp!

I really enjoyed the mystery. It surrounds a book that the late librarian has written, and as a fellow bibliophile, I love the detail the author puts into the research aspect. It has definitely made me curious about pirates, and wanting to do more reading about that time in history.

Prologue to Murder really has everything. It captured me with a strong history-themed cozy mystery. Add in the toe-curling romance with a dash of pirates and buried treasure, and I absolutely can't wait to come back for more.

Book Review: Beyond a Reasonable Stout by Ellie Alexander

It’s the dead season in Leavenworth, Washington. The throngs of Oktoberfest crowds have headed home, and the charming Bavarian streets are quiet and calm—momentarily. Villagers use the reprieve to drink in the crisp fall mountain air and prepare for the upcoming winter light festival. Soon the German-inspired shops and restaurants will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors will return to the northern Cascades to drink warm mulled cider and peruse the holiday markets. Brewer, Sloan Krause and her partner in crime Garrett Strong are using the slowdown to stock up on a new line of their signature craft beers at Nitro. They’re experimenting with a hoppy holiday pine and a chocolate hazelnut stout. The small brewery is alive with delicious scents and bubbling batches of brew.

Sloan is in her element. She loves the creativity and lowkey atmosphere at Nitro. Only that is soon threatened by the incumbent city councilmember Kristopher Cooper. Kristopher is running for re-election on a platform of making Leavenworth dry. Everyone in beertopia is fuming. Leavenworth’s economy relies on keeping the kegs flowing. Kristopher wants to banish beer, a policy that might just bankrupt the entire village. However, Kristopher turns up dead days before election night. Sloan quickly realizes that his murder isn’t the work of a stranger. Friends, family, and every other business owner had a motive to kill him, including none other than April Ablin, Leavenworth’s self-described ambassador of all things German. Sloan finds herself defending April and trying to sleuth out a killer amongst a group of familiar faces.[summary via Amazon]

In the third book in the Sloan Krause Mysteries, winter is approaching and it's all quiet in Leavenworth. Sloan and Garrett are looking forward the quieter months to get started on renovating the guest rooms, and of course come up with some new brews! However, it seems that life in Leavenworth is about to get interesting again... Local city councillor, Kristopher Cooper, is up for re-election and he promises to turn Leavenworth into a "dry" town. When Kristopher is found dead, Sloan begins to wonder who could have wanted him dead. With his unpopularity on the rise it could have been anyone...

This series has quickly skyrocketed to my favourite "new-to-me" series of 2019. I'm a non-beer drinker and yet, I can't help wanting more and more from Sloan, Garrett and everyone in Leavenworth.

Ellie Alexander hits all the right notes with Beyond a Reasonable Stout. There is a first class mystery to solve (who doesn't like when a disliked local is killed off, and there are suspects aplenty?), there is fantastic character development, mouthwatering beers and food, and the added mystery of Sloan's past. This all adds up to another great instalment in this series. 

I enjoyed trying to solve the main mystery, but it is the mystery that is surrounding Sloan's past that is really intriguing me. I was madly flipping through the pages, trying to unravel what happened to Sloan when she was younger. I'm excited to see Ellie Alexander has up her sleeve for Sloan next!

If you haven't picked up the Sloan Krause Mysteries yet, you need to add them to your reading list right away!!! They can be read in any order. However, I encourage starting at the beginning. Alike to me, you will quickly devour them, as they are absolutely unputdownable reads!

Book Review: Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

When The Cookie Jar becomes the setting of a star-studded TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes to shine the spotlight on her bakery—not the unsavory scandal swirling around her personal life. But that’s practically impossible with a disturbing visit from the shifty character she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, swapping the crime scene in her condo for her mother Delores’s penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case that’s messier than an upended chocolate cream pie. As suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must serve a hefty helping of justice to an unnamed killer prowling around Lake Eden . . . before someone takes a slice out of her![summary via Amazon]

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder is the 24th book in the Hannah Swensen mysteries. Hannah is reeling after the shock of her husband leaving her, and finding out the real story as to why he left. All Hannah wants to do is get on with her life. However, it seems like her ex-husband, Ross, has other ideas. When Ross turns up dead, Hannah must sift through a whole town-full of suspects to find the killer.

The Hannah Swensen mysteries were one of the first cozy mystery series I discovered. I've been reading (and re-reading) them over the years and they still delight me. After finishing Christmas Cake Murder (in which the reader is taken back to before the beginning), I leapt right into the next (and most current) book in the series.

With Ross's death in Chocolate Cream Pie Murder it feels like the story arc involving Ross is finally over. Being a Team-Norman girl myself, it could be wishful thinking on my part!  From the second Ross comes back into town, and starts threatening Hannah, it becomes apparent that he is destined to turn up dead. With Ross being the most disliked person in Lake Eden, anyone (and maybe everyone) could have been the killer! 

As with a lot of long-running series, I really enjoy the character development. Having finished Christmas Cake Murder just prior, it is interesting to see how far the characters have come, and the growth they've made. Particularly Hannah's relationship with her mother. I'm eager to watch the characters grow and develop, in hopefully many, many more books in this series.

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder is a good addition to this series. From the mystery of Ross's past, to solving of the murder, it kept me guessing until the end. Add in the delicious recipes, and it's easy to see why I'm hooked on this series!! I will be eagerly awaiting the next book, Coconut Layer Cake Murder, which releases in February, 2020. 

Book Review: A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander

Ashland, Oregon, looks as pretty as a postcard this holiday season. The halls are decked, stockings hung, and eyes are all aglow―mostly thanks to the buttered rum. Jules Capshaw and her staff at Torte are busier than ever. . . still, even the town’s most in-demand bakers need to take a break. So Jules invites everyone to celebrate at the local Winchester Inn’s Dickens Feast, a six-course extravaganza with Yorkshire Pudding, Christmas goose, and all the trimmings. But as the weather outside becomes frightful, things inside turn less delightful when one of the guests ends up as dead as Scrooge’s doornail. Now it’s up to Jules and her helpers to make a list of suspects―and check it twice―to try to find out who’s naughty, who’s nice, and who’s guilty of murder…[summary via Amazon]

It's the holidays in Ashland, Oregon. Juliet Capshaw and the gang at Torte are ready to celebrate the holiday and provide festive cheer and delectable treats for everyone in Ashland. However, not everyone has festive cheer on their minds... When the staff get together for a Christmas party at the Winchester Inn they don't expect their night to end with a dead body! With the holidays inching closer and a murderer on the loose, Jules must put all her detective skills to the test before the holidays are ruined.

I love every visit to Ashland. The staff at Torte are always cooking up something mouth-watering, and Jules (along with her friend Lance) are always getting up to something interesting. If Lance is involved, it's something mischievous too!!!

This time the mischief involves solving the case of a murdered guest at the Winchester Inn. Jules and Lance are certain the murderer isn't a school friend, but what do they do when all signs point to their friend? Well they hunt for clues of course - and only in the most stylish of ways if Lance has anything to say about it!

I really like the amateur detecting duo of Jules and Lance. They're best friends and not romantically involved at all, and I find this is what sets these two apart from other series. There is a strong bond between them, and I love the constant bantering between Jules and Lance. 

The setting for the murder is just delightful (in-a-I-love-a-good-setting kind of way!). It's the Dickens Feast at the Winchester Inn, and I could just picture the scene of a perfect holiday feast. It completely had the feel of an Agatha Christie novel, set at Christmas, and just waiting for Hercule Poirot to enter and say "the butler did it"!

From beginning to end, A Cup of Holiday Fear is a delightful holiday mystery. It hits all the right notes with quotable Shakespeare and simply delectable, mouth-watering treats. Add in the holiday atmosphere and an unfathomable Christmas mystery and it's easy to see why this one is topping my holiday reads this year!

If you haven't picked up the Bakeshop Mysteries, you need to add these to your reading list. While I highly recommend starting from the first book, Meet the Baker, it is possible to jump right in with A Cup of Holiday Fear. Ellie Alexander gives you enough background information that you won't feel lost. I do warn you though... afterwards you will be wanting to read the backlist in this series for the wonderful mysteries and fantastic recipes!

Book Review: Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

It’s Christmas many years ago, and topping young Hannah Swensen’s wish list is becoming the go-to baker in Lake Eden, Minnesota. But as Hannah finds out, revisiting holiday memories can be murder . . .

With her dream of opening The Cookie Jar taking shape, Hannah’s life matches the hectic December hustle and bustle in Lake Eden—especially when she agrees to help recreate a spectacular Christmas Ball from the past in honor of Essie Granger, an elderly local in hospice care. But instead of poring over decadent dessert recipes for the merry festivities, she instantly becomes enthralled by Essie’s old notebooks—and the tale of a woman escaping danger on the streets of New York . . .

Hannah’s surprised by Essie’s secret talent for penning crime fiction. She’s even more surprised when the story turns real. As Hannah prepares to run a bakery and move out of her mother’s house, it’ll be a true miracle if she can prevent another Yuletide disaster by solving a mystery as dense as a Christmas fruitcake . . .[summary via Amazon]

I know it's only September, but I'm already in the holiday spirit. I'm enjoying digging into all the "holiday-themed" cozy mysteries, and no one does holidays better than Hannah Swensen!

Christmas Cake Murder is set before the first Hannah Swensen mystery, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, and sees Hannah back in Lake Eden. Hannah is home from college to help her mom and sisters, after the death of her father. Together with her mom and sisters, Hannah helps organize a Christmas Ball, in honour of Essie, a much-loved elderly local. What begins as just organizing an event, turns into so much more when they uncover what seems like a "crime fiction" story, written by Essie. Could it be fiction or is it fact, and is Essie's life in danger?

The Hannah Swensen mysteries were some of the first cozy mysteries I read when I discovered the genre, and they still remain a favourite of mine. The combination of a cozy small town, delectable recipes and a tantalizing mystery make them a favourite for mystery readers around the world. In this, the 23rd book in the series, Joanne Fluke is taking us back to before the beginning. I really liked seeing how Hannah comes back to town, and her idea for setting up The Cookie Jar, and all of her family's life before the first book.

The mystery storyline was cleverly done. What begins as a crime fiction story turns into much more. I loved reading the story within the story and trying to guess how it fits into everyone's life in Lake Eden.

Christmas Cake Murder is a wonderful addition to this series, and it has definitely gotten me into the holiday spirit! It's the perfect cozy mystery to add your reading list this holiday season! 

Book Review: Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay

Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams--but it's not all roses for Briar Creek's beloved library director, as gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term "book lover" a whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey's house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey's fiancé, Sully, on edge.

When Grady's dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it's up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady's previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully's name. But becoming a thorn in the killer's side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote.[summary via Amazon]

In the latest adventure in the Library Lover's Mysteries, Lindsey Norris is preparing to get married to Sully. However, not all is going to be clear sailing, when a library patron develops a crush, that turns into stalking, with a deadly twist. When Sully is accused of the murder, Lindsey must do all she can to keep her man out of jail!

My favourite sub-genre of cozy mysteries is "book-themed" mysteries. There is just something about books within books that sets my bibliophile heart-a-flutter. One of the best series that represents this sub-genre is the Library Lover's Mysteries. 

The mystery itself is very compelling and suspenseful. Lindsey becomes part of a stalking incident, when a library patron believes there is more to her friendliness then being a good librarian. I got caught up in the mystery and was rapidly reading faster and faster, waiting to see how she was going to solve this one.

I liked the realism surrounding this mystery, and the life lessons it imparts on how much of our personal information is out there, on the internet, and available for anyone to see.

Word to the Wise is a great addition to this already-fabulous series. As with all long running series, I've enjoyed seeing the characters develop with each story. I've particularly enjoyed seeing the changes in Mrs Cole, "the lemon", and the crew at crafternoons. With this in mind, I absolutely can't wait for the next book. With the little hint we're given at the end of the book, I know every reader will be counting down the days until the next release.

Book Review: Trouble is Brewing by Ellie Alexander

Jules Capshaw, owner of the charming bakeshop Torte, meets Sloan Krause, who's in from out of town for the beer festival that has landed in Ashland, Oregon. Sloan is the brewmaster at the famed der Keller brewing company that operates out of Leavenworth, Washington, and she’s come to the festival to show off the newest spring brew. When Sloan drops in to Torte for a pistachio bar and a latte, she meets Jules, who is instantly smitten with the idea of incorporating beer into some baked goods. But when the two go off to sample some of der Keller’s brews, they realize that one of the kegs have gone missing. Is someone trying to steal the secret recipe? It’s up to Sloan and Jules to get to the bottom of this—and soon. [summary via Amazon]

Trouble is Brewing is a short story in the Bakeshop Mysteries, that features Jules Capshaw and Sloan Krause, who is a brewmaster at der Keller (and is featured in the Sloan Krause Mysteries).

Sloan is in Ashland for a beer festival. However, things start to go wrong when they discover one of the kegs has gone missing. Together, Sloan and Ashland hunt down the keg and try to find out who stole it.

This was such a fun cross-over between two great mystery series. Instantly upon meeting Jules and Sloan get along, and when the mystery of a missing keg comes to surface, they find clues to solve the puzzle. I've read books in both the series, and I just love that Ellie Alexander combined the two to create a fun, little mystery. While not murderous, the mystery was fun to solve.

Trouble is Brewing is a fun, delightful short mystery, that features the best of both series. For readers that haven't read either series this is a great place to start. The reader gets introduced to a few characters, without spoilers, and gives you a taste of how enticing these mysteries are.

Book Review: Jealousy Filled Donuts by Ginger Bolton

It is a truth universally acknowledged—cops and donuts go together. Exhibit A: Deputy Donut Café, owned and operated by detective's widow Emily Westhill and her father-in-law, the retired police chief of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin. Named after Emily's adored and adorable tabby, the donut shop is a favorite among cops, firemen, and EMTs, as well as tourists and townspeople. So when Fallingbrook needs donuts for their Fourth of July picnic, Emily's shop gets deputized.

But a twisted killer has found another use for Emily's treats. At the picnic, a firecracker is hidden in a stack of raspberry-filled donuts and aimed at the unwitting queen of the festivities. When it explodes, she is killed. Having her jelly donuts involved puts Emily in a sticky situation, and when a shady shutterbug tries to frame her with incriminating photos, she finds herself in quite a jam. To preserve her freedom and her shop's reputation, Emily needs to solve this case—before the fuse-lighting felon goes off again … [summary via Amazon]

In the third book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries, it's the Fourth of July holiday and everyone is feeling the holiday spirit. Well almost everyone.... Before the parade the "Queen" of the festivities is very vocal about her distaste for everyone around her. However, was she mean enough to deserve to die? Emily must ask this question and more to uncover the mystery. Especially as it was her donuts that helps bring the deceased down.

I really enjoyed the previous books in the Deputy Donut Mysteries, and they've quickly shot up on my list of "must buy" books. Jealousy Filled Donuts is just as good, if not better, than the first two books. It's filled with a delicious mystery to solve, fantastic character development and mouth-watering descriptions of donuts. 

Ginger Bolton truly kept me on the edge of my seat with the mystery. There is so many characters at play... there is the creepy Landsdowne, who seems intent of framing Emily, the ex-boyfriend, Ian, or maybe it is Gabrielle, her bestie, who comes second in everything? I didn't manage to solve the mystery before Emily, and I was quickly turning pages faster and faster to try to uncover the killer, alongside her.

Of course anyone that knows me knows that I love the character development in cozy mysteries. It is what keeps me coming back for more. Emily is an interesting amateur sleuth. She's a widow, and her husband was a police officer. She runs her donut shop with her father-in-law. It has been interesting watching her, as she recovers from the loss of her husband. I like the way Ginger Bolton has kept her recovery at a realistic rate. She hasn't leapt into a romantic relationship, and I think this realism is what is making me enjoy this series so much. Well that and "Dep" her adorable cat!

Jealousy Filled Donuts is a 5 star (or should that be 5 donut!) read for me. I can't wait to visit with Emily and her friends again!

Book Review: Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander

When Sloan Krause walks in on her husband, Mac, screwing the barmaid, she gives him the boot. Sloan has spent her life in Leavenworth, Washington becoming an expert in brewing craft beer, and she doesn’t have time to be held back by her soon-to-be ex-husband. She decides to strike out on her own, breaking away from the Krause family brewery, and goes to work for Nitro, the hip new nano-brewery in the Bavarian-themed town. Nitro’s owner, brewmaster Garrett Strong, has the brew-world abuzz with his newest recipe, “Pucker-Up IPA.” This place is the new cool place in town, and Mac can’t help but be green with envy at their success.

But just as Sloan is settling in to her new gig, she finds one of Nitro’s competitors dead in the fermenting tub, clutching the secret recipe for the IPA. When Mac, is arrested, Sloan knows that her ex might be a cheater, but a murderer? No way. Danger is brewing in Beervaria and suddenly Sloan is on the case.[summary via Amazon]

Let me start by telling you I'm not a beer drinker. I have celiacs disease and prior to being diagnosed with celiacs, I wasn't a beer drinker. I was born and raised in Australia, where beer is almost the national drink. However, having said that I loved Death on Tap so much that maybe it could bring me over to the "beer side"!

Death on Tap is the first book in the Sloan Krause Mysteries. After discovering her husband is cheating on her, Sloan Krause decides she needs a change and leaves the Krause family brewery to join new brewer in town, Garrett Strong, at "Nitro". When a dead body is found on Nitro's premises, Sloan sets out to find the killer, in an effort to keep her husband out of jail.

I was absolutely smitten with this debut in a new series!! The world of brewing is so much more complex then I thought. If you're a beginner to brewing (like me), Ellie Alexander fills you in with mouth-watering descriptions of what makes a beer a great beer.  Combined with a stellar mystery, and this book was a recipe for success!!

I loved "Beervaria", where its Oktoberfest for more than just one month a year! Within the first couple of chapters, I fell in love with the cozy town, where its beer 24/7 and plenty of German-kitsch as well. 

The mystery itself was thrilling, but the development between the characters put it over the top. Sloan is a complex character, especially with her childhood being raised in foster care, and I'm excited to see what happens to her next, both at the breweries and in her personal life.

Whether you're a beer connoisseur or not, I highly recommend this series. It's a fun, thrilling adventure through the world of beer and mystery!