Book Review: Died in the Wool by Peggy Ehrhart

Pamela Paterson and her Knit and Nibble knitting club are selling stuffed aardvarks at the annual town festival to help raise money for Arborville, New Jersey’s High School’s sports program. But just as she’s packing up, she makes a shocking discovery—someone’s stashed a dead body under their display table. 

The victim is Randall Jefferson, a history teacher who has been decidedly unpopular since his recent op-ed criticizing the school’s sports program. But the primary suspect has an alibi, and the only clue is a stuffed aardvark found on the victim’s chest. Now the Knit and Nibblers must unravel the case quickly—before a crafty killer repeats a deadly pattern. [summary via Amazon]

THEME: Knitting. The series centres around the "Aborville Knit and Nibble Knitting group.

CRIME:  History teacher, Randall Jefferson, is murdered. He has been very vocal in his opposition to the high school athletic program. However, it seems more people outside of the school had a "beef" with him. 

DENOUEMENT: This is only the second book I've read in this series, but I really like how the mystery unravels. Friends and Knit & Nibblers, Pamela and Bettina, team up to go "snooping" and I like how they collect the clues and solve the mystery!

FURRY SIDEKICK: Catrina, is the adorable feline that Pamela adopted in the first book. She's joined by Woofus, Bettina's dog, and its fun to watch them romp through the pages.

ROMANCE: Is there something starting with Pamela's neighbour, Richard Larkin? Oh I hope so!

MY VERDICT: Being a knitter, I really like this series! The author includes a "knit and a nibble" at the end of the book, and I like checking out the knitting pattern after the mystery. Although, I do wish she included the aardvark pattern, because they are so cute! Died in the Wool was a really fun addition to the series, and I will definitely be continuing on!

Book Review: Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis

Holly Miller is delighted her grandmother has finally left the Sugar Maple Inn to take a well-deserved vacation. It means Holly’s in charge, but running the inn might be more challenging than she realized. Wagtail’s throwing a weekend-long murder mystery game to draw in tourists during the slow season, the inn has a full house, and a blizzard is on the way.

Trouble is unleashed the night the game begins, when the storm blows in and the lights go out. It gets worse the following morning when Holly’s Jack Russell terrier, Trixie, discovers a body—one that’s actually dead. Now Holly, her calico kitten Twinkletoes, and Trixie must play by the rules and find one dirty dog...[summary via Amazon]

THEME: Culinary Cozy set within a Hotel, the "Sugar Maple Inn"

CRIME:   Norm, a local wealthy businessman, is found dead. In the small town of Wagtail, Norm has ranked up a long line of enemies. Which one wanted him dead?

DENOUEMENT: Oh I really enjoyed this one. It was a mystery within a mystery. Holly and local pub owner, Val, have organized "Murder Most Howl", a mystery-themed weekend, where participants have to find clues and solve the fictional crime. However, it seems that life is imitating art when a real dead body is found. Now Holly is trying to find a real murderer! I loved the final denouement. When the victim is as disliked as Norm was, it was interesting to try and narrow down the suspects.

FURRY SIDEKICK: Take your pick! Trixie, Holly's dog, and Twinkletoes, her cat, steal the limelight a little. However, in Wagtail there are furry friends aplenty and I love getting to know each of them.

ROMANCE: It seems Holly isn't over her crush on Holmes, who is engaged to another. He was her first kiss, and oh boy! I'm really hoping there is more for them in the future. Ex-boyfriend, Ben, comes to visit again, but it looks like they are just friends. I'm really hoping for more in the romance department in the next book!

MY VERDICT: I loved this one! Wagtail is such a fun place to visit! This is definitely a Gilmore Girls meets cozy mystery, and it's fast becoming one of my favourite series!

Book Review: Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower

Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey’s up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather’s heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.

She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King’s chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .[summary via Goodreads]

THEME: Culinary. Bailey is a chocolatier and her grandparents own "Swissmen Sweets".

CRIME: Bailey discovers the body of businessman, Tyson Colton, who has been trying to buy her grandparent's shop.

   

DENOUEMENT: I didn't solve the mystery before Bailey! I love when this happens, because I usually have a little idea or a wild guess, that turns out to be right. I was completely clueless! The author definitely kept me guessing!! The mystery is top-notch!

FURRY SIDEKICK: Nutmeg, the cat, and Jethro, the pig, provide a lot of delight furry sidekick action! I'm still trying to decide who is cuter!

ROMANCE: Oh there is so much potential with Deputy, Aiden Brody. Bailey starts the book with a boyfriend in NYC, but well.... things are different by the end of the book! I'm looking forward to see if things progress with Aiden!

MY VERDICT: I loved it! The ending was very bittersweet. [I don't want to spoil it for potential readers!] I absolutely can't wait to read the next book. Not just for the mystery, but also for the chocolate and candy!

Book Review: Closely Harboured Secrets by Bree Baker

It's almost Halloween, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is decked out for the festivities. When Everly Swan agrees to close her iced tea shop early to help her aunts host their annual haunted historic walking tour, she expects some good-natured spooks. But the night turns grave when one of the ghostly actors is found dead. To complicate matters, the victim scratched Everly's name into the ground before she died, making her a key suspect. 

The murder mystery heats up when Everly's potential boo, Detective Grady, takes the case—and he definitely doesn't want her getting involved. Will their seaside romance be threatened by all the ghostly drama? But when a phantom sailor straight out of local legend starts leaving Everly threatening messages, she has to get involved... With a local election under way, ghosts on the loose, and a search for long-lost buried treasure, Everly can't help but stir the pot![summary via Amazon]

'Tis the season to be... spooked by long-lost sailors in search of their treasure! While it is the season for cookies, gifts and all things Christmas, I will never turn down a good Halloween-themed cozy mystery, no matter what season it is!

I was delighted to pick up the newest offering from Bree Baker. She is taking Everly and her family and friends in Charm, on a spooky ghost walk. However, not everyone is going to make it out alive! One of the actresses turns up dead, and the dead woman has drawn Everly's name right next to her, prior to her death! Naturally Everly can't help but join the investigation and find out who the killer is!

Oh how I love this series! This is the absolute perfect example of a super-fantastic cozy mystery series. There are toe-curling moments, not just between Everly and Detective Grady, but also from the warmth that surrounds Everly in the form of her family. Of course by family I mean her Great-Aunts, Fran and Clara, and also her extended friends-family in Charm. There is such a wonderful community feel, and I always feel like I'm not just checking in Everly, but with everyone else as well!

The mystery surrounds "buried treasure" and it was top notch! I love how the author has intertwined the history of Everly's house with the current mystery. Charm is like an onion - every book reveals more layers! With each layer being better than the previous one!

I simply cannot get enough of this series or say enough good things about it! Closely Harbored Secrets is the best in the series (so far!). It's a heart-warming, thrilling adventure, and it leaves readers guessing right until the end! 

Book Review: Dying in a Winter Wonderland

Christmas has arrived in Rudolph, New York, and Merry Wilkinson is looking forward to a much needed rest. But before that can happen, Luanne Ireland walks through her door. Luanne had asked Merry to help make decorations for her wedding, but has suddenly moved the wedding months earlier and is now demanding that everyone follow her lead, regardless of the cost.

But that cost is much higher than anyone anticipated. When Luanne's fiancé is found murdered at their proposed wedding venue, Merry resolves to restore peace and calm to the community of Rudolph. But the closer she gets to the killer, the more personal the case becomes, and Merry begins to worry that a death knell could ring in the New Year. [summary via Amazon]

It's almost Christmas and I'm back with the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries for another dose of Christmas Spirit!

This year my Christmas spirit has ran away from me a little. With my father about to start radiation treatment, I'm finding myself not quite enthusiastic about the upcoming holiday season. While I can't say that Dying in a Winter Wonderland cured all my ills, it certainly did make me forget about my father's health for a little while and magically transplant me back to Rudolph. To a little town where Merry Wilkinson knows how to find trouble and solve a crime!

This time Merry is getting ready for the holidays. It should be a peaceful time to spend with her family and boyfriend, Alan. However Luanne Ireland has sped back into her life, and is demanding she help her with her wedding! A wedding that is due to take place in seven weeks! However, before much planning can be done Luanne's fiancé is found dead... and Merry's brother, Chris, is accused of the crime!

What a tantalizing mystery! Early on I guessed who the killer was, but it didn't take any enjoyment away from the story at all!! Vicki Delany writes well plotted mysteries, and I enjoyed watching Merry pick up all the clues and clear her brother's name!

I absolutely love Rudolph and I wish I could visit there. It sounds simply magical in the winter, especially leading right up to Christmas, and Merry's father being the local Santa Claus! I enjoyed visiting with not just the Wilkinson's, but all of their friends as well! I love the little threads that link the characters in previous books, and watching how their lives unfold. You could easily read this as a standalone, but after a taste of Rudolph you're going to want to read them all!

Dying in a Winter Wonderland was simply magical, and I absolutely can't wait for the next book!

Book Review: A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker

Everly Swan is busy as a bee running her beachside iced tea shop, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is abuzz—Mitzi Calgon, an iconic Hollywood actress, is in town! Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping and Mitzi has agreed to help. Aunt Clara and Aunt Fran are determined to save endangered honeybees but soon find themselves in a bind when Mitzi turns up dead. Soon, reporters and fans swarm the island, muddying the water and disrupting the peaceful lives of the townspeople.

Everly's never been good at minding her own beeswax, so she starts following her own leads and combing through the evidence. Then there's the mystery of Detective Hays—ever since their kiss under the mistletoe, he's been acting distant. And he's annoyingly determined to keep Everly away from the case. With her beekeeping aunts' reputations on the line, the sleuth will stop at nothing to crack the case. But when she receives a cryptic warning to "Bee Careful", Everly realizes that she's gotten herself into a really sticky situation...[summary via Amazon]

I'm back reading cozy mysteries and the first one on my list is the latest Seaside Cafe Mystery, A Call for Kelp. I always enjoy catching up with Everly and her aunts and seeing what is happening in the picturesque town of Charm.

In this adventure Everly's great-aunts have a few visitors in town to help with the documentary they are making about beekeeping. One visitor is a friend of Everly's grandmother, Mitzi Calgon. When Mitzi turns up dead, all evidence points to someone close to Everly and she must do all she can to find the real killer.

The Seaside Cafe Mysteries never disappoint and I'm so glad I picked this one up! The mystery itself was very intriguing, as I tried to solve it alongside Everly. Beyond the mystery, Everly manages to untangle some mysteries surrounding folks in Charm as well. It's these characters with such depth that has me coming back again and again. 

While I'm not an avid beekeeper (beyond enjoying honey!) I like that there is more than just the tea shop to interest readers. I'm definitely learning a lot reading this series.. well enough to know I don't want to tangle with a bee!

If you enjoy a light-hearted, intriguing mystery, with enough charming characters to fill a cozy town, then this series is for you. The absolutely icing on the cake (or lemon slice in your tea!) is the delectable delights that Everly cooks up. I absolutely can't wait to visit Charm again!

Book Review: Southern Sass & Killer Cravings by Kate Young

For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.

But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .[summary via Amazon]

Summer is for reading cozy mysteries set by the sea! This setting is fast becoming my favourite as I've read several wonderful "island" mysteries lately, including the Seaside Cafe Mysteries by Bree Baker and the Cookie House Mysteries by Eve Calder. After finishing Southern Sass and Killer Cravings I can now add another wonderful "island" mystery series to the list!

Marygene is returning home to Peach Cove Island, recovering from an abusive marriage. She's ready to help her sister, Jena Lynn, with the baking at her family cafe, the Peach Diner. However, not all goes to plan when Jena Lynn inadvertently poisons a customer, who moments later turns up dead. Now it's up to Marygene to clear her sister's name and find the real killer.

From the first page I was instantly charmed by Southern Charm and Killer Cravings. For me, southern charm and island delights are the perfect pairing, and I'm happy to report that Kate Young does this combo justice with the first Marygene Brown Mystery.

I like Marygene. She's still licking her wounds from a terrible marriage, but she's all about family and she's determined to find a killer and clear her sister's name. Her adventure is somewhat complicated by her father, who she has a rocky relationship with, and is the Sheriff, and ex-boyfriend and now Deputy, Alex. However her best friend, Betsy, is by her side and ready to get them into lots of trouble!! All of these fun characters combined to create one of the best "firsts" I've read in a while. This was absolutely unputdownable!

If you love books oozing with southern charm, and mouth-watering treats, then you should race to your nearest bookstore/library and grab a copy of Southern Sass and Killer Cravings. It's a charming mystery that will keep you up late, as you try to devour it in one sitting! I absolutely can't wait for the next one!

Book Review: Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton

It’s January, and the Star City Film Festival has taken the Utah ski resort town by storm. Movie stars are everywhere, carving fresh powder on the slopes and crossing the thresholds of Bygone Alley’s charming boutique shops—including The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books. When cinema’s hottest superhero, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some personalized notecards, it’s hard not to be starstruck.

But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs only a few hours later, she can’t believe her eyes. The affable actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced he’s wrong for that role. Now it’s open call for suspects as Clare tries to reel in the killer before another victim fades to black...[Summary via Amazon]

I love this series! I was absolutely blown away by the first book, To Helvetica & Back, and this second one was even better!

This time Clare and Chester, who owns The Rescued Word, are being dazzled by movie stars that are in town for the Star City Film Festival. When one of Hollywood's own is accused of murder, Clare leaps to his defence. After all Matt Bane seems so nice... he couldn't possibly have killed his sister or could he? It's up to Clare, along with her best friend, Jodie, and boyfriend, Seth, to solve the crime and save an innocent man.

I really enjoyed that this mystery involved a dead body that wasn't part of Star City. Too often we see cozy mystery writers killing off all the locals (okay maybe not all!) and it's nice when it is a stranger to town. While the Hollywood stars might be strangers, I soon felt like they were locals as we got to know them more. Especially Matt Bane, the Hollywood boy-next-door!

If you detest romantic triangles, then this series is for you! I love the sweet relationship forming between Clare and geologist, Seth. It's beautifully written, and along with the other relationships of our favourite couples in Star City, I feel like I'm reading about people I know. It is always fun to see what everyone is up to in Star City.

Bookman Dead Style is a beautifully written whodunnit. I absolutely love this series, and even though it has since been cancelled, I intend to devour all three books in the series. If you like a bookish cozy mystery series with a twist this one is definitely for you!

Book Review: Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett

Haven't Got A Clue bookshop owner Tricia Miles's relationship is on the rocks. After a not-so-fun vacation with her on-again-off-again lover, Marshall Cambridge, Tricia's hoping for smooth sailing back in Stoneham. Unfortunately Booktown greets her not with blue skies but with another body. 

When Tricia's assistant manager, Pixie, finds homeless vet Susan Morris's body behind Haven't Got A Clue, Pixie's checkered past makes her the prime suspect. Tricia sets out to clear Pixie's name armed with only an anchor insignia earring found at the scene of the crime. 

As Tricia digs deeper she discovers Susan was involved in a scandal right before retiring from the Navy—but since nobody in the village knows Susan, even Tricia's one lead is in danger of drying up. With family drama brewing in the background and all of Stoneham convinced her manager is a murderer, Tricia knows she has to get to the bottom of the case soon before Pixie's life is sunk.[summary via Amazon]

Lorna Barrett is back with her 14th book in the Booktown Mysteries! I've been reading the Booktown Mysteries since the very first book, Murder is Binding. This series and the Cupcake Mysteries (by Jenn McKinlay) were two of the first cozy mystery series that I discovered, and I've kept up with every new release... and been delighted with every single one!

Mystery aside, what delights me about this series is the complex relationship between Tricia Miles and her sister Angelica. I have enjoyed watching their relationship develop and change, and I love how close they have become. Lorna Barrett has written a believable relationship between these two, and I think anyone with a sibling or close family will enjoy reading these mysteries and follow along with Tricia and Angelia's adventures.

The mystery itself is first rate! It's not Tricia that finds the dead body this time, but her assistant manager, Pixie. With Pixie's colourful past, she's concerned that she is going to be wrongly accused of the crime and enlists Tricia to help solve the mystery!! The mystery touches on the troubling aspects of homeless vets, and I really liked how a difficult, and often overlooked, topic was introduced and what Tricia does to help the situation. It definitely made me more aware of what I could do in my own area to help, and I'm glad Lorna Barrett covered the topic in this book.

Handbook for Homicide is at times a heart-breaking tale, but it is delivered with superb writing and delightful characters. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and I absolutely loved the ending (no spoilers!) Needless to say I can't wait for the next book in the series! If you're a fan of bookstore-themed cozy mysteries you need to read this series!!

Book Review: Murder, She Knit by Peggy Ehrhart

Pamela is hosting the next Knit and Nibble meeting and can’t wait to liven up her otherwise empty home with colorful yarn, baking, and a little harmless gossip. She even recruits Amy Morgan, an old friend who recently moved to town, as the group’s newest member. But on the night of the gathering, Amy doesn’t show. Not until Pamela finds the woman dead outside—a knitting needle stabbed through the front of her handmade sweater . . 

Someone committed murder before taking off with Amy’s knitting bag, and Pamela realizes that only she can spot the deadly details hidden in mysterious skeins. But when another murder occurs, naming the culprit—and living to spin the tale—will be more difficult than Pamela ever imagined . . .[summary via Amazon]

Being not just a knitter, but also a indie dyer of self-striping yarn, I absolutely love reading cozy mysteries that centre around a knitting group. It was with absolute delight that I picked up this new-to-me series, and I found not just a great mystery, but a delightful knitting group that I can't wait to visit with again!

Pamela Paterson is hosting her regular knitting group, Knit & Nibble, when she discovers the body of a long-time friend outside her house! Pamela feels compelled to investigate the crime, especially as Amy Morgan was not just a great friend to her, but also because she is a fellow knitter! As clues unravel, Pamela can't help but wonder if the crime relates to a mystery skein of yarn that Amy had in her possession! Together with her knitting group, Pamela must put all her best detecting skills to work to solve the crime!!

I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Pamela is a smart, intelligent sleuth, with a really interesting job - she works at home for a fibre-related magazine. As a knitter I found her job really intriguing, and I love the way the fibre is woven into each storyline of this book. This is something that I think fibre-lovers will appreciate immensely!

The mystery was very detailed, and I found myself grasping for clues, and trying to solve it before Pamela, but not succeeding. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, as it unfolded.

Murder, She Knit is a fabulous beginning to what looks like a great series, and I can't wait to visit with Pamela and her friends again!

Book Review: Death by Espresso by Alex Erickson

Krissy is meeting Vicki’s parents at the Pine Hills, Ohio, airport—it’s the least she can do as maid of honor, even if her relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Patterson is a bit strained. Besides, her own dad is coming in on the same flight. But there are a few additional arrivals, too. Her father’s brought a date—and the Pattersons, both actors, seem to have an entire entourage trailing behind them.

Uninvited guests are a headache—especially when one turns out to be, allegedly at least, the most important wedding planner in all the world. Though Vicki and Krissy have already made arrangements for a small, simple party, Vicki’s snobby drama queen mother has her own ideas. Cathy the wedding planner is raring to go, possibly energized by the chocolate-covered espresso beans she compulsively munches. But while the caffeine keeps her awake, it doesn’t keep her alive—and after Cathy chokes on an espresso bean after being hit in the head, Krissy has to find out who ended her supposedly stellar career . . .[summary via Amazon]

THEME: Bookstore "Death by Coffee"

CRIME:  Vicki and Mason are getting married, and everyone is invited! Her parents take this literally when they invite a wedding planner to "spruce" up Vicki's wedding. However, before the big day the wedding planner, Cathy Carr, is found dead. 

DENOUEMENT: Wow! I didn't guess the murderer at all! I wasn't even close. There are a lot of out-of-town guests visiting Pine Hills, and it really thew me off trying to guess!! I loved the atmosphere of gathering all the suspects for the final denouement. Very Agatha Christie!

FURRY SIDEKICK: Trouble and Misfit are so adorable, and so much trouble!! Krissy's dad's in town, with his new girlfriend, Laura, and I love how Trouble takes a shine to Laura!!

ROMANCE: Are Krissy and Will on the outs? I sure hope so! Of course I'm #TeamPaul and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

MY VERDICT: Love! I'm thoroughly addicted to this series and I can't wait for more adventures at Death by Coffee. 

Book Review: Plot Boiler by Ali Brandon

It’s almost Fourth of July, and to boost customer traffic in their Brooklyn neighborhood, bookseller Darla Pettistone decides to throw a block party. All the local shop owners are thrilled—except the proprietor of Perky’s Coffee Shop, who thinks Darla is trying to poach his customers by selling her own caffeinated brew in her new bookshop café.

But when Hamlet comes upon the owner’s not-so-perky wife, it’s clear a killer has crashed the party. And when a second local business owner shuffles off this mortal coil—as Hamlet’s namesake would say—Darla and her curious cat must perform some fancy footwork to shine a spotlight on a secret worth killing for…[summary via Amazon]

Since the very first Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, I have been smitten with Hamlet, the black cat in this series. He is feisty, fun and he has a host of humans at his beck and call. Those humans sometimes get up to adventures too!!

In their fifth adventure, Darla, and the shops in her neighbourhood, are organizing a block party. They're hoping to bring new shoppers to the neighbourhood, and celebrate the 4th of July at the same time. The day looks to be a perfect day, that is until Hamlet discovers the dead body of one of the owners of the local coffee shop. Who would kill the quiet wife of the boisterous Coffee King? It's up to Darla and Hamlet to put their nose to the crime and find the clues!!

I love this series! Books within books? Check! Adorable cat? Check! Memorable characters? Check! A great whodunnit? Check! It honestly has it all, and I'll be very sad when I read the last book the series. Thankfully Plot Boiler isn't the last book!!

The mystery itself was really interesting. I didn't guess who the killer was before Darla, even though looking back the author did lay a few clues down. The killer's identity totally blew me away. I read 50+ mysteries a year, and so this is hard to do! I definitely was surprised, which made me enjoy the mystery even more!!

I'm very much a character-driven reader and I love the characters in this series. They've grown and changed since the first book. Barista Robert, with his "goth dude" love for Hamlet is so adorable!! And, our amateur sleuth, Darla? She has settled into her life, as a bookstore owner, and life with "Hammy", and I like that she is her own woman. Maybe if the right man came along, but being in a relationship isn't central for her. I like that the author hasn't tried to fit her into common tropes in other series, like making a romance between the sleuth and detective. It's very refreshing.

I simply adore this series so much!!! Plot Boiler was another great addition and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Book Review: Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis

The Sugar Maple Inn in Wagtail, Virginia, is the country's premiere vacation hot spot for pet owners who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind. But this tourist town smells trouble when a killer goes on the prowl...

Holly Miller's life has gone to the dogs. She has no job, her boyfriend's former flame is sniffing around, and a scruffy but loveable Jack Russell Terrier is scattering crumbs all over her borrowed car. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse, a troubling phone call about her grandmother sends her rushing home to the family inn on Wagtail Mountain.

The staff—and a frisky Calico kitten named Twinkletoes—adopts Holly and her new dog on arrival. But someone in this friendly town is bad to the bone. One of the employees at the inn has been killed in a hit-and-run accident—which is looking anything but accidental. Now Holly and her furry companions will have to nose out the murderer before someone else gets muzzled.[summary via Amazon]

A fellow reader described Murder, She Barked as Gilmore Girls meets Murder She Wrote and oh boy! they were right!!! This is the perfect description to describe the first book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries.

Holly Miller is returning to Wagtail, Virginia, to check in on her aging grandmother, Oma. What she doesn't expect is to find herself in the middle of a murder investigation!! With the death of an employee of her Oma's Sugar Maple Inn, and another murder around the corner, Holly (with the help of her new furry friends) must put her nose to the clues and solve the crime.

I've read one other Krista Davis book, The Diva Runs Out of Thyme, which I quite enjoyed. I'm not as big a fan of culinary cozies, so I didn't continue with that series. However, this series is right up my alley! I absolutely love the Sugar Maple Inn and Wagtail! An entire town that is build around the concept of bringing your pets on holidays? Sign me up! I wish this was a real town you can visit because the way Krista Davis describes it, makes me want to visit right now!

I like Holly Miller. She has a boyfriend, Ben, who (in my opinion) is a bit of a boring dud and she initially is just visiting her Oma. Of course the reader is hoping she settles in Wagtail, because we need more mysteries in this delightful town!

The mystery itself was very intriguing. I didn't solve the mystery before Holly, even though looking back the author did leave a few clues for the reader to pick up on! I find it interesting that Murder, She Barked involved a dead Mayor, and so did my last book, Tide & Punishment. Clearly it is not safe to be a Mayor of a small town!

I loved Murder, She Barked so much!!! It delighted with small town charm, a fabulous whodunnit and a unique concept. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in the series, The Ghost & Mrs Mewer. 

Book Review: Tide & Punishment by Bree Baker

It's Christmastime in Charm, North Carolina, and while Everly Swan would prefer to focus on decorating her iced tea shop and café for its first holiday season, Great-Aunt Fran has decided to run for mayor against her long-time nemesis. But when the other candidate turns up dead just before the first scheduled debate, all eyes turn to Fran as the suspect with the most obvious motive.

As a rare blizzard threatens to bury all evidence, small-town holiday cheer turns to suspicion. and the tension between Everly and the handsome Detective Grady Hays builds. Everly knows her sweet, elderly Aunt Fran couldn't have murdered anyone, but as she struggles to find the real killer, it begins to seem like this may be the last happy holiday her family will ever have. Can she tie this Christmas mystery up in a bow before it's too late? This next book in Bree Baker's cozy mysteries will keep you guessing right up to the end![summary via Amazon]

I'm so hooked on the Seaside Cafe Mysteries that I accidentally bought book 4, A Call for Kelp, and I had to wait for my local bookstore to order in the third book, Tide and Punishment. Well guess what? It was completely worth the wait!!

It's Christmas in Charm and the little seaside village is covered in snow! Snow being something of a novelty has caused all the mishaps that snow will cause. However, what Everly Swan is not expecting is to be in the middle of another murder investigation. This is what happens when the Mayor is found dead outside her cafe, and the police have her Aunt Fran fingered for the crime. Everly must solve the murder and save Christmas!!

Love, love, love, love!!! I know readers must be sick of me saying this about every series I read. The truth is I'm lucky to pick up tremendously readable books, and I love shouting from the rooftop how much I love them! 

I love every visit to Charm, and its almost becoming a virtual holiday destination. I can't wait to see what Everly's aunts are up to when I visit Blessed Bee. What Amelia has going on at the cozy, cute bookstore, and of course what Everly is serving at her cafe! It really is like visiting old friends. That is, if old friends got themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.

I enjoyed the mystery element. I did manage to guess the killer's identity early on, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. Bree Baker delivers such a great story, that if you manage to guess the murderer, you still want to read on and see how it all unravels.

Tide and Punishment was a home-run for me! It had all the elements I love... mystery, a little romance, and that cozy feeling of being in a small town where [almost] everyone cares about each other. It wrapped me up in that cozy feeling of Christmas hope, and I'm so glad I picked it up as a "Christmas in July" read.

Book Review: Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Death by Eggnog by Alex Erickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Murders & Metaphors by Amanda Flower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Death by Vanilla Latte by Alex Erickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Read or Alive by Nora Page

It's springtime and septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins is celebrating new blooms and old books. To her delight, the Georgia Antiquarian Book Society has brought its annual fair to Catalpa Springs in honor of Cleo's gentleman friend, respected antiquarian bookseller and restorer, Henry Lafayette. However, trouble rolls in with the fair when a flirtatious book scout makes the rounds, charming locals out of prized books.

Among the conned is Cleo's cousin, Dot, who handed over a signed, first edition of Gone With the Wind. With no proof the scout took the valuable book, Dot is at a loss. And when the deceitful man is found murdered the very next morning, Dot becomes a prime suspect. To Cleo's dismay, so is Henry. The scene of the crime is behind Henry's shop and his bookbinding tool is the murder weapon. As evidence stacks up against Henry, the police aren't alone in questioning his innocence. Even friends and family ask Cleo how well she truly knows her gentleman friend.

Although books are at the heart of the crimes, Cleo feels dizzyingly out of her depths. Someone is setting up the people she holds dearest. With the authorities on the wrong trail, Cleo has no choice but to catalog the evidence herself. Along with her trusty bookmobile cat Rhett Butler, it will be up to Cleo to book the real killer for good.[summary via Amazon]

It's time for another Bookmobile Mystery, with our favourite sleuthing duo, Cleo Watkins and her cat, Rhett Butler!!

Cleo and her friends are looking forward to the annual fair, sponsored by the Georgia Antiquarian Book Society. Like any bibliomaniac, Cleo can't wait to snag some deals and some new books. However things go awry when her cousin, Dot, is conned out her first edition of Gone with the Wind, by the slippery Hunter Fox. Cleo is determined to help her cousin get her book back. However, there is a twist in the plans when Hunter Fox turns up dead and the Chief of Police seems determined to peg the crime on Dot!

I really enjoyed the first Bookmobile, Better Off Read. Cleo brings a different flair to the world of "book-themed" cozy mysteries. She's older, but still determined to create new adventures, and she's someone that a lot of readers can relate to. For her human side-kicks, she has Henry (her "boyfriend") Ollie (her grandson), cousin Dot and friend Mary-Anne. Together they encourage each other to get involved in the sleuthing and it is a blast a minute!

Nora Page delivers a first class mystery, involving the world of book collecting. It involves the seedier side of book collecting, with Hunter Fox trying to swindle old ladies out of their beloved book treasures. I really enjoyed watching to mystery wind around on itself, as I tried to solve the mystery alongside Cleo and her friends. 

Whether you're a seasoned reader of the Bookmobile mysteries, or new to the series, I highly encourage you to pick up Read or Alive. You'll be charmed by an enticing mystery and the residents of Catalpa Springs, and be wanting to come back for more!

Book Review: Proof of Murder by Lauren Elliott

The seaside New England town of Greyborne Harbor is home to many grand estates, including the Queen Anne Victorian Addie inherited from her great aunt. Now one of those mansions is holding an estate sale, which is just what the bookshop owner needs to replenish her supply of rare editions—even if the house is rumored to be haunted. Assisting an overwhelmed insurance appraiser with the inventory, Addie discovers an 1887 magazine containing Arthur Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet, which she estimates to be worth over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

But when Addie later finds the appraiser dead in the estate's private library, with the door bolted from the inside, and the priceless edition missing, it's a mystery worthy of the Great Detective himself. She's certain the death and the robbery are connected—but who, other than a ghost who can walk through walls, could have gotten in to do the deed? It's up to Addie to find the key to the crime—before she's the next one cornered by a killer . . .[summary via Amazon]

Since the first book in this series, Murder by the Book, I've been absolutely smitten with the characters at Greyborne Harbor, and the mischief they find there! As with all my favourite series, I'm so happy to finally have a new adventure to read...

It's summer in Greyborne Harbor and Addie is looking forward to a book auction at a local mansion. However, things go awry when the insurance appraiser turns up dead. With a new officer in town, determined to pin the crime on Addie, she must go detecting once again and find the real killer.

Part of what makes this such a great series is that provides a real edge-of-your-seat suspense, while still fitting the cozy genre. In Proof of Murder I felt like Addie (and me, as the reader) was racing against the clock trying to solve the mystery. The mystery itself kept me stumped right until the end, and my heart was beating faster, as I was hoping Addie would solve it before she got hurt! It was definitely a thrill a minute.

Obviously I love mysteries. I started my love of mysteries with Miss Marple, but I also love Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock has been a huge part of pop culture, with so many new adaptions, and I liked learning more about his origins. The mystery partly focuses on his first adventure, A Study in Scarlet, and it was a fascinating study.

Proof of Murder is the fourth book in the series, but I feel like I have been reading this series for years. I love how all the characters have grown and developed - not just Addie's love life, but her relationship with fellow business owner, Martha, who is now a lot more friendlier with Addie. The pacing on both the mystery and sub-plots is just stellar, and its part of what I love about the series.

I cannot recommend the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries enough. If you're a fan of vintage mysteries you will love the feel of vintage within modern with Proof of Murder. Add this series to your summer reading pile... you won't be disappointed!

Book Review: Sugar and Vice by Eve Calder

Lately, Kate has a lot on her dessert plate. She’s launching a cookie-of-the-day challenge in the heart of Coral Cay, providing sweet treats for the reception of the town’s handsome new veterinarian—not to mention dealing with tourists in town for a pirate festival and the surprise arrival of her former fiancé, Evan, who seems determined to win her back.

And if that’s not enough, a skeleton has been found—in the backyard behind her best friend Maxi’s floral shop. Kate knows Maxi could never hurt a fly. Maybe the remains belong to Sir George Bly, a long-dead pirate whose name has become urban legend—until now? It’s time for Kate to use every trick in the recipe book to prove Maxi’s innocence, and find the truth about the skeleton, before the last of the cookies crumble…[summary via Amazon]

For lovers of culinary cozy mysteries there is a relatively new series on the horizon, the Cookie House Mysteries. If my experience with the second book in the series, Sugar and Vice, is anything to go by, we're going to be raving about this series for years to come!

Kate is settling into her new life in sunny Coral Cay. She's busy baking up a storm as part-owner in The Cookie House, and getting ready for the Pirate Festival. However all plans go awry when her friend and neighbour, Maxi, uncovers a skeleton in her yard. Could it be the 400 year old bones of notorious pirate, Gentlemen George Bly, or something more recent and sinister?

I leapt right into Sugar and Vice without reading the first book in the series. Quite often I do this, and sometimes I feel a little lost and sometimes I land right on my "reading" feet. In this case it was the latter. Within a chapter I was feeling right at home in Coral Cay, and cursing myself for not picking up this series sooner!! Coral Cay is the perfect picturesque, sunny, island. The townsfolk are friendly, and they live off the tourist trade. There is a little shop for everything, and as I read, I was wishing I could visit this town, and step into The Cookie House, and all the other shops in the centre of town. Eve Calder has a way of describing the town and occupants so well, that you just want to dive right into the book!!

I love the uniqueness of the mystery. The skeleton, who Maxi nicknames "Alvin", when her husband calls it "Exhibit A", is a complete unknown. The police, nor Maxi or Kate, are all grasping at clues trying to figure out who it was. The whodunnit is cleverly plotted and it kept me guessing right up until the end! Combine it with the mystery of pirate George Bly and you've got a very fascinating and unique cozy mystery, and one readers won't forget in a hurry!

I highly recommend Sugar and Vice be on your Winter/Spring reading list! This is a delightful series for lovers of culinary cozy mysteries, and those that are looking to read a first class whodunit. The delightful locals, and not to mention Oliver, the adorable puppy that wanders the island and lives with Kate, will have you coming back for more.

Book Review: Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams

Jane Steward’s resort is hopping—not only is Peppermint Press’s conference in full swing, there are also lots of families staying on the premises, bringing their kids to events like a scavenger hunt through the Fairy Tale Forest.

Then a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood is found dead from a plot device straight out of a fairy tale—with a rare and valuable copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in her basket. Not long after, a second victim is killed, with yet another treasure—a volume by Hans Christian Andersen worth thousands of dollars—nearby. It looks like a big bad wolf may be lurking among the guests, and Jane can’t just wait for a handsome prince to come to the rescue . . .[summary via Amazon]

Ellery Adams is the voice of cozy mysteries and she's crafted some of the best mysteries on the shelves today. She's at it again with Murder in the Storybook Cottage, delivering a beautiful, magical story that will have readers craving to re-read books from our childhood.

Storyton Hall is hosting a publisher's conference for Peppermint Press, publishers of children's books, and Jane Steward is looking forward to a week of fun and frivolity. However, when she discovers a stranger's body in her new Storybook Cottage, plans change and Jane must devote her time to finding out who the stranger is and who killed her.

I've been a long-time reader of Ellery Adams' books. Whether she is weaving actual magic (like the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries) or the magic that comes from being curled up with a good book (like the Book Retreat Mysteries), I've always felt like real magic comes off each page of her stories. They wrap me up like the hug from a best friend, and make me feel like everything is right with the world. This is exactly how I felt reading Murder in the Storybook Cottage.

The story centres around children's books, both modern and older books. While reading the story I was able to think about how much the stories have changed over the decades. The Brothers Grimm stories were quite dark, but still very much read and loved today. As a mom to twin boys myself, I read a lot of children's books with them, and I loved seeing Ellery Adams mention many of our favourites - including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I loved that the mystery involved fairy tales of times gone past, and it was interesting to see how the mystery was weaved into the Grimm's Fairy Tales. Along with the mystery, the readers get a look into life at Storyton Hall, and all that encompasses the children's activities that they are holding, to celebrate children's fiction. Both storylines we weaved together, and that pace was frantic, as Jane and her friends try to find a killer before they strike again! 

With the current situation in the world, Murder in the Storybook Cottage  is a well-timed, much needed dose of magic. The kind of magic that doesn't come from a wand, but from reading a good book, escaping the world and adding one of those "happy moments" to our lives. I can't recommend this book (and the Book Retreat Mysteries) enough. Pick up a copy today. I guarantee you that it will be the best book you read this year!

Book Review: Pumpkin Spice Peril by Jenn McKinlay

Life is all sugar and spice for the Fairy Tale Cupcake bakers--Melanie Cooper is engaged to the delectable Joe DeLaura, Angie Harper and her husband Tate are savoring married life, and the bakery is bustling with happy customers. Until one of their most valued cupcake connoisseurs ends up dead.

Local glass artist and cupcake lover Rene Fischer-Klein has always suffered from a wide variety of health issues. In an effort to cheer her up, her doting husband, Peter, brings her a four-pack of her favorite cupcakes every week. But when the police discover that Rene has been poisoned, there's no sugarcoating the fact that the last things she ate were the bakery's signature pumpkin spice cupcakes! With their lives and bakery at stake, it's up to Mel and Angie to find out who poisoned their artist friend and why, before their future is frosted for good.[summary via Amazon]

Oh be still my cozy heart!! It's time for another Cupcake Bakery Mystery....  

Let's take a short trip back to 2010 when I read the first Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Sprinkle with Murder. I was just getting into cozies and I was delighted at the combination of my favourite dessert and a tantalizing mystery. Since then I have eagerly awaited (and devoured) each mystery, equally enjoying the mystery, the cozy setting and characters, and of course the mouth-watering cupcake recipes!! Each trip back to Scottsdale is like a visit home to see family. I love catching up with Mel, Angie, Tate and Joe. And, of course, all the De Laura brothers!

Just like a delicious bakers dozen of cupcakes, I tell myself I will pace myself. Before I know it the cupcakes are gone, I've finished the mystery, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next mystery! Yes, this has been happening for 12 mysteries, and I hope it never ends!!

This time the mystery involves one of Mel's friends, Rene, an artist, who has been behaving very strangely. When Rene dies unexpectedly, all signs point to unnatural causes. It's up to Mel to put aside everything she thought she knew about her friend, and uncover the truth.

Jenn McKinlay delivers a top-notch mystery, not just in detection, but in emotion. As I'm reading through Mel's adventure, she uncovers things she didn't know about her friend, Rene, and her husband, Peter. There is so much emotion leaping off the page, and I really enjoy how easy it is to get caught up in the story and not want to put it down.

Beyond the mystery, the Cupcake Bakery mysteries is one of the best examples of character development from book-to-book. They are the reason I love reading series. Each book has built on the last, and I've enjoyed watching these characters grow and develop. The ending of Pumpkin Spice Peril feels very bittersweet for me. There are changes afoot for our favourite characters, but I have faith in Jenn McKinlay and her ability to leave readers feeling not just satisfied, but wanting more! Exactly like a good cupcake!

If you haven't read the Cupcake Mysteries yet, put everything else aside and pick them up. Start with Sprinkle with Murder, and read and read, until you've finished them all!!! You won't be disappointed!