Book Review: Live & Let Chai by Bree Baker

Life hasn't been so sweet for Everly Swan over the past couple of years, but now that she is back in her seaside hometown and the proud owner of a little iced tea shop and café right on the beach, things are finally starting to look up—until a curmudgeonly customer turns up dead on the boardwalk. With one of her hallmark glass tea jars lying right next to him and an autopsy that reports poison in his system, it doesn't look good for Everly or her brand new business.

As the townspeople of Charm, formerly so welcoming and homey, turn their back on Everly, she fights to dig up clues about who could have had it in for the former town councilman. With a maddeningly handsome detective discouraging her from uncovering leads and a series of anonymous attacks on Everly and her business, it will take everything she's got to keep this mystery from boiling over.[summary via Amazon]

Lately, I've taken to Twitter and Instagram, and the use of polls, to let readers choose what books I read next. Recently there was overwhelming votes that I read Bree Baker's Live and Let Chai, the first book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery. Let me just say, all the hype regarding this book is totally warranted! Live and Let Chai was the perfect seaside cozy mystery!

Everly Swan is returning to her hometown of Charm, looking to recover from recent heart break and open up a new business, her very own tea shop. However, when a customer turns up dead outside her cafe, the townsfolk seem determined to pin the crime on Everly. She must, with the help of her aunts, try to find the killer before they strike again.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a lot of hype before I read Live and Let Chai. Both cozy mystery authors and readers were telling me that I had to read this book, and I'm glad I listened to them! This was a perfectly sweet seaside mystery, and was filled with charm from beginning to end.

I really liked the main character, Everly Swan. She comes with her own baggage, but so does every Swan woman, if you listen to legend. Everly, along with her aunts, Clara and Fran, are the resident Swan woman in Charm and they are all very intriguing. Together the three of them get together to solve the mystery, and I loved watching the adventure alongside them.

For non-human sidekicks, Everly has Lou the seagull and Maggie the cat, stray turned pet (sometimes).  The feathered and furry sidekicks definitely added to the seaside atmosphere, because what other cozy mystery has a seagull named Lou!

I really liked the mystery. It was well-plotted and kept me guessing until the end. The victim, Benedict Paine, literally was a pain and there were definitely lots of suspects in the course of solving the mystery.

If you haven't picked up the Seaside Cafe Mysteries, listen to the words of many readers and pick up this series. It will have you dreaming of summer, of drinking a cool glass of iced tea, and reading a cozy mystery in the sun! 

Book Review: Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivian Chien

Lana Lee is a dutiful daughter, waiting tables at her family’s Chinese restaurant even though she’d rather be doing just about anything else. Then, just when she has a chance for a “real” job, her parents take off to Taiwan, leaving Lana in charge. Surprising everyone—including herself—she turns out to be quite capable of running the place. Unfortunately, the newlyweds who just opened the souvenir store next door to Ho-Lee have turned up dead. . .and soon Lana finds herself in the midst of an Asia Village mystery.

Between running the Ho-Lee and trying to figure out whether the rock-solid Detective Adam Trudeau is actually her boyfriend, Lana knows she shouldn’t pry into the case. But the more she learns about the dead husband, his ex-wives, and all the murky details of the couple’s past, the more Lana thinks that this so-called murder/suicide is a straight-up order of murder. . .[summary via Amazon]

After reading a string of cozy mysteries that fit into the library/bookstore sub-genre, I'm taking a change of scenery with a culinary cozy mystery. First up is the second book in the Noodle Shop Mysteries, Dim Sum of All Fears.

Lana Lee is trying to start her own life, away from her family's restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. However, her parents have their own ideas when they visit Taiwan, leaving Lana Lee in charge of Ho-Lee. If it's not enough to manage the restaurant and avoid arguments with her sister, Lana Lee becomes embroiled in a murder investigation, when the owners of the shop next door are found dead. 

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Death by Dumpling. Vivien Chien brings a new voice to the world of cozy mysteries, with her series being set in a Chinese restaurant, in Cleveland, with a Chinese amateur sleuth. 

I love the atmosphere at Ho-Lee. There is absolutely always something going on! If it's not the Majong Matrons gossiping, then its Lana and Anna May having one of their legendary arguments! It feels like the kind of place that you could sit, eat noodles and people watch all day!!

The mystery is filled with a lot of drama. It involves neighbours, Brandon and Isabelle. Lana was becoming friends with newcomer, Isabelle, and the death of her friend hits her hard. Despite her best intentions she can't resist getting involved in the investigation. There is a lot Lana didn't know about her neighbours, and it is interesting as she untangles the mystery and finds out more from their past.

From beginning to end, Dim Sum of All Fears was an enjoyable to read. It's easy to get caught up in the gossip and drama that surround both the mystery and Asia Village. I highly recommend this series for fans of culinary cozies, and new readers to the genre. It is best described as Crazy Rich Asians meets Miss Marple, and the result is the best cozy mystery ever.

Book Review: Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass

Eddie followed Minnie home one day, and now she can’t seem to shake the furry little shadow. But in spite of her efforts to contain her new pal, the tabby sneaks out and trails her all the way to the bookmobile on its maiden voyage. Before she knows it, her slinky stowaway becomes her cat co-pilot!

Minnie and Eddie’s first day visiting readers around the county seems to pass without trouble—until Eddie darts outside at the last stop and leads her to the body of a local man who’s reached his final chapter.

Initially, Minnie is ready to let the police handle this case, but Eddie seems to smell a rat. Together, they’ll work to find the killer—because a good librarian always knows when justice is overdue.[summary via Amazon]

I have a weakness for cats and libraries. I'm an avid fan of reading (obviously), I'm a regular at my local library and I have four cats. I absolutely love when cozy mysteries combine the two! I read more cozies set in a library/bookstore setting, then any other sub-genre. Despite my overdosing on this sub-genre of cozies, I never get sick of discovering new series. Which is how I came to read the Bookmobile Cat Mysteries.

Librarian Minnie Hamilton is excited to take her bookmobile on its maiden voyage. However, the maiden voyage takes a mischievous and dangerous turn when her cat hops aboard, and subsequently leads Minnie to a dead body! The victim is wealthy local, Stan Larabee, who donated the funds to put the bookmobile on the road. Minnie feels a need to uncover the secret behind Stan's murder, and of course her mischievous (yet adorable!) cat, Eddie, is along for the ride.

Oh Eddie! Eddie has zoomed up my list of favourite cozy felines (yes I do have a list!). He is tenacious, mischievous and oh so adorable! His response to Minnie is always "mrr" and alike to the patrons on board the bookmobile, he has completely won me over!! For a side-kick, he has librarian, Minnie. Because let's face it... Eddie is the main feature here!

I really enjoyed the combo of Eddie and Minnie. They live in Chilson, Michigan. Half the year they live aboard a houseboat, and the other half they live with Minnie's Aunt Frances, who operates a boarding house. Frances only takes in boarders that are single, and for non-mystery entertainment it was fun watching Frances trying to pair up her boarders in a match-making game!

The mystery was very tantalizing. I did, however, guess who the murderer was before Minnie. This didn't take away any enjoyment from the mystery though. In Chilson, there is a host of interesting characters, and it was great to get to know these characters while Minnie followed clues! 

Lending a Paw is a great debut in this series. It delightfully combines my love of books and cats into a delectable mystery. I will definitely be back for another visit to Chilson very soon!!

Book Review: A Room with a Brew by Joyce Tremel

It's Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh, and brewpub owner Maxine "Max" O'Hara is prepping for a busy month at the Allegheny Brew House. To create the perfect atmosphere for the boozy celebration, Max hires an oompah band. But when one of the members from the band turns up dead, it's up to Max to solve the murder before the festivities are ruined.

Adding to the brewing trouble, Candy, Max's friend, is acting suspicious... Secrets from her past are fermenting under the surface, and Max must uncover the truth to prove her friend's innocence. To make matters worse, Jake's snooty ex-fiancée shows up in town for an art gallery opening, and she'll be nothing but a barrel of trouble for Max.[summary via Amazon]

Warning readers, this is another one of those bittersweet book reviews. Lately I've been picking up the last book in several series, that were discontinued. For readers of the genre, you will know that period I'm talking about. Several years ago, a lot of series got cancelled after book 3, and so I have a lot of book 3's on my shelf to read. Why would I read the first two books, and hold off on the last book? Because I'm sad to see these series end, and didn't want to read the final book just yet. I felt that way with the Ethnic Eats Mysteries, and I feel this way about the Brewing Trouble Mysteries.

Max O'Hara is planning for Oktoberfest, and has hired an oompah band for the festivities. However, when one of the band members dies Max is curious enough to investigate. What was Doodle going to tell her before he died, and how is her friend Candy involved in this?

My favourite thing about the Brewing Trouble Mysteries is that it got me interested in beer and brewing. This was a difficult thing to do because... I have celiacs and have never liked the smell of beer. This is what a well-written cozy mystery will do. It will get you interested in something you thought you had no interest in. While I have no desire to drink a beer (even a gluten-free one!), I do find the brewing process interesting now. So much so, that thanks to the Brewing Trouble Mysteries I picked up the Sloan Krause Mysteries (written by Ellie Alexander). That's why reading the last book in the series has been so bittersweet. In three books, I've gone from "meh, I'm not a big fan of beer" to  "micro-brewing and nano-brewing is so interesting". Thank Joyce Tremel for this and so much more!

The mystery was fun and interesting. I was captivated by the clues laid down, and I had fun trying to solve it before Max and her "marauders"! Of course, with Jake's ex-fiance on the scene, I was hoping she would be the murderer, or even victim... but Joyce Tremel never makes it that easy for us to guess!!

A Room with a Brew was a delightful, bittersweet ending to the Brewing Trouble Mysteries. I will definitely miss adventures with Jake, Max and of course our favourite brew pub cat "Hop", and I hope there are more mysteries one day!!

Book Review: Murder Once Removed by S.C. Perkins

Except for a good taco, genealogist Lucy Lancaster loves nothing more than tracking down her clients’ long-dead ancestors, and her job has never been so exciting as when she discovers a daguerreotype photograph and a journal proving Austin, Texas, billionaire Gus Halloran’s great-great-grandfather was murdered back in 1849. What’s more, Lucy is able to tell Gus who was responsible for his ancestor’s death.

Partly, at least. Using clues from the journal, Lucy narrows the suspects down to two nineteenth-century Texans, one of whom is the ancestor of present-day U.S. senator Daniel Applewhite. But when Gus publicly outs the senator as the descendant of a murderer—with the accidental help of Lucy herself—and her former co-worker is murdered protecting the daguerreotype, Lucy will find that shaking the branches of some family trees proves them to be more twisted and dangerous than she ever thought possible.[summary via Amazon]

Murder Once Removed is the first book in the Ancestry Detective Mysteries, and whether you're a seasoned mystery reader or this is your first mystery you've got to read this book!

Lucy Lancaster is a genealogist and loves digging up family history for her company Ancestry Investigations. However, she digs up more than she bargains for when she discovers that Gus Halloran's great-great-grandfather was actually murdered, not the victim of an accidental death. As Lucy uncovers more, she discovers that some secrets are meant to stay buried, especially when her life and that of her friends is on the line.

Oh what an intelligent cozy mystery! Murder Once Removed is well-crafted, thoughtful and enticing. If you are anything like me and loving following the clues, then you'll enjoy the way S.C. Perkins leaves the clues for the reader to pick up and follow. In between the clues is the fascinating research behind geneology, and I found it really fascinating. Murder Once Removed left me with the feeling of not just finishing a great mystery, but wanting to research my own family - hopefully no skeletons in my closet!

I really enjoyed Lucy Lancaster as our sleuth. She's got spunk and is a laugh a minute - especially when she battles it out with FBI Agent Ben. She has a host of friends looking out for her, and they were equally a delight to meet! Her best friends, Josephine and Serena help her get in - and out of - trouble! Of course special mention goes to.... NPH. Neil Patrick Housecat! Yes, I've fallen in love with another cozy feline! NPH steals the show completely, and I can't wait for another adventure with him!

I loved Murder Once Removed. S.C. Perkins demonstrates an ability to craft a delightful debut, and I will definitely be back for a second dose when Lineage Most Lethal hits the shelf.

Book Review: Italian Iced by Kylie Logan

When Laurel Inwood features Italian cuisine on the Terminal at the Tracks menu, she knows she'll need to stock the shelves, the fridge, and the freezer with plenty of wonderful delicacies. She just never expected one of them to be her former employer, Hollywood superstar Meghan Cohan.

And one day, when Laurel is at the restaurant early to get ready for the regular rush of customers, that's exactly what she finds--Meghan dead in the Terminal freezer.

What's a Hollywood A-lister doing in Hubbard, Ohio?

For Laurel, that's the real question, because the first question she'd ask in any other murder investigation--who would want the victim dead?--seems pretty much a no-brainer in this case.

Who would want Meghan dead?

Just about anybody who had ever met her.[summary via Amazon]

Opening up Italian Iced felt so bittersweet for me. From the very first book in this series, Irish Stewed, I have been head over heels in love with Laurel, Declan and everyone at Sophie's Terminal at the Tracks! 

Laurel was a child of the foster system, and she's found a home in the town of Hubbard, Ohio. She's discovered herself and found comfort in her relationship with The Irish Shop owner and lawyer, Declan. All seems perfect. That is until her ex-boss turns up dead in her kitchen! Laurel's past is about to creep up on her, as she tries to discover who would want her ex-boss, Hollywood superstar Meghan Cohan, dead.

For those that are unfamiliar with the Ethnic Eats Mysteries, each book concentrates on an ethnic food. Laurel introduced this concept to the restaurant, Sophie's Terminal on the Tracks, and it has been a raging success. This time the food of the month is Italian. I love this concept as it keeps the stories (and recipes) fresh and interesting. 

It really felt like Laurel has come full circle in Italian Iced. She's so settled and content in Hubbard, but when Meaghan arrives in town, she causes a stir... and excuse the pun, but Laurel has to bury her past one last time. Literally. I have really liked watching Laurel grow and become "settled". She was a foster kid, and in Italian Iced I feel like she has finally accepted love into her life, not just with Declan, but everyone in Hubbard that cares about her. I love good character growth in cozy mysteries, and Kylie Logan does it so well. So even though I feel sad that the series is over, I'm also glad that I met Laurel and Declan, and was able to have one last adventure with them.

Kylie Logan always delivers a first class mystery, and Italian Iced is no different.  The mystery was very detailed, and I had trouble solving it before Laurel. I loved the final denouement... with the mystery unravelling in front of all the suspects... very Hercule Poirot! 

I love, love, loved Italian Iced. I will always hope that one day this series gets picked up again, because I want another adventure with Laurel and Declan. Maybe one day!

Book Review: Meow If It's Murder by T.C. LoTempio

Back in her hometown, Nora reconnects with old friends and makes some new ones, like Nick, the charming feline who seems determined to be her cat. But not everything about Cruz is friendly. Writing for a local online magazine, Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger. Though it was deemed an accident, Nora suspects foul play. And it seems that her cat does too.

Apparently, Nick used to belong to a P.I. who disappeared while investigating Lola Grainger’s death. The coincidence is spooky, but not as spooky as the clues Nick spells out for her with Scrabble letters—clues that lead her down an increasingly dangerous path. Whether fate put her on this case or not, solving it will take all of Nora’s wits, and maybe a few of Nick’s nine lives.[summary via Amazon]

I've been wanting to read the Nick & Nora Mysteries for a while. I'm the proud owner of a somewhat-grumpy-and-adorable tuxedo cat, and little Nick on the cover of Meow If It's Murder reminds me of my own tuxedo cat. 

In the first book in the series, Nora has returned home to take over the family sandwich shop. She's left behind her life of being a crime reporter in Chicago, and taken up the art of making sandwiches. However, her crime-seeking nose picks up the scent of crime, when she hears that one of my mom's friends, Lola Grainger, has died in a boating "accident". Nora, with the help of a new feline companion, must use all her crime-reporter skills to follow the trail and find out what happened.

I was simply charmed by Meow If It's Murder. It hit all the high marks with a superb mystery and interesting characters, including Nick - the star of the show. Nick is a cute, intelligent tuxedo cat, that enters Nora's life and helps her solve the mystery! His previous owner, a PI, taught Nick to play scrabble and he uses this love of scrabble tiles to help Nora with clues. How adorable is this? Nick has absolutely stolen my heart. He is definitely the most intelligent cozy cat I've read (although don't tell Hamlet from Ali Brandon's Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries!).

I really enjoyed that the amateur sleuth, Nora Charles, has a background in crime reporting. This gives her an "excuse" to investigate the crime, even if it is a loose excuse. She uses her background in crime reporting to help her dig deep into the investigation. I've read a lot of cozies with amateur sleuths that are just "nosy", so it was nice to see a mystery where the amateur sleuth has an almost valid excuse to investigate.

Meow If It's Murder is an enjoyable debut in the Nick & Nora Mysteries. It will hit all the high notes for many cozy readers, with a mystery that will keep you guessing right until the end. You will be wanting to visit again - not just for the mystery, but also for Nora's delicious sandwiches and the every adorable Nick!

Book Review: Death by Tea by Alex Erickson

Just before two dueling book clubs are set to square off at Death by Coffee, one of the competitors turns up dead—bludgeoned with the silver teapot that was to serve as the prize. Suspicion immediately falls on Krissy, who was seen skulking around town in dark clothes on the night of the murder.

To clear her name and find the real killer, Krissy turns to an old flame, Officer Paul Dalton. But even Paul can’t ignore the trail of evidence that seems to point in her direction. And with Krissy’s personal nemesis, Officer John Buchannan, working overtime to pin the murder on her, it will take an amazing feat of detective work to close the book for good on an elusive killer. . .[summary via Amazon]

I love books about books! Cozies set within a library or bookstore setting are my absolute favourite. I've read most of the series that feature a bookstore or library, and I'm so thrilled to have discovered another series that fits into this sub-category. Even better, there is a back-list for me to read!!! I was absolutely head over heels for Death by Coffee. So much so, that I picked up Death by Tea recently and couldn't put it down. 

In the second Bookstore Cafe Mystery, Krissy is hosting the annual book club competition. Whoever heard of a book club being a competition right? Well the competition between Pine Hills and Cherry Valley is very fierce, especially when the prize is a silver teapot. When one of the competitors turns up dead in her bookshop, Officer Buchanan is determined to pin the crime on Krissy. Can she find a killer before she ends up behind bars?

I love, love this series! It's not just that Pine Hills is oh so cozy, or that the mystery is so tangled, that I even have trouble solving it. It is both of those things, but it is also the fact that Krissy's life is such a hot mess!!! I love reading each adventure, watching as Krissy tries to solve the murder, stay out of jail and maybe try and get a date. Then there is Misift, her cat,.... who is determined to make her life a living hell! I just love the chaos!

I really liked the mystery. The murder victim is a visitor to Pine Hills, and as the reader learns more, we discover how hard it is to untangle the webs of the mystery. I didn't solve the crime before Krissy, despite guessing and changing my mind, every time one of "my suspects" was cleared. 

Death by Tea is a superb follow-up mystery to Death by Coffee. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next one. I'm looking forward to another visit to see what all the crazy characters in Pine Hills are going to get up to next. And, of course to see if Krissy will finally get a date!

Book Review: Last Pen Standing by Vivian Conroy

As the new co-owner of Tundish Montana's stationery shop WANTED, Delta Douglas knows how to organize a killer crafting event. Creativity and cardstock are all she needs to move one step closer to her ultimate dream: developing her own line of crafting products. But on the night of the workshop, at the swanky hotel venue, glitter isn't the only thing found sprawled on the floor. A hotel guest is discovered dead in the bar, and amid the confusion, Delta's best friend is suspected of the crime.

Enlisting the help of her Paper Posse and Spud, her canine sidekick, Delta dives into the investigation. But with many high-powered suspects on the line, Delta soon realizes her sleuthing may come with deadly consequences.[summary via Amazon]

I love new series! I love discovering new cozy towns and adventures. I especially love meeting new cozy characters and pets!

In the first Stationary Shop Mystery, I got to visit Tundish, Montana, and meet Wanted stationary shop owners, Hazel and Delta, and went on one fantastic adventure!

Delta is new to Tundish, Montana. She's decided to invest in the business of her best friend, Hazel, and she's excited to be a co-owner of the stationary shop, Wanted. However, she gets more than she bargained for when, at her first workshop, a hotel guest turns up dead. With Hazel's brother picked for the crime, Delta must join forces with her new friends, the "Paper Posse", to solve the crime.

I was a child in the 80s. Before technology made it big, I loved writing letters to my friends. It's one of my favourite memories of the 80s. Carefully picking from my stationary collection, and penning a beautiful letter. This has grown into journalling and a washi tape addiction in the modern day, and its this love all things paper that made me pick up this new series. I'm so glad I did, because straight out of the gate Last Pen Standing is an outstanding debut!

I loved that the town centres around its history of being a gold rush town. They've kept so much of the history. Wanted even still has holding cells! Delta's new friends the "Paper Posse" even have nicknames relating to the gold rush era. It is just so much fun!!

The mystery itself was really intriguing. I really enjoyed discovering facts about the residents of Tundish, alongside Delta, and trying to piece all the clues together. I didn't solve the mystery before Delta, and it wasn't for lack of trying. Vivian Conroy has crafted a intriguing whodunnit, that even the most seasoned mystery reader will have trouble solving!

From beginning to end Last Pen Standing is a pure delight! It kept me up late, way past my bedtime, but I have zero regrets because it is worth every extra cup of caffeine! This is a great debut, and one you will want to read in one sitting! 

Book Review: Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett

A tattoo parlor on Victoria Square? Some of the merchants get hot under the collar at the proposal, but could they be driven to kill to stop it? That's what the sheriff's office and Katie Bonner want to know when the building's owner is electrocuted with his own saw.

Meanwhile, tensions rise when a hot chef takes over the square's tea shop. Will Katie have three men vying for her affections, or will her rival take the tea cake? [summary via Amazon]

There are several authors that I read everything they write. When they release a new book, I don't even read the summary on the back, I just dive straight in!! One of these authors is Lorraine Bartlett. When I started reading cozies I was simply charmed by her Booktown Mysteries (written as Lorna Barrett). I hold her Victoria Square Mysteries in such high regard as well, and they're one series I always make sure I pick up the latest release for. 

Victoria Square is a fictional town, where all is quaint and sweet. Visitors can walk down the Main Street and be charmed by the cozy shops. They can visit Tealicious for afternoon tea, and shop at Artisians Alley. It's not somewhere that you can imagine a tattoo shop right? That's exactly what the local merchants association think when a local tattooist buys a building and wants to open a shop in Victoria Square. When the owner of the tattoo parlour is electrocuted all eyes turn to the merchants of Victoria Square. 

I love the feeling that reading a Victoria Square Mystery provides. It is literally all things quaint and cozy. I mean look at the cover with all those cute shops. Apart from the murders, wouldn't you want to visit there? This is why this series is one of my most-recommended to new readers of cozy mysteries. Lorraine Bartlett (this time together with Gayle Leeson) capture that feeling of visiting a cozy town, where a murder just happens to take place. The reader is taken on an adventure, alongside Katie Bonner, as they try to solve the crime. All the elements rolled into one perfect story... this is what Lorraine Bartlett delivers every time!!

I liked the mystery surrounding the murder of the tattoo shop owner. I thought I had it solved by page 84, but I should've learnt from previous mysteries, because I was completely wrong! I only managed to solve it moments before Katie did. I love how the authors take us several winding paths to solve the mystery! They definitely leave a tangled web for the readers to follow!

All in all, Murder Ink provides another delightful visit to Victoria Square. Alike to me, I believe readers will come for the murder mystery, but stay for the charming people and atmosphere of Victoria Square. It is one cozy town that I can't wait to visit again.

Book Review: Death by Coffee by Alex Erickson

On their very first day of business, Brendon Lawyer huffily takes his coffee…to the grave. It seems he had a severe allergy to peanuts…but how could there have been nuts in his coffee? And who stole his emergency allergy medication?

Fortunately, Krissy’s love of puzzles and mysteries leads her not only to Officer Paul Dalton, but also to many of her new neighbors, who aren’t terribly upset that the book is closed on Brendon. But one of them is a killer, and Krissy needs to read between the lies if she wants to save her new store—and live to see how this story ends…[summary via Amazon]

I'm a huge fan of books within books, and cozy mysteries set in bookstores and libraries are my absolute favorite!! I've been eyeing up the Bookstore Cafe mysteries for a while, and I recently took the plunge with Death by Coffee! Let me say... I can't believe what I've been missing out on. If this first book is any indicator... this is my new favorite series!

Krissy has moved to Pine Hills to open a bookstore cafe, with her best friend, Vicki, called Death by Coffee. Bookstore and a cafe... that's a recipe for a quiet life right? Not for Krissy, when a customer dies on her first day... after drinking one of her coffees. It's up to Krissy to stick her nose where it doesn't belong and find a killer, before they have to close the bookstore cafe!

What I absolutely love about Krissy... is that she completely owns her desire to stick her nose where it doesn't belong. She acknowledges that she's just being nosy and really shouldn't be getting involved, but she does!! She's an amateur sleuth to look up to. While some others are hesitant about getting involved, she doesn't waiver. She steps right up to the plate and is determined to find a killer! And, she does just that in her first adventure.

If that's not enough, there is also her cat... "Misfit". Misfit is part of a pair of cats, his sibling is owned by Vicki, whose name is "Trouble". Misfit may be my new favorite cozy feline. He's incredibly naughty and I loved reading about his little adventures, causing trouble for Krissy at every turn. Don't worry Trouble also lives up to its name as well. Let's just say "domino bookshelves"!

I simply adored Death by Coffee. The main mystery was interesting and kept me enthralled. I also like that we just learn a little bit about other residents of Pine Hills, but not too much. Just enough to know that I'm going to be coming back for the next book to find out about everyone else. Krissy's father is a best-selling mystery author, and I'm looking forward to seeing how his involvement plays out in future stories.

If you're crazy for biblio mysteries I strongly recommend reading the Bookstore Cafe mysteries. Luckily for me, there are currently 7 books in the series and I plan to read them all as quickly as possible!

Book Review: Murder, She Meowed by Liz Mugavero

Stan and Jake’s wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls’ night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren’t her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm—who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list—and Stan’s making a vow to find the killer . . .[summary via Amazon]

I started reading the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries in 2014. Back then I had two less cats and I was enthralled with both the mystery and characters, but also the idea of making cat treats for my feline companions. Since reading Kneading the Die this has been one series that I haven't missed a new release for... and now Stan and Jake are getting married, but not without a murder to solve!

Stan is looking for a small, quiet wedding in Frog Ledge to the love her life, Jake. However, it seems her family has other ideas. Her sister, Caitlynn, is determined to throw Stan a wild bachelorette party. Unfortunately the party turns deadly when the stripper, that Caitlynn has hired, turns up dead. It's up to Stan to put aside the wedding plans and solve a murder.

I love every visit to Frog Ledge, but this one is extra special. Stan and Jake are getting married!! Of course we all know weddings are wonderful... and stressful! This time Stan has to not just solve a mystery (well she could mind her own business, but when is an amateur sleuth ever going to do that?) but also try to keep her mom and sister in check, and stop them from destroying her wedding plans. 

I really enjoyed the two plots twisting together in Murder, She Meowed. While the stripper's murder isn't directly related to her wedding, he died at her place of business and Stan's determined to solve the murder before she walks down the aisle. 

In her own subtle way, Liz Mugavero has been promoting animal welfare, feeding grain-free and adopting your furry friends, and I simply adore this. This series, and Liz herself, is a big supporter of animals and looking after them, and this is part of what makes it one of my favourite series! And Nutty, but don't tell the two Maine coons that live in my house!!

Together with a great mystery to solve, Murder, She Meowed hit all the high notes for me. With a first class mystery, adorable furry friends and some new animal treat recipes to try... you can see why this  seres is #1 on my most recommended series for animal lovers.