#BookReview ~ The Black Cat Sees His Shadow (A Bad Luck Cat Mystery, Book #3) by Kay Finch ~ #CozyMystery @BerklyPub @BerkleyMystery

The Black Cat Sees His Shadow

Book Details:

A Bad Luck Cat Mystery, Book 3

Kay Finch

Print Length: 303 pages

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC

ASIN: B01MAUPJOD

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About the Book:

Mystery novelist Sabrina Tate and her cat, Hitchcock, set out to catch a conniving killer in the next Bad Luck Cat mystery from the author of The Black Cat Knocks on Wood and Black Cat Crossing... 

The town of Lavender, Texas is buzzing with tourists, and local businesses are pulling out all the stops for the annual Pumpkin Days Festival. On the eve of opening day, Sabrina comes face-to-face with her doppelganger, Tia Hartwell, a caricature artist at the festival. The similarities between the two women are striking, including their matching black cats.

Sabrina learns that her new twin Tia has an enemy: bad-tempered jewelry vendor Calvin Fisher. When Fisher is found slumped over dead in his pickup, Tia tops the suspect list. With the help of her feline sidekick, Sabrina must clear her new look-alike friend before she finds herself in a deadly case of double jeopardy.

My Review:

The Black Cat Sees His Shadow is a wonderful third cozy mystery in Kay Finch's Bad Luck Cat Mystery series.

It's Pumpkin Days Festival time in Lavender, Texas.  Local businesses are setting up tents to display their wares and tourists are piling in to partake in the town's festivities. As Sabrina strolls through the festival with her cat, Hitchcock, she walks right up to someone who looks just like her. The woman, named Tia, is one of the outside vendors renting a tent during the festival. She has her son and his pet cat with her. When it's discovered that Tia doesn't see eye-to-eye with another vendor named Calvin and he is found dead, Tia is the prime suspect. Sabrina makes it her mission to discover what happened and to prove that Tia wasn't involved.

 I loved The Black Cat Sees His Shadow. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The book is engaging and will grab and hold the reader's interest from beginning to end. The descriptive content makes visualizing the scenes an easy task. The novel is fast paced and enjoyable. The motive for the murder of Calvin, as well as who did it, was cleverly disguised.

All of the characters are written with realism. The character development continues with the main characters and the addition of new characters. We aren't bogged down with unnecessary details or boring character biographies. We receive the right amount of detail and description for each character. The conversations flow smoothly and are realistic. They flow so well that you think you're standing nearby involved in the topic of discussion. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

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#BookReview: Dressed to Confess (Costume Shop Mysteries, Book 3) by Diane Vallere ~ #CozyMystery

Dressed to Confess

Costume Shop Mysteries, Book 3

Diane Vallere

Book Details:

Print Length: 300 pages

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: August 1, 2017

Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC

ASIN: B01N2GJ2TP

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About the Book:

Costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn faces a deadly conspiracy when a small-town festival turns into big-time trouble. 

It's no secret around Proper City, Nevada, that the Sagebrush Festival, the town s annual family-friendly event, is the place to be. This year's theme of board games has everything from Conspiracy to Clue. Margo Tamblyn's costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, has been tasked with providing costumes for the festival headliner, the Domino Divas, but the night of the performance, one fallen Domino threatens to bring down the whole show. Head dancer Ronnie Cass is found in her dressing room, unmasked, unprepared, and very, very dead. 

As the police investigate, Margo learns that Don Digby, her father's best friend, is the prime suspect, tied to the victim by an unsolved robbery connected to Proper City's past. As conspiracies abound and theories are debunked, Margo seeks to unmask the real killer, before her dad's buddy winds up in a costume made with prison stripes.

My Review:

Dressed to Confess is the third, and unfortunately final, book in the Costume Shop Mysteries. I'm really hoping the author decides to pick this back up like she did the Material Witness series. Here's hoping!

The annual Sagebrush Festival is gearing up and everyone in Proper City, NV is involved.  This year's theme is Family Game Night and inspired by boardgames from Candy Land to Monopoly.  A local group from back in the day, the Domino Divas, have reunited for the event and Margo from Disguise DeLimit has been contracted to making their costumes.

The Festival is off to a decent start when tragedy strikes - Margo finds one of the Dominoes dead in her trailer.  When clues start piling up, Margo tries to put them all together into something that doesn't implicate her father's best friend, Don.  It doesn't seem like she's being very successful, especially since it appears her clues incriminate Don even more.  Attempting to find the real killer puts Margo in danger and in the not so friendly sights of the local police department. 

I absolutely love this series.  Actually, I have absolutely loved everything by Diane Vallere that I've gotten my hands on.  Her writing style is conversational and smooth.  The characteristics she's given each character in the novel, especially Margo, are great.  Margo is complex and hides behind costumes in an effort to shield herself.  I love her quirkiness though.

The author does a fantastic job taking readers on several wild goose chases throughout the novel. Many characters, new and familiar, are developed in ways that certainly could point them toward being the murderer. The characters have the means and motives to want Ronnie Cass removed from the Domino Divas permanently. With the police honed in only on Don, Margo fears that he'll end up in jail, leaving the real murderer free to roam the streets. So, our amateur sleuth does what she must to clear Don's name and reveal the real killer.  Her amateur sleuthing does cause tensions to run high. She's smart and doesn't intentionally put herself in harm's way. 

Diane Vallere continues the world building in the third Costume Shop Mystery.  I was able to picture each scene in my head including Margo's costumes, the layout of the festival, and other scenes.  The book has depth and the plot is solid. The dialogue between the characters is fluid and the story is fast paced. The culprit is hidden among a myriad of potential suspects and isn't easily figured out. I was actually a bit surprised in who the murderer ended up being. Dressed to Confess is a fantastic 3rd book in the Costume Shop Mystery series by Diane Vallere.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Cat About Town (Cat Cafe Mystery, Book 1) by Cate Conte #CozyMystery @MinotaurBooks

Cat About Town

Cat Cafe Mystery

Book 1

Minotaur Books 

August 1, 2017

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1250072061

E-Book ASIN: B01N0Z4ZDP

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About the Book:

The first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . .

Maddie James has arrived in Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business—and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café. But little does Maddie know that she’s in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully. Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who’s come to town? If pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren’t keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she’s the cat’s pajamas . . . and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose—and on her path?

My Review (of the 2017 first edition version):

Maddie James is co-owner of a successful organic juice bar, Goin' Green, in San Francisco.  When her grandmother passes away, she finds herself back in Daybreak Island.  While home Maddie realizes that there are things going on in the tourist town that aren't on the up and up.  Her grandfather is being bullied by the President of the Chamber of Commerce to sell his home and property.  When her grandfather refuses, things being happening around the home.  

Amid the chaos, Maddie bonds with a stray cat who becomes her companion during the stay in Daybreak Island.  During set up of the town festival, the cat discovers the dead body of the bully in one of the tents set up through town.  Of course the local police are involved but it looks like both Maddie and her grandfather may be suspects.  Maddie and her new fluffy friend, JJ, take it upon themselves to flesh out who committed the murder.

There is a small love triangle brewing in Cat About Town but it really doesn't overshadow the main themes of the book.  Both men are good choices for Maddie based on the scant interactions we've seen.  It will be interesting to find out which direction the author takes this particular story line in future books.  I hope Maddie figures out what she's going to do about it rather quickly. 

I enjoyed Maddie's character.  She's friendly, compassionate, and easy to relate to and the way she cares for her grandfather is wonderful.  All of the secondary characters were well written, played their parts in the story, and, along with Maddie, were realistic and believable.  The character development and world building was nicely done and the pacing of the book is steady.  The book flowed along, was easy to read, and I enjoyed every bit of the story.  The author did a great job setting the stage for this mystery and provided several potential suspects.  

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Dashing Through the Show by Cindy Goyette #CozyMystery

 

Dashing Through the Show

by Cindy Goyette

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DHWBN8X6
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books
Publication date: ‎ June 16, 2026
Print length: ‎ 270 pages

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About the Book:

Murder is under the mistletoe in the peaceful island community of Orca Cove. Holiday plans are put on hold to give attention to the grand opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course. Special guest, Bently, is supposed to dazzle on the stage, but the locals have had enough of his snooty trainer, Miles Collins. So has his killer. When Charlie Calderbank finds Miles’ body in the back of her moving van, it becomes the season of giving…alibis, that is. Her hopes for a Christmas romance are dashed when the local hot cop is forced to pay more attention to the clues leading to her door than the chemistry that simmers between them.

Tainted treats, a widow who raises a toast along with a few eyebrows, a groomer with a grudge, an angry Santa Claus, a nosey reporter, and a canine custody hearing have Charlie spinning in every direction, juggling clues, dogs, and blizzards. She must identify the killer, or she’ll spend her Christmas behind bars.

My Review:

Dashing Through the Show is the Second Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery. Charlie Calderbank is morning to Orca Cove permanently. Her aunt’s opening her Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course and it’s a town affair. Their special guest is Bently, a champion agility course participant. His owner, however, has managed to offende everyone in Orca Cove, it seems.

When Miles’ body is found in the back of Charlie’s moving van, the local cop focuses on her for the absolute wrong reasons. Knowing she had nothing to do with Miles’ demise, Charlie works her way through everyone who has had a beef with him. Hopefully she can ferret out the suspect before she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit.

What a tangled web woven between the pages of Dashing Through the Show. The story went in directions I wasn’t anticipating. The author kept me on my toes from start to finish. The who-dun-it was hidden quite well in this fast paced cozy.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Caught Bread Handed (A Bakeshop Mystery, Book 4) by Ellie Alexander #CozyMystery #FiveStars #BakeShopMystery

Caught Bread Handed by Ellie Alexander

Book Information:

Series: A Bakeshop Mystery, Book 4

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Publication Date: June 28, 2016

Sold by: Macmillan

ASIN: B0191K3GN2

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About the Book:

Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary…especially when murder is thrown into the mix.

When Mindy Nolan, the owner of a new restaurant in town, turns up dead, the batter at hand thickens. Jules knows that there was bad blood between Mindy and others in town, and tracking down the killer could prove to be an unwelcome treat. And to top it all off, there’s Carlos, who is pleading—with those delicious dark eyes and sexy Spanish accent—for Jules to take him back. Is home where the heart is or will she make a fresh start…and risk getting burned?

My Review:

Caught Bread Handed is the fourth book in the Bakeshop Mysteries. Wintertime still has Ashland buzzing even though the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is on hiatus.  A chain restaurant has muscled its way into the downtown business district, ruffling the feathers of the historic district.  When the new owner is found dead, Jules discovers there are many townsfolk who have the motive for murder.

 This installment of the Bakeshop Mystery continues with the appearance of Jules' estranged husband Carlos in Ashland.  He wants her to understand he didn't mean to hurt her. Carlos' appearance has Jules flustered but she has to put her feelings on the back burner because her focus needs to remain on Torte and, unfortunately, the murder.

I enjoyed book 4 in the series. We finally get to see Jules in her home environment with Carlos by her side. I'm still not sure how Jules' love life is going to play out in this series with her in Oregon and her husband on a cruise ship. It will be interesting to follow that thread through the rest of the series. How the author weaves multiple stories within each book fascinates me. Each thread makes sense as you move along in the book, some intersecting with the murder and others just additional everyday life. The book was descriptive and was able to immerse myself into the town of Ashland and the lives of its residents.

The world building continues as new events or businesses begin to take shape and new characters are introduced.  The familiar favorites are always a pleasure to see on the pages; Jules' mom, Stephanie, Sterling, Lance, Andy, Thomas, and The Professor.  I connected with all of  the favorites on some level and can't imagine these books without them. The conflicting emotions that engulf Jules are profound and realistic.  Her uncertainty and love toward Carlos is palpable; easily recognized but tumultuous.

The story was fast paced and engaging.  I enjoyed trying to unravel the murder mystery. Every time I thought I had things all figured out, the author tossed in a complication that changed my mind. Ellie Alexander did a great job keeping everything under wraps and revealing things methodically and at the right time. 

I purchased a paperback copy of this book myself. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #ParnormalCozyMystery

 

Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12)

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DXLJP185

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication Date: ‎ February 27, 2026

Page Couunt: ‎ 226 pages

Book 12 of 13: ‎ Kenni Lowry Mystery

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About the Book:

Small-town Southern cozy mystery with a sheriff sleuth

Something borrowed, something blue… and something deadly.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s wedding day should be about vows, cake, and finally catching her breath. Instead, her wedding night is interrupted by a visit from her ghostly Poppa—and a warning that something is very wrong.

Miss Tilda Boone, a beloved church fixture and lifelong rule-follower, was expected at the ceremony. She never arrived.

Before Kenni can even consider a honeymoon, she’s back in uniform, standing inside Miss Tilda’s quiet home, where a familiar afternoon routine ended in death. What first appears to be a natural passing quickly turns suspicious when evidence points to tampered tea and a kettle prepared with deadly intent.

With the town watching and rumors spreading fast, Kenni must uncover who had access to Miss Tilda’s home, her habits, and her trust. The suspect list grows to include church volunteers, family members, and neighbors who knew Miss Tilda’s meticulous routines a little too well.

Balancing newlywed life, small-town politics, and a homicide investigation—while Poppa offers his unfiltered commentary—Kenni is determined to uncover the truth before another life is lost.

Because in Cottonwood, Kentucky, marriage doesn’t slow down murder… and this sheriff won’t rest until justice is served.

My Review:

Sh0tgun Wedding is the twelfth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni and Finn say "I do" in this story but their happiness is short-lived when Poppa brings unhappy news. The happy couple trade wedding clothes for uniforms to check in on a guest who RSVP'd but didn't show. What they find chills Kenni's blood and she knows she'll do anything to find out what happened to retired schoolteacher Miss Tilda Boone.

I enjoyed Sh0tgun Wedding. I’m a fan of books with supernatural elements and having Poppa’s ghost help Kenni is a fun aspect. Having her grandfather back in her life must be exciting and wonderful but not being able to hug him must be torture. Poppa proves to be quite the asset to Kenni as she investigates and attempts to analyze the clues and piece everything together.

World-building and character development continues in Sh0tgun Wedding. I enjoyed the characters and their involvement in this book. Enjoyable and interesting, this cozy mystery pulled me in and kept me engaged. The mystery was intricate and wonderfully woven through the pages.

Previously reviewed on Reviews by Saph.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#ReleaseDay #BookReview ~ The Secret of the Old Clock: A Nancy Drew Detectives Story (Mini Mysteries) by Marci Kay Monson ~ #NancyDrew #Mystery #MiniMystery #GibbsSmith

The Secret of the Old Clock

Publisher: ‎ Gibbs Smith
Publication date: ‎ April 21, 2026
Print length: ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1423669215
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1423669210
Reading age: ‎ 4 - 8 years
Book 3 of 3: ‎ Mini Mysteries
Grade level: ‎ Kindergarten - 3rd

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About the Book:

This retelling of the very first Nancy Drew mystery, The Secret of the Old Clock, originally published in 1930, is the third book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children.

The Secret of the Old Clock is the originating volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The book, published in 1930, first introduced the teenage sleuth in a cozy mystery (no violence or gore). The story has Nancy solving the case of a missing will, hidden in an old clock, and helping the struggling relatives and friends of Josiah Crowley receive the promised money from his estate. Of course there are robbers, greedy will-altering heirs, suspense, and resolution. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Nancy Drew mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of mystery-related terms.  

My Review:

I love Nancy Drew Mysteries and jumped at the chance to review the retelling of the very first book, The Secret of the Old Clock. More than just a Mini Mystery, The Secret of the Old Clock: A Nancy Drew Detectives Story is an interactive book. Developed for children ages 4-8, this book features vibrant illustrations, enrichment activities, and a shortened but engaging mystery. 

I love the introductions of the players, the development of the mystery, and the resolution. The author includes a glossary of terms, different activities on each page, and a wonderful adventure for the reader. Children will enjoy working with Nancy Drew as she works to solve The Mystery of the Old Clock.

I have been a Nancy Drew fan for practically my entire life. My grandma introduced me to the series when I was probably 9 or 10 and I never looked back. I have almost the entire original series in hardcover; various years, covers, etc., but I don't care that the books I own in the series doesn't match. I have a bunch of the Nancy Case Files paperbacks and other offshoots from the main series. I'm excited to add this Mini Mystery to the collection.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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