#Review: First Class Killer (A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, Book #5) by Tonya Kappes @tonyakappes11 #TonyaKappes

 

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. Don't miss out on the good RECIPES at the end of the book!

Mail Carrier Bernadette Butler just can’t stop delivering clues when the clerk of the new book store turns up dead in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, after the town is already shocked over a tell all “fiction” romance novel that hit the shelves filled with secrets that were brushed under the rug and now left hung out to dry.

ASIN : B08B4XGZMV
Publication Date : September 26, 2020
Print Length : 184 pages

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Review:

Sometimes writing what you know can have disastrous consequences.

When young former resident Stella Jane Clark returns to Sugar Creek Gap with her first, and wildly popular, novel, residents are excited. The whole town is also made aware of the reopening of the old mill as the town's new bookstore. The excitement is palpable and the author did a wonderful job making those emotions real and able to be felt. The way the townsfolk react to the contents of Stella Jane's book is also realistic and I was able to feel their horror, embarrassment, and humiliation. Topping off the scandalous book and its hidden secrets is the death of the bookstore's new manager. The death puts Iris, one of Bernie's friends and foe of the deceased, at the head of the suspect list. Bernie knows Iris didn't do anything and starts to investigate the mysterious death. 

The author did a fantastic job introducing multiple potential suspects in the murder. Even though the book was considered fiction, the events and goings-on paralleled too many things that did happen, giving several people the means, motive, and/or opportunity. I had a hard time trying to figure out who committed the crime. Even Bernie and her friends had a hard time. Every time a suspect was identified, something or someone was able to come up with an alibi for that person. I really did not suspect who committed the murder.

The characters are likable, realistic, and I loved them. The author tossed in a few other side stories to continue the small-town feel of the series. I enjoyed the story and how the author threw in red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I was also able to visualize the story as I read along. I look forward to the next book.

I was given a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ A Case of Cat and Mouse (Magical Cats Mystery, Book #12) by Sofie Kelly @BerkleyMystery

About the Book:

A reality TV crew has come to town and brought librarian Kathleen Paulson and her two magical cats more than their fair share of real-life drama, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.

Spring has come to charming Mayville Heights, and with it, some Hollywood glamour. The little town is abuzz because the reboot of a popular baking TV show is filming there. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is working as an advisor on historical facts for the show, local restaurants are providing catering for the camera crews, and Kathleen's faithful felines, Hercules and Owen, are hoping there is a cat treat challenge.

But then Kathleen finds one of the judges dead. She has solved many-a-murder with help from the supernaturally gifted Herc and Owen, and with the whole town on tenterhooks, the talented trio will have to have all paws on deck to chase down this killer.

Book Details:

Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Print Length: 301 pages
ASIN: B082H3DQZ2
Read an Excerpt and Purchase Your Copy: Amazon
Read an Excerpt: Amazon

Review:

One of my favorites cozy book series', Magical Cats continues to stay fresh, exciting, and keep me engaged and looking forward to the next book. A Case of Cat and Mouse is the 12th book in this series and I loved it so much. I'm a huge fan of the baking contest shows and love that the author incorporated the revival of the show into one of the books in this series.

As a historical fact advisor for the show, Kathleen spends a lot of time either researching the contestants or on set discussing her findings with the hosts and directors. When Kathleen finds one of the show's judges dead, she knows by the manner of the death that it was no accident. The baking show has a murderer in the cast and as Kathleen does her undercover sleuthing, she discovers there are many suspects with the means, motive, and opportunity. She also discovers many untruths have been told, making sorting through the clues even more difficult.

I really enjoyed A Case of Cat and Mouse. The pacing is steady, and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.

The Magical Cats series keeps me entertained with the human and feline characters, plots, and mysteries. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers. The books are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.

I was provided an ebook of A Case of Cat and Mouse to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Review ~ Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay @JennMcKinlay ~ Library Lover's Mystery, Book #2

Book Details:

Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 9780425246689
ISBN-13 : 978-0425246689
Publisher : Berkley; 1st Edition (March 6, 2012)
Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

Carrie Rushton, the president of the Friends of the Library, has been accused of murdering her husband. The evidence is stacking up against Carrie, but neither Lindsey nor the Briar Creek crafternoon club is buying it.

When a nor'easter buries the small coastal town, the police are too busy digging out the locals to investigate the murder. With the help of her crafternoon friends and an abandoned puppy they name Heathcliff, Lindsey has to solve the question of who murdered Mr. Rushton before the killer closes the book on Carrie...

My Review:

When Carrie is elected the new president of the Friends of the Library, and Lindsey is present during the vote, the incumbent, turns Lindsey into enemy number one. He accuses her influencing the vote and is just generally unpleasant to her. Lindsey, however, is relieved to have someone new leading the group, bringing a breath of fresh air to same-ole-same ole. After Carrie's first meeting as president, she returns home, escorted by Lindsay and Sully, to find her husband dead.

Knowing she didn't commit the crime, Lindsey pokes around trying to gather intel about those who had a beef with Carrie's husband. When a storm dumps a ton of snow on the town, Lindsey ramps things up. Evidence keeps piling up a high as the snow, the police have shifted gears to taking care of the town, and someone is out to bury more than just Carrie's husband.

I enjoyed Due to Die and read it in just one day. The characters are kind and lovable, except Ms. Cole but she's a character in her own right. I found myself able to connect with Lindsey and Beth, not because they are similar to me or we've been down the same roads, but because they are fun, interesting, and nice. I love the author's writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The character development allowed for me to get to know Lindsey, Beth, Sully, and everyone else. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story.

I love the romantic elements, flirting, and subtlety the author softly wove throughout the book. The author did a great job writing this book realistically. I can see a small town suspending criminal investigations to make sure their town who just suffered through a winter event, is unburied, power is restored, and all citizens are accounted for and safe. I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to tackle book 3.

My review copy is courtesy of my local library.