#CozyMystery #Review ~ Spelling the Tea by Erin Johnson @EJohnsonWrites ~ The Vampire Tea Room Magical Mysteries Series, Book 1

Welcome to the coziest, vampire-owned tea room in Bath! It’s steeped in magic and mystery.

You’re supposed to support your guy, right? Even if it means moving away from the watery source of your witchy magic and suffering through five years of writer's block?

Minnie Wells thought so, until her soon-to-be-ex left her high and dry for another woman. Now, she’s back in Bath, with the magic of the town’s enchanted springs flowing through her veins, ready to explore her newbie witch powers and pen her novel. Bath inspired her favorite writer Jane Austen, after all. Why wouldn’t it work for her?

Only catch is, once the divorce is final, Minnie will be deported back to the US (and she’ll lose her powers all over again) unless she can convince the haughty (and handsome) vampire owner of a struggling tea room to hire her.

As if her cup didn’t already runneth over with trouble, an employee drops dead during her interview.

Now Minnie’s got to solve the murder to clear the cafe’s name, while figuring out a way to bring in more customers. With the help of her vampire roommate and black cat familiar, she’s hot on the killer’s trail. But when the murderer sets Minnie in their sights, she’ll have to tap into her own inner strength (and magic) to save herself, and bring the killer to justice.

Will Minnie solve the murder and save the vampire’s tea room? Or will she find herself in hot water with the killer?

ASIN : B08QNCVLZ3
Publication date : January 27, 2021
Print length : 186 pages
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My Review:

Minnie Wells is having a rough time. She's in the middle of a divorce, unable to find a job after being let go from her ex's company, and she's facing deportation. Fortunately, she has Gus, a vampire friend, who's taken her in and gotten her an interview in a tearoom. Unfortunately, not only is the owner not hiring, but he also has an employee drop dead after escorting Minnie to the restroom. If the owner thought his sales were down before, wait until people hear about the death.

Minnie wants to help find out what happened to the butler. She also wants to prove to the owner that she would be an asset to the flailing business. She enlists the help of Gus and her kitty familiar to work through the possible reasons, motives, and suspects. Her amateur sleuthing, witchy magic, and friends will either assist the police in identifying a killer or put Minnie in the killer's sights.

Minnie is a fun character. She is bound and determined to find a way to stay in Bath, near the springs that activate her powers. If she gets shipped back to the US, her powers become dormant and she doesn't want that to happen. Her plan involves aiding Fitz, an old-fashioned tearoom owning vampire. He's resistant but Minnie continues to plead her case about how her marketing experience will put the tearoom on the map. I love Minnie's interactions with Fitz.

I've been a huge fan of Erin Johnson since Seashells, Spells & Caramels (Spells & Caramels, Book1) was released in 2017. I was excited to learn about the upcoming Vampire Tea Room Magical Mysteries series. Spelling the Tea is a fantastic book. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the mystery. Minnie is a fun character, determined to earn her place at Bath Butler Cafe. The secondary characters round out a wonderful cast. The author's writing style, the pacing, and story kept me engaged. I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens with Minnie next!

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Bait and Witch - A Witch Way Librarian Mystery by Angela M. Sanders @AngelaMSanders @KensingtonBooks #CozyMystery

Bait and Witch
A Witch Way Librarian Mystery, Book 1

Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: December 29, 2020

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages

ISBN-10: 1496728742
ISBN-13: 978-1496728746
Digital ASIN: B086R8VF2T

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About Bait and Witch:

Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose—she’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble . . .

Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods . . .

Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life . . .

My Review:

Josie needs to escape D.C. in a hurry after overhearing something she shouldn't have while taking a break in the basement of the Library of Congress. In order to keep her family safe, Josie doesn't end up where her family things she is going. Instead of New York, Josie is in the middle of Nowheresville, Oregon. A sleepy little town, Wilfred, OR doesn't offer much but a historic mansion-turned-library, a diner, a few stores, and a trailer park. Upon arrival, Josie is shocked to learn the library has been sold to a couple who want to tear it down and rebuild a more modern retreat on the land. Josie's hideaway is about to be destroyed. In the midst of the news, Josie finds a body in some bushes on the library's property. Was this person looking for her and if so, who killed them and why?

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Josie decides she wants to do something to help prevent the demolition of the library. She also does some sleuthing on the side. She can't identify the body and the police aren't talking but she sure can try to find out if who they are pinning the murder on is right. After all, the person just doesn't seem like the type (although, do they ever?!) and she's sure something's missing. There are a few potential suspects, each with their own reasons for possibly wanting someone dead - some of them shocking. I was actually surprised at the reveal of the murderer and why. I didn't see it coming and was blindsided by the revelation. Bravo, Ms. Sanders, Bravo!

Josie was a delightful heroine who discovers she's from a long line of witches. Not being raised to know or understand her powers, Josie is frightened of them and what she could possible do. Josie also was a smart amateur detective. She didn't do anything that made me mutter under my breath about the legalities, shake my head at the pure lack of common sense, or yell at her for doing something totally stupid. Josie is my kind of cozy mystery heroine. She's smart, thoughtful, caring, and willing to go the extra mile, even though she hasn't been in town very long. The secondary characters were entertaining and enjoyed getting to know everyone in Wilfred. 

This book was simply amazing. The pacing was perfect - not too fast or too slow. Everything about Bait and Witch captivated me and keep me engaged. I didn't want to put the book down. I'm really excited for the next book!

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book #Review ~ The Broken Spine (Beloved Bookroom Mystery, Book 1) by Dorothy St. James #CozyMystery @BerkleyMystery

The Broken Spine
A Beloved Bookroom Mystery, Book 1
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: January 19, 2021
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 0593098579
ISBN-13: 978-0593098578
Kindle ASIN: B086SCQ639

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About The Broken Spine: 

The first in an exciting new series featuring Trudell Becket, a spunky librarian who will stop at nothing to save her beloved books and catch a killer!

Trudell Becket, book-loving librarian, finds herself in a bind when the library where she works is turned into a state-of-the-art bookless library. In a rare move of rebellion, Trudell rescues hundreds of her library's beloved books slated for the recycle center. She sets up a secret book room in the library's basement and opens it to anyone who shares her love of the printed book.

When the town councilman, who was the vocal proponent of the library's transformation into a "futuristic technological center," is crushed under an overturned shelf of DVDs, Trudell becomes the police's prime suspect for his murder. She was the only person in the library at the time of his death, or so the police believe. But that's not true. For the past month, Trudell had been letting a few dozen residents into the building through the basement entrance so they could read and check out the printed books.

But if she tells the police about the backdoor patrons who were in the library at the time of the murder, she'd have to explain about the secret book room and risk losing the books. In order to protect herself from being arrested for a murder she didn't commit, Trudell--with the help of a group of dedicated readers--decides to investigate. She quickly discovers you can't always judge a book by its cover.

My Review:

The Broken Spine is the first book in the new Beloved Bookroom Mystery series by Dorothy St. James. The premise is completely captivating and I was excited to read about Trudell and the upcoming changes her town's library. Tru is determined to vocalize her displeasure with the new format and doing so puts her in the crosshairs of Cypress's finest. Her sleuthing and trying to figure out who committed murder inside the library also puts her in the crosshairs of some not-so-desirables, too.

The thought of a bookless library terrifies me and I spent a good portion of the first few chapters completely anxious and reading in complete disbelief. I was horrified that anyone would think a bookless library is a good idea. While not a new concept (after doing some research on the topic), it's new to me and I would never support a bookless public library. I love my print books way too much. I have an e-reader (which is how I read The Broken Spine) so I'm not against the use of technology, I just don't think bookless libraries are the way to go - much too post-apocalyptic/dystopian. I totally understand Tru's reaction to the new library concept. Please understand I'm a Gen Xer and, while completely computer literate, I'm still old school in many, many ways.

Tru's passion causes her to make some silly mistakes and decisions, and sometimes her character seems juvenile in her actions and responses. Fortunately, Tru has helpful friends in Tori and and I enjoyed their interactions. Her reaction to Jace's return home to Cypress is extremely bothersome to her and I understand her feelings. What I didn't understand is the resolution to her conflict. I didn't find it to be resolved satisfactorily. For something that plagued her for so long, the engagement between her and Jace regarding said treatment fell short for me. I didn't expect there to be a long drawn out drama session but the quick resolution didn't sit well with me. This was just a small portion of the book, however, and didn't spoil the book overall. This was just an observation on my part.

I found the book to be well-written and fast-paced. I was engaged from the very beginning. There are a lot of potential suspects and I had fun trying to figure out who committed the crime. I was totally blindsided. The murderer was someone on my list at the beginning but one I crossed off until closer to the reveal. The reason was staggering and I couldn't believe what I read. I look forward to seeing Tru's next shenanigans.

I was provided a copy of the book to read.

My Rating:

#CozyMystery #Review ~ Read It and Weep (Library Lover's Mystery, Book 4) by Jenn McKinlay @BerkleyMystery

 

William Shakespeare is credited with inventing how many words?*

Answering Shakespeare trivia comes with the job description for library director Lindsey Norris. But when the Briar Creek Community Theater mounts their newest production of the Bard, she has no intention of leaving the stacks for the stage. Unfortunately a villain is waiting in the wings…

Former Broadway actress Violet La Rue is holding auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream—and everyone from the sour spinster librarian Ms. Cole to Lindsey’s youthful library pages are trying out for parts. Brought in to play the mischievous Puck is the flirtatious professional actor Robbie Vine, who seems to have eyes for Lindsey. Before her blush has faded, the Bard’s dream turns into a nightmare—when one of the cast is poisoned. Now Lindsey and her crafternooners must take center stage to unmask the culprit before the final curtain call…

Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: November 5, 2013
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0425260720
ISBN-13: 978-0425260722
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My Review:

I absolutely loved Read It and Weep. The introduction of Robbie Vine's character just gave Sully a run for his money. I'm not usually a love triangle kind of gal (well, long-running love triangles) but Robbie is such a character that I can't wait to see what happens to between Lindsey and Robbie and Lindsey and Sully. Each guy is different in their own way, yet lovable and either could be a good match for Lindsey. I'm rooting for Sully but Robbie could grow on me.

The mystery in this book focuses on accidents that continue to plague the Briar Creek Community Theater. As the auditions end and rehearsals begin, the occurrences continue to increase in intensity. When a cast member is poisoned, Lindsey and her crafternooner friends take matters into their own hands to unveil the suspect before anyone else gets hurt. The twist at the end - OMG. The book gets 5 stars just for that alone. Don't get me wrong, the book was getting 5 stars from me anyway, but holy cow!

Read It and Weep is another great book in the series. This one of those books that hooks you, keeps you entertained, and then all of a sudden you're at the end already. Every character is great. 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 continual character development allows 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.

My review copy came from my local library.

#CozyMystery #Review ~ Book, Line and Sinker (Library Lover's Mystery, Book 3) by Jenn McKinlay ~ @BerkleyMystery

 

“Avast” in pirate speak means what?*

Answering tricky reference questions like this one provides plenty of excitement for library director Lindsey Norris. But when a shocking murder is committed in her cozy coastal town of Briar Creek, Connecticut, the question of who did it must be answered before an innocent man gets the book thrown at him...

Lindsey is enjoying her second year in Briar Creek as the library director, meeting with the crafternoon club, and happily dating tour boat captain Mike Sullivan. But when a salvage company arrives in town to dig up treasure buried on Pirate Island over three hundred years ago, the locals are torn between protecting the island and welcoming the publicity.

In spite of the squabbling, Charlie Peyton, Lindsey’s downstairs neighbor, takes a job with the salvage company. But when Trudi Hargrave, the local tourism director who hired the company, is found murdered at the excavation site, Charlie becomes the chief suspect. To help him, Lindsey must do some digging of her own before the real killer buries the truth for good…

Publisher: Berkley; 1st edition 

Publish Date: December 4, 2012 

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 0425251764
ISBN-13: 978-0425251768
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My Review:

Riordin Salvage is coming to Briar Creek with a treasure map by Captain Kidd. The treasure map is supposedly for Pirate Island - fitting don't you think?! Many residents of Briar Creek and the surrounding islands have a hard time deciding between the protection of one of the islands and the amount of publicity and tourism something like this will bring to the local businesses. When the person who invited the salvage company to the area is found slain in the excavation site, someone near and dear to both Lindsey and Sully is suspected. Lindsey knows she has to get involved to clear Charlie's name.

I enjoyed Book, Line and Sinker and devoured it as fast I could without compromising my ability to absorb and retain the story. 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 continued inclusion of romantic elements, flirting, and subtlety the author softly wove throughout the book. The author did a great job writing this book realistically. I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to dive into book 4.

My review copy is courtesy of my local library.

#CozyMystery #Review ~ City of Schemes (Counterfeit Lady #4) by Victoria Thompson @gaslightvt @BerkleyMystery

 

Elizabeth Miles is preparing for her wedding to Gideon Bates, when a menacing shadow from her past threatens to destroy the life she has built for herself in this all-new Counterfeit Lady Novel from USA Today bestselling author Victoria Thompson.

The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carstens, the son and heir of a wealthy family, seems less than happy to be home and with good reason. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged and felt bound to honor his commitment.

When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There is no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a con man or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state. 

But that is not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy does not destroy their future. . . .

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ASIN: B084GS4142

Publisher: Berkley

Publication date: January 5, 2021

Print length: 316 pages

My Review:

In City of Schemes, book four in the Counterfeit Lady series by Victoria Thompson, it's wedding time for our favorite con woman and her law-abiding fiancé. Elizabeth and Gideon are busy with the planning, along with welcoming back Gideon's friend Logan from war. Logan isn't as relieved to be back on American soil as one would expect but he has a lot on his shoulders. Besides attempting to fit back into civilian life, Logan reveals he fell in love with a French woman, despite being engaged to someone here at home. I've never been a fan of marrying someone out of obligation, but back during the time period this book is based, breaking an engagement was poor form. If an engagement is broken by a man, the action attached incorrect and unflattering labels to women. Therein lies Logan's problem - he doesn't want to ruin the reputation of his betrothed, Rosemary.

In the meantime, Logan receives a letter from his love in France, Noelle, indicating conditions in France have gotten considerably more terrible, and she request money from in order to aid her in fleeing Europe. Gideon immediately involves Elizabeth, who expresses her disbelief and her suspicions regarding the letter. No one can prove it's from Noelle, and if it's someone running a con, Logan will be left without the money or the presence of his love by his side. Elizabeth knows it's time to intervene and see exactly what's going on with these letters and the so-called author.

While aiding Logan, Elizabeth is put in a jam when a previous foe, Oscar Thornton, discovers she's still alive and well. Now, Oscar is on her tail, putting her mind on other things, as she should be preparing to marry Gideon, while helping Logan not become a victim of a con. It's up to Gideon and Elizabeth to protect Logan, help him find happiness, and keep Elizabeth out of harm's way before Oscar can make good on any of his threats.

City of Schemes is a wonderful book filled with realism and emotion from start to finish. The author’s world building in the book is vivid and descriptive. The author did a great job with the continued character development in City of Schemes. Elizabeth is s a strong character but you must be if the art of the long con is your way of living. She’s also compassionate especially towards Logan and his situation. It is easy to identify with Elizabeth, feel her emotions and the emotions of others, and fit right into the story. All the characters were written well, and I enjoyed each one of them.

This book is rich in emotional content and I was engaged in the story from the very beginning. There are so many twists, turns, and double-crosses and it was all wonderful. I couldn't put the book down. The story is fast paced and truly set up and executed well. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Elizabeth and Gideon next.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#CozyMystery #Review ~ A Wicked Yarn by Emmie Caldwell @mehughesauthor @BerkleyMystery ~ A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery, Book 1

 

A killer may craft the perfect crime, but as every knitter worth her yarn knows--murder wool out.

Mother's Day should be a cinch for the good folks of the Crandalsburg Craft Fair, and knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger has a good feeling about this year's yield. But things quickly get knotty when Lia's daughter announces she's quit her job and Lia finds herself tangled up in the murder of her best friend's ex-husband. While Belinda's alibi quickly gets her off the hook, nasty rumors spread throughout Crandalsburg that shroud the entire fair in suspicion.

Could the vendors be responsible for the murder of a man hell-bent on unraveling the fair just days before his death? Lia and her crafty group of Ninth Street Knitters must put down their needles to gather clues and save the crafting community they've grown to love.

ASIN: B086J727VQ
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Print length: 300 pages
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My Review:

Lia Geiger has started a new life in Crandalsburg, PA after the untimely death of her husband Tom. She's part of a knitting group who has a booth at the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. Everyone is especially excited for the weekend, since it's near Mother's Day and everyone will be looking for gifts. That is, until events take place that threaten the sustainability of the craft fair. Lia's best friend, Belinda, is the craft fair manager. When Belinda's ex-husband is murdered, the rumors fly and the craft fair becomes enveloped in scandal. Lia wants to help her friend and save her livelihood, thus beginning her amateur sleuthing adventure, involving her knitting group as necessary. Lia also has a daughter visiting, who is have a career crisis. 

A Wicked Yarn is the first book in the Craft Fair Knitters mystery series by Emmie Caldwell. Lia is a likeable character who wants nothing more than the best for her daughter, Hayley and to help her friend, Belinda. She works hard at both, but I found the relationship between Lia and Belinda a bit unlikely. Had there been a bit more backstory on their friendship I may have jumped on the bandwagon but Belinda's personality did not mesh well with Lia's. Then again, people have become friends despite such extreme differences in personality. Other than that, the characters are enjoyable.

The book has a strong plot, believable mystery, and fantastic setting. My mom and I used to have a craft booth in a local craft building just outside of Flint, MI for many years. I was taken back to that time in my life and I enjoyed the memories the story invoked. Thankfully there weren't any murders to contend with during our tenure. We only pulled our items out of the space when the building was sold and the craft sections turned in a new furniture store. We were pretty bummed.

The path to revealing the murder, although kind of slow-going, was well thought out. The author provided several viable suspects, keeping me guessing almost until the end. I figured out who the murderer was prior to Lia's revelation, but it didn't detract from the mystery. One thing that really impressed me about A Wicked Yarn was how smart Lia was while sleuthing. She didn't put herself into needlessly dangerous situations nor did she dance the gray line of legality. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you Berkley for the review copy.

My Rating:

Visit the Author's Website: http://www.emmiecaldwell.com/