Release Day #Review ~ Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail (Camper & Criminals #20) by Tonya Kappes ~ #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

 

The last thing Normal needs is Dottie Swagger or Mary Elizabeth Moberly as the Ms. Blossom Festival Queen.

I thought I had my hands full when Dottie Swaggert and Mary Elizabeth Moberly entered the Ms. Blossom Queen Beauty Pageant for seniors but when I witnessed a fight at the festival between Carrie Patillo and Jason Dresser, Carrie's daughter's accused killer, I knew Jason was wrongfully accused for the murder and set up.

How was I going to prove it before the trial started?

Easy. Gather the Laundry Club Ladies and use our unique sleuthing skills. Right?

Wrong!

After we uncovered some evidence of blackmail and head on over to tell Jason what we found out. . .we found out something alright. The true killer got to Jason first.

If that wasn't enough to deal with, Bobby Ray Bond found his real mama. With her impending arrival, we Laundry Club Ladies have our hands full with Blossoms, BBQ, & Blackmail.

Welcome to Normal where NOTHING is normal!

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ASIN: ‎ B09885GTYG

Publication Date: ‎ July 29, 2021

Print Length: ‎ 138 pages

My Review:

Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail is another great book in the Campers & Criminals series. The mystery is exciting, intriguing, and kept me guessing. The author has done a wonderful job keeping each book fresh and original. This may be book 20 but it's new, engaging, and a wonderful read.

The author introduced potential suspects, providing the reader with means, motive, and opportunities for each. Some of the suspects were much stronger than others and it Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies some deep thinking to get to the bottom of Jason's murder. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive. As Mae and the Laundry Club unravel the murder, shocking events are revealed, suspects are added, as well as removed, from the list, and danger abounds. We are also get a bit more familiar with Tucker Pyle, a new ranger in Normal. I enjoyed getting to know more about him.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in Normal, Kentucky. Due to recent events in the past couple of books, the dynamic in Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail is slightly off. It doesn't make the book any less of a masterpiece, I just noticed a subtle difference. As she does in all her books, Tonya Kappes did a wonderful job of weaving everything together between the murder, the pageant, and the other side stories.

There are twists and turns in Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail. Be prepared for rollercoaster situations, sadness, and extreme joy as you read through book 20. I'm really excited to see what happens in book 21.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Book #Review ~ A Time to Swill (Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery #2) by Sherry Harris #CozyMystery @SHarrisAuthor @KensingtonBooks

  

Saloon owner Chloe Jackson is after a murderer with skeletons in the closet--and one on a boat.

BAD TO THE BONE

Chloe loves her new life pouring beers and mixing cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon in the Florida Panhandle town of Emerald Cove. But on the job, the only exercise she gets is walking from one end of the bar to the other, so in the mornings she loves to run on the beach. On this morning's foggy run, she spots a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. Hearing a cry, she climbs aboard the beached vessel to investigate and finds not only a mewling kitten--but a human skeleton in the cabin.

The skeleton is tied back to Chloe's friend Ralph, whose wife disappeared on a sailboat with three other people twelve years ago. Believing his wife was lost at sea, Ralph remarried. Now he finds himself a murder suspect. Chloe is determined to find out who's been up to some skulduggery, but her sleuthing will lead her into some rough waters and some bone-chilling revelations...

ASIN : B08MBFK131
Publisher : Kensington Books
Publication date : July 27, 2021
Print length : 235 pages

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My Review:

The second book in the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series by Sherry Harris is here!! As a lover of all things Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries, there was no way I was missing out on this new series by Sherry Harris. I was not disappointed at all. Chloe Jackson is everything I need in a cozy mystery heroine. She is likable (always important), realistic, imperfect - but the perfect person for this series, a little clueless, fiercely protective, and someone I would love to be my best friend. The story is not, however, all grins and giggles as Chloe is swept out to sea in a washed-up sailboat, she soon learns is tied back to long ago mysterious disappearance. Her dramatic rescue is only the beginning as events unfold, history is dredged up, wounds reopen, and murder accusations fly.

Chloe is starting to settle in at her new home, new place of employment, and with her new friends. She and Vivi have reached an understanding and while they aren't besties, they are getting along. Chloe has just returned to Florida after packing up her life in Chicago. Chloe's discovery on the beach leads to some harsh realities for some of the townsfolk and a reopening of almost healed wounds. For some, closure. For others, the reappearance of old accusations. For a few, both.

This story is a fast-paced and engaging novel. The author is such a wonderful writer and I love her ability to instill true emotional reactions in her readers, and not just shock, awe, and humor. This book has a theme threaded through it a lot of people have, are, or will work through at some point in their lives. Realism - that's where it's at for me in any book.

A Time to Swill is a great sophomore book in this new series. I love the continued character development and introduction of an assortment of secondary characters. Chloe considers several of the characters to be suspects, giving the reader several viable murderers. Her process of elimination leads to a twist I didn't see coming. The story is original, and I was able to visualize the entire story as each scene played out. A fantastic story, a potential love interest, and a capable and competent main character make this 5 stars for me. The author has another hit series on her hands!

I was provided a copy of this to read.

My  Rating:

#CozyMystery Book #Review ~ The Cider Shop Rules (A Cider Shop Mystery #3) by Julie Anne Lindsey @JulieALindsey @KensingtonBooks

 

Autumn in Blossom Valley means pumpkin patches are ripe and Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe's cider shop is flourishing. But with this season comes...

A FATAL HARVEST

The Fall Festival is in full swing. Civil War reenactors from three counties are partaking in Blossom Valley's tribute to John Brown. Blue Ridge Mountain foliage is in full bloom. And best of all is Jacob Potter's pumpkin farm where his hay rides, piglet races, pumpkin picking and corn maze are time-honored draws for locals and tourists alike. That's why it's such a shock when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of Winnie's pickup truck. This certainly betrays Potter's reputation as one of the town's most popular citizens. Fortunately, when it comes to solving a murder, no one has a patch on Winnie. Now, all eyes are on her to do it. Unfortunately, that includes those of the killer who'll do anything to keep an orchard full of secrets buried.

ASIN : B08MBD78KS
Publisher : Kensington Books (July 27, 2021)
Publication date : July 27, 2021
Language : English
File size : 1087 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 243 pages

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My Review:

A solid 5-star third book in the Cider Shop Mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey. I love the book so much I read it twice (April 28-29, 2021 the first time and May 8, 2021 the second time) and pre-ordered the paperback.

Fall has arrived in Blossom Valley and the town decked out in autumn fun. There is a Civil War reenactment taking place, bringing all sorts of newcomers to take part in the festivities. Potter's Pumpkin Farm is bursting with families participating in the hayrides, corn maze, and picking out the perfect pumpkins. When beloved Mr. Potter's body is found in the back of Winnie's truck everyone is shocked. In front of Sheriff Colton Wise, a familiar citizen confronts Winnie with the expectation Winnie will investigate, as she's done in the past. Mr. Potter's murder isn't the only issue to crop up in Blossom Valley. Colton and Winnie still have an issue they deal with from the past, threatening their lives and possibly the lives of those around them. 

The Cider Shop Rules is a wonderful third book in the Cider Shop Mysteries. The mystery was solid, exciting, and kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the small-town setting with the main character living with her granny on an apple orchard. Winnie is a fantastic, down-to-earth heroine who wants the wedding being held at the orchard to go off without a hitch. Unfortunately, when Winnie’s ex, Hank, is noticed arguing with the groom, who is later found dead outside the reception, he becomes suspect number one. Knowing he would never arbitrarily take another person’s life, Winnie begins looking into the bride, the groom, and anyone who would want the groom dead.

I loved The Cider Shop Rules as much as I loved Pulp Friction and Apple Cider Slaying. The murder isn’t the only theme in the book, giving the book a lot of realism. The romance build-up between Winnie and the sheriff is slow and exciting and I had all the feels while I read The Cider Shop Rules. I love the chemistry and the ease in which the author is developing their potential relationship. The addition of Colton's younger brother, Blake, was everything I could have ever hope for and enjoyed his character. We were also provided excellent imagery, character development, and a great story.

The author's writing style is fluid, the pacing is perfect, and the story is so easy to read that when I reached the end, I couldn’t believe I was done already. I found myself engaged and completely captivated in the story from the very beginning. I really enjoyed The Cider Shop Rules and can't wait for the next book.

I was provided an e-copy of the book to read but I also ordered the paperback for my bookshelf.

My Rating:

Cozy Mystery Book Review ~ Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons (Camper & Criminals #19) by Tonya Kappes #TonyaKappes

 

Southern Hospitality with a Smidgen of Homicide

About the Book:

It creams my corn to think I've been accused of murder.

I'm a handyman in the Daniel Boone National Park. My main employer is Mae West at the Happy Trails Campground.

When I got a phone call to take down some trees on this guy's property for a side hustle, I jumped at the chance. That's one of the biggest money making jobs around these parts.

Unfortunately I got hauled off to jail after I was accused of being part of an illegal logging crew. Simple enough, I gave Sheriff Hank Sharp the name of the man who hired me, only he was found murdered by one of my tools.

Not only am I accused of illegal logging, now I'm the number one suspect in this man's murder.

It just creams my corn to be accused of murder.

There's only one person I trust to get me out of this mess and that's Maybelline West.

I'm sure she, along with her nosy friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, will snoop around to help clear my name.

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ASIN: B08TB57XB6
Publication Date: July 15, 2021
Print Length: 137 pages

My Review:

Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons is book 19 in the Camper & Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. Bobby Ray and Abby Fawn are getting married and the night before the wedding, Mae has planned a large shindig. The excitement winds down when Sheriff Hank Sharp drives in and arrests Henry Bryant, Mae's handyman at the campground. Seems Henry did some tree removal for a man that has now been deemed illegal. When Henry discloses the man who employed him, the man is found dead. To top it all off, the murder was committed by one of Henry's tools. Mae knows Henry isn't capable of being part of an illegal logging crew, let alone murder. Together with the Laundry Club ladies, Mae seeks to find the truth that will set Henry free, all while preparing to be Abby's maid-of-honor, and deal with her own personal life. So much to do, so little time.

Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons is another great book in the Campers & Criminals series. The mystery is exciting, intriguing, and kept me guessing. The author introduced potential suspects, providing the reader with means, motive, and opportunities for each. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive. As Mae and the Laundry Club unravel the murder, shocking events are revealed, suspects are added, as well as removed, from the list, and danger abounds. We are also introduced to Tucker Pyle, a new ranger in Normal. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about him.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in Normal, Kentucky. Wildlife, Warrants, & Weapons gutted me and I'm not sure I'll recover anytime soon. There are very distressing events that happen in book 19. Tonya Kappes did a wonderful job of weaving everything together between the situation with Henry, the murder, and the side stories.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series despite the issue that shattered my heart.

I was provided a copy of the book to read.

My Rating:

Cozy Mystery Book Review ~ Synchronized Sorcery (Witchcraft Mystery, Book #11) by Juliet Blackwell @JulietBlackwell @BerkleyMystery

 

Synchronized Sorcery

(Witchcraft Mystery #11)

Juliet Blackwell

As witch and vintage store owner Lily Ivory steps into her new role as leader of the Bay Area's magical community, she's faced with a mysterious death of magical proportions...

Strange things are happening in Lily Ivory's San Francisco. First, she finds a vintage mermaid costume which dates from the 1939 San Francisco's Treasure Island World's Fair - and which gives off distinctly peculiar vibrations. Next, she stumbles upon a dead man in the office of her predecessor, and as the community's new leader, she feels compelled to track down the culprit. Just when Lily thinks things can't get any stranger, a man appears claiming to be her half-brother, spouting ideas about the mystical prophecy involving San Francisco and their family...

When the dead man is linked to the mysterious mermaid costume, and then yet another victim is found on Treasure Island, Lily uncovers ties between the long-ago World's fair and the current murders, and begins to wonder whether the killer might be hiding in plain sight. But unless Lily can figure everything out in time, there may be yet another body floating in San Francisco Bay.

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ASIN: ‎ B08KPGNJ4Z
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ July 6, 2021
Page Count: ‎ 343 pages

My Review:

Synchronized Sorcery is another fantastic book in the Witchcraft Mystery series. The story is a continuation and includes many of the same characters (full-time and part-time players), but the storyline is fresh and exciting. This series should be read in order. This installment features a Nazi theme, the 1939 World’s Fair, mermaid costumes, and…. Lily’s half-brother?? I loved how the author wove all these themes and more throughout the story.

When Lily finds an exquisite mermaid costume among a pile of laundry in her shop, she’s perplexed. She didn’t buy it and none of her employees know where it came from either. The vibrations surrounding the garment are peculiar to Lily. So much so that Lily vows to research where it came from and how she ended up with it in her shop. Her eventual discovery is shocking.

The Witchcraft Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell just keeps getting better and better. I love Lily and Sailor, along with Oscar's companionship. Lily is simply an amazing and down-to-earth witch. I have enjoyed watching Lily's character grow so much throughout the series. She is embracing who she is and allowing others into her life without all the doubt and suspicion. Her comfort level with her surroundings have vastly improved. She has friends that accept her for who she is and what she does, a very successful resale shop, and a familiar that sometimes just steals the show. All of Lily’s employees and friends are wonderful secondary characters.

Each story in this series has been developed nicely. The reader is taken on a new adventure in the world of the paranormal. The content of each book is never duplicated or stagnant. The novels are suitable for anyone who wants to read them - teens, adults who don't like sex or swearing, and adults who do like those things but also like the cozy mystery scene, too (like me).

If you're looking for your next witchy cozy then I highly recommend Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries. They are written well, have great storylines, solid plots, and easy-to-like characters. The dialogue between all characters is smooth and understandable and the novel is an easy, relaxing read. I am waiting patiently for the next book in the series.

While I was provided an ebook to read, I will be purchasing a paperback copy for my bookshelf.

My Rating:

Cozy Mystery Book Review ~ Solstice Spirits (Winter Witches of Holiday Haven) by Erin Johnson

Have yourself a very Merry Witchmas in July in Holiday Haven, where the magic and mystery of Christmas is snow joke!

Rudie Hollybrook, here! I love my quaint, magical town of Holiday Haven. It’s basically like living in a snow globe.

I’m killing it (oops) directing my family’s funeral home where I work with my two zany sisters and am head over heels for my boyfriend, the editor of the local paper. It’s all going swimmingly until the annual Summer Solstice pool party...when it all goes down in an avalanche of trouble.

Suddenly, I’m not the only witch in town who can see ghosts! My arch nemesis, Hayley Swift, is being haunted by the spirit of a dead beauty queen who died sixty years ago amid rumors of murder.

Even worse? The ghost seems to be warning Hayley that she’s in for the same, tragic fate!

Now, I’ve got to team up with my least favorite grinch to solve the decades old cold case and keep her out of trouble (even though Hayley seems to go looking for it). And to complicate matters, I overhear something that makes me fear I’ll soon have to pick between my beloved hometown and the man who has my heart!

Can I melt the mystery around the beauty queen’s death in time to save Hayley? And how will I make an impossible choice?

Solstice Spirits is the stand-alone sequel to Cocoa Curses. It’s a clean, cozy mystery with no gore or profanity. “If you love paranormal cozy mysteries, with witches, magic and small town drama you will love this book.”

Curl up with a cup of iced cocoa and get comfy on your beach towel for an escape to a charming town full of lovable, memorable characters, imaginative details, clever mysteries and jolly jokes that’ll have you in the holiday spirit, any time of year.

And be sure to read the other magical mysteries in the Winter Witches of Holiday Haven series.

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Purchase from Amazon https://amzn.to/3jZfDIM

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B097S2PHGY
Publication Date: ‎ July 8, 2021
Print Length: ‎ 121 pages

My Review:

Rudie is the only witch in Holiday Haven who can see ghosts.....Until she's not. When snobby and self-centered Hayley Swift shows up in the dead of night claiming she can see ghosts, of course she shows up in the middle of the night, when Rudie is sleeping. Hayley's long-dead aunt seeks Hayley out with a warning. Apparently someone is out to killer her just as the former-beauty queen was killed. Now, Hayley demands Rudie help her figure out what is going on. What ensues is the informal investigation into the death and some pretty serious revelations leaving not only the characters, but me, reeling.

Rudie is a fun, caring, and interesting character. She’s not perfect but continues to try and embrace who she is and her abilities. She reminds me of myself – non-confrontational and puts up with a lot of garbage from others. Her low self-esteem prevents her from standing up for herself. She does do a bit better regarding Hayley's demands but still has a long way to go to not be a doormat. I love the relationship Rudie has with her sisters Donna and Vix. When Archer enters the scene, Rudie lights up and I enjoyed her interactions with him. How he treats Rudie really impressed me. I enjoyed Rudie's scenes with Archer, with her sisters, and will everyone in a group.

I really enjoyed this paranormal cozy mystery and found the story, setting, and characters interesting and exciting. I was completely engaged in the story. There were some twists and turns in the quest to find out what happened to Hayley's aunt. There are multiple threads woven through Solstice Spirits, keeping the story fresh and interesting. The book was fast paced and easy to follow. I have yet to read an unlikable book by Erin Johnson. Her paranormal cozies are fun, include quirky but loveable characters, and an intriguing mystery.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: