#Book #Review ~ Stalking Around the Christmas Tree (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, Book #4) by Jacqueline Frost ~ #CozyMystery @JulieALindsey @crookedlanebks

Tis the season to solve a murder—and innkeeper Holly White knows she’ll have to make her list and check it twice if she wants to catch the killer in the fourth Christmas Tree Farm mystery from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BSKZ1YNV

Publisher: ‎ Crooked Lane Books

Publication date: ‎ October 17, 2023

Order from Amazon

Add to Goodreads

About the Book:

For inn keeper Holly White, Christmas time in Mistletoe, Maine, is the ultimate holiday gift. Business at the Reindeer Games Inn is booming, her wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray is nearly here, and the annual parade is about to begin. The town is lucky to have another gift this year with the state’s ballet company staying for several performances of The Nutcracker. But disaster strikes when Tiffany, the lead ballerina, shows up dead on a float during the parade, the Rat King’s mask nearby. Holly will have to spruce up her sleuthing skills if she wants to catch the killer before Christmas—and her wedding day.

Immediately, Holly discovers that Tiffany had more than a few secrets. She finds out that the star of the show had a super fan that no one knows anything about. And the show’s understudy slips some other intriguing information Holly’s way: not only was Tiffany secretly seeing someone romantically, but there seems to be more than one rat in this company. When Holly discovers a secret passage leading to Tiffany’s dressing room, with footprints leading out; she wonders if this is evidence of a secret lover—or a stalking killer.

With an impending snowstorm and the ballet company on the way out of town, Holly must act quickly if she wants to find the person responsible for this terrible murder. Will she be able to save Christmas—or will her investigation turn cold like the weather?

My Review:

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree is the fourth book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries by Jacqueline Frost. The mystery was solid, exciting, and kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the small-town setting and the main location of this book being a Christmas Tree Farm named Reindeer Games.

Holly is a fantastic, down-to-earth heroine. She's now the innkeeper at the new B&B on Reindeer Games' property. This year’s special guests are a ballet troupe. The state’s ballet company is performing The Nutcracker, as well as taking part in the holiday parade. When one of the ballerina’s is found dead on the float and an incriminating clue left behind, Holly, once again, dons her sleuthing cap. She has a killer to reveal. 

I loved Stalking Around the Christmas Tree. The murder isn’t the only theme in the book, giving the book realism. The romance between Holly and Evan, the sheriff, doesn't overshadow the mystery. I love their chemistry.

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. The author provided excellent imagery, character development, and a great story. I really enjoyed Slashing Through the Snow and highly recommend the entire series. 

I was provided a copy of this story to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Live and Let Pie (A Bakeshop Mystery, Book 9) by Ellie Alexander #CozyMystery @ellielovesbooks @StMartinsPress

 

Live and Let Pie

A Bakeshop Mystery, Book 9

Ellie Alexander

Publisher: ‎ St. Martin's Paperbacks; Reissue edition (December 31, 2018)

Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 304 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1250159393

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250159397

Amazon

Goodreads

Life is sweet once you step into Torte, everybody's favorite small-town bakeshop. But what happens when it becomes the scene of a crime?

About the Book:

The heat is on for pastry chef, family business operator, and unlikely sleuth Jules Capshaw. Just when she thought she could enjoy some time away from the kitchen, Jules manages to discover a skull during a picnic by the lake. As if unearthing remains that may be connected to a missing-persons case from the 1960s isn't enough on her plate, Jules must contend with the unsolved matter of her own marriage while her estranged husband Carlos sails the open seas, awaiting a verdict. Then there's Jules's bitter landlord Edgar, who is intent on making a sweet deal on a vacant lot down the block from Torte--until he turns up dead. If only Jules could find a recipe that would let her bake her cake and eat it, too...

My Review:

Live and Let Pie is book 9 in the Bakeshop Mystery series. Featuring the continued expansion of Torte, the discovery of a skull in a long-cold missing-persons case, and the real estate war for a piece of vacant property, Jules and the town of Ashland are busy. When the owner of the vacant land is found murdered, Jules becomes embroiled in a haunting disappearance from the past and a chilling present-day murder. 

The world building continues as new events take shape and new characters are introduced. The familiar favorites are always a pleasure to see on the pages. I enjoy reading about Jules, Jules's mom, Stephanie, Sterling, Lance, Andy, Thomas, and the Professor. I connect with all the favorites on some level and can't imagine these books without them.

The story is fast paced and engaging. I enjoyed trying to unravel the murder mysteries and whether they were connected or not. Every time I thought I had things all figured out, the author tossed in a complication that changed my mind. Ellie Alexander does a great job keeping everything under wraps and revealing things methodically and at the right time.

I love the Bakeshop Mystery series. All of the books are wonderful. Each story is different, containing not just the murder mystery but other threads. The author does a fantastic job weaving multiple stories within each book. Each thread makes sense as you move along in the book, some intersecting with the murder and others just additional everyday life. The books are descriptive and I am able to immerse myself into the town of Ashland or wherever the author takes the characters in this series.

My review copy was a paperback I purchased from Amazon.

My Rating:

#CozyMystery #Review ~ Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book 32) by Tonya Kappes

 

Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary, A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 32, invites you back to the heart of Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. 

The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility. Local woman Etta Hardgrove, a consignor at the Tough Nickel thrift shop, catches the eye of a Cowgirl Camper with her distinctive jewelry. But when Etta is found dead, the Campers swiftly become suspects, mired in a town teeming with those who harbored ill-will against Etta. The mystery deepens, and no one can be trusted. 

Meanwhile, campground owner Mae and her partner Hank have their hands full. Hank is preoccupied with a missing teenager's case while Mae is entangled in wedding plans and premarital counseling that she's not particularly invested in, much to the dismay of her friend Mary Elizabeth. As whispers of suspicion turn towards the nomadic Cowgirl Campers, Mae, Dottie, and the intrepid Laundry Club Ladies embark on a mission to unravel the truth behind Etta's untimely death. They dig deep into Etta's past and scrutinize the traveling campers, all to ensure the safety of their beloved Normal, Kentucky. 

From yard sales to murder trails, "Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary" delivers a captivating blend of cozy camaraderie, nuptial nuances, and mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page.

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BYXKGNSJ
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ July 27, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 208 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/43P6BkT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123360857-questions-quarrels-quandary

My Review:

Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is the 32nd book in the Camper & Criminals series but it's as fresh and exciting as the first book. Reading Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is just like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the setting, and the comfort knowing Mae the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

It's time for the multi-state 127 yard sale and the highway runs right through Normal, Kentucky. With the festivities comes The Cowgirl Campers make their temporary home in Happy Trails Campground while they treasure and antique hunt. All the citizens in Normal have geared up for the yard salers, including notorious hoarder, Etta Hardgrove.

When the body of Etta is found bludgeoned to death on her property, foul play is suspected. As newcomers flow in and out of Normal, the local police have their work cut out for them. Enter Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies. After a particular incident between one of the Cowgirl Campers and Etta, the Campers are put on the suspect list. Having them close in the Campground allows Mae and Dottie to do some sleuthing.

The author kept me guessing about the person responsible, as well as the motive. There ends up being several characters who have obvious reasons to be on the suspect list. It just took some time to logically sort things out.

The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. The suspense build-up was written well and intensified until the very end.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

It's Here! ~~ A Questionable Character by Lorna Barrett ~ Booktown Mystery #17 ~ @LornaBarrett @BerkleyMystery @Berkley

The murder of a local contractor may be the final nail in the coffin for Tricia Miles in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BKK2K2SL
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ July 25, 2023

Amazon: https://amzn.to/45Ymisk
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63106387-a-questionable-character

About the Book:

It's a busy summer in Booktown. Contractor Jim Stark is in great demand: he’s overseeing a number of projects, including Angelica Miles's newly constructed building on Main Street, finishing up the new brew pub, and gutting a stone mansion off Main Street that Angelica bought to be the world headquarters for Nigela Ricita Asssociates. It’ll house office space where her marketing staff and the rest of the NR Associates clerical personnel will work.

Tricia Miles and Angelica arrive at the mansion before their workday to see how the construction is going. They find the place unlocked and Stark’s right-hand man, Sanjay Arya, dead—bludgeoned to death. The loss of the contractor’s top man threatens all the projects in the works, which would effectively ruin the expensive marketing plan that the Chamber of Commerce has been working. Is Jim a suspect? (He’d be stupid to kill the person he depends on to keep the projects going.) But Stark also thinks his wife, who was very chummy with Sanjay, might have been cheating on him with the second-in-command, making him a likely suspect.

Once again Tricia finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, but can she find the killer before he or she has the chance to bring the hammer down?

Read an Excerpt at https://amzn.to/3WZDlG5

Visit the Author at https://lornabarrett.com/

New Release ~ Scaredy Cat by Sofie Ryan ~ Second Chance Cat Mystery #10 ~ #CozyMystery @Berkley @BerkleyMystery

Book Details:

Ebook:
ASIN: ‎ B0B5SQX717
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ July 4, 2023

Paperback:
ASIN: ‎ B0B5SQX717
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ July 4, 2023

Amazon: https://amzn.to/42EpHJD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61407328-scaredy-cat

About the Book:

Secondhand store owner Sarah Grayson and her affectionate rescue cat, Elvis, will scare up a few leads to find a killer in the newest installment of this captivating New York Times bestselling series.

After a long, cold, and snowy winter, it seems as though spring may be arriving early in Maine. Sarah Grayson is busy at her store, Second Chance, and she’s looking forward to an afternoon break from the hustle and bustle, tagging along to the North Harbor Spring House Tour with her friend Detective Michelle Andrews.

But it turns out one of the houses has a haunted history, and when a ghost hunter is found dead on the premises, Sarah knows the best way to uncover the killer/to solve the mystery is by investigating the not-so-dearly departed. With help from Elvis and Charlotte’s Angels, the crew of senior citizen private detectives who work out of the store, she’ll close the case on this creepy crime.

Read an Excerpt: https://amzn.to/3J35mH6

Visit the Author's Webiste: https://sofiekelly.com/

#Review ~ Fourth of July Forgery (Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #6) by Tonya Kappes @tonyakappes11

ASIN: ‎ B0BYTK9FWT
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ June 29, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 178 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pquWiR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124929775-fourth-of-july-forgery

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES

Get ready for a thrilling and explosive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final twist, in this Fourth of July Forgery.

As the Fourth of July festivities kick off in the quaint town of Holiday Junction, a body washed up on the beach, murdered in cold blood.

Journalist Violet Rhinehammer just can't resist the lure of the case, her nose for news and following the next big story led her straight into finding out all she can about the victim, including digging into their past.

As the investigation begins, Violet finds herself unraveling a web of deceit and uncovering dark secrets hidden behind the town's idyllic facade.

With suspects as numerous as fireworks in the sky, Violet must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth, all while celebrating the most American of holidays.

Will she solve the murder before the party ends? Or will the killer strike again under the cover of night, leaving the town to mourn the loss of another innocent victim?

My Review:

Fourth of July Forgery is the sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town. 

Book six finds the town of Holiday Junction preparing for Fourth of July celebrations. As Violet continues to keep Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a body washes up on the beach. Violet can't help herself, she just has to look into the murder. Digging into the victim's past brings a lot to light and Violet must tread carefully or she may be next.

Fourth of July Forgery is a fun and quick read. I continue to enjoy Violet and Darren and love how their relationship continues to grow as the series progresses. I enjoy getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out and I thought I knew who the murdered was, and was shocked during the reveal to discover I was very wrong. I am looking forward to the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Snuffed Out (Magic Candle Shop Mystery) by Valona Jones #CozyMystery

Snuffed Out (Magic Candle Shop Mystery) by Valona Jones

About Snuffed Out:

 

Snuffed Out (Magic Candle Shop Mystery)

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting – Savannah, GA

Crooked Lane Books (January 10, 2023)

Hardcover 304 Pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1639102051

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1639102051

Digital ASIN: ‎ B09XM5PKP7

Twin sisters Tabby and Sage co-own a candle shop, but will it all go up in flames in Valona Jones’ series debut, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Bailey Cates. 

30-year-old fraternal twins Tabby and Sage Winslow own The Book and Candle Shop in Savannah. Sage is hot-headed and impulsive while Tabby is calm and collected, making them the perfect partnership. When one of their customers is found murdered, from a blow to the head, that partnership is put to the test. 

Blithe McAdam had been seen in a heated argument with shop clerk Gerard, which immediately makes him suspect number one. The twins are convinced of Gerard’s innocence and start digging into Blithe’s past. But no one is cooperating. The neighbor who found the body isn’t talking, medical examiner Quig won’t give any details about the autopsy, and nasty rumors begin surfacing about the drowning of Blithe’s father years earlier—evidence that could seal Gerard’s fate. 

Tabby and Sage dig desperately for the truth. But it’s not only their friend who’s in peril. With the clock ticking, the twins find themselves in the grip of an unseen and deadly energy that has seeped into their midst—and in the sights of a ruthless killer.

My Review:

Snuffed Out is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, Magic Candle Shop Mysteries. Sage and Tabby Winslow are twins who co-own The Book and Candle Shop. They are exact opposites, which tends to happen with siblings, twins or not. When a difficult customer is found dead after an altercation with one of their employees, he becomes suspect number one. Tabby and Sage start digging into the case because they know their employee didn't commit the crime.

I had a hard time connecting with Sage at first because of her quick fuse, but she eventually grew on me. Tabby was easier to get to know and understand, although, she is bit more timid. As the story progressed and the characters were developed, I found I enjoyed both Tabby and Sage, along with the rest of the characters.

The story was enjoyable, and both the cover and the blurb brought me onboard. The story, fun characters, and mystery kept me engaged. The murder mystery was twisted, well-thought out, and complex.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ No Small Murder: A Mini-Meadows Mystery by Lena Gregory ~ #CozyMystery @LenaGregory03

No Small Murder: A Mini-Meadows Mystery

by Lena Gregory

About No Small Murder:

 

No Small Murder: A Mini-Meadows Mystery

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series

Setting - Florida

Level Best Books (February 21, 2023)

Number of Pages 215

Digital ASIN: ‎ B0BHX5L1J4

Mini Meadows, a Tiny Home community in rural Central Florida, is home to Emma Wells, a downsize specialist who left her daddy’s mansion and her inheritance behind in favor of a simpler, more peaceful life in a tiny home that was once two shipping containers. But when she opens a shipping container and discovers her dead client sitting in a rocking chair, neatly wrapped and labeled, and two of her friends end up on the suspect list, Emma pitches in to help find the killer. With plenty of clues to unpack, Emma narrows down the suspect list, but as she begins to close in on the culprit, she realizes if she’s not careful she could end up in a box of her own.

My Review:

No Small Murder is a fun first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors, Lena Gregory. I've been a fan since I laid my eyes on Death at First Sight. I devour everything she writes.

Emma is fantastic and enjoyable. Her character, along with the rest, was well-written.  I was fascinated by the tiny home concept. I have way too many possessions to downsize. And by possessions, I mean a library's worth of books alone. I'd have to have a second tiny home just for them. :)

No Small Murder is a great book. The story grabbed my attention and kept me engaged. The story was fun, exciting, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. There is plenty of character development and I loved getting to know these new characters.

Fun characters with a fantastic whodunit made this cozy mystery top-notch. It checked all my cozy boxes!

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Cappuccino Criminal (A Killer Coffee Mystery, Book 12) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BDXSM1G7
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ May 25, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 178 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oJuYBM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63003264-cappuccino-criminal

About the Book:

In the quaint town of Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop is the heart and soul of the community, and its vivacious owner, Roxy Bloom, is always ready to serve up a steaming cup of java with a side of gossip. But when a brewing storm of real estate treachery ends with the cold-blooded murder of a local agent, Roxy finds herself in the thick of a frothy whodunit that's anything but decaffeinated.

The victim, a hotshot real estate agent, had been spearheading a massive development project that went sour after an intrepid environmentalist unearthed a reason for the town to put the kibosh on the plan. Now, with the town's picturesque charm drawing tourists in droves, Roxy must grind through a list of suspects as long as a coffee bean's journey from farm to cup.

From double-shot deceptions to espresso intrigues, Roxy's quest to unmask the Cappuccino Criminal will plunge her deep into the dark heart of Honey Springs' seedy underbelly. As she sifts through a muddy mixture of secrets, lies, and steamed milk, Roxy will have to rely on her wit, intuition, and the help of her loyal friends to solve the mystery before it boils over and scalds them all.

In this steamy, cozy mystery with a frothy blend of suspense and humor, the stakes have never been higher—or the coffee stronger. It's time for Roxy Bloom to pull the perfect shot and catch the Cappuccino Criminal before their next bitter brew leaves someone else in the grinder. So, curl up with a cup of your favorite beverage, and join Roxy in this un-put-downable tale of murder, mystery, and macchiatos.

My Review:

Cappuccino Criminal is the 12th book in Tonya Kappes' Killer Coffee mystery series. Honey Springs is attempting to bring more tourism to the town with the introduction of a development project. A massive and expensive undertaking, everyone who's invested has something to lose, so when an environmentalist drops a bomb at a town meeting, tensions run sky high. The next day, a body is found and it's none other than the real estate agent helming the project. Armed with a long list of suspects, Roxy finds herself investigating to put a killer behind bars in order to keep her town safe.

Cappuccino Criminal pulls you in and keeps you engaged. The murder of the real estate agent was well-written and Roxy's sleuthing kept me on my toes. I was not at all clued into who the murder was and the motive shocked me. The person wasn’t even on my radar. Every time I thought the suspect was this person or that person, something would happen, and I’d have to try and figure it out again. I love that in a mystery - fill the book full of twists and turns, red herrings, and deliberate misdirects so I have a hard time figuring everything out.

I enjoyed all the characters and how the author created them. The world building had me feeling like I was right in the middle of Honey Springs. I was able to visualize the town, the activities, the people, and feel the emotions.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#CozyMystery #Review ~ A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber ~ #FairyGarden #Fairy #Fairies

A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery) 

by Daryl Wood Gerber

About A Flicker of a Doubt:

A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

4^th in Series

Setting – California

Kensington Cozies (March 28, 2023)

Paperback: ‎ 320 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1496741277

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1496741271

Digital ASIN: ‎ B0B6DBQ5CM

Fairies are trending hard, especially when it comes to fairy garden décor in Walmart and Target and on Amazon. The latest installment in the nationally bestselling Daryl Wood Gerber's Fairy Garden mysteries is a perfect read for Laura Childs readers and all fans of whimsy and charm. 

With a theater foundation tea and an art show planned at Violet Vickers’s estate, Courtney is hired to create charming fairy gardens for the event. It’s not so charming, however, when her best friend Meaghan’s ex-boyfriend turns out to be Violet’s latest artistic protégé. Even worse, not long after Meaghan locks horns with him, his body is found in her yard, bludgeoned with an objet d’murder. 

There’s a gallery of suspects, from an unstable former flame to an arts and crafts teacher with a sketchy past. But when the cops focus on Meaghan’s business partner, who’s like a protective older brother to her, and discover he also has a secret financial motive, Courtney decides to draw her own conclusions. Fearing they’re missing the forest for the trees, and with some help from Fiona the sleuthing fairy, she hopes to make them see the light . . .

My Review:

A Flicker of a Doubt is the fourth book in Daryl Wood Gerber's Fairy Garden Mystery series. Featuring fairies, cats, and a wonderful cast of characters, A Flicker of a Doubt is another slam dunk cozy mystery.

Courtney's fairy garden shop is booming and her fairy garden and fairy door classes are increasing in popularity. She is also busy putting together fairy gardens Violet Vickers's upcoming theater foundation tea and art show, being held at her estate. A premier event in Carmel, Courtney is shocked to learn Violet has Meaghan's ex-boyfriend as her spotlight artist. He's argumentative and hotheaded with everyone he comes into contact with since coming back to town. After a heated argument with Meaghan in front of several witnesses, Nicolas is found dead in Meaghan's front yard.

This is a very unique story with unique elements. I enjoyed the fairy garden shop setting, complete with a live fairy. The characters are fun and exciting. I enjoyed Courtney's character. Her business is successful and thriving. She cares about her friends and citizens in Carmel-by-the-Sea and makes it her mission to help the accused in A Flicker of a Doubt. The author delivers several suspects with means and motive, and figuring out who committed the crime was difficult. There are twists and turns and red herrings, and while I may have suspected who committed the crime, I never was really sure until the end.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop