#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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#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

Amazon

Goodreads

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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#BookReview ~ Faux Paw (A Magical Cats Mystery, Book #7) by Sofie Kelly ~ #CozyMystery

Magical cats Owen and Hercules from A Midwinter’s Tail are back and ready to help librarian Kathleen Paulson pounce on a killer art thief…

Book Details:

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: October 6, 2015
ISBN-10: 0451472152
ISBN-13: 978-0451472151

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Normally, the arrival of an art exhibition at the Mayville Heights library would be cause for celebration. But thanks to the overbearing curator and high-tech security system that comes with it, Kathleen’s life has been completely disrupted. Even Owen and Hercules have been affected, since their favorite human doesn’t seem to have a spare moment to make their favorite fish crackers or listen to Barry Manilow.

But when Kathleen stops by the library late one night and finds the curator sprawled on the floor—and the exhibition’s most valuable sketch missing—it’s suddenly time to canvass a crime scene. Now Kathleen, her detective boyfriend Marcus, and her clever cats have to sniff out a murderous thief, before anyone else has a brush with death…

My Review:

Mayville Heights library has the unique pleasure of hosting an art exhibition and the residents are excited to have it in their small town. With the art, however, comes Margo, a high maintenance curator. When Margo is found dead and the most valuable art piece stolen, Kathleen, her boyfriend Detective Marcus Gordon, and her magical cats Owen and Hercules try to piece together what happened that night at the library.

Faux Paw is a great book in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mystery series. 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. I really enjoy the Magical Cats Mystery series even if newcomers to the town are the ones that are murdered. 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 books in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mysteries 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.

The Magical Cats Mystery series is one of my favorites. I enjoy the lowkey nature of cozy mysteries. They keep me entertained with their quirky main characters.

Paperback review copy was purchased by me for my bookshelf.

I purchased this book myself. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books. 

My Rating:

Visit the Author:

https://sofiekelly.com/

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#BookReview: Body on Baker Street (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Book 2) by Vicki Delany ~ #CozyMystery #SherlockHolmes

Body on Baker Street

A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

by Vicki Delany

Book Information:

A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Book 2

Cozy Mystery

Crooked Lane Books 

September 12, 2017

Hardcover: 304 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1683312994

E-Book ASIN: B06XW3K7F5

Amazon

About the Book:

Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are busy managing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room in anticipation of the store’s upcoming book signing with the illustrious Renalta Van Markoff, author of the controversial Hudson and Holmes mystery series. But during the author Q&A session, dedicated Sherlockian Donald Morris verbally attacks Renalta and her series for disgracing Sherlock’s legacy, only to be publicly humiliated when the author triumphantly lashes back and gains the upper hand. That is until Renalta collapses on the table―dead.

Donald insists he didn’t do it and pleads to his friends to clear his name. Fortunately, Gemma and Jayne have no shortage of suspects between author’s bullied personal assistant, her frustrated publicist, the hapless publisher, a handsome rare book dealer, an obsessively rabid fan, and a world of other Sherlock enthusiasts with strong objections to Renalta’s depiction of the Great Detective. It’s up to the shrewd sleuthing duo to eliminate the impossible and deduce the truth before the West London police arrest an innocent man in Body on Baker Street the second Sherlock Homes Bookshop mystery perfect for fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle.

My Review:

Body on Baker Street is the great second book in Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. When Renalta Van Markoff, a famous author, drops all of her engagements and wants a book signing at the last minute, Gemma makes it happen. She puts up posters, spreads the signing via word of mouth, and makes sure to have several of the authors books on hand and ready to go. The town is excited to have such a spectacular author visiting them - well, most of the town.  After Donald Morris and Renalta get into a verbal sparring match after Renalta's speech, Renalta falls face town on the table during the subsequent book signing event. Donald is the prime suspect having not only threatened the author to her face but also due to spreading his views around prior to Renalta's arrival.  Gemma knows that Donald didn't do it but proving that is a bit harder than she anticipated.  

 The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series is wonderful and keeps getting better.  I really liked book one but I love book 2. Full of quirky characters, red herrings, and twists and turns, I was engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. There are multiple threads developed within the mystery that seem unrelated then, masterfully, everything comes together into an "A-ha" moment.  I enjoyed every bit of Body on Baker Street.

Gemma is painfully observant but unlike in book one, it isn't to the point that she tends to alienate herself and the people around her. She does, perhaps do it on purpose when one specific police officer is involved though. Her blunt manner isn't intended to be malicious most of the time and that's what makes her character quirky and lovable. She pulls some hair-brained schemes that put her in a lot of danger but ultimately the bad guy/gal is caught. Our cozy mystery heroine lacks common sense sometimes but it all works out in the end.

The supporting characters really round out this great cozy mystery. Gemma's best friend Jayne is her reluctant partner-in-crime, but she has Gemma's back regardless of the situation. Ryan is one of the police officers assigned to the case involving the death of  Renalta Van Markoff. He and Gemma have a history that sometimes gets in the way of the investigation. The chemistry between them is definitely there, even if the pair try not to acknowledge those feelings. I hope to see a bit more development between the two of them in the next book. They don't have to get right back into a relationship but I'd like to feel by the end of the book that they are make headway. I like them together and don't mind romances that don't take over the book but are there in the background. It makes the characters more realistic to me.

The plot was laid out well and the character development and world building continued on nicely. I did NOT suspect who was behind everything or the reason. The author did a great job keeping the suspect under wraps and bringing in other contenders who fit the bill.

I enjoyed Body on Baker Street and can't wait to see what Gemma gets involved in next.

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 but has been updated.

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#BookReview ~ The Plot Is Murder (Mystery Bookshop, Book 1) by V.M. Burns ~ #CozyMystery ~ @vmburns

Book Details:

Print Length: 256 pages

Publisher: Kensington Books

Publication Date: November 28, 2017

ASIN: B06XFBYLHC

Purchase Your Copy:

Amazon

About the Book:

The small town of North Harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan is about to have a new mystery bookstore. But before the first customer can browse its shelves, the store’s owner is suspected of her own murder plot . . . 

Samantha Washington has dreamed of owning her own mystery bookstore for as long as she can remember. And as she prepares for the store’s grand opening, she’s also realizing another dream—penning a cozy mystery set in England between the wars. While Samantha hires employees and fills the shelves with the latest mysteries, quick-witted Lady Penelope Marsh, long-overshadowed by her beautiful sister Daphne, refuses to lose the besotted Victor Carlston to her sibling's charms. When one of Daphne's suitors is murdered in a maze, Penelope steps in to solve the labyrinthine puzzle and win Victor.

But as Samantha indulges her imagination, the unimaginable happens in real life. A shady realtor turns up dead in her backyard, and the police suspect her—after all, the owner of a mystery bookstore might know a thing or two about murder. Aided by her feisty grandmother and an enthusiastic ensemble of colorful retirees, Samantha is determined to close the case before she opens her store. But will she live to conclude her own story when the killer has a revised ending in mind for her?

My Review:

The Plot Is Murder by V.M. Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Plot is Murder is a great start to V.M. Burns’ new Michigan-based cozy mystery series. As a Michigander, I love reading books set in my home state.

The setting involves Samantha, a recent widow, fulfilling her dream of owning her own bookshop. She packs up, sells the house she shared with her late husband, and starts anew in North Harbor, Michigan. As Samantha gets settled and begins penning her own novel, life take a nasty turn. A sketchy realtor is found dead shortly after his desperate attempt to talk to Samantha, and the worst part? He was found in the backyard of the shop. Now, Samantha must continue to move forward with the bookshop, stay on track with her novel, and clear her name.

I enjoyed the book’s mystery within a mystery as Samantha writes a fiction novel we get passages from, while being the protagonist dealing with her own mystery in The Plot is Murder. The dual mystery solving kept me engaged throughout the stories. The character development, those within the main story and those within Samantha’s story, is done well. Samantha’s character is down-to-earth with realistic bouts of sadness as she’s still mourning the loss of her husband. The world constructed by the author allowed me to envision the stories in my mind.

I look forward to the next Mystery Bookshop book.

I was provided a paperback book to read.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

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#BookReview ~ The Spook in the Stacks (A Lighthouse Library Mystery) by Eva Gates ~ #CozyMystery #Halloween ~ @vickidelany @evagatesauthor

The Spook in the Stacks: A Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates

Book Details:

The Spook in the Stacks 

A Lighthouse Library Mystery, Book 4

Cozy Mystery

 Crooked Lane Books 

June 12, 2018

 Hardcover: 250 Pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1683315803 

Digital ASIN: B075QJ59PX

 Amazon 

 

About the Book:

Halloween in North Carolina’s Outer Banks becomes seriously tricky when librarian Lucy Richardson stumbles across something extra unusual in the rare books section: a dead body.

Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, but the competition for the collection is fierce. Unfortunately, while the library is hosting a lecture on ghostly legends, Jay becomes one of the dearly departed in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy Richardson and her fellow librarians to bone up on their detective skills and discover who is responsible for this wicked Halloween homicide.

Meanwhile, very strange things are happening at the library―haunted horses are materializing in the marsh, the lights seem to have an eerie life of their own, and the tiny crew of a model ship appears to move around when no one is watching. Is Lucy at her wit’s end? Or can it be that the Bodie Island Lighthouse really is haunted?

With The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on everyone’s minds and ghoulish gossip on everyone’s lips, Lucy will need to separate the clues from the boos if she wants to crack this case without losing her head in The Spook in the Stacks, the delightful fourth in national bestseller Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library mysteries.

My Review:

The Spook in the Stacks is the fourth book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This book features a wealthy gentleman shopping for the best library to house his extensive collection of  documents featuring the history of North Carolina. When he is found dead in the Lighthouse Library during a ghostly lecture, Lucy and the rest of the librarians must find a killer. A wonderful book full of twists turns and red herrings. There are a number of potential suspects and the race to figure out who did it is on.

I love the setting, the characters, and the mysteries in each book in the series and The Spook in the Stacks just adds another wonder book to my shelf. Lucy is a wonderful character. She may come from money but she doesn't act like it or flaunt her family's riches. She's pretty down-to-earth and likeable. I love Charlene's obsession of rap music and her passion for wanting to share. The love triangle is still present throughout most of the book but it doesn't overstep the death of Jay Ruddle. All of the secondary characters are unique in their own way and believable. Oh, and how could I forget about Charles?! The library cat is a delightful addition to the cast.

The story is well paced, enjoyable, and full of suspense. The author did a wonderful job describing the characters and scenery within the book. I was able to visualize the story as it played out. A fantastic cozy mystery and addition to the Lighthouse Library series, The Spook in the Stacks is engaging, doesn't divulge the suspect right away, and keeps the reader guessing. 

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.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Designed for Haunting (Aurora Anderson Mystery, Book 4) by Sybil Johnson ~ #CozyMystery ~ @SybilJohnson19

Designed for Haunting

Aurora Anderson Mystery

by Sybil Johnson

Book Details:

Designed for Haunting

Aurora Anderson Mystery

Sybil Johnson

Cozy Mystery

4th in Series

Henery Press

October 9, 2018

About the Book:

October brings a message from Beyond The Grave...

Halloween is fast approaching in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Rory Anderson. While her painting chapter prepares to open its annual boutique house, Rory receives an unexpected email from Beyond The Grave, a company that automatically sends out messages when someone dies.

“I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.”

Haunted by her friend’s disappearance and possible death, Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter, Liz Dexter. Can they discover who has designs on the missing woman and uncover the truth before one of them becomes the stalker’s next victim?

My Review:

I'm so happy to be back in Vista Beach with Rory, Liz, and Martin, along with all the rest of the characters in Designed for Haunting.

The story's setting is just prior to Halloween and starts right in with the mystery. As the town is gearing up for the festivities, Rory is assisting in the preparation of her painting group's annual open house. As she's going through her emails she receives a haunting message from her friend Zelena Alvaraz from Beyond the Grave. Beyond the Grave is an online company that specializes in sending out email messages, set up by their clients, upon the person's death. These messages are typically stored and sent by guidelines set up by the client. Rory and Liz then begin trying to locate Zelena in hopes that she's still alive.

There are several storylines in Designed for Haunting that are seemingly distinct but the author takes each thread and magically weaves them all together. Designed for Haunting is quite engaging, flows well, and keeps the reader on their toes. The red herrings tossed in will keep the reader guessing what exactly is going on and then near the end everything seamlessly falls into place.

Rory is a great character and very compassionate and determined to find her friend, even if it means taking unsafe and unnecessary chances. Her boyfriend, Detective Martin Green, is a wonderful character and we see a bit more of their romance. I wish there was a bit more of their lives together but the amount is tasteful and doesn't overshadow the other threads in the book. Martin is my favorite character in the book. He's capable and competent, and I love his interactions with Rory, even when things are tense. I loved Liz, Rory's friend, and Arika, Rory's mother. They were unique and added to the story.

The story was a quick and easy read. There wasn't anything confusing or hard to understand. The dialogue between all of the characters was fluid and comfortable. The author does a great job creating a world that grabs the reader and pulls them in, keeping them engaged from start to finish. The characters are vibrant and exciting for the most part. I really enjoyed Designed for Haunting.

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.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Hardcover: 276 pages

ISBN-10: 1635114055

ISBN-13: 978-1635114058

Paperback: 276 pages

ISBN-10: 1635114020

ISBN-13: 978-1635114027

Digital ASIN: B07FSYFM8Q

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#Book Review ~ Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery, Book 2) by Mary Angela ~#cozymystery #Halloween ~ @maryangelabooks

Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery) by Mary Angela

Book Details:

Midnight Spells Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Publisher: Lyrical Press (July 13, 2021)

Print Length: 271 pages

Digital ASIN: B08L8RJTTD

About Midnight Spells Murder:

Spirit Canyon’s annual Spirit Spooktacular weekend is on, and for local amateur sleuth Zo Jones, it’s boomtime for business at her Happy Camper gift shop . . . until a murderer drops in for a browse.

To celebrate Halloween at the Happy Camper, Zo schedules a talk by successful author and self-proclaimed witch Marianne Morgan. Although Marianne’s benign brand of witchcraft is more about feminine empowerment than black magic, her presence is still not welcomed by everyone. Then on a midnight stroll home, Zo spots what seems to be a new Halloween decoration propped up outside the Happy Camper. What she finds is not a mannequin but a dead Marianne, her lifeless body dressed in traditional witch’s garb. But why would someone send this good witch back to the spirit world permanently?

Soon Zo realizes that plenty of folks have motives for murdering Marianne. What’s worse, nosy TV newsman Justin Castle plans to broadcast a report associating Marianne’s murder with the Happy Camper. Zo calls on her partner in sleuthing, local forest ranger Max Harrington, to help her find the culprit before Justin’s report airs. Otherwise Zo’s business just might go bust. But to catch this killer, Zo will have to risk much more than just her reputation . . .

My Review:

I binge read books 1 and two in 2 days. I can't believe I waited this long to read book 1...

It's Spirit Spooktacular weekend in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota. All the shop owners are getting into the Halloween spirit and Zo is hosting an author in her Happy Camper gift shop. The author, Marianne Morgan, isn't a hit with everyone but most people who come to see her talk and sign books enjoy her views of female empowerment. On a walk back home the next night, Zo sees a wonderful holiday scene outside her shop. That is, until she gets close enough to see the lifelike mannequin isn't fake but the dead body of Marianne. As the investigation into her death begins, Zo realizes Marianne has more enemies than she could have imagined, all with motives and opportunities. Now, all Zo and Max have to do is live long enough to find out who wanted the witch dead.

Midnight Spells Murder was a clever who-done-it with a plethora of suspects and motives. With the death scene located just outside Happy Camper, Zo has not only a murder investigation to worry about but the reputation of her shop. Reporter Justin Castle is up to his tricks again when he intends on airing a segment linking the murder to Zo's business. If Zo can't solve who murdered Marianne, Justin's report just might mean the end of Happy Camper.

The author's writing style, characters, and setting are enjoyable. I love being in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The characters in Midnight Spells Murder are fascinating and love whatever it is brewing between Max and Zo. Zo's neighbor, Russell Cunningham, is a hoot and everyone should be so lucky to have nice, friendly neighbors. I love Zo's friendships, the camaraderie, and the way the author wrote their interactions. The character development and world building continued in book 2 and I have fallen more in love with Spirit Canyon and it's unique citizens.

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.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ Thick As Thieves (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 11) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappesBooks

 

Sheriff Kenni Lowry should be blissfully planning her wedding, but Cottonwood, Kentucky has other plans. When Judge Horace Blackwell is found murdered in his chambers, Kenni is thrown into a case packed with family feuds, a mysterious inheritance, and secrets buried—literally—beneath the town.

With her ghostly Poppa offering his usual (and sometimes unwelcome) advice, her trusty hound Duke, and her fiancé Finn by her side, Kenni is racing to solve the case before the killer strikes again. As the trail winds through high-stakes poker games, long-forgotten tunnels, and scandalous secrets, Kenni realizes the culprit may be closer to home than she ever imagined.

Can Kenni crack the case and keep her wedding plans on track, or will the murderer make sure she never makes it to “I do”?

Amazon

Goodreads

ASIN: ‎ B0D5BYV893
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ February 23, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 217 pages

My Review:

Thick as Thieves is book 11 in the Kenni Lowry series. A murdered judge disrupts wedding planning for Kenni, the local Sheriff in Cottonwood, KY. The death was horrific enough, but the sheer amount of evil that oozes out of the walls in this small town is enough to choke a person. Filled with feuds, finances, and secrets, Kenni finds herself flitting all over Cottonwood trying to pin down a suspect.

I enjoyed Thick as Thieves. 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 have been exciting and wonderful but not being able to hug him must have been 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 Thick as Thieves. 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.

And that ending!!

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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#NewRelease #BookReview ~ Snowcaps, Skiing, & Sabotage by #TonyaKappes

Welcome to Normal, where nothing is normal.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0D6744TWG
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books (December 29, 2024)
Publication date: ‎ December 29, 2024
Print length: ‎ 231 pages
Amazon
Goodreads

About the Book:

The small town is buzzing as Normal, Kentucky, hosts the Southeast Olympic ski trials for the first time, drawing elite athletes and sponsors to the usually peaceful Happy Trails Campground. But whispers of sabotage and broken equipment soon cast a dark shadow over the competition—and all clues seem to lead back to Mae’s campground, where one of the competitive skiers is found dead.

With ruthless sponsors, jealous rivals, and old grudges coming to light, Mae finds herself on a slippery slope of secrets and lies. Alongside her trusty friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, Mae digs into the lives of the skiing elite, uncovering motives as sharp as the winter chill.

As Mae races to uncover the truth, she’ll have to tread carefully through snowy trails and hidden dangers. Because in Normal, where everyone knows everyone, the killer might be closer than she thinks.

Perfect for fans of small-town charm, sassy amateur sleuths, and mysteries that keep you guessing, Snowcaps, Skiing, & Sabotage will have cozy readers flipping pages well into the night. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and settle in for a thrilling ride through the heart of winter in Normal, Kentucky—where the temperature’s low, but the stakes have never been higher.

My Review:

Snowcaps, Skiing, and Sabotage is the 39th book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Snowcaps, Skiing, and Sabotage is like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky and hanging out with all my friends. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the various locations throughout the book, and the comfort of knowing Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

The town of Normal is buzzing with winter activity. The snow is falling and the Olympic Trials are being held locally. The old distillery has been transformed into ski slopes, a lodge, and other buildings. Well-known skiers have infiltrated town, filling up the lodging including some bungalows in Happy Trails Campground. When one the stars is found frozen to death, Mae and the the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation.

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. There are several viable suspects since it appears the victim wasn't very well liked. I was kept guessing until the very end. I loved how the loose threads quickly and methodically tied right up at the 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:

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#Book #Review ~ The Day Job is Murder (McKinley Mysteries, Book 1) by Carolyn Arnold ~ #CozyMystery

The bad guys aren’t the only ones on his radar…

For Albany PD homicide detective Sean McKinley, catching killers is the easy part of his job. Working next to his beautiful partner, Sara Cain, is what’s difficult. It might have something to do with the fact that he’s fallen in love with her, though. Fortunately, she feels the same way about him. But she’s convinced they should just be friends.

If only there was some way to change her mind…

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The Day Job is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Day Job is Murder is more of an unrequited love story than an actual mystery. Sean and Sara are partners on the Albany police force. They are in love with one another but Sara has convinced herself and Sean to only be friends. Co-workers and romance don’t always work out. There is a crime committed in the novella and Sara and Sean work hard to solve it. However, this is more of a laying of a foundation for the series.

Partway through the novella, Sean is made aware of the death of someone from his past. As Sean reconciles the death, his grief, and his regrets, something unexpected occurs. Something life-changing for Sean and potentially allowing a shift in the relationship between Sean and Sara. While the ending was not realistic to me, overall the book kept me interested.

The Day Job is Murder is a short, cute novella paving the way for a multi-book novella series. The story is simple, easy to read, and fast paced. We get history of how Sean and Sara met and history surrounding Sean’s relationship with the deceased person. I was engaged in the story, interested in the dynamics between Sean and Sara, and empathetic to Sean’s regrets over the death of someone he knew. I look forward to reading the next novella.

I purchased my copy of this book from Amazon.

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Book #Review: Knot on Her Life (A Quilting Mystery) by Mary Marks #CozyMystery @KensingtonBooks

Knot on Her Life

A Quilting Mystery, Book 7

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Kensington

Publish Date: July 30, 2019

Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages 

ISBN-10: 1496720504 

ISBN-13: 978-1496720504 

Digital ASIN: B07K5ZJRYX
Purchase on Amazon

About the Book:

While quilter Martha Rose awaits the birth of her granddaughter, a neighborhood girl appears at her door with a mystery that can’t be pinned down . .

Martha’s eager to finish the baby quilt she’s making for her new granddaughter, but she scraps those plans when a young girl rings her doorbell begging for help. Poppy Halaby, the foster child of Martha’s neighbor, is an orphan whose parents were murdered by a killer who was never caught. When Poppy’s doting foster mom falls suspiciously ill, Martha is determined to keep the child safe. But she’ll have to unravel more about Poppy’s parents to stitch a broken family back together again—and prevent another crime cut from the same cloth . . .

My Review:

Knot on Her Life by Mary Marks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Martha Rose is back and expecting a grandchild any day now. While she’s waiting, she’s making a quilt for the new baby. When her neighbor Sonia’s new foster child, Poppy, comes knocking because there’s been a medical emergency under suspicious circumstances, Martha’s attention is diverted. Poppy’s parents were murdered, and the killer was never apprehended, raising suspicion in both Martha and her fiancé, Crusher. Circumstances behind how Poppy ended up in the foster care system puzzle Martha, as well, since both of her parents come from wealthy, prominent families. Be prepared for an emotional trip that will not only tug at your heartstrings but infuriate you, as well.

Martha Rose has really developed as a crime solver/fighter. She does the best she can in the situations presented to her. She’s not nearly as daft and is a little bit better at taking precautions. She still bends the laws on occasion but either it’s not as often as in the first few books or I’m just getting used to her methods. In this book, she manages to accomplish more than those assigned to the murder case. When you have a rapport with people like Martha does, it’s no wonder she gets adults and children to open up to her.

I love all the characters in the Quilting Mysteries by Mary Marks. The relationship between Martha and Crusher is sweet and I’m honestly glad she is with him. He is so devoted to Martha and her to Crusher. The quilting group, which now includes Giselle, Martha’s half-sister, is a riot and totally have Martha’s back. I really feel like they are all my friends since we’ve now been together for seven books. I hope we continue to get more books in this series.

Mary Marks does another wonderful job building up the mystery and keeping everything a secret. The truth of the situation is revealed at the perfect time and the person responsible is not the person I thought it would be. The writing flows well and is concise. The author's writing style is fluid and smooth and so easy to get lost in. The romantic elements of Knot on Her Life are subtle and don't overshadow the mystery. The entire novel is engaging; never a dull moment.

Thank you Kensington for the review copy.  

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Book #Review ~ The Time for Murder Is Meow (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Book 1) by T.C. LoTempio #CozyMystery

 

ASIN: ‎ B0937H1KTT

Publisher: ‎ Beyond the Page
Publication Date: ‎ June 9, 2021
Print Length: ‎ 238 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QUF5N8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58299671-the-time-for-murder-is-meow

About the Book:

Shell McMillan and her furry sidekicks aren’t kitten around when they set out to catch a killer . . .

When her TV series is canceled, struggling actress Shell McMillan considers it a blessing in disguise. A beloved aunt who recently died left her a pet shop in her will, and she sees it as the perfect chance to walk away from Hollywood and make a fresh start in the sleepy town of Fox Hollow.

But adjusting to small-town life won’t be easy, as Shell realizes when the head of the museum board is found murdered not long after Shell had a very public argument with her. And when the new kid in town is fingered for the crime, she’ll have to rely on her own wit and pluck and the kindness of strangers to get herself off the hook.

Desperate to exonerate herself and catch the real culprit, Shell begins digging into the lives of the local residents, and she quickly discovers that the victim had no shortage of enemies. As the suspect list grows and time runs short, Shell and her cats will have to claw their way out of danger—and it’s meow or never . . .

My Review:

The Time for Murder is Meow by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed The Time for Murder is Meow. For being a Hollywood star, Shell is down-to-earth, friendly, and a wonderful protagonist. Bringing Shell back to Connecticut to run her late aunt’s pet store is a unique setting and foundation for this new series. When she’s informed that the local museum board has rejected her offer to loan the museum an extensive collection of Cary Grant artifacts for an exhibit, Shell can’t believe their decision. Then she learns the reason why: apparently there’s a long-standing feud between her aunt and one of the board members, Amelia Witherspoon. 

On a quest to get those who voted against the loan, Shell confronts 3 other board members and Amelia. The discussions are heated, things are said, actions taken, then, when Shell thinks she’s going to get to talk some sense into Amelia, Shell finds Amelia dead in the museum. Even though there are many people who dislike Amelia, Shell finds herself a person of interest. Now she must navigate her new town, put plans to open up the pet store on hold, and figure out who killed Amelia before Shell finds herself unemployed and behind bars.

The character development was done well. We get a good look at Shell’s character, who she is, why she’s back in CT, and past relationships – boyfriends, co-stars, and managers, etc. Shell meets a lot of people in this book and the characters are written well. Bringing in Shell’s former co-start, Gary, into Fox Hollow was a nice touch. He brought a nice, supportive element to Shell’s life and is more than willing to help her solve the murder. The author also provides plenty of suspects for Shell, Gary, and their cohort to investigate.

The world created by the author is described well and I was able to visualize the setting, characters, and scenes. The only issue I had with the book is that I knew exactly who did it very early on. I didn’t have a clue as to why though. Knowing who murdered Amelia did not, at all, change my views of the book. I still enjoyed the characters, setting, and path taken for the reveal. There is the potential for a love interest and I am very excited to see where the author takes it through the series.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.   

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