#BookReview ~ Dashing Through the Show by Cindy Goyette #CozyMystery

 

Dashing Through the Show

by Cindy Goyette

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DHWBN8X6
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books
Publication date: ‎ June 16, 2026
Print length: ‎ 270 pages

Amazon

Goodreads  

About the Book:

Murder is under the mistletoe in the peaceful island community of Orca Cove. Holiday plans are put on hold to give attention to the grand opening of the Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course. Special guest, Bently, is supposed to dazzle on the stage, but the locals have had enough of his snooty trainer, Miles Collins. So has his killer. When Charlie Calderbank finds Miles’ body in the back of her moving van, it becomes the season of giving…alibis, that is. Her hopes for a Christmas romance are dashed when the local hot cop is forced to pay more attention to the clues leading to her door than the chemistry that simmers between them.

Tainted treats, a widow who raises a toast along with a few eyebrows, a groomer with a grudge, an angry Santa Claus, a nosey reporter, and a canine custody hearing have Charlie spinning in every direction, juggling clues, dogs, and blizzards. She must identify the killer, or she’ll spend her Christmas behind bars.

My Review:

Dashing Through the Show is the Second Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery. Charlie Calderbank is morning to Orca Cove permanently. Her aunt’s opening her Wiggle Butt Manor Agility Course and it’s a town affair. Their special guest is Bently, a champion agility course participant. His owner, however, has managed to offende everyone in Orca Cove, it seems.

When Miles’ body is found in the back of Charlie’s moving van, the local cop focuses on her for the absolute wrong reasons. Knowing she had nothing to do with Miles’ demise, Charlie works her way through everyone who has had a beef with him. Hopefully she can ferret out the suspect before she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit.

What a tangled web woven between the pages of Dashing Through the Show. The story went in directions I wasn’t anticipating. The author kept me on my toes from start to finish. The who-dun-it was hidden quite well in this fast paced cozy.

My Rating:

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#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

Purchase from Amazon

Add to Your Shelf on Goodreads

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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#BookReview ~ Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #ParnormalCozyMystery

 

Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12)

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DXLJP185

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication Date: ‎ February 27, 2026

Page Couunt: ‎ 226 pages

Book 12 of 13: ‎ Kenni Lowry Mystery

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Small-town Southern cozy mystery with a sheriff sleuth

Something borrowed, something blue… and something deadly.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s wedding day should be about vows, cake, and finally catching her breath. Instead, her wedding night is interrupted by a visit from her ghostly Poppa—and a warning that something is very wrong.

Miss Tilda Boone, a beloved church fixture and lifelong rule-follower, was expected at the ceremony. She never arrived.

Before Kenni can even consider a honeymoon, she’s back in uniform, standing inside Miss Tilda’s quiet home, where a familiar afternoon routine ended in death. What first appears to be a natural passing quickly turns suspicious when evidence points to tampered tea and a kettle prepared with deadly intent.

With the town watching and rumors spreading fast, Kenni must uncover who had access to Miss Tilda’s home, her habits, and her trust. The suspect list grows to include church volunteers, family members, and neighbors who knew Miss Tilda’s meticulous routines a little too well.

Balancing newlywed life, small-town politics, and a homicide investigation—while Poppa offers his unfiltered commentary—Kenni is determined to uncover the truth before another life is lost.

Because in Cottonwood, Kentucky, marriage doesn’t slow down murder… and this sheriff won’t rest until justice is served.

My Review:

Sh0tgun Wedding is the twelfth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni and Finn say "I do" in this story but their happiness is short-lived when Poppa brings unhappy news. The happy couple trade wedding clothes for uniforms to check in on a guest who RSVP'd but didn't show. What they find chills Kenni's blood and she knows she'll do anything to find out what happened to retired schoolteacher Miss Tilda Boone.

I enjoyed Sh0tgun Wedding. 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 be exciting and wonderful but not being able to hug him must be 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 Sh0tgun Wedding. 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.

Previously reviewed on Reviews by Saph.

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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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#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: Cat Got Your Secrets: A Kitty Couture Mystery, Book 3 by Julie Chase ~ #CozyMystery

Cat Got Your Secrets: A Kitty Couture Mystery by Julie Chase

Cat Got Your Secrets 

A Kitty Couture Mystery, Book 3

Cozy Mystery 

Crooked Lane Books 

September 12, 2017

Hardcover: 320 pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1683312833 

E-Book ASIN: B06XVWR8Q9

Amazon

Goodreads

  

About the Book:

Lacy Marie Crocker has settled into a comfortable groove back home in New Orleans, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, she’s busier than ever running a thriving pet boutique, helping her mother organize the upcoming National Pet Pageant, and untangling her complicated love life. But when delivering a king-sized order of dreidel-shaped doggy biscuits for a Saint Berdoodle’s bark-mitzvah, Lacy stumbles into yet another murder scene—and the last person to see the victim alive was her own father.

It’s up to Lacy to clear her dad’s name from the suspect list before Detective Jack Oliver has to cage him for good. But just when she starts pawing at the truth, she receives a threatening letter from a mysterious blackmailer bent on silencing her with her own secrets. And Lacy’s not the only one with bones in her closet.

My Review:

Cat Got Your Secrets is the third book in the Kitty Couture series and the book, and series is amazing. I love the author's writing style and the conversational tone with which she writes each book. The  characters in this series are a hoot.  

Upon delivery of a pet treat order, Lacy finds out that the owner of the location of the delivery was found dead that morning; locked in a freezer.  Unfortunately, the last person to see the man alive is Lacy's veterinarian father, putting law enforcement's sights set on him.  Lacy knows she cannot just sit idly by even though Detective Jack Oliver is on the case. He's extremely capable but this is Lacy's father.  She does some pretty dumb things in the book but I can't say I wouldn't do everything I could to help out my father if something like this happened.  

Cat Got Your Secrets is full of twists and turns as the author takes the reader on an adventure that opens up cans of worms in the lives of some of the more affluent members in the Garden District.  I love the background story of Lacy becoming more involved in society related events at the request (or demand) of her mother.  While, Lacy is from an affluent family in the New Orleans Garden District, she doesn't act like it. She is very down-to-earth and her character has been written wonderfully. She has the opportunity to never want for anything but she wants to make her own way in the world. Instead of falling back on family money, she worked hard to get through college and start her own business - a pet boutique. 

Oh, Detective Jack Oliver....be still thy fluttering heart. His character in this series is a fresh take on cozy mystery heroes. Sure, he's the standard potential love interest police officer but he's so much more. His banter with Lacy had me rooting for them through the entire book. The chemistry is spot on and can be felt by the reader.  His character has depth and emotion and he's oh, so patient with Lacy and her antics while trying to "help" solve crime.

Jack Oliver isn't the only potential love interest in Cat Got Your Secrets. Her friend Scarlet's brother-in-law, Chase Hawthorne, is back in town and has set his sights on Lacy. I still don't feel their chemistry like I do when Jack enters the picture. There's nothing particularly wrong with Chase but I just don't feel any of the right vibes when he's with Lacy. The sizzle and tension are non-existent; I actually get more of a brother-sister vibe from them most of the time. I'm giddy with delight at how things progress with the love interests though and can't wait for the next book.

I am still very impressed by the way the author was able to keep suspicion off of the true killer. I was none the wiser until the big reveal and didn't suspect a thing. The path to solving the murder was paved with several potential candidates that had means and motive. 

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.

This post contains affiliate links.

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 Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Dandelions, Deception, & Detours by Tonya Kappes (Camper & Criminals, Book 43) #CozyMystery

Dandelions, Deception, & Detours (Camper & Criminals, Book 43) by Tonya Kappes 

 

In the heart of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, murder has checked into Happy Trails Campground.

ASIN: ‎ B0FP5TMFH9

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication date : ‎ March 29, 2026

Print length: ‎ 232 pages

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

When a high-profile RV dealership manager is crushed beneath a fifth-wheel trailer, it looks like a tragic hitching accident.

Until the coroner rules it homicide.

And Mae West’s husband becomes the prime suspect.

As owner of Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky, Mae is used to managing campfires, communal suppers, and the occasional tourist meltdown—not clearing her husband’s name in a murder investigation.

With help from the sharp-eyed Laundry Club Ladies, a campground full of watchful guests, and more than a little Southern stubbornness, Mae follows a trail that will lead her straight to the killer.

In a town where reputation is everything and word travels faster than wildfire, Mae must uncover who was really behind the wheel before Hank’s future goes up in smoke.

Because at Happy Trails, loyalty runs deep.

And no one messes with family.

My Review:

Dandelions, Deception, & Detours is the 43rd book in the Camper & Criminals series. While this may be the 43rd story, the author does a spectacular job keeping each story fresh and imaginative.

Spring is here and that means RV shows. Competing dealerships are showcasing the newest RVs, features, and hot pricing. Mae and Hank are perusing the RVs on display when Hank comes face-to-face with a former classmate. One who clearly has issues. He's found dead at the dealership the next day and it seems like a tragic fifth-wheel accident. When the death is ruled a homicide, Hank is first on the suspect list.

We all know Hank didn't do it so that's not a spoiler. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies put their heads together to clear Hank's name and get him removed from the suspect list. The author developed several suspects besides Hank, and they all had means, motive, and opportunity. The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. I was kept guessing 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 other 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 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: 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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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 Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Brush Up On Murder: An Aurora Anderson Mystery, Book 6 by Sybil Johnson ~ #CozyMystery @SybilJohnson19

 Brush Up On Murder: An Aurora Anderson Mystery by Sybil Johnson

Cozy Mystery

6th in Series

Setting: California

Vista Beach Press (October 10, 2023)

Print length: ‎ 284 pages

ASIN: ‎ B0CFSZGMD8 

About Brush Up On Murder: 

Love is in the air in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and decorative-painting enthusiast, Aurora (Rory) Anderson.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, residents are training for the annual Love Run and expressing their undying affection for each other by attaching love locks to the pier railings. But a string of bank robberies is ruining the romantic vibe.

While Rory helps friends prepare for a Valentine’s Day wedding, a body is found and the groom is implicated in the murder. Convinced of his innocence, Rory puts her heart into the investigation. Can she identify the killer before someone else encounters their own brush with death?

My Review:

Brush Up On Murder is another wonderful book in the Aurora Anderson Mystery series. I'm so happy to be visiting Vista Beach, California again. Rory, Liz, Martin, and Rory's parents are back in a wonderful story involving a soon-to-be married couple, a bank robber, a suspicious death, and love locks attached to a pier. 

Valentine's Day is supposed to be full of romance and love. In fact, Rory is helping with wedding plans for a couple of her friends. All is going well until a body is discovered during the Love Run. With a string of bank robberies and a suspicious death rocking the community of Vista Beach, it's hard to feel romantic. When the groom is considered a suspect, Rory knows she has to put the pieces of this mystery together to solve the murder.

Rory is a great character. She's compassionate, and determined to figure out who committed murder in their small town. There are several storylines in Brush Up On Murder that are seemingly distinct, however, the author takes each thread and magically weaves them together.

Brush Up On Murder is engaging, flows well, and the keeps the reader on their toes. The red herrings tossed along the way keep the reader guessing. The story was quick and easy to read. I loved the dialogue between the characters,. The conversations were fluid and conversational. 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. I really enjoyed Brush Up On Murder.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Originally reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Visit the Author:

Website: www.authorsybiljohnson.com

Purchase Link:

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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.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Cat Got Your Secrets: A Kitty Couture Mystery, Book 3 by Julie Chase

Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase

A Kitty Couture Mystery, Book 3

Cozy Mystery 

Crooked Lane Books 

September 12, 2017

Hardcover: 320 pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1683312833 

E-Book ASIN: B06XVWR8Q9

About the Book:

Lacy Marie Crocker has settled into a comfortable groove back home in New Orleans, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, she’s busier than ever running a thriving pet boutique, helping her mother organize the upcoming National Pet Pageant, and untangling her complicated love life. But when delivering a king-sized order of dreidel-shaped doggy biscuits for a Saint Berdoodle’s bark-mitzvah, Lacy stumbles into yet another murder scene—and the last person to see the victim alive was her own father.

It’s up to Lacy to clear her dad’s name from the suspect list before Detective Jack Oliver has to cage him for good. But just when she starts pawing at the truth, she receives a threatening letter from a mysterious blackmailer bent on silencing her with her own secrets. And Lacy’s not the only one with bones in her closet.

My Review:

I'm going to start right out and let you all know that the Kitty Couture Mysteries Series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series' ever.  I love the author's writing style, the conversational tone with which she writes each book, and the her characters are a hoot.  

Upon delivery of a pet treat order, she finds out that the owner of the location of the delivery was found dead that morning; locked in a freezer.  Unfortunately, the last person to see the man alive is Lacy's veterinarian father, putting law enforcement's sights set on him.  Lacy knows she cannot just sit idly by even though Detective Jack Oliver is on the case.  He's extremely capable but this is Lacy's father.  She does some pretty dumb things in the book but I can't say I wouldn't do everything I could to help out my father if something like this happened.  

Cat Got Your Secrets is full of twists and turns as the author takes the reader on an adventure that opens up cans of worms in the lives of some of the more affluent members in the Garden District.  I love the background story of Lacy becoming more involved in society related events at the request (or demand) of her mother.  While, Lacy is from an affluent family in the New Orleans Garden District, she doesn't act like it. She is very down-to-earth and her character has been written wonderfully. She has the opportunity to never want for anything but she wants to make her own way in the world. Instead of falling back on family money, she worked hard to get through college and start her own business - a pet boutique. 

Oh, Detective Jack Oliver....be still thy fluttering heart. His character in this series is a fresh take on cozy mystery heroes. Sure, he's the standard potential love interest police officer but he's so much more. His banter with Lacy had me rooting for them through the entire book. The chemistry is spot on and can be felt by the reader.  His character has depth and emotion and he's oh, so patient with Lacy and her antics while trying to "help" solve crime.

Jack Oliver isn't the only potential love interest in Cat Got Your Secrets. Her friend Scarlet's brother-in-law, Chase Hawthorne, is back in town and has set his sights on Lacy. I still don't feel their chemistry like I do when Jack enters the picture. There's nothing particularly wrong with Chase but I just don't feel any of the right vibes when he's with Lacy. The sizzle and tension are non-existent; I actually get more of a brother-sister vibe from them (except when Chase mentions things about kissing Lacy). I'm giddy with delight at how things progress with the love interests though and can't wait for the next book.

I am still very impressed by the way the author was able to keep suspicion off of the true killer. I was none the wiser until the big reveal and didn't suspect a thing. The path to solving the murder was paved with several potential candidates that had means and motive. Bravo, Julie Chase, bravo!!

This was previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

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 ~ New Year Nuisance (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BDXS2GJV
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books (January 26, 2023)
Publication Date: ‎ January 26, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 196 pages

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Goodreads

About the Book:

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

New Year's Eve has always been a special time for the small town, Holiday Junction, with its annual tradition, the Sparkle Ball, along with the town Merry Maker spreading joy and cheer to all its residents. But this year, the joy is short-lived when local nuisance and troublemaker, Hillary Stevens, is found murdered in holiday town’s mini-village.

As the town's resident nosy journalist, Violet Rhinehammer is determined to uncover the truth behind Hillary’s murder and bring the killer to justice. But her investigation is complicated by her own secret - she is the town Merry Maker, and must keep her identity hidden from Mae West, her best friend who is visiting for the festive town’s Sparkle Ball.

With suspects at every turn and a town full of secrets, Violet must use her keen investigative skills and determination to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. Will she be able to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice, or will her own secret be her downfall?

New Year Nuisance is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, perfect for fans of small town crime novels. With well-developed characters and a twisting plot, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

My Review:

New Year Nuisance is the fourth 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 four finds the town of Holiday Junction preparing for their New Year's celebrations. As Violet continues to keep Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a local is found dead in the mini-village. Now Violet, and a special guest are on the case.

I love it when Tonya Kappes unites, or in this case reunites, characters from a different series.  Having Mae visit Violet in Holiday Junction was a fantastic blending that I hope we see more of in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series. Violet and Mae really had to put their heads together on this one. 

New Year Nuisance is a fun and quick read. I enjoyed Violet and Mae together in this book. My love for Violet's character continues to grow as the series progresses. I love continuing to get 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 didn’t have a clue who the murderer was or why until the author reveals everything. I was shocked. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

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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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 Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Witch's Tail by Melanie Snow #Paranormal #CozyMystery ~ The Spellwood Witches, Book One

Her mentor died fighting to save an enchanted forest.

Can she solve his murder before she’s bewitched?

Witch’s Tail

The Spellwood Witches

Book One

Melanie Snow

Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Spirit Paw Press, LLC

Date of Publication: September 8, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-7324375-6-2

Number of pages: 220

Word Count: 46,311

Cover Artist: Molly Burton

Amazon

About the Book:

Can she awaken her dormant powers and stop a desperate killer destroying the forest?

Sarah Spellwood feels she’s hit bottom. Divorced and jobless, she relocates to the enchanting village of Witchland intent on solving the murder of her late mentor. But as she pursues clues buried in the man’s fight to save the endangered forest-dwelling lynx, she makes an enemy of a ruthless land developer.

Encountering fairies in the woods, Sarah discovers she’s been repressing unique gifts passed down from her ancestor and founding witch, Lativia Spellwood. But though she can now hear her deceased friend’s dog speak, she isn’t sure her abilities are enough to expose the greed and corruption covering a killer’s lies.

Can Sarah work with the magical beings to bring a murderer to justice?

Witch’s Tail is the charming first book in the light-hearted The Spellwood Witches cozy mystery series. If you like paranormal puzzles, delightful canine companions, and environmental enlightenment, then you’ll love Melaine Snow’s wagging-ly fun whodunit.

Buy Witch’s Tail to set a snare for an assassin today!

My Review:

Sarah is a descendant of Lativia Spellwood, founder of Witchland. After Sarah's life falls apart in New York she finds herself back in Witchland, New Hampshire. She's taking over the law business of her mentor, whose death occurred under mysterious circumstances. As she settles in, she also tries to figure out the death, while fighting with a land developer bent on destroying the magical forest surrounding Witchland.

Witch's Tail is a cute, witchy cozy mystery. I loved the characters and Sarah's determination to find out how her mentor died. Her ancestry may include witches, but Sarah was not prepared for fairies, talking dogs, or the awakening of her magical gifts. She took everything in stride, even though there was a bit of disbelief.

Sarah is a strong character. She takes her responsibilities as a lawyer seriously and puts her training to good use. Following in her mentor's footsteps, she goes toe-to-toe with an unscrupulous land developer. She perseveres but not without difficulties. As she tries to uncover what really happened to her mentor, Sarah also faces a barrage of attacks from an unknown assailant. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the author's storytelling.

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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