#Review: First Class Killer (A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, Book #5) by Tonya Kappes @tonyakappes11 #TonyaKappes

 

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. Don't miss out on the good RECIPES at the end of the book!

Mail Carrier Bernadette Butler just can’t stop delivering clues when the clerk of the new book store turns up dead in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, after the town is already shocked over a tell all “fiction” romance novel that hit the shelves filled with secrets that were brushed under the rug and now left hung out to dry.

ASIN : B08B4XGZMV
Publication Date : September 26, 2020
Print Length : 184 pages

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Review:

Sometimes writing what you know can have disastrous consequences.

When young former resident Stella Jane Clark returns to Sugar Creek Gap with her first, and wildly popular, novel, residents are excited. The whole town is also made aware of the reopening of the old mill as the town's new bookstore. The excitement is palpable and the author did a wonderful job making those emotions real and able to be felt. The way the townsfolk react to the contents of Stella Jane's book is also realistic and I was able to feel their horror, embarrassment, and humiliation. Topping off the scandalous book and its hidden secrets is the death of the bookstore's new manager. The death puts Iris, one of Bernie's friends and foe of the deceased, at the head of the suspect list. Bernie knows Iris didn't do anything and starts to investigate the mysterious death. 

The author did a fantastic job introducing multiple potential suspects in the murder. Even though the book was considered fiction, the events and goings-on paralleled too many things that did happen, giving several people the means, motive, and/or opportunity. I had a hard time trying to figure out who committed the crime. Even Bernie and her friends had a hard time. Every time a suspect was identified, something or someone was able to come up with an alibi for that person. I really did not suspect who committed the murder.

The characters are likable, realistic, and I loved them. The author tossed in a few other side stories to continue the small-town feel of the series. I enjoyed the story and how the author threw in red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I was also able to visualize the story as I read along. I look forward to the next book.

I was given a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ A Case of Cat and Mouse (Magical Cats Mystery, Book #12) by Sofie Kelly @BerkleyMystery

About the Book:

A reality TV crew has come to town and brought librarian Kathleen Paulson and her two magical cats more than their fair share of real-life drama, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.

Spring has come to charming Mayville Heights, and with it, some Hollywood glamour. The little town is abuzz because the reboot of a popular baking TV show is filming there. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is working as an advisor on historical facts for the show, local restaurants are providing catering for the camera crews, and Kathleen's faithful felines, Hercules and Owen, are hoping there is a cat treat challenge.

But then Kathleen finds one of the judges dead. She has solved many-a-murder with help from the supernaturally gifted Herc and Owen, and with the whole town on tenterhooks, the talented trio will have to have all paws on deck to chase down this killer.

Book Details:

Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Print Length: 301 pages
ASIN: B082H3DQZ2
Read an Excerpt and Purchase Your Copy: Amazon
Read an Excerpt: Amazon

Review:

One of my favorites cozy book series', Magical Cats continues to stay fresh, exciting, and keep me engaged and looking forward to the next book. A Case of Cat and Mouse is the 12th book in this series and I loved it so much. I'm a huge fan of the baking contest shows and love that the author incorporated the revival of the show into one of the books in this series.

As a historical fact advisor for the show, Kathleen spends a lot of time either researching the contestants or on set discussing her findings with the hosts and directors. When Kathleen finds one of the show's judges dead, she knows by the manner of the death that it was no accident. The baking show has a murderer in the cast and as Kathleen does her undercover sleuthing, she discovers there are many suspects with the means, motive, and opportunity. She also discovers many untruths have been told, making sorting through the clues even more difficult.

I really enjoyed A Case of Cat and Mouse. 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. 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 Magical Cats series keeps me entertained with the human and feline characters, plots, and mysteries. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers. The books 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.

I was provided an ebook of A Case of Cat and Mouse to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Review ~ Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay @JennMcKinlay ~ Library Lover's Mystery, Book #2

Book Details:

Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 9780425246689
ISBN-13 : 978-0425246689
Publisher : Berkley; 1st Edition (March 6, 2012)
Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

Carrie Rushton, the president of the Friends of the Library, has been accused of murdering her husband. The evidence is stacking up against Carrie, but neither Lindsey nor the Briar Creek crafternoon club is buying it.

When a nor'easter buries the small coastal town, the police are too busy digging out the locals to investigate the murder. With the help of her crafternoon friends and an abandoned puppy they name Heathcliff, Lindsey has to solve the question of who murdered Mr. Rushton before the killer closes the book on Carrie...

My Review:

When Carrie is elected the new president of the Friends of the Library, and Lindsey is present during the vote, the incumbent, turns Lindsey into enemy number one. He accuses her influencing the vote and is just generally unpleasant to her. Lindsey, however, is relieved to have someone new leading the group, bringing a breath of fresh air to same-ole-same ole. After Carrie's first meeting as president, she returns home, escorted by Lindsay and Sully, to find her husband dead.

Knowing she didn't commit the crime, Lindsey pokes around trying to gather intel about those who had a beef with Carrie's husband. When a storm dumps a ton of snow on the town, Lindsey ramps things up. Evidence keeps piling up a high as the snow, the police have shifted gears to taking care of the town, and someone is out to bury more than just Carrie's husband.

I enjoyed Due to Die and read it in just one day. The characters are kind and lovable, except Ms. Cole but she's a character in her own right. I found myself able to connect with Lindsey and Beth, not because they are similar to me or we've been down the same roads, but because they are fun, interesting, and nice. I love the author's writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The character development allowed for me to get to know Lindsey, Beth, Sully, and everyone else. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story.

I love the romantic elements, flirting, and subtlety the author softly wove throughout the book. The author did a great job writing this book realistically. I can see a small town suspending criminal investigations to make sure their town who just suffered through a winter event, is unburied, power is restored, and all citizens are accounted for and safe. I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to tackle book 3.

My review copy is courtesy of my local library.

Review: Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay @JennMcKinlay ~ Library Lover's Mystery, Book #1

About the Book:

Lindsey is getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey’s friend Beth wants to sell the editor her children’s book, but Beth’s boyfriend, a famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he’s found murdered—and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast—before they throw the book at the wrong person.

Book Details:

Print Length: 306 pages

ISBN-10: 0425242188

ISBN-13: 978-0425242186

ASIN : B0051GAVCA

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date : July 5, 2011

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2G4UomJ

My Review:

Books Can Be Deceiving is the first book in the multi-book Library Lover's Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. Lindsey has only been in Briar Creek for a few months but her connection to the people and the town strong. As the library director, Lindsey has her thumb on the pulse of the town, meeting, greeting, and getting to know all library patrons. She's personable, knowledgeable, and loyal. Her friends and family mean everything to her and Lindsey has never been a fan of her friend, Beth's boyfriend, Rick. 

When Beth, has a pretty public break up with Rick, Lindsey is there to help Beth with the fallout.  Then Lindsey learns, after a meeting with an editor of children's books, that Rick is a despicable human. The next day, Lindsey and Beth ask Sully to take them to Rick's private island to confront him about what they discovered. They are not prepared for what they find - Rick's home is tossed and he's dead. Because of the public breakup and Beth finding Rick, their bumbling police captain is convinced Beth is the murderer. Lindsey knows better and begins sleuthing and working on leads the police aren't even pretending to chase down.

I enjoyed Books Can Be Deceiving. The characters are kind and lovable, except Ms. Cole but she's a character in her own right. I found myself able to connect with Lindsey and Beth, not because they are similar to me or we've been down the same roads, but because they are fun, interesting, and nice. I love the author's writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The character development allowed for me to get to know Lindsey, Beth, Sully, and everyone else. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story. I completely enjoyed the scene at the art college with the professor when Beth and Lindsey walked in on a class. 

There is the potential for a romance but the author softly wove it through the book. Nothing overshadowed the murder of Rick or the sleuthing that went on as Lindsey attempted to do the job the local cops were not. She pulled a couple rookie amateur sleuth mistakes but she was a pretty smart overall. I'm invested in these characters now and already have book 2 from my local library.

My review copy is courtesy of Michigan's interlibrary loan program. Thank you MelCat!

My Rating:

Review ~ Kickbacks, Kayaks, and Kidnapping by Tonya Kappes @tonyakappes11 ~ A Camper & Criminals Cozy, Book #12

Book Details:

Print Length: 173 pages

ASIN: B08B4VX9CD

Publication Date: August 29, 2020
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aXghQi

About the Book:

Deep in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Mae West has spent the last few years bringing the rundown Happy Trails Campground and the small southern and cozy town of Normal, Kentucky back to a thriving economic community.

Mae's efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Not only is Happy Trails Campground in the running to be named Campground Hospitality of the Daniel Boone National Park, but she landed the coveted Paddle Fest kayak competition that secures the winner a spot on the Olympic team.

When champion and Olympian kayaker Bryce Anderson turns over in his kayak dead...there's more than paddling going on and his death has been ruled a homicide. News of Bryce's death spreads fast and Happy Trails becomes the center of bad publicity.

Come camping with Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies as they put their sleuthing, well nosy, caps on and put their skills to the test so they can figure out who killed the Olympian and save Happy Trails from financial ruin.

My Review:

Mae has done a lot of work to get Happy Trails Campground and Daniel Boone National Forest on the itinerary of vacationers everywhere. So much so, she's up for a spot on a committee and for an award. Her efforts include hosting Paddle Fest, a kayaking competition set to name the next person to claim a spot on the kayaking team at the Olympics. 

Unfortunately, wild spirit and top contender, Bryce Anderson winds up dead.  His death is ruled as a homicide, bringing murder to the campground and Paddle Fest, causing unwelcome bad press, judgmental townsfolk, and fear. To find Bryce's killer, bring closure to his family, and remove the dark cloud over Happy Trails Campground, Mae and her Laundry Club Ladies investigate Bryce's death in hopes of quickly solving the crime.

The mystery was exciting and intriguing. Author Tonya Kappes does a wonderful job introducing a number of potential suspects. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive. I was truly shocked when the culprit was revealed. I was also saddened for the family of the deceased and for the family of the killer.

I love how the author developed the characters and created such a fun and entertaining world. The characters are just that - characters. Each one is hoot in their own right. The romance between Mae and Hank is subtle and doesn't overshadow the mystery. I love romances in my cozies but not when they are the main focus. I want a little bit of romance in my cozy, not a little bit of cozy in my romance. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning and loved the adventures as Mae and company “helped” the police figure out who the murderer was. 

I was provided a copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Rating:

ARC Review of Chili Cauldron Curse by Lynn Cahoon @KensingtonBooks ~ Kitchen Witch Mysteries, Book #.5 - Out on August 25, 2020

Book Details:

Print Length: 100 pages

Publisher: Kensington Books

Publication Date: August 25, 2020

ASIN: B0851PV6HQ

Pre-Order: https://amzn.to/3iUsFDG

About the Book:

When Mia Malone’s grandmother asks her to take a week away from her restaurant job and come to Magic Springs, Idaho, she’s happy to oblige. Like Mia, Grans has witchcraft running through her veins, and life with her is never boring. Plus, the cause is a good one—helping Grans get the local food bank up and running again. But there’s an unappetizing surprise in store. While Mia is knee-deep in boxes of donated produce, she encounters the body of Dorian Alexander.

Dorian was a warlock, leader of the local coven. He was also her Grans’ new beau. There’s no potion that’ll make this trouble disappear. But if Mia wants to keep her Grans—now a prime suspect—from serving a spell in prison, she’ll have to unearth the real killer fast. . . .

My Review:

Chili Cauldron Curse is the prequel to Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series. The story provides a great introduction to Mia Malone and her Grans. Only in town temporarily to help her Grans fix up the Magic Springs food bank, Mia's life is actually in Boise, Idaho. She and her boyfriend just bought a house together and she's anxious to get back and continue the remodel. Mia's plans are derailed a bit though with the discovery of dead body among the food donations. 

The story is well-written with likable, relatable characters. There is enough character development in the is novella to allow the reader to really obtain a grasp of who Mia and Grans are and get to know them. The world building was creative and allowed the reader to visualize the setting. I'm excited to see the new world created by the author and can't wait for the first full-length book in the series. If the prequel is any indication, this series is going to be spectacular!

I was provided a copy of this prequel to read.

My Rating:

Book Review & #Giveaway ~ Knot of This World by Mary Marks @KensingtonBooks ~ A Quilting Mystery, Book 8

Knot of This World

A Quilting Mystery, Book 8

Mary Marks

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Kensington

Publish Date: July 28, 2020

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages 

ISBN-10: 1496720512 

ISBN-13: 978-1496720511 

Digital ASIN: B07ZPJ5BLM

About Knot of the World:

Quilter Martha Rose must patch together the clues to solve the murder of a cult leader in the California mountains . . .

Has Martha’s fellow quilter and dear friend Birdie Watson become unraveled? Birdie and her new husband have decided to join the Mystical Feather Society, a spiritist group living on a commune in the mountains of Ojai, California. Before her free-spirited friend makes a huge mistake, Martha organizes a surprise visit to check out the commune. While white-robed members conduct a seancé in a glass yurt, their leader—Royal St. Germain—is nowhere to be found . . . until, that is, Martha and her friends discover him shot in their Winnebago. Now Martha must track down the killer and debunk the cult—before it's bye bye Birdie . . .

My Review:

Birdy is back in the quilter's group after returning to California from wintering in Arizona with her husband, Denver. She brings with her shocking news. They are selling all of their homes and possessions and retire to the Mystical Feather Commune. All of the money from the sales will be submitted to the Commune's trust for its sole and exclusive use. Smelling something fishy, Martha convinces Birdy and Denny, and a small group of friends, to take an impromptu trip to visit the Commune and meet its fearless leader, Royal St. Germain. Only, the surprise is on them. It seems Royal has disappeared and their trip was in vain. As the group decides to pack back up and head out, they find Royal dead in the vehicle they used to make the trip - Birdy and Denny's Winnebago.

In an effort to help expose Mystical Feather Society as a fraud, Martha finds herself eyeball deep in another murder. This one happens while she are in the same area but the clues to the murderer aren't as clear. Two of the "friends" on this journey of Operation Debunk aren't who they say they are and land themselves on the suspect list. Meanwhile, additional suspects present themselves or Martha speculates their involvement and potential reasons. I had an idea who may have been involved but the author did such a great job presenting several contenders that I wasn't sure until the very end.

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 is a riot and totally has Martha’s back. I really feel like they are all my friends since we’ve now been together for eight books.

Mary Marks does another wonderful job building up the mystery and keeping the reader on their toes. The truth of the situation is revealed at the perfect time and I was not disappointed. 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 in the series are subtle and don't overshadow the mystery. The entire novel is engaging; never a dull moment.

I was provided an ecopy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Google Play - IndieBound

Tour Post & Giveaway:

https://saphsbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/book-review-giveaway-knot-of-this-world.html