Enjoyable cozy set in southern Indiana. Lots of references to local area so this is an added bonus if you are familiar with Brown County. The main chaEnjoyable cozy set in southern Indiana. Lots of references to local area so this is an added bonus if you are familiar with Brown County. The main character, Robbie Jordan, has recently opened a country store and restaurant. This cozy is filled with details about that adventure as well as an unexpected one. Robbie finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when the murderer tries to plant evidence to make her look guilty. As the story progresses multiple suspects are identified and Day does a wonderful job of pointing attention to the different parties. In the end the murder is revealed and I found it to be a believable solution. As well, the clues to their guilt were revealed to the reader during the story. The characters were quirky and believable although my main reason for not giving it 5 stars was at times it felt like there were too many characters to keep track of all of them. Part of that was to add to the small town, everyone knows each other, feel but it did make it hard to follow as I picked up the book at different times.
All in all I enjoyed the book and the characters and I plan to try more of the series ...more
Fun cozy set among the scenic Alaska wilderness. Fun setting based out of a diner and full of plenty of Alaskan scenery. Characters are heart warming Fun cozy set among the scenic Alaska wilderness. Fun setting based out of a diner and full of plenty of Alaskan scenery. Characters are heart warming and supportive of them be another. Charlie has taken over her mother’s diner, Bear Claw, and has to work to solve the murder of one of her staff. Lots of secrets are uncovered and romantic relationships began in this first in the series mystery. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future installments...more
This second book in the series was a good balance between plot and descriptive prose. Jess finds herself mixed up Tourist becomes detective in Ecuador
This second book in the series was a good balance between plot and descriptive prose. Jess finds herself mixed up in a mysterious death through a case of bad timing. Even as she tried to stay out of the investigation she gets drawn in. The mystery is full of speculation of who's guilty with several misdirects but in the end the story is wrapped up well and Bloom does a great job of clarifying the motive and how the crime was committed. The murder mystery is only a small portion of what makes this book so enjoyable. Bloom does a masterful job of creating truly likeable and believable characters. The humor and family banter is well written. Even when they are annoying you feel the emotions and interactions between the characters. It is easy to envision being there in Ecuador with Jess. The other aspect of the story is the descriptions of Ecuador and the scenery and culture there. It is definitely an armchair tourist book. Even with all that I must say that my favorite part of the story was.how Bloom ended the book. She puts a wonderful twist that is a perfect and heartwarming setup for the continuation of the series. It is well done and absolutely fits the storyline
3 and a half stars Good cozy mystery. Enjoyable characters and a good mystery. At times it felt a little jumpy rather than a smooth read. I read this 3 and a half stars Good cozy mystery. Enjoyable characters and a good mystery. At times it felt a little jumpy rather than a smooth read. I read this as the first book I read in the series and it wasn’t really a problem. I think I might have followed the character relationships a bit better if I had read the previous stories in the series. I will probably go back and read more in the series...more
This book is the second in the series set in Palawan in the Philippines. You do not need to read the first one to eAnother great installment in series
This book is the second in the series set in Palawan in the Philippines. You do not need to read the first one to enjoy this cozy mystery. The story continues to develop the relationships between Shelby and her new friends. Several mysteries surround them and one of the unique things about this story is The Who did it isn’t necessarily the center of the story, but rather the why and details are much of the story development. It is easy to relate to Shelby and her curiosity and actions. I look forward to reading the next book in the series...more
This third book in the series was as good as the first 2. The twists and turns keep you from figuring out who is the guilty party until the very end. This third book in the series was as good as the first 2. The twists and turns keep you from figuring out who is the guilty party until the very end. Davis continues to develop her main characters in this installment. This book focuses more on Shelby and Jesse as well as Marlena. There are some funny moments as always as you cannot help but smile at Marlena's personality. We also see a deeper side of Jesse and Shelby's relationship in this storyline. The supporting cast of the ladies isn't as prominent in this book with the exception of Jasmine as this story's main setting is her and Winston's B&B.
A great cozy mystery. Loved the characters of Shelby and Jesse. It is fun to read about her budding friendship with the ladies she meets in Palawan. TA great cozy mystery. Loved the characters of Shelby and Jesse. It is fun to read about her budding friendship with the ladies she meets in Palawan. The characters are easy to relate to and feel very much like real people. The mystery was a good one with several twists
This book really intrigued me as I am a recent PADi certified diver and I became even more excited when I read it was set in Palawan. I have visited and cannot wait to return someday. I look forward to reading more in the series...more
This is the first in the location scout series. Enjoyable characters with a nice dose of description of the countryside. This booCharming English cozy
This is the first in the location scout series. Enjoyable characters with a nice dose of description of the countryside. This book is especially appealing if you are an Austen fan, particularly Pride and Prejudice. The book has great character development and a guilty party that is believable but not obvious...more
I enjoyed reading this first book in the series and plan to read more. There were parts of the story that were a little annoying. Mooney writes the boI enjoyed reading this first book in the series and plan to read more. There were parts of the story that were a little annoying. Mooney writes the book in a manner that is similar to having a high speed conversation. At times things are bit too staccato and make it difficult to follow the writing. But it is definitely a fast paced story with interesting characters.
I enjoyed the interactions of the characters. Brandy, the main protagonist, her friends, Suzanne and Julia, are all quite entertaining. The whole story of how she meets Jiff and the ensuing chaos and drama is quite crazy but fun to read. The story is part mystery, part romance and just pure fun. Oh yeah there's lots of cute Schnauzers so what's not to love about that. There are some outlandish scenes in some Bourbon St clubs that make for fun reading. I look forward to reading more in the series....more
I enjoyed reading this book about Sabrina and her sleuthing. I realize this is the first book in the series and Ms. Potts was sCreative spin on a cozy
I enjoyed reading this book about Sabrina and her sleuthing. I realize this is the first book in the series and Ms. Potts was setting the storyline up including the back story. That being said it felt a bit jumpy at times. There was a bit too much internal reflection by Sabrina during the times she was questioning suspects. It made the story flow less smoothly. It felt a little info groups how it would be light hearted and about food and then the paragraphs of deep introspection would occur. I did enjoy the story and intend to read more of the series I appreciated that Sabrina was a strong character and there are layers to her personality. Her relate with the other characters add to the story. Particular the twist that she's dating the detective in charge of the case and how they deal with it. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses and resolves the outstanding questions...more
Surprisingly fun and engaging book. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the story. Bowen does a wonderful job of establishing doubt in theSurprisingly fun and engaging book. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the story. Bowen does a wonderful job of establishing doubt in the reader and the protagonist's mind as to who is behind the murder and accidents. I enjoyed that Georgie was portrayed as a smart woman but still showed how her sheltered upbringing lead her to be unknowing about many ordinary daily tasks. It is fun to try to visualize the 1930s era England and in particular the royal family. It is also interesting to see how they relationship between the Prince and Mrs. Simpson is portrayed from a fictional "insider" perspective vs the true history of the situation. All in all an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more of the series...more
an enjoyable cozy that gave a chance to revisit NH and catch up on the antics of Jules and Bun. They found themselves in trouble yet again while tryinan enjoyable cozy that gave a chance to revisit NH and catch up on the antics of Jules and Bun. They found themselves in trouble yet again while trying to get to the bottom of a mystery. enjoyable series and i hope there are more to come...more
This book is set in Ecuador and the author does a fabulous job of describing the scenery, culture andEnjoyable read with wonderful scenic descriptions
This book is set in Ecuador and the author does a fabulous job of describing the scenery, culture and characters in the book. You can absolutely feel Jessica's emotions about being in a foreign country and experiencing international travel for the first time. The characters are endearing and I cannot wait to read more about their adventures...more
A very enjoyable debut in a series. The book centers around Courtney Archer, who is the host of a cooking program based upon a persona of a Farmer's DA very enjoyable debut in a series. The book centers around Courtney Archer, who is the host of a cooking program based upon a persona of a Farmer's Daughter. Problem is this isn't really who she is and this public persona is becoming a challenge to keep up. Add to it a murder while hosting a baking challenge in the Poconos and there are lots of suspicions being cast her direction. She is a very relatable character who is struggling to do what she feels is the right thing without jeopardizing her career. The reader cannot help but root for her to get her way and to solve the mystery. I look forward to reading more in the series....more
Very enjoyable book. I had not previously read any of the other installments in the series but that wasn't too much of an issue. The only real issue wVery enjoyable book. I had not previously read any of the other installments in the series but that wasn't too much of an issue. The only real issue was keeping characters and their relationships to Brooklyn and Derrick. The characters are all very likeable and Carlisle does a great job at casting suspicion on various characters to keep the reader guessing on who the guilty party is....more
What a great series. I enjoyed reading this vistas much as the first I the series With Ms. Drew's details you cannot help but feel as though you are iWhat a great series. I enjoyed reading this vistas much as the first I the series With Ms. Drew's details you cannot help but feel as though you are in the South of France in Beldoc. Her descriptions of Julie Cavallo's pastries makes your mouth water. She continued to develop the characters we met in the first book while helping her son's chef, Eric, determine who killed his estranged father this book can be read alone even if you didn't read the first in the series I cannot wait until the next book is released this fall...more
This was a fun cozy read about 3 sisters who inherit a family bakery. The one sister is more keen on keeping it running in her mother's honor. Baking This was a fun cozy read about 3 sisters who inherit a family bakery. The one sister is more keen on keeping it running in her mother's honor. Baking is her passion and makes her happy. Her 2 sisters on the other hand would prefer to move on and pursue other passions in life. During the course of them finding their way and getting to the bottom of an apparent grudge against them by the Mayor, they end up solving a mystery around a mysterious death that the killer is trying to frame them for. I did figure out the guilty party about 3/4 of the way through the book but it didn't ruin the story for me as the "why" is explained as well.
The story line is a pleasant read and we get to know the sisters and their interactions a bit. Meanwhile there is a bit of romance in the air between the sisters and some handsome young bachelors. You will enjoy this read if you like cozy mysteries with a happy outcome....more
I enjoyed this second installment in the cozy series. Burns continues to write 2 mysteries within each book- the "live" action one and the character'sI enjoyed this second installment in the cozy series. Burns continues to write 2 mysteries within each book- the "live" action one and the character's novel one. This story is able to be read stand alone from the first but it is enjoyable to see the storyline progress. The characters are the same as in the first book and Burns continues to develop them and their relationships with one another. In this books she adds several new characters who are enjoyable to meet.
Dogs Don't Lie is a cozy mystery by Lisa Shay that I was given an advanced copy for free in return for this honest review I am providing.
The story ceDogs Don't Lie is a cozy mystery by Lisa Shay that I was given an advanced copy for free in return for this honest review I am providing.
The story centers around the main character of Kallie Collins, a recently graduated veterinarian who is living in Medford, Oregon. We first meet Kallie as she is arriving at a BBQ that her mother has failed to tell her is a large gathering with a blind introduction to a nephew of a "dear" friend of her mother's. This turns out to be one of several ambushes her mother pulls trying to fix her up, leading to some comedic moments in the book. While at the BBQ she's gets a call to meet the County Sheriff for an assist at a scene.
Here she meets Ben and the events that transpire lead to her involvement in his case. Her ability to communicate with animals leads the authorities to some clues and information about the victim of a crime. Kallie, ends up fostering a corgi/terrier mix named Ariel and a calico cat, Ella. She wrangles her best friends, Sam and Gracie to help her in her side investigation. Together they uncover more suspicious and apparently unlawful activities going on in Medford.
There are several escapades traipsing through the woods and on the back roads that eventually lead to Kallie helping the authorities solve the case. They even acknowledge her involvement provided valuable information that helped them close the case. Shay does a nice job of wrapping up the story and providing the missing pieces at the end. All in all the book was a very good, fast read. I look forward to seeing if there are more installments in the series and to see if Kallie and Ben become a couple....more
I always enjoy reading the cozy mystery set in CT that centers around Lindsay Norris and her work at the library as well as amateur sleuth. This time I always enjoy reading the cozy mystery set in CT that centers around Lindsay Norris and her work at the library as well as amateur sleuth. This time the week of Lindsay and Sully's wedding is being hampered by the mysterious death of a long time friend and town resident. There are plenty of cliche actions of 2 people confessing to protect each other and mysterious party guests. The story is a bit farfetched at times but the characters are so inviting and enjoyable that you can overlook the extreme drama. If you are looking for a clean cozy set around holidays and a wedding then this is a good fit for you....more
This was the ninth installment in the Library Lover's series by Jenn McKinlay. This story centered more on the relationship between Lindsey and Sully.This was the ninth installment in the Library Lover's series by Jenn McKinlay. This story centered more on the relationship between Lindsey and Sully. I enjoyed reading along as we watched their new living arrangements created some interesting moments. This story was a bit more elaborate than many of the other books in the series but was still and enjoyable storyline.
A fun cozy read for those who enjoy the genre....more
Always fun to visit Lake Eden and this time we got an added bonus visit to sunny SoCal. Hannah's vacatioAnother fun murder mystery with Hannah Swensen
Always fun to visit Lake Eden and this time we got an added bonus visit to sunny SoCal. Hannah's vacation was cut short when she had to rush home to clear Lonnie , her sister Michelle's boyfriend, of murder. The usual cast of characters helped Hannah solve the case. Following clues and leads led Hannah into a perilous situation as usual. My only complaint and why I have it a 3 was the ending felt rushed. The story was flowing along with good details character interaction but then suddenly the solution is just is just abruptly there. It felt a little unsatisfactory. Still all and all an enjoyable read...more
Any cozy lover will enjoy this latest installment of the New Orleans scrapbooking series by Laura Childs. You will especiallNOLA cozy to charm readers
Any cozy lover will enjoy this latest installment of the New Orleans scrapbooking series by Laura Childs. You will especially enjoy it if you like scrapbooking and paper crafts Carmela and her friend Ava are up to their snooping and socializing They continue to disregard Carmela’s beau, Detective Babcock and his warnings not to meddle in police business. The story is engaging and has a surprising twist at the end...more
This mystery set in Ireland was an enjoyable read, especially since I just visited Dublin last September. The story took a bit to get flowing but was This mystery set in Ireland was an enjoyable read, especially since I just visited Dublin last September. The story took a bit to get flowing but was an enjoyable mystery with clues pointing to many suspects The actual guilty party was a bit of a shock when revealed but the story pieces were tied together well in the end. The characters are quite charming and enjoyable, and you find yourself rooting for Megan and want her to charm her petulant boss I look forward to reading more in the series....more
What's not to love about the adventures of Scarlett, Harrison, Viv and Fee. Oh yeah don't forget Nick, Andre and Alistair. This latest installment in What's not to love about the adventures of Scarlett, Harrison, Viv and Fee. Oh yeah don't forget Nick, Andre and Alistair. This latest installment in the Hat Shop Mysteries does not disappoint. They even threw in a few cute dogs this time. All in all Jenn McKinlay does a great job telling a delightful story. She throws in just enough non mystery details to make the book fun and entertaining without being distracting. The who did it is a great twist as well....more
Jenn McKinlay has written another fun installment in her Cupcake Bakery series. Always fun to catch up with the crew at Fairy Tale Cupcakes in ScottsdJenn McKinlay has written another fun installment in her Cupcake Bakery series. Always fun to catch up with the crew at Fairy Tale Cupcakes in Scottsdale. An amazing number of murders seem to happen around them and this is raising the concern of the police chief. Not even Uncle Stan seems to be able to Mel from the wrath of the chief. This installment had some fun twists on the dynamics of the central crew in the stories. The murder in the case is a bit close to home being a friend of Mel and Angie's. The story line takes a few good twists and keeps the reader guessing who is the guilty party....more
It's a joy to catch up with Bailey in Harvest, OH. The supporting characters are a pleasure to read aboCandy making and crime solving in Amish country
It's a joy to catch up with Bailey in Harvest, OH. The supporting characters are a pleasure to read about as well. This is a wholesome feel good cozy. The guilty party was definitely a bit of a surprise. This installment had us viewing the English world from Charlotte's perspective a bit more. It is such an innocent view and gives you pause about some everyday things we take for granted. We also get a sneak peek at the main character of Amanda Flower's newest series which seems as though it might be delightful. We will Have to wait and see
It is always fun to read the Laura Childs' scrapbooking series. These books cover both my interests, mysteries and scrapbooking so they don't come outIt is always fun to read the Laura Childs' scrapbooking series. These books cover both my interests, mysteries and scrapbooking so they don't come out fast enough for my reading pleasure. This series is set in the French Quarter in New Orleans and as such has lots of the aspects one associates with the Big Easy. There are parades, fancy dining, and plenty of drinking in the book. There are nods to the city's links with the mystical and the dead as well as the antiques trade so prevalent there. The antiques business is at the center of this particular installment when Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava stumble upon the body of their friend Devon in his antique shop while watching a parade as part of the city's legendary Jazz Fest. The story of their amateur sleuthing to solve Devon's murder is intertwined with stories of their everyday lives, including the scrapbook store, Memory Mine, Carmela owns. There are plenty of visits from ex-beaus as well as glimpses of her current relationship with fiance, Detective Edgar Babcock. All in all the story is well paced and enjoyable with enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book if you like cozy mysteries and fun quirky characters....more
It is always enjoyable to read about Lindsey and her friends. This edition of the Briar Creek Library adventures is a delight as we visit Briar Creek,It is always enjoyable to read about Lindsey and her friends. This edition of the Briar Creek Library adventures is a delight as we visit Briar Creek, CT during a drought in June. Lindsay has a visit from a new town resident looking for gardening advice to save his roses. His thank you roses and more prove to be an unwelcome bit of attention. Fortunately her fiance', Sully and Robbie Vine are able to support her in confirming he lack of interest. This drags all 3 of them into a mystery that grows as the book progresses. We get glimpses of Lindsay and Sully's wedding planning and the lives of their friends and family during this book. I look forward to the next installment and see how Mrs. Cole's aka the Lemon's, new venture pans out....more
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