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[Yvonne]

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[Kaye]

Kaye K's Challenge

[Yvonne]

Welcome Kaye!

[Kaye]

Pall in the Family by Dawn Eastman
Suede to Rest by Diane Vallere

[Carol]

Carol's Cozy Challenge
# 1. A Doll House To Die For by Cate Price

Let’s visit the small, quaint town of Millsbury, PA. It is here
that Daisy Buchanan owns a shop called Sometimes A Great
Notion. She sells vintage sewing items and notions. She attends
auctions to obtain some of her wares. In this book, Daisy bids
and wins a dollhouse that she will spruce up as a birthday
present. But this dollhouse is creating a sensation, thus the title
“ A Dollhouse to Die For”
Get ready to settle down for a good cozy mystery. The
characters are well developed, unique and vivid. They become
involved in plenty of mystery, suspense with some romance.
There are many twists and turns surprising you at every turn.
This cozy will is a compulsive page turner.
It was real interesting learning the seriousness of dollhouse
owners in designing their houses.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand
alone and easily understood. I have not read the first but will be
doing so as the characters are very entertaining

#2. Delayed Death by Beate Boker

Welcome to Florence, Italy!! We are going to the historic centerof Florence to visit the Mantoni family. Most of them live in one apartment housing unit or ear the apartment building.
It is the day of Emma’s wedding. Caroline better known by the name Carlina is helping Emma dress. Carlina goes down to her Grandfather’s apartment to take him to the wedding with them.
Surprise….He is dead!!!
Emma pressures Carlina to not tell anyone until the next day hat he is dead. Emma wants to get married & go on a honeymoon first. So they undress Grandpa then put him to bed.
The next morning Grandpa’s twin brother finds the body. He knows his twin did not die naturally because Grandpa still had on his socks!! Great cast of characters…they all have some kind of unique, weird quirks.
Now enter Commissario Stefano Garini, the by-the-book, no nonsense police officer. He will be the prime investigator. He will meet and investigate everyone in this crazy family and others as Grandpa is pronounce a homicide. He finds tons of suspects each colorful in their own way. I enjoyed the chemistry starting to develop between Stefano and Carlina.
This was a very enjoyable, fun filled cozy murder mystery which had a lot of humor in addition to thrills, chills, drama, suspense, unexpected twists and romance. Be sure to read.
Thanks to the author for this eBook. The opinion is my own.

#3. Flamenco, Flan, and Fatalities (A Happy Hoofers Mystery) by Mary McHugh

An enjoyable story with the Happy Hoofers. They are traveling
through Northern Spain on a railroad luxury train.
Loved the characters and the chemistry between them. They
are all vivid and well developed. Each brings their own flavor
to the story.
There is plenty of mystery, murder, drama, suspense,
unpredictable plots and Spanish history.
Make sure you are not hungry as the recipes intertwined
throughout the story will tease your taste buds.
There are also tips for camera enthusiasts at the beginning of
each chapter.
Thank you to Net Gallery for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

4. The Rhyme of the Magpie Marty Wingate

Julia Lanchester is the daughter of the famous birder, Rupert
Lanchester. Rupert is the star of a BBC Nature series. Julia
quits her job in a dispute with her father. She feels he married
too soon following the death of her mother.
Julia takes a management position in the Tourist Information
Center in Smeaton-under-Lyme. This is a lovely English town
setting. Julia’s backyard affords us a look at some of the
area birds.
Then Rupert goes missing…. To where could he have
disappeared?? Did he go of his own accord or is foul play
involved as a threatening letter is found.
We get to travel to Marshy End . Rupert has a cabin there. Julia
and Michael Sedgwick, the replacement for Julia’s position
with Rupert, go to see if that is where her father is staying.
No Rupert instead they discover a body…. A dead body!!!
Great cast of characters with a lot of suspects. All the characters
were well-developed with each bringing their own flavor to the
story. Loved the chemistry between the main characters.
Mix together birding, rhyme, danger, intrigue, mystery, a well
plotted book with humor plus romance and this cozy mystery
gives you a captivating read.
Thank you to Net Gallery for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

#5. Murder Under the Desert Moon by Maria Grazia Swan

Time to jump in the pool under the Desert Moon!!!
This adventure begins courtesy of one Flash, the cat. Flash
belongs to Lella York, girlfriend of Detective Lawrence Devin.
When the detective leaves Southern California to travel to
Phoenix, Arizona to be a special witness for an old murder case,
Flash stows away in his car.
Now Lella must retrieve Flash by driving to Phoenix.
Excitement awaits Lella when she arrives.
Who exposes Lella to the action….none other than Flash.
Flash befriends a ferret named Lucy. Lucy belongs to the
character with a secret past that will play a key role in this drama.
The characters are fascinating. The twist and turns in the plot
keeps you on your toes. The story is filled with suspense,
intrigue, murder, mystery, danger and romance.
There is even a taste of humor throughout the book.
While this is the third book in the Lella York Mysteries, it can
be read as a stand alone.
Quick read that will leave you wanting more!!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#6. Unleashed by Eileen Brady
A complex cozy mystery starring a veterinarian Kate Turner. This is the second book in the Kate Turner DVM Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Kate has come to Oak Ridge, a New York town. She is
substituting for the regular vet while he is on a world cruise.
One of Kate’s clients is found dead.
Is it murder or suicide??? The police are saying suicide. Kate believes that a murder has occurred.
The victim had left her precious dog at the vet with out designating a person to pick him up. Kate discovers the victim was heading to New York to start a new job in a newly procured apartment. So why would she take her own life????
The book is intriguing with characters that are believable, engaging, fun and quirky.
The plot was a puzzling with many twists and turns. The town presents a lot suspects to investigate. This will keep you glued to the book from start to finish.
The book includes humor and edge. It takes you into the real daily practice of a vet. Kate treats small animals and large farm animals.
I enjoyed meeting Kate’s grandfather who lives in an assisted living facility. Gramps had been a fire investigator before retirement. Besides being a hoot, Gramps can provide sensible advise to Kate.
I found Mr Katz to be a real trip. You will need to read this book to find out who that is and what part he plays in the story.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Net Gallery and Poisoned Pen Press for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#7. Drape Expectations by Karen Rose Smith
Caprice, Caprice..what are you going to do? Which beau will be
the pick for you?
But first, a mystery needs resolution…who murdered Alanna
Goodwin, owner of the White Pillars mansion. Caprice has been
hired to stage Alanna’s home for sale.
Caprice’s friend Ace Richland had recommended her to Alanna.
Caprice discovers that is Alanna is trying to sabotage Ace’s
upcoming road tour working with one of the band members.
Then Ace’s house is robbed of two of his valuable guitars,
and Caprice interest is peaked. Caprice discovers issues of
infidelity, an illegitimate child, and a considerable estate. So
Caprice starts her own investigation.
This book is the fourth book in the Caprice De Luca Home
Staging Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
It is full of intrigue, suspense, suspects, humor, family values,
forgiveness, the awaited romantic decision and great food with
recipes at the end of the story.
Caprice also adds a new fur baby to her household, Mirabelle.
This is the white Persian cat that had been Alanna’s.
So make sure to visit Caprice and her family in Kismet,
Pennsylvania for an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Net Gallery, Kensington Publishing and the author
for the eBook. My opinion is my own

[Carol]

#8. Uprooting Ernie by Pamela Burford
Uprooting Ernie is the second book of a cozy mystery series
starring “The Death Diva ( Jane Delaney) and SB ( her inherit
dog, Sexy Beast)”.
It can be read as a stand alone. The author effortless weaves
intrigue and mystery from the past and present together which
allow the reader to follow along without difficulty.
Jane performs service for the survivors of the dead such as
taking flowers to the deceased grave sites on special occasions,
doing inventory of the late person estate even setting up a New
Orleans’s style funeral.
The Death Diva and SB are performing a service at the cemetery
after a very heavy rain storm when a tree topples. Going to
investigate where the tree has fallen….the Death Diva and SB
discover a skeleton. Meet Ernie…he was thought to have
committed suicide by drowning some 30 years ago. What a
surprise to discover Ernie was murdered then buried beneath a
newly planted tree some 30 years ago!!!!!
The first suspect is the wife of Ernie. Ernie had kept a huge
secret from her. The wife is Jane’s best friend. Jane sets out to
clear her best friend and find the real murderer.
You will be introduce to many vivid characters some who were
quirky and some who are fun. There are several suspects who
are all colorful in their own way. There is plenty of mystery,
drama, suspense mixed in with a lot of humor and a touch
of romance.
The plots with the twist and turns are utterly unpredictable.
The writing is captivating. A must read!!!!
Thank you to From Authors, For Authors and the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#9. Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Marty Wingate
If you enjoy gardening, reading cozies with a touch of mystery, murder, and romance with forthcoming wedding plans, this is the book for you!!!
This is the third book in A Potting Shed Mystery series but can be read as a stand alone. It is easy to follow as the author presents the past and present in an effortlessly manner.
The characters are all well defined. Each adds their own flavor to the story.
There are many twist, turns and surprises throughout the story.
Pru Parke is on a three month assignment. She is authenticating a journal that had been missing. The supposed author of thejournal was Archibald Menzies who was an 18th century botanist. Pru is working at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
While there, Pru is also planning her wedding to
DCI Christopher Pearse. Her encounters with the wedding dress designer are a hoot!! Add a former boyfriend, an irritating rival, an oversweet, over helpful assistant plus her friend’s estrange husband who is a priest, a boss who is evasive, a female police detective plus more. You need to read to meet
all the others.
Very enjoyable cozy with some plant history included. You will definitely want to read.
Thanks to Net Gallery and Alibi for the eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#10. The Case of the Invisible Dog by Diane Stingley
　
This is the first story in a new cozy series.
Surprising, witty and utterly unpredictable plot with many twists
and turns. There is plenty of mystery, suspense and drama. The
characters are engaging, quirky, interesting and fun.
Tammy Norman returns home to North Carolina. Tammy finds
a job with Shirley Homes as her assistant. Shirley believes she
is the great-great-granddaughter of the famed Sherlock Holmes.
Shirley claims ahe has proof that Sherlock Holmes was real not
fictional and she is a relative.
The first case to come their way involves an invisible dog. The
man claims he hears the dog whenever he gets goes to sleep
but never can find the dog. Then the man is murdered. Now
Tammy and Shirley have a real case to solve even though
the police keep warning them to let the authorities handle it.
Shirley is full of surprises throughout the book. Her disguises
are a hoot!!!!
Fun read.
Thank you to Net Gallery and Alibi for this eBook. My opinion
is my own.

[Carol]

#11. A Cat to Die For by Maria Grazia Swan

Two male Calico cats, almost alike except for one detail. What is that detail and why is it important??
Mina Calvi is running the Furry Friends Foundation. This foundation is a no kill shelter for cats & dogs. Mina also has an animal B&B.
The FFF has a male Calico cat up for adoption named Houdini. The love of Mina’s life, Diego Moran shows up with a Greek heiress wanting Houdini although she has a look-a- like cat named Zeus. Now the adventure begins…..
The cat caretaker is found dead, Houdini is kidnapped, Mina becomes involved, the suspense, drama and mystery build!!!
It is a fast moving story, with entertaining characters, good plot, humor and a hint of romance.
Although this is the fifth book in the series, the author weaves the past and present effortlessly so it can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#12 Candy Corn Murder by Leslie Meier
Come along to the Pumpkin Fest in Tinker’s Cove, Maine!!!
There are pumpkins everywhere and a container of Candy Corn to guess how many pieces are in the container!!
This is the first Lucy Stone cozy mysteries but I believe it is the 24th in the series. It can be read as a stand alone. The author weaves the past and present effortlessly so there is no problem
understanding who is who in this story.
The book is intriguing. The characters are engaging and very believable. The suspects, each colorful in their own way, involve the reader in a puzzling plot.
If you want a quick read with mystery, murder, mischief , humor and pumpkin catapulting try this book.
Thank you to Net Gallery and Kensington Publishing for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#13 Law and Author by Erika Chase
Welcome to Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese
Straw Society meeting at Molly’s home. A young woman
comes to the door looking for Bob Miller. She claims to be his granddaughter, Darla Lyman, whom he has never met.
Bob Miller, the retired police chief is a member of the book club but he has gone fishing today. Boy, is he in for a surprise!!!
Why is she really here? Is it because her mother, Bob’s estrange daughter has turned Darla out by not liking her choice of boyfriend or is there a more sinister reason?
Soon after the granddaughter’s arrival the body of a dead man is found in Molly’s backyard…the man that Darla had been arguing with in an alley down town.
Next Darla’s boyfriend appears on the scene. What is happening?
Suspecting things are not kosher, Lizzie Turner, a school teacher and amateur sleuth gets involved to determine what is really going down with Darla, her boyfriend and the dead man.
The author weaves the past and present together without difficulty. The characters are engaging, well defined and realistic.
Each character adds their own flavor to the story.
This is the fifth book in the Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery series but can be read as a stand alone.
Get ready to be swept away in an intriguing, well plotted book with humor and edge that will appeal to all.
Thanks to the author via Facebook’s Cozy Mystery Review for the book. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

Finished my Challenge but will keep on reading. Fun time reading cozy and reading new authors. Thanks for the challenge.

[Carol]

#14. White Colander Crime by Victoria Hamilton
Wow!! What a good read. This is the first Victoria Hamilton book that I have read.
This is the fifth book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, I will definitely be reading from the series from the start.
Get ready to attend the Dicken’s Day Festival in Queensville, Michigan. Jaymie Leighton is helping get ready for opening day at the Queensville Historic Manor.
Jaymie writes a column for the local newspaper about food. Jaymie is planning to cook in the vintage kitchen at the opening. Everyone in Queensville is excited about the Festival.
Then Jaymie discovers a badly beaten girl in the town
handyman’s workshop.
Who could have beaten this girl so badly?
The author’s description used is deftly woven into the story so the reader feels they are right there right along side of each character. The characters are artfully drawn and engaging. Some are quirky and fun but each one adds his/her own flavor to the story.
The author addressed many social issues tastefully such as dysfunctional family life, deceit, rejection, fear, bodily abuse,loss and grieving, betrayal, viciousness, greed, wrongful accusal but also filled the story with faith, friendship, trust and loyalty.
Intrigue, mystery, well plotted with humor, edge and a bit of romance make a perfect recipe for a captivating read.
Recipe from the story at the end of book.
Thanks to the author via Facebook’s Cozy Mystery Review for the book. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#15. Dangerously Dark by Colette London
Dangerously Dark is the second book in the author’s Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series. It is the first book I have read.
Hayden Mundy Moore, famous chocolate whisperer, travels worldwide doing chocolate consultations. In this book she takes us to Portland, Oregon. Her best friend in college is having an engagement party. That is until the fiancé turns up dead. The police declared the death an accident but Hayden senses it was a murder. She decides to investigate.
The characters are quirky but fun. Each one has their own faults making the story realistic. There are many twists and turns to conquer in finding the real murderer.
The story presents many different chocolate treats. It was a real chocolate learning experience. There are chocolate recipes included at the end of the story.
What a mixture…chocolate…mystery…murder…suspense and
recipes!!!
Thank you to Net Gallery and Kensington Publisher for this eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Carol]

#16. Ten-Gallon Tensions in Texas by Kassandra Lamb
Let’s travel to Texas….Off the family goes !!!
It is the home town where Skip grew up. Kate & Skip will be attending Skip’s High School Reunion. Skip does not have fond memories here as he was the subject of bullying by the jocks.
For being a short novella the author the addresses murder,mystery, suspense plus many other social problems such as:
greed, violence, domestic abuse, bullying, criminal mischief,alcoholism plus love in marriage, old friendships forgotten and family.
The story weaved together the past and present without
difficulty. The characters are very realistic and well developed.
There are a lot of colorful suspects presented for the sheriff.
This novella can be read as a stand along although it is the third novella in the Kate on Vacation Novella Series.
You will definitely want to read.
I received this eBook from the author. My opinion is my own.