A Coastal Bookshop Murder

Tracy Auten

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mystery author Junie Carmichael returns to Thistleberry Point after her Aunt Nora passes away. Her plan was to pack up and close Nora’s bookstore but her plans change when she comes across a dead body at the store. Junie, along with Nora’s best friend Flo and chatty parrot Edgar, attempt to unravel the mysterious death. They find that there are several suspects in the town and work to find the true killer.

The author does a bang-up job of telling an engaging story that feels like a roller coaster ride. The suspects all have plausible motives and the plot keeps the reader guessing until the end. I admit that I was surprised by the ending (in a good way). Mystery readers will enjoy Auten’s work.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at the Inn

Murder at the Inn: A Beth Sanders Cozy Mystery

Iris Kingsley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While participating in the Windy Hollow Culinary Expo, baker Beth Sanders becomes entangled in the mysterious death of an obnoxious food critic. When digging for clues with her friends Beth and Penny, they learn that several people had a motive for murdering Nigel Verner. Can they pinpoint the culprit before someone else perishes.

Kingsley does an excellent job of weaving an engaging plot with plenty of zigzags between suspects. It keeps the reader on their toes as they attempt to figure out the culprit. I highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries.

*I received an ARC copy of this book. Any opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder

Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder: A Howdunit Gripping Cozy Thriller Prequel (Bed & Breakfast Cozy #.5)

Peyton Stone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When B&B owner Avery Jensen checks in a couple for the night, she has no way of knowing that the woman would turn up dead the next morning. To make things more complicated is the fact that the man she was with turns out to be the lead detective called in to investigate the murder. No one, except her friends Jess and Elle, believe Avery when she insists that Detective Charlie Winthrop is the killer. After all, he has an ironclad alibi. Or does he??

This book was impossible for me to put down. It’s not typically that a murder mystery begins with the reader knowing who the killer is. I loved reading how Avery was able to figure out how it was done. This was a fast-paced story that grabbed the reader’s attention from page one. I definitely recommend this book!

 

* I received an ARC of this book. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Mill Site Murder

The Mill Site Murder: An Intriguing Small Town Murder Mystery Exposing Shocking Truths (An Emma Lang Cozy Mystery Book 4)

Nellie Stein

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Event planner Emma Lang finds herself in the middle of a mystery when she discovers the dead body of the tissue mill’s maintenance manager during their 75th Anniversary celebration. At first it was believed to be accidental, but the more Emma investigates, the more she comes to realize it was murder. As she delves into the incident, she finds that several people may have reasons for wanting him dead. Can she figure out the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

I found this book to be well-written with fun characters and lots of twists and turns. The story kept me engaged and guessing right up to the conclusion. This is the first book I have read in this series but am definitely interested in going back and reading Stein’s earlier books.

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Cache of Deceit

A Cache of Deceit: A Cozy Mystery of Stitched Clues and Silent Warnings 

Alsie Hunter

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Antique expert Magda Lane is drawn into a mystery when Jack Holt asks her to help solve a puzzle left by his great-aunt Edna that will lead to an inheritance. Jack, Magda and her friend Ivy work to decipher the clues left behind, but they are not the only ones on the trail. Will they be able to solve the clues and find the cache before someone else discovers it?

This mystery has a more serious feel to it than some cozies (not a criticism, just an observation). The clues and puzzles really engage the reader. I was intrigued by the mystery and was anxious to see how it all turned out. This is a good read for those who like to be challenged by clues and puzzles.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder Served Cold

Murder Served Cold: A Chloe Lane Mystery

Daisy Bell

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book store owner Chloe Lane finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation when someone poisons a reviled food critic during Bramble Dale’s cookoff. Her friend, Rosie, has been framed for the murder and it’s up to Chloe and her Yellow Lab Peanut to clear her name. Along with her friends, Chloe pulls at threads until the mystery is solved and the killer is apprehended.

I really enjoyed this mystery. It was fast, fun read with great characters, several suspects and a plot that was interesting without becoming overly complicated. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work and I recommend that other readers check her out.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Baseline Betrayal

Baseline Betrayal: A Green Acres Cozy Mystery (Expected publication date 5/28/25)

Nina Hunt

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

More trouble in Green Acres! Mia and her son, Eli, stumble onto a town-wide conspiracy after a basketball scout is found dead. As suspicion grows, they team up with the Granny Sleuths and their Yorkie, Toby, to discover the truth. Can the town survive the conspiracies and corruption that has been going on for decades?

The author spins another complex tale of corruption and secrecy that plagues the town of Green Acres. The twists and turns come fast and furious and as the reader, it can get a little confusing. I feel that readers who like intricate conspiracies will enjoy this book.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: A Green Acres Cozy Mystery (Expected publication date 5/28/2025)

Nina Hunt

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Journalist Mia Andrews returns to her hometown of Green Acres to care for her spirited grandmother, Carmen. What starts as a simple assignment covering the town’s Annual Beauty Pageant quickly turns into something much more sinister. When a pageant tiara goes missing and a dead body is discovered, Mia teams up with Carmen and her lively group of “Granny Sleuths” to uncover secrets that could shake Green Acres to its core.

The story begins with promise—quirky characters and a charming, straightforward mystery that draws you in. However, as the plot progresses, it becomes increasingly cluttered. The addition of multiple twists and an overemphasis on the eccentricities of the Granny Sleuths make the story feel forced and, at times, hard to follow. It’s as if the author was trying too hard to pack in charm and complexity, when the foundation of the story was already strong enough on its own.

That said, fans of small-town mysteries and amateur sleuthing teams may still find enjoyment in the setting and cast. With a bit more focus, this series could really shine.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Dash of Death

A Dash of Death: A Kat Calloway Mystery (Expected publication 5/28/25)

L.B. Dayton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kat Calloway is the head chef at Larkspur, an upscale restaurant in Dallas. Her reputation is rising quickly until a harsh food critic drops dead during his meal. She becomes the main suspect when it is determined that he was poisoned. Kat and her friend, maitre d’ Ben work together to clear their names and save their reputations.

This book is an engaging cozy that held my interest throughout. The author, Dayton, does a good job of weaving mystery and suspense into the plot, making it difficult to figure out the culprit. While I found the ending to be a little underwhelming, I won’t give anything away. That said, I enjoyed this read and believe that cozy mystery fans who are foodies will find this book interesting.

*I received an ARC and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.

Death, Deceit and the Deep

Death, Deceit and the Deep: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery (Expected publication date 5/26/25)

Bessie Barr

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finn Dockery and her friend Birdie Black are planning to launch a vlog featuring Finn’s kite-surfing skills. But a sudden storm leaves them—and their pets, Beau and Queen Bean—adrift in open water. Then they stumble upon a dead body floating in the ocean, later identified as a passenger aboard the yacht that eventually rescues them.

With the Coast Guard delayed due to the storm, Finn and Birdie begin to investigate this mysterious murder. Could the killer be the First Mate who clashed with the victim? Or the doctor whose explanation for the death doesn’t quite add up? The amateur detectives must solve the murder before anyone else ends up overboard.

This fourth book in the series is a fast-paced, offbeat mystery filled with quirky characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing. The story zips along with just the right mix of humor and tension, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a nautical twist!

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Buried Secrets and Killer Brownies

Buried Secrets and Killer Brownies: A Harper Cozy Mystery

Lyla Ashton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Harper Skye moved to Haven Point to run a B &B after her husband passes away. During renovations, she uncovers one of her late husband’s journals, opening a centuries-old mystery that threatens to destroy everything she knows. Along with her friends-Agnes, Sam, Luke and Vicki-and her trusty labradoodle, Chandler Bing, Harper works to unravel this mystery before it is too late.

This book is a bit different than most of the cozy mysteries I read. It has a more serious tone and had some paranormal/fantasy elements to it that I wasn’t expecting. Honestly, I had a difficult time getting into the plot. However, I enjoyed the character development and the author’s use of imagery. Even though this book was not my preference, I feel it was well-written and readers that enjoy a mixture of mystery and fantasy would enjoy it.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookSprout. All opinions expressed are my own.

Whispers from the Recipe Box

Whispers from the Recipe Box (Expected Release May 24, 2025)

Debra Deetz

⭐️⭐️⭐️

When investigative journalist Julia Wright stops by the local bakery to deliver puzzle books, she’s shocked to find Joe Holloway dead. Convinced it wasn’t an accident, Julia dives into uncovering the truth. With help from her friend Lucy and Detective Vance, they uncover that the motive revolves around a “golden recipe” created by Joe and Julia’s grandmother, Eleanor. But why was this recipe so valuable—and who would go so far as to kill for it?

I have to be honest—I struggled to follow the plot. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say that the recipe ties into a complex conspiracy dating back to Grandma Eleanor’s younger years. While the premise was intriguing, I found it challenging to piece everything together in a satisfying way. This book might appeal to readers who enjoy intricate conspiracies, but personally, it wasn’t my cup of tea.

I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maid of Dishonor

Maid of Dishonor: A Murder and Muffin Cozy Mystery (Expected release-May 24, 2025)

Jane May Billows

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiona Collins is a baker who travels to Hawaii to create a wedding cake for a socialite and her actor fiancé. Right after she arrives, the bride-to-be’s sister is murdered and Fiona is drawn into the mystery. She combines her amateur sleuthing skills with Jack Sullivan-a man from her past. Together, they dive into the mystery filled with secrets and suspicions.

The author creates a fast-paced and interesting plot, filled with red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the final reveal. I was thoroughly engaged, unable to discover the culprit until the reveal. Billows blends mystery with humor, making the story both suspenseful and entertaining. It’s a fast, enjoyable read and I think others would enjoy this book.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Scones, Secrets and Sabotage

Scones, Secrets & Sabotage: A Jenna McGregor Cozy Mystery

Willow Thorne

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Jenna McGregor moves home to reopen her late aunt’s cafe, turning it into a coffee shop/bakery. As she prepares to participate in the Harvest Festival, her best friend Lisa and her neighbor Mildred, join her to assist. Things turn strange when people began to complain about things disappearing. Then, one of the festival officials meets an untimely demise. Jenna and her friends start to investigate and end up with a target on their backs. Can they catch the killer before they become the net victims?

This books has a lot going for it…offbeat characters, humorous situations and some romantic tension between Jenna and Chief of Police, Joe Carter. The small-town atmosphere and cozy setting were charming. However, the plot felt a bit disjointed. At the beginning of the book, the main focus was the missing items, but midway through, it abruptly switched to the murder of a minor character, without much build up. Clues would be found, but some were never followed up on, leaving loose threads.

I feel that this author shows a lot of potential and has a great voice for cozy mysteries, but the storytelling could benefit from tighter plotting. If I could, I would rate this 3.5 stars-an enjoyable read with room to grow.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Curtain Call Catastrophe and the Bow Wow Bakery

Curtain Call Catastrophe and the Bow Wow Bakery: A Doggy Bakery Cozy Mystery (Expected release date 5/23/2025)

Belinda Page

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sophie and her dog Max are a well-known fixture in Glenwood Falls. After all, Sophie is the owner of the popular Bow Wow Bakery. They become involved with the local theatre group when Max gets a part in their upcoming production. But before the curtain opens, one of the players meets with foul play. Sophie is determined to find out who done it before someone else meets the same fate.

The author does a great job of weaving together a mystery that keeps the reader engaged. I finished this story in one sitting. There were twists and turns that kept me guessing until the reveal. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sugar Spells & Secrets

Sugar Spells & Secrets: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sophie Vanora moved to Quillhaven when her great-aunt passes away and leaves Sophia her candy shop. Sophie finds that Sugar Spells is enchanted and begins to learn about the magic throughout Quillhaven. When her great-aunt’s magic recipe book is stolen, it’s up to Sophie and her new friends to find out who took the book and why they are using its magic for evil..

Full disclosure: paranormal mysteries are not usually my cup of tea. That said, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I found the plot to be engaging and the author did a nice job of creating quirky characters that made this story light-hearted and fun. It has even made me reconsider reading more of this genre

*I received a free ARC of this book from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Basquing in Bakersfield

Basquing in Bakersfield: Susie Greene Mysteries Book 3 (expected release May 20, 2025)

Bessie Hubbard

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genealogist Susie Green and her Border Collie Delfina, travel to Bakersfield, CA to meet with her cousin Cassie and research a family member’s mysterious disappearance in the 1930’s. While attending a local Basque cultural celebration, the organizer is found dead and Susie, Cassie and Delfina are swept up into the investigation. Can they solve the mystery before there is a second victim?

When I began to read this book, the first chapter made several references to the previous book in the series. It kind of felt as if I were dropped into the middle of a story. However, by the end of chapter 2, I was hooked. The plot was intriguing and the characters well-developed. I enjoyed the author’s inclusion of the Basque culture,  which added uniqueness to the story. I also liked that the main character worked with the police and knew to follow police procedures while investigating. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.

*I was given an ARC by the publisher and BookSprout. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at the Cluck and Oink Feed Store

Murder at the Cluck and Oink Feed Store: An Emmy Forester Cozy Murder Mystery

Arden Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While visiting the Cluck and Oink Feed Store in Hope Springs, Emmy Forester finds herself in the middle of a mystery when Sylvia Morrell collapses and dies at her feet. Sensing that foul play is involved, Emmy is determined to find out who murdered the scientist before she becomes the next victim.

This book is part of a series written by Arden Gray. It features an easy-to-follow plot, but there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. It’s a quick read with some humor thrown into the mix. My only critique is that there were a couple of scenes that seem misplaced and did interrupt the flow of the story. Still, I would recommend this book to a reader looking for a light and engaging mystery.

*I received an ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder in the Dollhouse

Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story (expected publication date May 20, 2025)

Rich Cohen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jennifer Dulos was a wealthy, suburban wife who was in the midst of a contentious divorce when she vanished in May 2019 after taking her children to school. She and her husband had met at Brown University, went their separate ways and then reconnected and married in 2004. While it seemed their life appeared perfect from the outside, it was anything but. After finding out about her husband’s affair, Jennifer moved out with her 5 children and filed for divorce in 2017, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.

In this book, the author takes a deep dive into the lives of Jennifer and Fotis Dulos. Cohen meticulously reports on their upbringing, family lives and the events that lead up to this tragic disappearance. I was not very familiar with this case and felt this book presented in this case in an informative way. I felt the only drawback was the lack of information on the actual police investigation. Despite that, this story held my interest throughout and I would recommend this book to other true crime readers.

*I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Deadly Sip

Deadly Sip: (A Harper Lane Cozy Mystery)

Eve Barrett

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Harper Lane, the owner of Book Nook book store in Willow Creek, never expected her monthly book club to turn deadly. Harper immediately jumps into the fray to investigate who from the book club would poison Madeline Prescott. With the help of Detective Noah Reynolds and her African Grey, Edgar, can Harper find the killer before she is the next victim?

This fast read was an enjoyably mystery that kept me guessing until the end.  I liked Harper’s determination though at times, she’s a little too stubborn for her own good. Also, there were a few little things that either she or Noah did that would not fly in real life (such as both disturbing evidence without wearing gloves), but that might stand out more to me because I read a lot of true crime. Bottom line, I would recommend this book to others.

All Aboard For Murder

All Aboard for Murder (A Barb Stitch Cozy Mystery #2)

Nina Wells

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Librarian Barbara Stitch and her trusty golden retriever Suga are drawn into a mystery when a body is found in the hardware store in Broad Hollow. The owner, Frank is the immediate suspect, but Barb is not convinced. As she investigates, her friends gather around her to help her unravel the crime. Will they be able to find the truth or will the secrets destroy Broad Hollow?

This book has a compelling plot that keeps the reader engaged right from the start. I like how the author develops not only the storyline but brings the characters to life and does a good job of painting a picture of small-town living. I would recommend this book to other cozy mystery lovers.

*I received an ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Splash of Murder

A Splash of Murder (A Historical Cozy with Mermaids, Secrets and Small Town Scandals)

Evaine Wells

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Journalist Mildred Lancaster left New York and returned to her hometown of Mermaid Springs to take over the family’s newspaper while her father recovers from a serious car accident. She is there less than 24 hours before tragedy strikes at the local amusement park. A murder has taken place and Mildred immediately begins to investigate, which draws the ire of the local sheriff, Thad Donovan. They form an uneasy alliance and work together to unravel the mystery.

I really enjoyed this book. It is set in the 1950’s and the author carefully incorporates pieces from that era throughout.  Mildred is a feisty character that stands her ground in a male-dominated field (and culture) and proves she belongs. It’s a fun and fast read that I think many cozy mystery readers would enjoy. I look forward to more books in this series.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Splash of Secrets

 A Splash of Secrets (Book 0.5: A Cozy Prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries)

Evaine Wells

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mildred Lancaster is a young reporter for the New York Herald in the 1950’s. Though she longs to be an investigative reporter, her editor assigns her society fluff pieces. One day, she overhears a conversation at the local diner about some damaged rare art books and strange markings, she begins to investigate. She reluctantly agrees to work with one of the “librarians”, Silas Kendrick to find the answer to the mysterious  vandalism.

This novella is a prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries series. It explains how young Mildred ends up back in her hometown of Mermaid Springs to take over her father’s newspaper while he is recovering from a car accident. The character of Mildred is feisty and does not easily back down. It’s a very quick and light read. I’m excited to see what happens next in the series.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Shop ‘til You Drop Dead

Shop ‘til You Drop Dead (A Penelope Sinclair Murder Mystery)

Tessa Aura

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Penelope and her teacup chihuahua Tao have moved from Boston to Bath, Maine to start a new life after her divorce. She was looking forward to a nice, quiet transition to this quaint town. However, a dead body dumped in an alley at the back door of her new shop derails her plans. She soon caught up in the mystery of Ricky’s death and alongside Detective Caleb Grant, rush to solve the case before she becomes a victim.

This book is a quick, easy read that keeps the readers’ attention until the end. The author adds some humor along with the intrigue, which makes the story flow. There is a cliffhanger that seems to be the setup for the next book. If you are looking for a light, clever read, I would recommend this book.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Masked Murder

A Masked Murder (Sam Baker Cozy Mystery Book 4)

Cass Landri

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

This is a cozy mystery from the Sam Baker series written by Cass Landri. Sam, her pet dog Diggy and her friends Hazel and Lily are heading to cater desserts for a weekend event at the historic Holloway House. During the first night, one of the guests at the costume party is murdered. Can Sam and her friends solve this case before someone else is harmed?

This story was intriguing as Sam and her friends tried to unravel the mystery of Daniel’s death. That being said, I did struggle at times to keep everything straight. There were hidden rooms, forgotten buildings and missing documents that the author weaves into the story. But sometimes, it almost seemed too much. Also, this story has other elements that are intertwined with previous books. Though you can enjoy the book as a stand alone, I think it would be helpful to have read the earlier books to fill in some of the gaps. 

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at Honey Hollow Inn

Murder at Honey Hollow Inn: A Small Town Cozy Mystery

Lorna St. James

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clem Harper runs the Honey Hollow Inn in the quaint town of Maplewood. While preparing to host a writers’ retreat, Simone Lancaster, a local art dealer, turns up dead in the parlor. Clem, retired detective Finn and her friend Mabel attempt to find who the killer is and why Simone was killed.

This novella struggles to gain traction from the beginning. After finding the dead body, Clem does not call the authorities, instead she decides to confide in a retired detective as not to disrupt the writers’ retreat. I know that when reading fiction, one sometimes needs to suspend reality. However, this was a leap that was difficult for this reader to make. The author attempts to make the characters quirky, but they come off two dimensional. I believe that this may be the author’s first book and I’m sure as she continues to write, these issues can be resolved.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Moonlight, Matcha & Murder

Moonlight, Matcha & Murder (A Darcy and Mozart Cozy Culinary Mystery Book 7)

Greta Sinclair

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Darcy Finnegan is a food critic that travels to Japan to experience the Autumn Festival in Takayama, Japan. Her best friend Lizzie and Schnoodle Mozart accompanied her to explore this cultural celebration. As the festival begins, there are two mysterious deaths that Darcy and her friends begin to investigate. Will they be able to unravel the puzzle surrounding these deaths?

This is the first book I’ve read from this series and I must say that I was hooked from page one. Not only was the plot compelling, but the author’s use of imagery made me feel as if I were there at the Autumn Festival. Her knowledge of the Japanese culture is apparent and she weaves Japanese vocabulary seamlessly throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book and confidently recommend this to others.