St. George’s Church

St. George’s Church: GKP Most Haunted Places (Series 1, Book 3)

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This audiobook explores the history of the abandoned St. George’s Church in the Czech Republic. After a roof collapse in 1968, the building was deserted and left empty for decades. Today, there are several recorded incidents of haunting at the church. Some hear faint whispers while others see apparitions, such as the Veiled Woman and the Phantom Procession. The author presents bite-sized stories detailing ghostly phenomena that have been recorded at the church. These short accounts are great for readers are intrigued with haunted places who may not have the time for a full time read.

*I was given an ARC recording of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Murder at the Manor

Murder at the Manor: A Beth Sanders Cozy Mystery

Iris Kingsley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beth Sanders has been hired to cater a family event at the Everly Manor. She ends up being quarantined with the rest of the guests when the lady of the manor, Eudora Everly, is diagnosed with chicken pox and a major storm is descending on the area. While waiting out the storm, the butler is found dead and Beth finds herself searching for answers. Is it Eudora’s daughter, who is drowning in debt? Or maybe her son Victor, who is anxious to get his hands on his inheritance? Beth must solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim. 

Kingsley weaves an intriguing story that includes several possible suspects in a sinister setting. The leading character is a strong woman who uses her power of observation to get to the bottom of the mystery. I was engaged throughout the story and was eager for the culprit to be revealed. I would encourage other mystery lovers to give this book a read.

*I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Mayhem in the Masquerade

The Mayhem in the Masquerade: Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 6

L.L. Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Harper Sullivan’s enchanted bookstore, Spellbooks, has hit hard times and she is concerned that she may have to close. She organizes a book signing for best selling author Garrett Grimshaw in hopes of revitalizing the store. During the event, Grimshaw mysteriously disappears. Harper and her magical friends must figure out who is behind his abduction Is it an obsessive fan or someone in his inner circle. Harper needs to find him safely before word gets out about his disappearance and scandal rocks Havenwood.

Paranormal cozies are not my usual go-to, but this book might change that. Gray does a wonderful job of of weaving a captivating tale of strong characters with magical powers, descriptive settings and several twists and turns that keeps the reader totally engaged. The ending was a complete surprise to me! Also, there’s a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. 

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

Stalls and Scandals

Stalls and Scandals: Northern Lights Cozy Mysteries Book 3

Cheryl Dugan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When a farmers market is set up for a weekend in Northern Lights, Cassie Brooks volunteers to handle the cash payments for some of the higher priced vendors through her cafe. Unfortunately, someone breaks into her cafe and takes the money. Along with her friends, Cassie is determined to find the thief and make things right before the market ends.

This book was an interesting read and a bit different than other cozy mysteries I’ve read. The author takes time to develop the characters, the surroundings and the plot points. The actual crime does not take place until halfway through the book, but I was so engrossed in the story, that I didn’t realize it. As much as I liked the storytelling, the only negative is that the conclusion seemed rushed compared to the rest of the book. Finally, there was a secret revealed at the end that made a heartwarming conclusion. This is a cozy mystery that I think many readers will enjoy.

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

Murder at Starfall Lake

Murder at Starfall Lake: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery Book 5

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Olympic swimmer Diana Waverly takes a job as a swimming instructor at a summer camp in Quillhaven She is looking for peace and a slower pace, but instead becomes involved in the murder of real estate developer Bryce Hastings when she discovers his body in Starfall Lake. As she investigates, she begins to feel a magical connection to the lake and a romantic connection to journalist Evan Caldwell. Along with Leo and Luna, who are talking cats, Diana and Evan work to uncover who is behind the murder and bring peace back to Quillhaven.

I have read a couple of books in this series and I enjoy them. Each book is a stand alone story with some characters returning. In this book, the author does a nice job of the new characters and using the returning characters in suitable places in the plot. There is mystery, romance and magic in equal doses. I found this to be a delightful reading and look forward to future books by this author.

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

The Case of the Crumbled Cookie

The Case of the Crumbled Cookie: Gwen Lawson Mysteries (Short Reads)

Lisbeth Earley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gwen, Lorraine and Teensie are best friends who support each other in every way, including baking. Lorraine entered the Christmas Bake-Off to compete with her rival, Vivian Sterling. Things go awry when the competition is sabotaged and Gwen and Teensie investigate. Is Vivian playing dirty or is one of the other competitors trying to steal the prize?

This quick read had a cute holiday premise and a surprise ending. There is not much character development, but that’s to be expected in a short story. Overall, it was an endearing story and it came with a cookie recipe for those who like to bake. 😃 

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

Murder at the Bobbin and Bodkin

Murder at the Bobbin and Bodkin: An Emmy Forester Cozy Mystery

Arden Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emmy Forester and her dachshund, Wyatt Burp, seem to be a magnet for mysterious deaths. After discovering a lace veil in the her Oddity Shop, Emmy entrusts it to lace historian Dr. Hester Trilby. When Emmy discovers Trilby’s body, she is determined to find answers and justice for the murdered Trilby. If that wasn’t enough, she is still being tracked by the Truffle Mafia, who may have upped their illegal activities game in Hope Springs. Along with a new ally, crime analyst Ingrid Sorensen, Emmy works to find a killer and stop the Truffle Mafia.

This book definitely has layers to it. The plot is complex and keeps the reader on their toes. At times, there was so much going on that I found it a bit hard to keep track. I like the budding romance between Emmy and Jack and the Grannies added some much-needed humor to the story. If you like conspiracies and twisty plots that make you think, then this book is for you.

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

Dosing with Secrets

Dosing With Secrets: A Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery Book 4

Nelly Stein

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sarah Flynn is a police consultant and book store owner with her sister Amy in Pebble Bay, Maine. When Amy asked her to stop at the vet’s office to pick up some medicine, Sarah had no idea that she would be walking into a murder scene. Working with Detective Larry Larson, they attempt to determine who killed Rodney Shayne and why.

This book is book four of the Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery Series. I appreciate that the author gives some background of the main characters in the first chapter, so even though I haven’t read the other books, I was able to get a feel for the characters. The plot was engaging and kept my interest throughout. There were several suspects and the twist at the end was a bit of a surprise.  I also enjoyed the romantic tension between Sarah and Detective Larson. It added another dimension to the story. An enjoyable read for mystery lovers!

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

Murder and a Sunflower

Murder and a Sunflower: A Sunrise Flower Shop Cozy Mystery Book 1

Elizabeth Clover

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dove Davis is on the run from mobster Mateo Rossi for uncovering his counterfeit luxury bag scheme. With her is Rossi’s wife Rose, a jewel thief. They go back to Dove’s hometown of Sunrise City to stay with her grandmother, Sharon, who runs a campsite/RV park. After Ladybug (Dove’s newly acquired dog) finds the body of the flower stand owner, Dove vows to bring justice to Emily. Can she find the killer before Rossi finds her?

Clover weaves an entertaining tale of murder that includes eclectic characters, interesting side stories, humorous exchanges and a bit of romance. There are plenty of possible suspects to keep the reader guessing until the very end. I found this book to be a fun and fast read and think other cozy mystery fans would enjoy it.

*I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Death, Pageants and Pie

Death, Pageants and Pie: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery (Book 5)

Bessie Barr

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finn and Birdie find themselves smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation when radio personality Reggie “Boom Mic” McGraw is poisoned after judging the Pie-Off competition. With his abrasive personality on his radio show, there is no shortage of possible suspects…Birdie included. Can Finn clear her best friend and find the killer in time to finally have her first date with Detective Pace Stringfellow?

This was a fun read! Barr does a nice job of moving the plot along, developing interesting characters and adding in humor and romance in just the right amounts. There are several twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged. I definitely would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.

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

Death in Onsen

Death in Onsen: An International Foodie Mystery Book 1

Ann Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Megan Miller and her actor (soon to be ex) husband Reed Prescott have traveled to Japan to film an episode for their YouTube show “The International Foodie”. She thought the worst thing she would have to deal with was Reed’s ego. Little did Megan know that she would become a person of interest when influencer Aurora Wynters is murdered after an argument with her. Reed and Megan work together to clear Megan’s name and find out who the real killer is before Megan arrested.

This book was quite the ride! I like the premise of the plot, the character development and the well-placed snarkiness. The author does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes with all the twists and turns. I can honestly say I did not see this ending coming. Mix in a little romantic tension and you’ve got yourself an entertaining read!

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

Ghosts of Myrtles Plantation

GKP Most Haunted Places: Ghosts of Myrtles Plantation Series 1 Book 2(Audiobook)

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This short audiobook focuses on the Myrtles Plantation located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It claims to be one of the most haunted homes in America. The narrator shares several bite-sized spooky stories of incidents that take place in the plantation. From ghostly activities in the hallways to hauntingly beautiful phantom music that plays throughout the house, Myrtles Plantation is described as a ghost hunter’s dream. My only complaint is that the stories are too short…I’m so invested! I highly recommend this audiobook.

*I received an ARC from GKP. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Down to the Bone

Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice 

Caitlin Rother

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Joseph McStay, his wife Summer and two young sons disappeared from their San Diego County home in early February of 2010. There seemed to be no sign of a struggle, but there was eggs and fruit left on the counter and their dogs were left out in the backyard with no food.  Four years later, their skeletons were found in the Mojave Desert and law enforcement announced that the family was victims of foul play. But who was the culprit and why was the family targeted?

This true crime book, written by Caitlin Rother, investigates the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the McStay family, the suspects in the case and the courtroom drama that follows after an arrest. I give the author credit, this case is meticulously researched. However, there is ALOT of information to be consumed with this case, which sometimes made the story feel overwhelming. There were times I had to step away from it because it was just too much to digest at one time. I think a reader who is detail-oriented would like this book. I would rate it 3.5 stars. 

*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Marriage Knot Murder

Marriage Knot Murder: A Cozy Small Town Culinary Mystery (Hartbridge Mysteries)

Sophia Blake

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Retired high school teacher Sarah Thompson and her best friend Karen Kennedy are planning on just being guests at a wedding in which Karen’s daughter, Carrie, was is the maid of honor. However, when the wedding planner is murdered, Sarah and Karen begin investigating. Joining them is D’Shawn Cruz, Sarah’s former student and investigative journalist. With several suspects in their sights, will they be able to find the murderer before the wedding day?

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It started with a prologue that provided the reader with some main character background information before delving into the story, which I found helpful. There was a good flow with the storyline and the plot was easy to follow. The author used humor throughout in a well-balanced manner. At the end of the book, the author provided several tart recipes that were discussed in the story. I highly recommend this book to culinary cozy mystery lovers.

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

The Librarian’s Deadly Broadcast

The Librarian’s Deadly Broadcast: Lila and Whiskers Mystery Book 5

Rhea S. Brown

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Librarian Lila Hartley and her friend journalist Zoe Delgado decide to bring a positive change to Willow Creek by investing in a struggling local radio station. What they didn’t expect to find during renovation was the dead body of a missing broadcast named Freddy. It turns out that Freddy had uncovered some major corruption in Willow Creek and was about to spill the tea when he disappeared. Lila, Zoe and Whiskers (Lila’s cat) take up where Freddy left off, hoping to solve the mystery of who was behind the corruption and murder.

This fast-paced murder mystery is well written and keeps the reader’s interest throughout the book. The plot is easy to follow and I was hooked from page one. Brown has developed some quirky characters and uses subtle humor for the duration of the story. If you are looking for a quick, engaging read, give this book a try.

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

Footnotes of a Murder

Janell Sandler

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Third-grade teacher. Maggie Rose is looking for a relaxing vacation when she leaves for Hawaii for three weeks. What she didn’t expect was to get arrested after finding the body of Professor Richard Grant in the jungle. After being released, Maggie and her best friend Nora search for answers of who murdered Grant and why. What they find is a mystery involving cultural heritage vs. entrepreneurship. 

This book started out strong with the author setting the stage and developing the main characters. But then it hit some bumps in the road after the first few chapters. Some of the scenes seemed disjointed or didn’t move the plot forward in a meaningful way. The author used lots of humor (which there is nothing wrong with doing), but at times it felt forced or overdone. That said, the stories seemed to get back on track and flowed a bit more smoothly. Full disclosure, I was reading an ARC version of the book, so this issue may have been fixed in the final version. Overall, I liked the premise of the story and thought it had potential. I would give it 3 1/2 stars.

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

The Most Haunted Places-Secrets of Hoia-Baciu Forest

The Most Haunted Places-Secrets of Hoia-Baciu (Series 1 Book 1)

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hoia-Baciu is a forest in Romania that is thought to be haunted. This short audiobook (24 minutes) discusses tales of disappearances, lost time, glowing orbs and whispers in the wind. It’s a fascinating listen for those who enjoy supernatural and paranormal stories.

Espresso Yourself…To Death

Espresso Yourself…to Death: A Harper Lane Cozy Mystery

Eve Barrett

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Nook owner Harper Lane is excited to host a book signing for her friend and thriller author Dorian Hawthorne. After announcing a new non-fiction book based on the supposed drowning of a Willow Creek citizen, Dorian is found dead. Harper and Detective Noah race to find who killed Dorian and the reason behind his death.

This is an intriguing cozy mystery with several possible suspects. The author includes many twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. All in all, I feel that lovers of cozy mysteries would enjoy this book.

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

Murder on the Square

Murder on the Square: A Claire Hastings Cozy Mystery Book 1

Bonnie Blume

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Claire Hastings has retuned to Lake Everly to be with her ill grandmother and decides to stay after she inherits her grandmother’s estate. Her plan to open “Relics & Riches” hits a bump when a local historian is found dead in the shop. Claire learns that he was investigating suspicious lakeside land deeds and her family is in the center of the controversy. Can Claire and her friend Ruby expose the killer before they strike again?

There are both positives and drawbacks with this book. On the plus side, I felt the author did a nice job of developing the 2 main characters (Claire and Ruby) and showcasing their supportive friendship. The interjection of humor was well-timed and added charm to the story. On the downside, some parts of the plot felt repetitive and stretched out longer than necessary. I think this author shows real promise and I look forward to watching her skills grow in future books.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Skeletons, Secrets and Speakeasies

Skeletons, Secrets and Speakeasies: A Willowcraft Cozy Mystery, Book 2

Fran Heap

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author Tammy Rumbelow had moved to Willowcraft to make a fresh start. She wasn’t expecting to be caught up in a 70 year old bank robbery/murder cold case. The $300,000 from the robbery had never been recovered. Along with her eclectic group of friends, she discovers part of a hidden past of the small town, one that someone is trying to keep buried. 

For me, this book started out a little slow, but picked up steam as Tammy and her friends start hunting for the money. There were several twists and turns throughout the story that kept me engaged. Heap developed interesting characters and I enjoyed reading their interactions. All in all, this book had an appealing plot and setting. I think other cozy mystery readers would enjoy this book.

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

Secrets in the Soil

Bonnie Reed

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Librarian Maggie Nelson just wanted to take her dog, Watson for a walk. But instead, he ends up digging up a human bone at the old Mortimer Place which puts Maggie right in the middle a mystery. She and her friends delve into the lives of the Mortimers to see if they can uncover the who was buried by the house and what happened 15 years ago.

This was a quick read (112 pages) but moved along at a good pace. I liked the development of the main character, Maggie. We learn that her deceased father was a police officer and it’s clear she’s inherited his desire for justice. Although this is the second book of this series, it stands well on its own. I was able to enjoy the mystery without having to read the first book. This is a good choice for cozy fans looking for a shorter read.

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

Dead Man’s Hand

Dead Man’s Hand: A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Mystery

Tessa Aura

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Penelope Sinclair wants to enjoy the peace of Bath, Maine with her teacup chihuahua, Teo. But that’s difficult to do when a dead body shows up behind her boutique. Though Detective Caleb warns her to stay out of it, Penelope dives into the case and uncovers a tangled mystery centered around a failed bakery cooperative—and it seems like someone is determined to eliminate the former members one by one. Can she solve the case before she becomes the next victim?

This was an entertaining and fast-paced read. The author throws more curves at the reader than Sandy Koufax! This reader was hooked from page one and couldn’t wait for the reveal. This book has strong characters, subtle humor and a hint of romance. What more could a reader want? I would definitely recommend this book to other cozy fans.

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

Murder Logged In

Murder Logged In: A Stevie & Kurt Cozy Mystery

E.C. Whitcombe

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Stevie and Kurt are gaming when another player’s character is suddenly killed online—but the shock doesn’t end there. They soon learn that the player, Leroy, has been murdered in real life. As hardcore gamers, the duo dives deep into the digital world to uncover who killed him and why.

This was a difficult book for me to review because I know very little about coding, gaming, or cybersecurity, which made it a bit challenging to follow some parts of the story. That said, the mystery itself kept me engaged—I wanted to know who the killer was, and that curiosity kept me turning the pages.

At just 45 pages, this novella is a quick read. I think readers who are more familiar with gaming culture or tech-driven plots might really enjoy this one.

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

Wedding Cakes and Wakes

Wedding Cakes and Wakes: Small Town Girl Mysteries-Book 6

Jann Franklin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Private detective Ev Delafose has a crazy week ahead of her. She not only serving as “best man-person” for her friend and boss Shorty’s wedding, but is also juggling some complications—like trying to reschedule a cat funeral that conflicts with the wedding and preventing a wedding protest organized by Shorty’s ex-girlfriends. On top of all of this, her sister Madeline and new boyfriend Will, show up unexpectedly on her doorstep needing her help. The bank that Will manages in Atlanta was robbed and now, Mad and Will are in danger. Will Ev be able to pull everything off and protect her sister or will chaos ensue?

First of all, I want to say that I really enjoyed this book! The author has created a group of fun, well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps a reader engaged from start to finish. There’s just the right amount of humor and I appreciate the underlying theme of spirituality woven through the story. 

Even though this is the 6th book in this series, it stood strong on its own. I am looking forward to going back and reading books 1-5.

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

Killer in the Vineyard

Killer in the Vineyard: Little Lies Everywhere Book 3

Victoria Kosky

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sylvie is a mob wife on the run and she goes to live with her sister Gabriella and new husband Andrew to lay low. She meets Andrew’s best friend, Dale, who has just inherited the failing family vineyard. Dale offers Sylvie a job at the winery to use her “people skills” to gather information. When two murders rock the vineyard, she realizes that someone from the inside is trying to destroy the vineyard and anybody that gets in their way. Will Sylvie figure out who is behind the vendetta before she becomes the next victim?

At first, I had some difficulty getting into this book. The first few chapters felt a bit disjointed, likely due to the backstory that was presented in the first two books of the series. But once I got past the first couple of chapters, the pace picked up and I was really enjoying the plot. It had mystery, humor and romance as sparks were flying between Sylvie and Dale. Just a heads up—there is some raunchy language in this book  that is not usually found in cozy mysteries. Sylvie is very much a rough around the edges character and the language matches her vibe. I think mystery lovers that enjoy strong women characters and a hint of romance would enjoy this book.

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

A Killer Deal in Mystic Valley

A Killer Deal in Mystic Valley: A Jessica Bloom Cozy Mystery

Jamie Larsen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jessica Bloom is living her dream of opening a book/coffee shop in Mystic Valley. As a member of the collective, she is making friends with other small business owners. However, when real estate developer Davis Hartman is found dead behind her shop, Jessica is determined to find the culprit and save the collective from being torn apart.

This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read. The author develops an intriguing plot in which there are several suspects and many twists and turns. The characters are well written and there is humor interspersed throughout the story. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy light, cozy mysteries.

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

Stitched in Secret

Stitched in Secret: An Alex Allin Cozy Mystery

Gracie Gann

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Alex Allin, historian and quilt shop owner is intrigued when an ornate box appears in her store. Little does she know that the contents of this box will lead her halfway around the world to Istanbul to solve this quilting mystery. After her friend, Juniper is abducted at the market, Alex and her crew (her cavapoo, Saedie, reporter Justin Case and the Granny Squad) make it their mission bring her home.

Gann uses descriptive language to paint a colorful picture of Istanbul. The reader feels like they are in the marketplace with the characters. There were historical elements interwoven throughout the story and the Granny Squad added a dose of humor without going overboard. If you are into intrigue, quilting and strong women characters, this is the story for you.

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

Bloodline Secrets

Bloodline Secrets: A Psychological Thriller 

Clarise Foster

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Beth Carter returns to her home of Hollow’s Edge, determined to uncover the truth of why her mother fled with her years ago. What she found was more horrifying than she could ever imagine. She can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched and hears voices whispering all around her. Is something sinister really happening or is she slowly unraveling, just like her mother?

Full disclosure—this is not the type of book I usually read. However, I received an ARC for this book and wanted to give it a fair chance. This is a dark and suspenseful thriller that engages the reader from page one. The author uses descriptive language to set the mood and give the reader chills. This book is part a series, so there was some background information missing that I assume was covered in previous books, but it didn’t really interfere with the plot. I think that readers who enjoy eerie psychological thrillers would appreciate this book.

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

Murder by Arrangement

Murder by Arrangement: A Barbara Stitch Cozy Mystery (Book 3)

Nina Wells

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Broad Hollow, librarian Barbara Stitch and her golden retriever, Suga are pulled into a mystery when town councilwoman Marlene Tisdale found is murdered after a public argument with florist Judy Jenkins. Could Jenkins be the killer or has she been set up? Along with her friends Greta, Nora and Delia, Barbara investigates clues and red herrings to uncover the truth and find the true culprit.

This is the second book I have read in the Barbara Stitch series and I find the writing is strong and detailed. There are many twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader on their toes. The ending was a surprise to me. If you enjoy small town conspiracies, this is the book for you!

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

Michelangelo’s Mask of a Faun

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is actually a short audiobook (23 minutes) about an early creation of Michelangelo. When he was in his teens, Michelangelo sculpted “Mask of a Faun”. A faun is a mythical creature with a fondness for nature and revelry. This sculpture caught the eye of the gifted artist Lorenzo, who took Michelangelo under his wing to mentor. The mask has since disappeared and there are many theories of what has happened to it.

This non-fiction audiobook was quite interesting. I enjoy learning about history and this book is perfect as a quick read/listen. This is Book 4 in the Lost Treasure Series and I’m looking forward to more stories. I definitely recommend this to readers who appreciate art history and a bit of a mystery.

*I received an advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

Antique Store Murder

Antique Store Mystery: A Pecan Hollow Cozy Mystery

Daisy Winks

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

After her antique appraiser husband passes away, Ellie Harper moves to Pecan Hollow to renovate and run a B&B. She was hoping that her life would be simpler in this quaint small town. She adopts a stray dog and gets ready to start her new business. However, when an antiques collector ends up dead and another appraiser goes missing, Ellie finds family secrets that suggest her deceased husband may have been involved in an antiques forgery scheme. Along with antiques dealer Jack, she vows to discover the truth and bring a murderer to justice.

This book began with an unusual twist—part of the story is told from the perspective of Ellie’s newly acquired dog, Beau. It was an interesting literary device and at first, I thought it was unique and refreshing. However, as the story progressed, the author leaned on it a bit too heavily and it started to distracted from the plot. Additionally, there were important plot points—such as the murder of the antiques collector—seemed to appear abruptly, without enough detail or context to make them feel fully integrated into the story. That said, I think this author shows great potential. With a more balanced narrative and deeper plot development, future books could be very strong.

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

How to Decipher a Mystery

How to Decipher a Mystery: A Peaks Point Cozy Mystery Club Series

Daisy Belle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiona and her cousin Tom run the Cozy Nook B&B in Peaks Point. During a celebration at the B&B, a stranger wanders into the party and collapses. After the man dies, Daisy is determined to identify him and find out what happened to him. She discovers that he is Jacob Mercer, an investigated reporter with many enemies. Along with Tom, Fiona’s best friend Iris and Sheriff Jack, Fiona is able to identify the killer and bring them to justice.

Belle has a fun writing style that keeps the plot light and filled with humor. She has created quirky characters that help move the story along. The ending was a complete surprise to me. This book is part of a 3 book series. Though this book is a stand-alone, it took me a bit to figure how the characters fit together, so I would suggest the reader starts with Book 1 to get a feel of the characters. Overall, I think there is a lot to like about this book.

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

Murder Made Official

Murder Made Official: A Candice Holladay Cozy Mystery

Carla Crowe

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Former police officer, now bookstore owner Candice Holladay becomes embroiled in a mystery when Peter Lang, a visiting official, is murdered during the East Black Oak's annual art fair. Along with reporter Christopher Donovan and her friend Gracie Beckett, Candice probes the bewildering meaning of symbols that are located through out the art fair. What do they mean and who is behind them? 

The plot of this book is intriguing, but it can be a bit complicated at times. The author does a good job of keeping the reader on their toes throughout the story. There is also a hint of romance between Candice and Christopher that gives the book a little lightheartedness. I believe many mystery readers would enjoy this book.

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

Murder and the Blushing Bride

J.J. Joseph

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Wedding planner Ally is all ready to host a beautiful wedding for Brenna and Matt. The wedding goes off without a hitch but during the toast, the bride’s sister (and bridesmaid) suddenly collapses and dies from anaphylaxis due to an almond allergy. Ally does not believe this was an accident, so she and her pet detective Theo begin a mission to determine who tampered with Kenna’s drink and why.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-paced and the plot was well-written with unexpected twists and red herrings. The ending was a bit of a surprise, which as a mystery reader, I appreciate. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

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

Body in the Sand

Body in the Sand: A Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery 

Kit Sterling

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Molly Stanford is volunteering at the Shepherd Falls Annual Sand & Sea Festival when her Russell Terrier mix, Sherlock, digs up a human bone on the beach. It turns out to belong to a man who disappeared over twenty years before. The locals believed he’d simply left town but actually the truth was buried closer than they realized. Tragedy strikes a second time when Clara, the festival director, is found murdered. Molly is determined to find out if the murders are connected and if so, who the killer is before they strike again.

I found this book to be a straightforward read with a plot that was easy to follow. It did have its twists and turns that kept my interest. Sterling added some humor in her characters that made the tone of the book lighter at times. Overall, I think most cozy mystery fans would appreciate this book.

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

Echoes of the Game

Echoes of the Game: A Chloe Reid Thriller Book 2

S.K. Winters

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FBI agent Chloe Reid is on the hunt for a copy cat killer of Roland Hayes. As she investigates the crimes, she becomes pulled into an entangled web of lies, deceit and government deception. She must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth.

Echoes of the game is not the type of book I usually read. However, it was an intriguing plot that kept my interest. I liked the way the author told the story from both of the main characters’ points of view. This storyline is dark and sometimes a little hard to follow, but the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. For readers who enjoy conspiracy thrillers, this book will keep you captivated.

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

Murder, Marigolds & Mezcal

Murder, Marigolds & Mezcal: A Dia de los Muertos Cozy Culinary Mystery

Greta Sinclair

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Food critic Darcy Finnegan, her bestie Lizzy and her Schnoodle Mozart travel to Oaxaca to explore the food and festivities of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Festival). On the first night, infamous art dealer Curtis Vale is found dead which pulls Darcy into the mystery. She discovers Vale has many enemies because of his shady deals and she is determined to find the truth before the killer disappears.

This is the second book that I have read in this series and I must say that the author has a way of using descriptive language to pull the reader into each scene and keep them engaged. I also love how she incorporates the culture, language and food of the region to support the storyline. I highly recommend this book to others!

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

Dead Men Don’t Paddle

Dead Men Don’t Paddle: A Carolina Teal Cozy Mystery-Book 2

CC Trace

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Carolina Teal and her sister, Angela are preparing their Blueberry Hill Inn for the Pine Haven Canoe and Kayak Regatta and a visit from a prestigious B&B magazine. What they did not expect was the murder of a high-profile CEO and the disappearance of his nephew. While Angela holds things down at the inn, Carolina, along with her German Shepherd Kahlua and her friends, Ranger Jack Morrison and Goldie Finch, investigate this mysterious turn of events. Will the group find the murderer before one of them becomes the next victim?

This book was well written and would be appealing to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. The author does a good job of setting the scene and introducing the characters. It was a fast read and I finished it in one sitting. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.

I was given a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Bookclub Murders

Lauren Delgado

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Vanessa is the leader of a bookclub in the affluent town of Willow Creek. The women of the group hold many secrets and Vanessa uses these to her advantage. When one of the bookclub members (Erica) is murdered, the group begins to suspect Vanessa. However, after Vanessa ends up the second victim, the group begins to turn on each other and live in fear that they may be next.

Let me start this review with one word…WOW! Delgado’s story seized my attention from page one and I literally stayed up late to finish it. This book is well written and has so many twists and turns that it can make you dizzy (in a good way)! The suspense and intrigue will keep the reader engaged throughout the book. I highly recommend this to mystery lovers.

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