Wine Vines & Murder Signs

Wine Vines & Murder Signs: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery

Audrey Alden

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lila Bennett attends the season opening at Deepwater Vineyard, owned by her friend Charlie. She is expecting a relaxing evening with her boyfriend Alan and her Golden Retriever Finn. However, when an employee is found murdered, Lila is asked to consult with the police to solve the crime. What she discovers is a generations-old feud and family secrets that have been buried. Lila works to solve the puzzle before another body appears.

This is the third book in the Liza Bennett series. I was a little confused at the very beginning as I have not read the first two books, so I didn’t have a good grasp on the main characters. But as the story unfolded, it really grabbed my attention and I was eager to keep reading to find out the culprit. Alden has mystery, intrigue and a bit of romance throughout the book and it makes this an enjoyable read.

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

Vacation Splashed With Murder

Vacation Splashed With Murder: A Chloe Lane Mystery

Daisy Belle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chloe Lane is excited to get away to Seabreeze Cove after her best friend Rosie wins a luxury vacation. Along with Daniel, Aiden and her dog Peanut, Chloe is looking forward to relaxing and having fun. However, fate has other plans. After detested investor Elliot Grayson is stabbed and thrown overboard on an evening yacht cruise, the group decides to help the local police and find the killer before they claim another victim.

Belle has written a fast-moving story with plenty of suspects that keeps the readers’ interest. It was a little difficult to keep track of all the characters as they were introduced quickly in the first couple of chapters, but as the book continued, the characters became a bit more fleshed out. The plot has mystery, romance and humor. At times, the humor seems a bit forced. Overall, I enjoyed this book and feel that other cozy mystery lovers will appreciate it.

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

The Librarian’s Stormy Murders

The Librarian’s Stormy Murders: A Lila and Whiskers Mystery Book 6

 Rhea S. Brown

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When a major storm hits Willow Creek, Lila Hartley opens up her radio station as an emergency shelter. Little does she know that there is a killer in their midst. After a coworker is electrocuted by a sabotaged generator and two other coworkers are targeted, Lila must unmask a killer that is hiding in plain sight before they strike again.

Brown has written a fast-paced story that has plenty of twists and turns that kept my attention throughout the book. The plot twist at the end shocked me…I definitely did not see it coming. I have read a few books in this series and I can honestly say after reading this volume, I am not only looking forward to reading the next one, but want to go back and read the ones I’ve missed!

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

Deadly Summer Crush

Deadly Summer Crush: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery Book 6

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chloe Lovelace owns Sweetheart Creamery, an enchanted ice cream shop. Her newest flavor, Summer Crush is a big hit in Quillhaven until a serving of her ice cream is found beside a dead body. The victim is Lila Devine, a relationship coach who is in town to give a seminar. Chloe is determined to clear her name, so with the help of her friends Jonathan and Annie, she begins to investigate other possible suspects. Can they find the killer before her reputation is ruined?

This book is a great read! The characters are likable, the plot is interesting and easy to follow and there are twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout the book. There is also a budding romance between Chloe and Jonathan. I have read a couple of books in this series and I like how Silver incorporates reoccurring characters from past books but the main story revolves around new characters. If you enjoy magic, romance and mystery, you’ll want to try this book.

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

Murder and a Dahlia

Murder and a Dahlia: A Sunrise Flower Shop Cozy Mystery Book 2

Elizabeth Clover

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Sweet Sunrise Donuts in Scottsdale is hosting an episode of Knead for Speed, a reality baking show. Dove Davis finds herself in the middle of a mystery when a contestant in the bakery competition drops dead from a pistachio allergy. As she works to identify the killer, she is also entangled in her own personal dilemma. Con man Matteo Rossi has found her and wants her to solve the mystery of his brother’s death. Will Dove be able to solve both cases?

As the second book of the Sunrise Flower series, Clover does a nice job of providing the reader enough backstory in the first chapter to help new readers jump in without confusion. The main plot is interesting, though the abundance of subplots can be a bit overwhelming and can distract from the central mystery. I like the main characters in the series and am hoping that they become a bit more developed as the series continues. Overall, I’d give this book 3.5 stars. While it has it’s rough spots, it show a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing this author grow in her storytelling.

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

Murder in Bloom

Murder in Bloom: An Unputdownable Lila Jennings Cozy Mystery

Diane Scotland

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Florist Lila Jennings becomes suspicious when the mayor of Maplewood dies under suspicious circumstances. She uncovers an embedded code in the floral orders that lead to the town’s buried secrets. With the help of pet shop owner Ethan Bell, best friend Lucy Bellweather and Officer Paul Harris, Lila is able to unravel the conspiracy and help bring justice to Maplewood.

Scotland constructs an elaborate plot that combines mystery, conspiracy and intrigue. The creation of using flowers in coded messages is original and captivating. Her characters are well written with a strong female lead, a supportive male lead and a quirky best friend. There were a few too many floral puns for me, but they fit into the theme of the story. The book ends with a budding romance and a cliffhanger, leaving the reader to want more. I recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers who enjoy conspiracies in small towns.

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

Murder and the Glittering Pin

Murder and the Glittering Pin: A Willow Grove Cozy Mystery

J. J. Joseph

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ally Fisher is a bridal venue owner in Willow Grove. While attending a bridal fair at The Luxe, her competitor’s venue, influencer Jessa Lark is found murdered backstage. The snarky Jessa has acquired many enemies, so there is no shortage of suspects. Ally makes it her mission to unravel the mystery and make sure justice is served. 

This book is the 4th in the Willow Cove series. Though there are reoccurring characters, it is a standalone story that can be read out of order. Joseph develops a plot that has mystery, humor and an undercurrent of attraction between Ally and Sheriff Nate Dalton. I found myself engaged throughout the story and eager to find out the killer’s identity. My only issue was that most of the characters were introduced in rapid succession at the beginning of the book. Though I understand the reasoning behind this for storytelling purposes, I had some difficulty keeping the characters straight in my mind at first. All in all, I enjoyed this book and encourage other cozy mystery readers to give this book a read.

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

Death on the Trail of Jesse James

Death on the Trail of Jesse James: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery Book 6

Bessie Barr

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finn Dockery attends a Pelican Shores potluck with her friends Birdie and Martha. Afterwards, several potluck attendees become extremely ill. Is it accidental food poisoning or something more sinister? At the same time, Finn is also receiving cryptic threats from someone calling themselves “Jesse James”. She and Birdie try to unravel both cases and determine if they are separate incidents or possibly related. When a public health inspector is then killed in a crash while driving Finn’s sabotaged golf cart, she realizes that she is the actual target and is determined to identify the killer.

This is book 6 of the Pelican Shores series and I must say, I really enjoyed it. Barr crafts a story that grabs you from the get-go and keeps you invested until the reveal at the end. And it is a doozy! Her characters are well written and a bit quirky, which adds to the fun. I love the evolving romance that is occurring between Finn and Pace, it’s like a slow burn. I definitely encourage readers who enjoy a fast-paced, cozy mystery to pick up a copy.

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

Murder, Music and Mischief

Murder, Music & Mischief: A Delight Music Row Whodunnit Cozy Mystery

Greta Sinclair

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

PI Hattie Leiper and her sidekicks Moose and Cecil become entangled in the murder of country music superstar Ruby Dean after she collapses during a performance. After her best friend, Gracie, becomes a suspect, Hattie is determined to clear her name and find the killer. 

This book is the first of a new series by Greta Sinclair and it is off to a great start! Her characters are fun and quirky, there are plenty of suspects and there is both humor and a hint of romance throughout. I really enjoy that the plot is engaging and easy to follow. Sinclair constructs an entertaining story that many mystery readers will enjoy.

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

Killer Investment

Killer Investment: A Cristi Lennox Cozy Mystery 

Calee Claiborne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cristi Lennox inherited her Aunt Sylvia’s home in Silver Creek and plans to restore it to use as an event venue. She and her golden retriever Murphy moves into the Oyster Shell Inn, owned by her cousin Abbi, while renovations are underway. When developer Blake Thatcher is found dead in his room, everyone staying at the inn becomes a suspect. Cristi begins to investigate and finds that the suspects all have secrets they’ve been hiding. She works to untangle the web of deception before she becomes the next victim.

This was quite an interesting read. I enjoyed the easy-to-follow plot and the twists and turns that kept me invested. I felt the author also did a great job of developing the main characters and building the suspense. I was surprised at the reveal and liked how Claiborne made sure that all the loose ends were wrapped up. This is a quick read that I recommend to other cozy mystery readers.

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

The Best Man’s Toast

The Best Man’s Toast: Livvy Mercer Mystery Book 2

Brett Monk and McKenna Langford

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bartender Livvy Mercer is looking forward to working the wedding reception of her friends Chance and Brynne. She expected to handle a rowdy crowd but didn’t anticipate investigating the mysterious death of the best man. As she tries to untangle the web of lies, she also is dealing with her budding feelings for FBI agent Garrett Lucas. Will Livvy be able to uncover the murderer?

This is the first book I have read from this series and can guarantee it will not be the last. The authors made Livvy a strong character with flaws and demons. They provide flashbacks and back stories from book one to help the readers who have not read Book 1 understand Livvy. The plot is twisty and full of false leads that kept me engaged and guessing throughout the book. There is also a mini-cliffhanger, which makes me look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.

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

Mystery of the Missing Maestro

Mystery of the Missing Maestro: A Junie Carmichael Mystery

Tracy Austen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Next Chapter bookstore owner Junie Carmichael becomes concerned when choir director Sybil Keyes seems to have disappeared into thin air. As she and her friend Flo begin searching for Sybil, they come across a financial scandal involving the church. Will they be able to discover what happened to Sybil and who’s behind the cover-up.

I enjoyed reading this book. The author has does a good job of presenting an easy-to-follow plot and interesting characters. There is intrigue and mystery keeps the reader engaged and the well-placed humor ands another dimension to the story. It is a fun read and I think other cozy mystery readers would enjoy this book.

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

Pies, Lies and Lethal Doses

Pies, Lies and Lethal Doses: A Maggie Nelson Cozy Mystery

Bonnie Reed

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Librarian Maggie Nelson is excited to celebrate the Spring Festival but the mood changes when real estate mogul Gregory Steele is murdered. Maggie’s best friend and town baker, Lucy is accused of killing Gregory after she was seen arguing with him. Maggie calls on her journalist friend, Brett, to help her prove Lucy’s innocence. Can they solve the mystery before her friend is jailed for a murder she didn’t commit?

This book has its positives and negatives. I felt that the basic premises of the plot was good. There were  various suspects that easily could have been the murderer. I was surprised at the ending, which is favorable. However, I had trouble connecting with the main character. Maggie’s emotional volatility sometimes made her come across as unlikable. Also, some scenes felt like they were added humor, but they did not connect with the rest of the story and disrupted the flow. Overall, I feel this book has a lot of promise and with some tweaks, could be a solid read.

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

Writers and Liars

Carol Goodman

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maia Gold attended a writer’s seminar on the Greek island of Eris hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander. During that retreat, she wrote a book, fell in love and was betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. Fifteen years later, she was invited back to that same island, along with the other participants of the workshop, including her ex-boyfriend and ex-bestie. Once they all arrive, they find their host murdered and there is no way to leave or contact the outside world. Why were they all in invited back to the island? Is the killer one of them? Who will be the next victim? 

This book was a roller coaster ride with twists and turns throughout. The plot is interesting and has many references to Greek mythology. The main characters are well developed and have enough backstory to help the reader understand their motives. The “locked-room mystery” adds to the intrigue and the author describes the scenery/settings in great detail. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to other mystery readers, especially those who like Greek mythology.

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

A Poisoned Proposal

A Poisoned Proposal: A Sam Baker Cozy Mystery Book 5

Cass Landry

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sam Baker is celebrating the one year anniversary of her bakery, The Cozy Crumb. During the celebration, a wedding proposal occurs, but before the groom-to-be gets an answer, he collapses and is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Once it is determined he was poisoned, Sam and her friends, Hazel and Lily work to clear Sam’s name. As they investigate, they find more questions than answers. Can they solve the mystery before Sam’s reputation is ruined?

I enjoyed this installment of this cozy mystery series. The plot is easily understood, the characters are well-defined and there is subtle humor embedded throughout the story. It is a speedy read with several possible suspects and twists that keeps the reader captivated. I think that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book and I look forward to the next book.

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

Murder at the Manor Retreat

Murder at the Manor Retreat: A Lily Swan Cozy Mystery

Clara Storm

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lily Swan is invited to present at the yearly writers’ retreat at Hallstead Manor. Unfortunately, this retreat is ominously known for writers who mysteriously disappear. At this year’s retreat, literary agent Quentin Rhodes is poisoned. Lily and her husky Benny join her friend, Dr. Nate Hastings, to search for clues and find why someone would want to kill Rhodes. In the process, they uncover secrets that have been long buried at the manor.

I had difficulty following the plot of this book. Since I read an ARC, I imagine that some of the issues were fixed in the final edit. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which made the story a bit challenging to follow at times. The ARC includes a character list, which was helpful but I’m not sure it is included in the published version. This story contains conspiracies and deceptions that might attract readers who enjoy intricate, twisted plots.

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

Threaded With Lies

Threaded With Lies: An Alex Allen Cozy Mystery

Gracie Gann

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Alex Allin is the owner of a quilt shop in Colorado. When a swatch of cloth shows up in her shop, she becomes mixed up in a mystery involving secret codes stitched into quilts and a decades-old murder. She begins to receive threats, warning her to stop digging into the past. With her best friend Juniper, the Granny Squad and her canine bestie Saedie, Alex sets out to decipher the code and solve the puzzle. Can she unravel the puzzle before someone silences her for good?

This book was filled with plenty of intriguing and conspiracies that keeps the reader on their toes. Sometimes it was a little too much and I would get confused. I thought the characters were nicely developed and I appreciated the humor that the Granny Squad injected into the serious plot. At the end of the book, the author includes a recipe and a quilt square pattern. Just a note, this story has some underlying Christian themes throughout. If possible, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. This book is for you if you enjoy solving complex puzzles.

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

The Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings: GKP Most Haunted Places (Series 1 Book 4)

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The fourth book in this series focuses on Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, a land of ancient pharaohs and buried secrets. Most people have heard of King Tut and its curse, but there are several other pharaoh tombs in the valley. There have been reports of apparitions, whispers in the tombs and statues that appear to move on their own. Paranormal researchers have captured EVPs (Electronic voice phenomena) with voices saying such phrases as “leave us”. This audiobook is a riveting listen, giving brief haunting accounts of supernatural activity from this sacred burial grounds. This is perfect for those who are fascinated by otherworldly stories. 

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

Cake, Vows and Extortion

Cake, Vows and Extortion: Apple Creek R-Park Department Mysteries Book 3

Montie Red

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Margaret Willow is the head of the Recreation Parks Department where she manages the country club, among other jobs. Things get crazy when the golf course manager fires the caterer and brings in his own hire right before the wedding of Margaret’s sister’s best friend. To make matters worse, the bride’s heirloom necklace disappears a couple of days prior to the wedding. Margaret finds herself in the midst of all the chaos when she agrees to help find the necklace. Can she get to the bottom of the missing necklace before the wedding?

This book had its pros and cons. On the positive side, the writing was fast-paced and the main characters were likable. There were several twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end of the book. On the other hand, there seemed to be too many characters and that made it hard to keep every one straight. I felt it was lacking some character background development but wonder if this was because it is the 3rd book in the series. The basic plot was strong, but there were some side stories that pulled me away from the main narrative. Overall, I think this author has some good things going for her and would give this book 3.5 stars.

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

Death at Balsam Bay

 Death at Balsam Bay: A Tilly Lefleur Mystery (Book 1)

Maisie Graves

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tilly Lefluer and her daughter Callie, return to Balsam Bay after her father disappears in what looks like a canoe accident. However, Tilly believes that there is more than meets the eye and she is determined to uncover the truth. When a second death occurs, Tilly, Callie, Des (dad’s rescue dog) and a group of offbeat locals help Tilly join forces to unravel a mystery that runs deeper than anyone imagined. 

This book grabbed my attention from page one and never let go. Graves delivers a solid plot with well-developed characters and plenty of suspense. The way she describes the scenes make you feel like you are there in the middle of all the action. This book had me guessing the outcome all the way to the end and the mini cliffhanger—wow! I highly recommend this book for cozy mystery readers.

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

Murder and the Whispering Wedding Dress

Murder and the Whispering Wedding Dress: A Willow Cove Cozy Mystery

J.J. Joseph

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ally Fisher has left the big city to open a wedding venue in Willow Cove. During the grand opening, a vintage wedding dress is stolen and the museum’s curator is found dead. As Ally and her golden doodle Theo search for answers, they uncover secrets and mysteries that go far deeper. Will Ally find the killer before she becomes the next victim?

This book is an engaging read that is well-written and easy to follow. I like how the author developed the main characters and builds suspense throughout the story. There are plenty of suspects and red herrings that keep the reader on their toes. There is also some historical intrigue and espionage thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

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

Death of a Critic

Death of a Critic: A Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery

Kit Sterling

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bookstore owner Molly Stanford is asked to be a panelist at the Calico Bay Book Festival. She thought she would be sharing her love of books. Instead, she becomes entangled in the murder of caustic book critic Bentley Crouch. One of the suspects is her friend’s sister and Molly, along with her friends and terrier mix Sherlock, work to prove Lavinia’s innocence. Can they find the killer before they strike again.

Sterling does a nice job of creating a plot that is fast paced and easy to follow. The characters are colorful and move the story along. There is no shortage of suspects and motives, which keeps the reader guessing until the end. This book is part of a series but it works well as a standalone. This is definitely a fun cozy mystery and I would highly recommend it! 

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

Hotter than Coffee and a Killer Brew

Hotter than Coffee and a Killer Brew: A Jenna McGregor Mystery

Willow Thorne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brewed Awakenings owner Jenna McGregor just wanted to peacefully serve coffee and pastries to the citizens of Maple Grove. Her hopes are dashed when she finds the body of retired history professor Dr. Patterson behind her shop. The professor’s death leads Jenna and her friends in to a complex mystery of secrets that have been hidden for decades. Can they crack the code before there is another fatality?

Thorne weaves a tale of secret societies, puzzles and corruption in this fictional crime story. The three main characters have a great relationship which provides good banter and the plot is filled with twists and turns. At times, Jenna’s clumsiness and Lisa’s ditziness go a little overboard. But overall, I enjoyed reading this book and encourage other cozy mystery readers to check it out.

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

Murder at Buttermilk Cafe

Murder at Buttermilk Cafe: Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery Book One

Harper Burton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Former food critic Izzy Harper moves back to Windmere Cove to open up the Buttermilk Cafe after being humiliated by mentor and fellow food critic Spencer Reed. After building her clientele using her grandmother’s recipes, Reed comes to do a tasting. After criticizing most of Izzy’s food, he suddenly keels over and dies. Izzy is being looked at as a suspect, so she is determined to clear her name. Along with her friend/chef Max and her loyal golden retriever Noodle, Izzy starts to pin down possible suspects. Will they be able to identify the murderer before another victim has their last meal?

Burton does a great job of setting the scene, developing the characters and roping in the reader with her descriptive vocabulary and doses of humor sprinkled throughout the mystery. The plot does become a bit complex for my personal taste, but I did love the way she named her recipes after emotional situations (ex. Emotional Baggage Mac & Cheese). She also ended the book with a mini cliffhanger that I believe will lead into the next book of the series. If you like conspiracies and intricate mysteries, this book is for you.

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

Forecast: Foul Play

Forecast: Foul Play (The Weather Girl Mysteries, Book 1)

Ashleigh Quinn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Autumn Davis wants to follow in her late mother’s footsteps and become a meteorologist. She lands a job at Moore Broadcasting and is looking forward to making her mark. Autumn finds herself in the middle of a storm when the lead meteorologist, Amber Davis, is found dead at the station. Amber had made plenty of enemies so there is no shortage of suspects, including Autumn. Autumn joins forces with custodian Carl to investigate the murder and clear her name.

This novella (152 pages) is a 2nd edition of this book of the same title from 2 years ago. I felt that the plot was pretty well developed and it was easy to follow along. The characters have some depth and I love the camaraderie between Autumn and Carl. I enjoyed reading this story and encourage other cozy mysteries to give it a try.

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

Dead Men Don’t Act

Dead Men Don’t Act: A Carolina Teal Cozy Mystery Book 3

CC Trace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Carolina and her sister Angela are preparing to host a traveling Shakespeare troupe at their B&B. The group is performing Hamlet for the local residents. That is, until the lead actor, Shawn Presley, is stabbed during a rehearsal. Who had the motive to sabotage the props? Is it Oliver, the understudy who was playing Hamlet until he was demoted for excessive alcohol use? Or maybe the female lead, Eve, who Shawn broke up with before they arrived? Carolina and her group are determined to find the killer before another murder occurs and the curtain drops.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. The story is fast-paced and easy to follow. There are several twists and turns throughout the plot. The characters are well developed and there is humor and a touch of romance that fits easily into the flow. This is the second book I have read in this series and I am really looking forward to the next installment. Cozy mystery fans, enjoy!

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