The Itch of Greed

The Itch of Greed: Izzie Di Sante Mysteries Book 6

Christa Nardi

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Restaurant owner and independent crime journalist Izzie DiSante becomes involved in the mysterious death of minor league pitcher Randy Kampton. Izzy finds that Kampton may have been a good pitcher but was a lousy human being, which makes the suspect list quite long. She and boyfriend Henry work together to fins the killer before they strike again.

Nardi’s story is fast-paced and suspenseful. Even though this is book 6 of the series, the book is definitely able to stand alone. There is no shortage of suspects and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. It also helps that I’m a huge baseball fan, so I really enjoyed the premise. I think cozy mystery aficionados will enjoy this book. I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ravaged Rook Renaissance

Ravaged Rook Renaissance: A Penelope Paws Cozy Mystery-Book 4

Saint Vincent

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fourth book of the Penelope Paws series. I highly suggest that you read the first three books before starting this book. There were several gaps in this book that would most likely have been covered in previous installments. Vincent creates a dark world that focuses on good vs. evil. The story is complex and  a bit complicated. The heroine, Penelope, is a strong character who wants to save the city from the chaos that the members of the Ivory Trail want to unleash. At times, the story seems repetitive and I struggled to stay engaged. The ending completely surprised me (in a good way). Overall, I feel this is not your typical cozy mystery but I know there are readers out there that would appreciate the suspense and the magical elements of this series.

*I was given this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ghosts, Garters, and Grimoires

Ghosts, Garters and Grimoires: Emerald City Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Theresa Crater

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Attorney Dana Preston’s husband, Kevin, is running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Even though the marriage is on shaky ground, Dana still is playing the dutiful wife at fundraising and public appearances. Marcus Robertson, the campaign manager, has been helping Dana navigate the waters of politics. When he is murdered after a fundraiser, his ghost appears to Dana, asking for her help to identify his killer. With the help of her friends and family, she works to solve the mystery and bring Marcus the justice he deserves.

Crater presents a paranormal storyline that I would consider more of a thriller than a cozy mystery. Be aware that there is some profanity in this book. The story itself is compelling and suspenseful and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I’ll admit that I had difficulty keeping track of all of the characters and got a little confused trying to keep up with some of the plot points. I thought it was helpful that the author gave some background information from the first book to help the reader get an understanding of some of the main characters. Overall, I found this book interesting and think other readers would enjoy it.

*I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Puppy Peril

Puppy Peril: A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery- Book 1

Hazel Smith

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ivy Stone has moved across the pond to London to start a new chapter in her life. As she and her Great Dane puppy, Monty, are out for a walk in their new neighborhood, they come across a body in an alley and a pit bull puppy that is injured and malnourished. The police are not sure if the two incidents are related, but Ivy takes it upon herself to investigate. As she questions her neighbors, she begins to received threats. Can Ivy solve the case before she becomes the next victim?

I truly enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting! Smith has created a strong main character who has a tender heart towards animals and is willing to go out on a limb to protect them. The supporting characters are quirky and Monty steals the show. The storyline is suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end. I hope cozy mystery lovers will pick this book up.

*I received this book as a gift and any opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Forecast for Mischief

Forecast for Mischief: A Quillhaven Paranormal Cozy Mystery-Book 7

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Quillhaven’s historic weathervane disappears and the town begins to experience unusual weather patterns, weather witch Junie Fizzlebloom sets out to discover who is responsible. Junie and her friends work together to save their beloved town from someone who is set on controlling the weather. 

Silver has created a wonderful cozy mystery full of magic, mystery and community. She develops such interesting characters and the storyline has a good flow. There is suspense, humor and romance all rolled into a fun book that cozy mystery readers will love.

*I received this book as a gift. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Haunting of Hinterkaifeck

Haunting of Hinterkaifeck: GKP Mysteries-Book 6

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This audiobook gives the basic details of the murders of the Gruber family in 1922. All six members of the house were found brutally beaten to death in Hinterkaifeck, Germany. This cold case continues to baffle people to this day. As a true crime reader, I like how Kelly reports on a lesser known crime. He gives the listener the basics of the crime, along with different theories that have been bantered around through the years. The audiobook is a little under 20 minutes and it gives the reader an overview of the crime. I enjoy this format and look forward to more of his audiobooks. I was given this as a gift and the opinions expressed in the review are my own.

A Deadly Reception

A Deadly Reception: A Kat Calloway Cozy Mystery

L.B. Dayton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dayton spins an intriguing story that hooked me immediately and kept me captivated until the end! The lead character, Kat, was well-developed and the author highlighted her strengths as well as her vulnerabilities. The storyline line was easy to follow and the ending was suspenseful. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the budding relationship between Kat and Bash, but I’m sure that will develop in future books. Overall, this was a fast-paced book that I feel other cozy mystery lovers will enjoy. I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Morsel of Murder

A Morsel of Murder: A Deliciously Deadly Cozy Mystery

Cora Finch

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finch delivers a fast-paced cozy mystery as her main character, Daphne Cole, becomes tangled up in the murder investigation of a local coffee shop owner. This story has everything a cozy mystery needs-great characters, a straightforward plot line and plenty of twists and turns. Throw in a loyal sheepdog and some witty banter and you have a story that will entertain most mysteries readers. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Spiced to Death

Spiced to Death: A Texas Hill Country Cozy Mystery

Susana Sage

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When a celebrated chef is found dead before the Hill Country Food Festival, Tilly Martin and her friend, Sarah Chase are determined to solve the mystery. As they investigate, they find a trail of secret recipes, bitter feuds and a puzzling journal that leads to more questions than answers. Will Tilly and Sarah find the killer before they become the next victims? 

Sage has crafted a cozy mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The town of Hillcrest is charming, and the characters are both likable and endearing. The mystery itself is well-plotted, with plausible suspects that keep you guessing. I ended up reading the book in a single evening because I simply had to know who the culprit was. I highly recommend this one to cozy mystery fans.

*I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in the review are solely my own.

Brand of Magic

Brand of Magic: Redferne Witches-Book 1

K.M. Jackways

⭐️⭐️ 1/2

This book was kind of a struggle for me to read. It has an interesting premise….a witch learning to control her ability to read minds while working her Council job, dealing with a mysterious attack on her aunt and trying to help her next-door neighbor with his woodworking business. One of the issues was the storytelling is uneven. It was difficult to follow the storyline because it seemed to jump around. Also, the characters needed a bit more background. Other than the main characters of Hazel and Joel, it was hard to keep track of the rest of the cast. The story ended with too many loose ends, however, the author may have  done this as a cliffhanger. I would rate this at 2 1/2 stars. I know authors put their hearts and souls into their works, so I hope that Jackways continues to write and grow in their storytelling.

*I received this book as a gift and this review is my honest opinion.

Footnotes of a Felony

Footnotes of a Felony: A Maggie Wright Cozy Mystery

Tessa Aura

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maggie Wright and Harper Rhodes are celebrating the grand opening of their private detective agency when Charlotte Montgomery stumbles into the office, begging them to investigate her sister’s death. The police had ruled it accidental, but she was insistent that foul play was involved. As Maggie and Harper investigate, they find that both sisters have been hiding secrets and they are not the only ones.

Aura does a great job of writing a mystery that keeps the reader invested throughout. The plot is clear and straightforward and the characters are well developed. There is intrigue, humor and an undercurrent of romance all through the book. It’s a fast and entertaining read that cozy mystery readers will enjoy.

*This book was gifted to me and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Hyacinths and Homicide

Hyacinths and Homicide: An Iris Bennett Cozy Mystery

Jade Curry

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Curry begins her novel with the murder of landscaper Howard Larrabee. Howard is not well liked in the town of Cedar Grove and there are many possible suspects. Florist and amateur detective, Iris Bennett, begins digging into Howard’s mysterious death. Along with her cat, Winston and Detective Mark Cooper, Iris follows a string of secret messages and clues to bring the killer to justice. 

I struggled a bit while reading this book. Sometimes, it felt like the author was trying too hard to build up suspense and it took away from the storyline. I did like the characters that she created and there was a bit of romantic tension that added to the plot. There seemed to be too many twists and turns that by the end of the book, I honestly was a bit confused. I would give it 3 and 1/2 stars if I could. I think that Curry’s writing holds a lot of potential and I look forward to watching her grow as an author.

*This book was gifted to me and all opinions expressed in my review are solely my own.

Cruising Towards a Killer

Cruising Towards a Killer: Sunset Chronicles Murder Mystery Series, Book 2

Elle Grey

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

A dead groomsman on a wedding cruise was not what private investigator Rosalind Harper was expecting at the nuptials of high school friends. With her cat Perry leading the way, she and her beau Caleb work together to solve the murder. The main plot of this story is solid, featuring several suspects with red herrings thrown in for good measure. The major characters are likable, but I would have liked to have seen the author focus a little more on their development. There were some scenes that eluded to their past, but not reading book one did not affect the overall story of book 2. Also, the changing of POV throughout the book was kind of confusing. Overall, I would give this a rating of 3 1/2 stars. The book has a lot of positives going for it.Readers that enjoy a cozy mystery with twist and turns and a “pet-centric” investigation will enjoy this book.

*I was gifted this book and all opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Crooks and Nannies

Crooks and Nannies: The Charmed Inn Mysteries

Misty Simon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Roxanne Gleason is trying to get The Charmed Inn ready for the busy Fourth of July weekend when a worker is electrocuted while repairing the wiring. At first, it is chalked up to an accident, but after the autopsy, foul play is suspected. Since Roxy’s sister, Mena, found the body, she is the number one suspect. Roxy uses her magic to help clear her little sister and find the real culprit.

Simon has created an appealing storyline with quirky characters, humor and romance. The main plot focuses on finding the killer, but there are several subplots, such as Roxy learning to use her magic and Mena becoming a nanny for a well-to-do couple. The subplots are entertaining, but sometimes they overshadow the central story. There are a couple of small threads that are not tied up at the end, but since this is a series, they may be addressed in future books. Overall, I think lovers of cozy mysteries will enjoy all of the elements of this story.

*I received this book as a gift. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Devil’s Footprints

The Devil’s Footprints: GKP Mysteries, Book 5

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In February, 1855, the residents of Devin, England woke up to a chilling phenomenon. Mysterious prints were found in the snow. These hoof-like prints traveled over 100 miles in a straight line, over walls, rivers and even on roofs. Theories ranged from an unknown animal to a supernatural entity and everything in between. The answer to this mystery is still being debated today.

What an interesting mystery! I had not heard of this event before, so this was all new information to me. I like how Kelly finds these fascinating occurrences and presents them in a clear, concise book/audiobook. It’s a fast and entertaining story that mystery readers will enjoy.

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

The Lost Roman Legion

The Lost Roman Legion: GKP Mysteries, Book 3

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As the Roman Empire expanded, they would send their soldiers to conquer and protect their territories. In 200 AD, Roman Legion Nine was stationed in the far reaches of England. Though the Empire kept meticulous records, this strong Legion seems to have disappeared. Historians have yet to solve the mystery of the disappearance. 

In this short audiobook, Kelly presents the history of the Roman Legion Nine and discusses theories of how they vanished. As someone who loves history and mysteries, these bite-sized audios (20 minutes) are terrific at introducing stories that are unique and compelling. Keep up the good work!

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

Signed, Sealed and Deadly

Signed, Sealed and Deadly: Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery, Book 2

Bella Colby

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Josie Appleton moved to Briarwood after her husband left her and her grandmother willed her a B&B. On opening weekend, she is hosting rival dance troupes that are competing in the Morris Dance Festival. All is well until one of the judges collapses on the stage. Josie uses her newly developed magic and her grandmother’s recipes to investigate the death. Will she and her cat/familiar, Einstein be able to unravel the mystery?

Colby writes a fun, fast-paced mystery with well developed characters and an easy to follow plot. There is mystery, humor and even a bit of romance woven into this magical tale. This story grabbed me and didn’t let go until the finale. I loved the plot twists and did not see the ending coming. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mystery with a spark of magic.

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

The Fern Valley Cold Case

The Fern Valley Cold Case: A Fern Valley Cozy Mystery

Ashley Hollow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ethel Cromwell discovers a mysterious box hidden in the cornerstone of the library. This leads to an investigation of the disappearance of two Fern Valley citizens 150 years ago. Did they willingly disappear or were the circumstances more serious? Ethel uncovers underground tunnels, old wills and journals that lead her on a quest to discover the truth.

This is an appealing mystery that is well written and captivates the reader until the very end. Hollow does a nice job of developing the main characters and producing a plot that is easy to follow and entertaining. I enjoyed following Ethel and her colleagues on their quest to uncover secrets that were buried long ago. This is a fast read that I would recommend to cozy mystery lovers.

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

Murder Takes Center Stage

Murder Takes Center Stage: A Maggie Nelson Cozy Mystery 

Bonnie Reed

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The town of Wheatfield was excited to host a traveling theatre troupe until the lead actor is found dead in his dressing room after the final performance. Librarian and amateur sleuth Maggie Nelson is determined to unravel this mystery and bring the killer to justice. There are no shortage of suspects and Maggie must determine who the killer is before the curtain falls again.

This book was a quick and entertaining read. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader in suspense. The plot was easy to follow and the main characters are likable. It’s a fun cozy whodunnit that readers with enjoy.

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

Lamb To The Slaughter

Lamb to the Slaughter: An Angel & Kincade Mystery-Book 6

James Harper

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a respected doctor was found murdered in an unusual way, DI Angel is determined to understand the crime and bring the culprit to justice. While investigating, he finds out about the body of a young runaway being found and determines the two crimes are related. Will he be able to prove this connection and find the killer?

This thriller hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until the end. The main plot is filled with suspense and red herrings that keep the reader engaged. The curveball at the end was quite unexpected. There were some subplots that were a little difficult to follow without reading the prior books. However, it won’t stop the reader from being pulled into this dark thriller.

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

Bed, Breakfast and a Body

Bed, Breakfast and a Body: A Willow Creek Cozy Mystery, Book 1

Jenni Marie

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

When Cynthia Harper moves to Willow Creek after inheriting a B & B from her great-aunt, the last thing she expected was to find a dead body in the house. After realizing she is a prime suspect, Cynthia begins to investigate the crime, along with her golden retriever Duke and her new friends, Evan, Miles and Maggie. The more she digs, the more she uncovers decades worth of secrets hidden in this quaint town. Will Cynthia be able to find the truth before she becomes the next victim. 

This new cozy mystery series shows plenty of promise. The basic premises is solid foundation, the plot is intriguing and the main characters are easy to connect with. I did find that a couple of secondary characters seemed to appear suddenly, which made the storyline appear uneven at times. That said, I look forward to seeing how this author’s writing develops in future books.

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

Murder in Red, White and Bang

Murder in Red, White and Bang: A Willow Cove Cozy Mystery 

J. J. Joseph 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wedding coordinator Ally Fisher and her golden doodle Theo are up to their eyeballs in another mystery when a murder takes place during a 4th of July wedding proposal. Trevor Hale, best man and all-around jerk, is shot and there are plenty of suspects to go around, including Sheriff Harold Deaking . Ally and Deputy Nate Dalton look for clues to find the killer before they strike again.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though it is part of a series, it works well as standalone story. Joseph crafts an engaging and captivating tale with plenty of twists and turns that kept me intrigued throughout the book. The author also included humor and a bit of romance that added extra charm to the plot. I’m sure others readers will find this mystery just as entertaining as I did.

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

Vacations Can Be Murder

Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide to New England

Dawn M. Barclay

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but the title says it all. This is literally a travel guide for those who may want to plan a true crime tour in the New England area. Each state has it’s own chapter that is broken down into the following sections:

*A brief summary of crimes that occurred in the state

*A list of true crimes books related to the state

* Accommodations/Restaurants that are crime-related or haunted 

* Crime-related/Haunted Tours

* Museums and other attractions related to crime

* State and Federal prisons

* Crime-related Burial sites

* True Crime Itineraries for different counties in the state

* Victim resources

It is quite obvious that Barclay put a lot of research into this book. The crimes she recaps consist of both well-known crimes and obscure crimes. The synopsis of each crime is very basic; this book focuses more on information for travelers. If you are a true crime devotee that wants to plan a vacation around this subject, then this is the book for you.

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

Murder at the Historical Society

Murder at the Historical Society: A Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery

Harper Burton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Izzy Harper and her golden retriever Noodle become entwined into a murder mystery when the director of the Windmere Historical Society is poisoned and Izzy’s jade necklace is found at the crime scene. As she works to clear her name, she finds there are more questions than answers when discovers a secret hidden with her grandmother’s recipes and a cookbook that contains discoveries of epic proportions. Will Izzy be able to solve the crime before the murderer strikes again?

This book was quite the rollercoaster ride! Burton does a great job of creating an exciting and engaging mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. There is intrigue, secrets and even a little bit of romance throughout the book. This story works well as a standalone, though it does include some references to events from a previous book that are connected to the plot. If you enjoy culinary mysteries and surprising reveals, this book is for you.

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

Murder at Aunt Tally’s Table

Murder at Aunt Tally’s Table: A Willa Honeycutt Mystery

B.J. Cade

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Willa Honeycutt moved back to Harmony Hallow when she inherited her great-aunt’s cafe. On the day of her grand opening, the cook finds a dead body in the dumpster. The victim, Alex Drummond, was a deceiving antique dealer who had a list of enemies a mile long. Willa is determined to find the murderer and salvage the cafe’s reputation.

Cade does a nice job of plotting a mystery that has many suspects and plenty of surprises. She has developed some great characters who are likable and relatable to the readers. She also has added some humor to lighten the mood. The ending was a surprise and Cade wraps it up well. It is an intriguing cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more of her books.

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

Summer Death at Meranges

Summer Death at Merangs: A Dead End (The Merangs Mysteries Book 5)

Carole Marples

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Helen and her friend Jade begin hobnobbing with the elite Ram family after participating in the Buttersley Manor fete. They become especially enamored with Elsie, the down-to-earth matriarch of the family. When Elsie passes away suddenly, Helen believes there is foul play involved. As she investigates, she becomes closer to Elsie’s grandson, Rufus. Helen has plenty of suspects and even more questions. She vows to find the killer and bring justice to Elsie.

This is the first novels I have read of the 5-book Meranges mystery series. At first, I did have some trouble keeping all of the characters straight, but as the story progressed, I was able to get a better handle on everyone. Once I got over that small bump, I became engrossed in the plot and couldn’t wait to see how the story would end. Marples has written a storyline that pivots between suspects and has a surprising ending. It also has humor and a bit of romance that adds to the appeal. I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to other cozy readers.

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

First Harvest Murder

First Harvest Murder: A Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery

Kit Sterling

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When attending the Silver Otter Wine Cellars gala, Molly Stanford was expecting a relaxing evening of wine and hors d’oeuvre. Instead, owner Gloria Campano drops dead during the first toast and Molly’s friend, caterer Sam, is the first suspect. Molly dives into the investigation, determined to clear Sam’s name and uncover the true killer.

I really enjoyed this book! Sterling crafts an engaging plot with strong, well-developed characters and descriptive scenery. There are many possible suspects, all with a plausible motive, which kept me guessing throughout. The storyline captured my attention from the beginning and I truly did not see the ending reveal coming. Add in the romance, humor and a teaser to the next book in the series and you’ve got an entertaining and interesting cozy mystery.

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

Dead Men Don’t Dig Tunnels

Dead Men Don’t Dig Tunnels: A Carolina Teal Cozy Mystery Book 4

C. C. Trace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

During Pine Haven’s Prohibition Weekend, guest speaker Dr. Everett Langley was giving a presentation about the secret tunnels under the town. He hinted at a big reveal during his keynote address he was giving the next day. However, he turns up dead in those very tunnels that night. Carolina, her sister Angela and her friends Goldie and Jack begin to investigate when it’s revealed that her late father had ties to these secret passages. With a distracted sheriff,  plenty of suspects and Kalua’s super sniffer, Carolina races to find the killer before they strike again.

This is book number 4 of the Carolina Teal series and I think they just keep getting better! The twists and turns of the story kept me guessing throughout and the last reveal shocked me. Trace weaves a story that is fast-paced and entertaining. Her characters are well developed and the slow burn romance developing between Carolina and Jack is sweet. I can’t wait for the next installment!

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

The Kryptos Enigma

The Kryptos Enigma: GKP Mystery Series Book 2

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This 22 minute audiobook discusses Kryptos, the cryptographic sculpture that was consigned when the CIA built its headquarters in Langley, VA in 1990. Artist Kim Sandborn created this sculpture with 4 coded messages, 3 which have been solved. Kelly dives into the background of this artwork and theories behind the fourth unsolved puzzle. I had never heard this story before, so it peaked my interest in this subject. This is not a deep dive, but rather a starting point to this fascinating piece of art.

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

Murder on Lake Everly

Murder on Lake Everly: A Claire Hastings Cozy Mystery

Bonnie Blume

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Relics & Riches owner Claire Hastings begins to investigate the murder of a local developer when it is tied into a treasure chest with a hidden map that she recently acquired. With several possible suspects, Claire and her friend Ruby work to expose the killer before they strike again.

Blume weaves a complex tale that ties a past unsolved death to a current murder. There are plenty of suspects and even more secrets that keep the reader guessing throughout the story. There is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming and turned everything on its head. Good, suspenseful read!

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

Murder Beneath the Bookshop

Murder Beneath the Bookshop: An Emma Lang Cozy Mystery Book 5

Nelly Stein

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Resort manager Emma Lang discovers the body of handyman Jed Nolan in the basement of her grandmother’s rental house. She and her friends learn that there are secret tunnels under the town of Port  Davis and Jed’s murder may be linked to these tunnels and a decades old jewelry robbery. Can Emma get to the bottom of this mystery before the killer claims another victim?

Even though this is the 5th book of the Emma Lang series, Stein does a nice job of giving enough background to make this an enjoyable standalone. Her vivid descriptions makes the reader feel that they are right there. The plot has twists and turns, quirky characters and many secrets. There is also a romance, a wedding and a mischievous goat that makes trouble wherever it goes. There is a lot going on in this book and sometimes the subplots overshadow the main story. Still, this is a fun and engaging read that cozy mystery fans are sure to enjoy.

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

Shadow of the Ripper

Shadow of the Ripper: GKP Mystery Series 1

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This audiobook gives a quick summary of the “Jack the Ripper” murders. The book gives a short synopsis of each victim, discusses the letters sent to the press during this time and reviews the police investigation. It also explores some possible suspects of these crimes, including the theory of Jack the Ripper actually being a woman. This is a good starting point for people who want to learn about this serial killer.

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

Signed, Sealed and Stabbed

Signed, Sealed and Stabbed: A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery

Tessa Aura

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Antique dealer/amateur sleuth Penelope Sinclair gets pulled into the murder of Eloise Turner, who is killed by a letter opener from Penelope’s shop. Though Detective Caleb Grant warns her to stay out of the investigation, she and her Teacup Chihuahua Teo, dig into the case and find secrets that have been long buried in the town of Bath. Will Penelope unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim.

This book is the third in the Penelope Sinclair series. Aura continues to flesh out the main characters in this series, Penelope and Caleb. She also is slowly building a partnership between the two. The plot is a bit complex at times and there were a couple of small threads that I felt were not completely wrapped up. That being said, I enjoyed the story and was engaged throughout, trying to solve the mystery before the ending reveal. I believe that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book.

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

X Marks the Stalker

X Marks the Stalker: A Dark Romantic Comedy (The Hemlock Society Book 1)

K.N. Wilder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is not my usual fare, but I was curious because I’ve not read a “dark romantic comedy” and I thought I’d give it a whirl. First, a word of warning: this book contains some disturbing scenes and graphic language. The author is very upfront about this and gives a content warning at the beginning, which I appreciate. The plot itself was riveting and despite being a little uncomfortable about some of the scenes, I wanted to keep reading to find out the conclusion. I’m not sure why this book is considered comedy, it did have humor throughout, but it struck me more as a thriller. Overall, if you like dark mystery with spicy romance and don’t mind rough language, this book may be for you.