Write Way To Die

Write Way To Die: Dead in Durango 1

Nikki Haverstock

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the first book of this series, Jess moves to Durango to help her great aunt recover from surgery. She decides to join a local writers group that is hosting a writing conference, featuring popular author Cassie Fox. When Fox ends up murdered, Jess and local reporter Mark, investigate the crime.

This is a promising start to a new cozy mystery series. Haverstock has developed likable characters and an interesting storyline that engages the reader. This mystery has several potential suspects and many twists and turns. I am looking forward to the next book and encourage cozy mystery readers to give this series a try.

*I was gifted a copy of this book and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Sappho’s Missing Poems

Sappho’s Missing Poems: GKP Lost Treasures Series 1, Book 9

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sappho was one of the greatest poet from Ancient Greece. Her poetry was revered throughout Greece, but somehow, only fragments remain today. Were they destroyed by religious leaders? Did they become lost during the many conquests in this area? Kelly does a good job of giving a brief overview of the importance of Sappho’s poetry and explored theories of what may have happened to them. I found this short audiobook interesting and a good introduction to this mystery.

Raphael’s Missing Painting

Raphael’s Missing Painting: GKP Lost Treasure Series, Book 8

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Raphael’s “Portrait of a Young Man” has been missing since World War II when the Nazi’s stoled it and then it vanished. Kelly’s short audiobook discusses the history of this famous painting, its disappearance and theories of what happened to it. Was it sold on the black market, destroyed in a bombing raid or hidden away in private collections? The fate of this painting remains a mystery today. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and think that readers who enjoy historical mysteries would appreciate this book.

 Monuments men

A Vow To Die For

A Vow To Die For: A Paisley Penrose Cozy Mystery, Book 3

Cheryl Marlow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Paisley Penrose and her Aunt Dottie are hosting a wedding of a social media influencer at their Florida inn when tragedy strikes. A wedding crasher is poisoned after sneaking a piece of wedding cake before the ceremony. The wedding party is restricted to the Sandlin Inn while Detective Grant, along assistance from Paisley, investigate the murder. Can Paisley and Detective Grant solve this mystery and bring a killer to justice?

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Marlow does a nice job of developing characters and creating a plot with many twists and turns. This mystery kept my attention and I was surprised by the ending. There is also a bit of humor, a slow burn romance and a cute labradoodle who sniffs out clues…all the components of a good cozy read. All though this is part of a series, it is written as a standalone, so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. I encourage lovers of cozy mysteries to give this book a read.

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

Dead Men Don’t Skate

Dead Men Don’t Skate: A Carolina Teal Cozy Mystery Book 6

CC Trace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pine Haven is hosting a charity hockey game to raise money for the local children’s hospital. When one of the players is found murdered and her boyfriend’s cousin becomes the prime suspect, Carolina and Jack set out to clear his name. 

This book is a great addition to Carolina Teal Cozy Mysteries. This book has mystery, suspense, humor and a little romance. I love how the characters have developed and the storyline kept my attention throughout the book. I was honestly surprised by the conclusion. I encourage cozy mystery lovers to read this book (and the rest of the series). I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

*I was gifted a copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Murder in the Ledger

A Murder in the Ledger: A Moonlight Bay Cozy Mystery

C. L. Harrow

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bookstore owner Grace Hastings becomes involved in a murder when the Annual Antiques and Arts Fair coordinator is murdered. Along with her dog, Murphy and ex-cop turned reporter Tom Barlow, Grace is determined to find the killer. This book has a pretty good premise but there seems to be some holes in the plot. I was gifted an advanced copy, so some of these holes were hopefully fixed in the final edit. Since it is a novella, there is not much time for character development, but the two main characters seem to work well together. And Murphy is a great dog detective, finds several important clues to help solve the mystery. Overall, I think this author has potential and look forward to reading more installments in this series.

Carols of Murder

Carols of Murder: The Thorndale Christmas Mysteries Series, Book 1

Cait Byrne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first installment of Cait Byrne’s new series and it is an entertaining read. Her main character, Dr. Elinor March, moves from London to her late grandmother’s cottage in Thorndale to rebuild her life after her husband betrays her. While going through her grandmother’s papers, she uncovers secrets about the town that leads to the murder of a well-respected resident. She teams up with Tom Ashworth, the town’s vicar to solve the mystery and find the murderer. 

This book grabbed my interest immediately. The author does a good job of setting the scene and developing the main characters. The plot is easy to follow and there are twists and turns that kept me guessing. The author also adds a little bit of a slow burn romance and a cliffhanger that carries onto the next book. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more in this series. 

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

Flickers of Deceit

Flickers of Deceit: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery, Book 10

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magic candle maker, Serena Rosewood, begins to have problems with her candles. Customers are complaining that the magic in her products are doing the opposite of what Serena claims they do. She’s losing business quickly and fears she will have to close her shop. The local chemistry teacher, Ryan Bedford and magical cats, Leo and Luna, vow to help Serena find who is sabotaging her candles and save her business.

I absolutely love the Quillhaven series and this book is no exception. The author does a great job of developing a solid plot line and introducing interesting characters. She incorporates a sweet romance and, of course, magic throughout the story. Though this is a series, each book is a standalone with a mixture of new and reoccurring characters. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery readers!

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

The Mystery of Peking Man

The Mystery of Peking Man: GKP Lost Treasures, Book 7

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In 1929, archeologists discovered Peking Man, an ancient skeleton that held valuable information about human evolution. Due to political unrest in China and World War II it was decided that the fossils would be shipped to the United States. However, they disappeared and have yet to be found. Kelly begins this short read with a history of the Peking Man discovery and its disappearance. He then discusses some theories of what could have happened to the artifacts. This was an interesting audiobook that gives an overview of this important discovery. I think readers who enjoy mysteries and history will enjoy listening to this audiobook.

Pancho Villa’s Lost Treasure

Pancho Villa’s Lost Treasure: GKP’s Lost Treasure Series, Book 6

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Short, enjoyable listen about Pancho Villa and his supposed hidden treasure. Kelly gives some background of Villa’s early years, his rise in power during the revolution, and his assassination. He then discusses the stories behind Villa’s accumulation of wealth and the legends of where the treasure was hidden. If you like history and/or mystery, you will enjoy this audiobook.

Murder at Christkindlmarkt

Murder at Christkindlmarkt: A Darcy and Mozart Cozy Culinary Mystery

Greta Sinclair

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Food blogger Darcy Finnegan travels to Vienna to write about their Christkindlmarkt, but she is drawn into an investigation when a well-known businessman is murdered. Along with Interpol agent and boyfriend Marcus Evans, Darcy is determined to get to the truth behind this crime. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this installment of the Darcy and Mozart cozy. Sinclair has a wonderful way with words and I felt like I was in Vienna, experiencing everything along with Darcy. The mystery was intriguing and the twists and turns had me invested in the story. I love the friendship between Darcy and Lizzie and her romance with Marcus is appealing. I loved the surprise at the end of the book! Sinclair also provides a glossary of the German words used throughout the story and even includes a recipe for Lebkuchen. This is a wonderful read and I encourage cozy mystery lovers to read not only this book, but the others in the series.

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

Murder Under the Autumn Leaves

Murder Under the Autumn Leaves: Silver Pines Mystery, Book 4

Lyla Blue

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clare Garner is preparing her inn for the Silver Pines Fall Festival and things start on a high note when her dog Lucy wins the Leaf Pile challenge. However, when a body is discovered in one of the piles, Clare is determined to find the culprit of this mystery.

I have listened to all the books in this series so far and have enjoyed them all. The author tells an interesting story that focuses on not only the mystery but also the characters and their relationships. This book was a bit different because I felt the murder plot line was secondary to Clare’s relationships with Jackson and Blake. It was still a good read but it was more romance than mystery. I do like the way the author gives enough background information about the characters that a reader could jump into the series at this point and not be too lost. Overall, I would recommend this book to both cozy readers and romance lovers.

Cinnamon and the Clue in the Cardamom

Cinnamon and the Clue in the Cardamom: The Catmint Chronicles Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1

Amanda Sterczyk

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

Rowan Thorne thought her life belonged in New York City with her job and her boyfriend. However, two things occurred on the same day which changed her mind. She caught her boyfriend cheating on her and she found out she inherited a tea shop (and a cat) in England from an aunt she didn’t even know existed. Rowan packs her bags and heads over the pond to begin her new life. When she gets there, she discovers that the shop is behind on the mortgage, her aunt’s special recipe book is missing and the cat has some mysterious qualities. Rowan is determined to find out who took the recipe book and save her shop.

I think this book has a lot going for it. The setting is a quaint English village, the residents are quirky and the mystery is intriguing. I related to the main character who is somewhat of an introvert and needs some space at times recharge her social battery. The story line is easy to follow and the author did a nice job of wrapping up the mystery and the motive. I felt that there is room for this author to grow in her storytelling. There are parts of the story that feel a little forced and did not flow smoothly. That being said, I feel that this is a solid 3 1/2 stars and I do look forward to reading more from this author.

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

Deck the Halls…Dead

Deck the Halls….Dead: A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery

Tessa Aura

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Penelope Sinclair is preparing for The Curious Finds shop for Bath’s Festival of Lights. She’s hoping for a festive turnout, but instead, finds herself tangled up in the murder of Margot Bellamy, the malicious organizer. The suspect list is long, but time is short. Can Penelope, with the help of her trusty dog Teo, find the culprit before the festival is ruined?

I was gifted a copy of this book and I really enjoyed it. The story has a mystery with plenty of suspects, quirky characters and twist and turns that keep the reader engaged. I love the relationship between Penelope and Grandma Joyce and watching Sheriff Caleb develop a grudgingly admiration for the amateur sleuth is appreciated. If you are a cozy mystery reader, I encourage you to give this story a try.

Meatless Monday’s

Meatless Monday’s: The Good Chef Mysteries

Elsie Grey

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ex-police officer Lilly Jane Good owns and runs the Good Chef restaurant in Pine Grove. She is also a consultant for the local police department. When butcher Michael Dirk is murdered, Lily and detective boyfriend Lance Phillips investigate who could be behind this crime. This novella has an intriguing storyline that kept my interest throughout the book. The twist at the end was surprising and I like how the author foreshadowed what is to come in the next book. Though this is the fourth book of a series, I had no problems following the story. I had a minor issue with a couple of loose ends that weren’t tied up, but this did not impact my enjoyment of the story. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy this quick read. *I was gifted a copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Evil at Teatime

Evil at Teatime: An International Foodie Mystery Book 3

Ann Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Megan and Reed jet off to England over Christmas for Reed’s next acting project. Megan is hoping to experience a quaint English Christmas, with a roaring fire and a good book. Then her in-laws decide that they would join the couple in England, to Megan’s dismay. Things get worse when there is a murder where Reed is to be filming and her haughty MIL is the prime suspect. Megan and Reed are determined to clear his mother’s name and find the true killer.

This was such a great read! The characters are well developed and the storyline captures the reader from the beginning. I was engrossed in the mystery and I definitely was not expecting the ending. There’s also humor and a bit of romance as Megan and Reed work on their marriage. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries. 

*I was gifted a copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

Murder, Mistletoe and Spirits

Murder, Mistletoe and Spirits: A Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery

Greta Sinclair

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Private investigator Hattie Leiper and Detective Bo Beckett were hoping for a crime-free date night at Leiper’s Fork Distillery when her dogs, Moose and Mini Pearl, stumble upon body of a missing distillery employee. Hattie and Bo work together to find out who the killer is and the motive behind the murder.

I love the books from the Hattie and Moose Cozy Mysteries series and this one is no exception. Sinclair does a wonderful job of creating characters that the reader can relate to and root for. Moose, Mimi Pearl and Cecil, along with Hattie’s best friend Gracie bring some levity to the story. And the slow burn romance between Hattie and Bo is becoming a bit more fiery. It’s a great mystery with several twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery readers!

Murder Under the Mistletoe

Murder Under the Mistletoe: A Willow Cove Mystery

J. J. Joseph

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is another fantastic installment in the Willow Grove Cozy Mystery series. What started out as an engagement party at the Willow Cove Wedding Chapel turned into a murder scene when someone strangled the hired Santa Claus during a blackout caused by a blizzard. Wedding coordinator Ally Fisher and her boyfriend Deputy Nate Dalton work together to figure out who took out Santa and why. I was gifted this book and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it! Joseph has spun a tale that involves murder, twist and turns, humor and a bit of romance. It’s the perfect combination for a cozy! If you love cozy mysteries, I highly suggest you try this one out.

The Fight Before Christmas

The Fight Before Christmas: A Cozy Canine Whodunit Short Read

Sharon Michaels

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Fight Before Christmas is a cozy novella that features Holly Winters, a bakery owner and amateur sleuth. She becomes entangled in a mystery when a murder occurs during Willow Grove’s holiday festivities. Along with her trusty pets, Holly vows to find the culprit and bring them to justice. I listened to the audiobook and it went by very quickly. It was an easy to follow plot with some twists and turns to keep the reader/listener involved. There is a bit of quirkiness in the storyline as Holly is able to hear her pets talk to her. For the most part, I enjoyed the book. My only critique is that the conclusion to the mystery seemed a bit abrupt. However, this was a minor detail and overall, I think it was a good Christmas read.

Murder at the Maplewood Frosty Festival

Murder at the Maplewood Frosty Festival: An Ivy Sinclair Cozy Mystery Series

Erin Macy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Ivy Sinclair is assigned to report on the Frosty Festival, she’s expecting to write an easy article with food reviews and descriptions of events at the celebration. Instead, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery when one of the food vendors is murdered. With help from her friend Alice, Ivy uncovers secrets from the festival’s past that tie into the recent crime. Will Ivy be able to find the killer before they strike again?

This book is a small town winter cozy mystery that has some twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. It was a fast read with a relatively easy plot to follow. I had a minor issue with the ending, it seemed abrupt to me. But overall, I enjoyed the book and think other cozy mystery readers would like it.

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