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.

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.