Summer Death at Meranges

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

Carole Marples

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.