Dead Men Don’t Pick Apples

Dead Men Don’t Pick Apples: A Carolina Teal Cozy Mystery

C. C. Trace

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As co-owner of the Blueberry Hill Inn, Carolina Teal is leading a group of guests on a hiking excursion when they stumble upon the body of Owen Longfellow, an unpleasant farmer from the local orchard. Carolina begins to investigate this mysterious death and discovers that there are several suspects. Will she be able to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.

Trace has created another great story for the Carolina Teal series. There are many twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing who committed the crime. I love the reoccurring characters and feel like I get to know more about them as the series unfolds. This book has suspense, humor and a bit of romance, making it a great book for cozy mystery lovers.

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

The Tamam Shud Case

The Tamam Shud Case: GKP Mystery Series 1, Book 10

Grant Kelly

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In 1948, a man was found dead on an Australian beach. Police could not identify the man as he had no identification on him. However, authorities did find a note on the victim that had the phrase Tamam Shud, which means “it is finished”. Who was this mysterious man and how did he die? In this audiobook, Kelly explores the mystery behind this unidentified person and theories of how he came to be there. Was he involved in espionage or possibly caught up in a deadly love triangle? As different theories are discussed, Kelly also explains how current technology is being used to try to solve this mystery. If you are looking for a quick overview of strange, unexplained mysteries, this book is for you.

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

The Voynich Manuscript

The Voynich Manuscript: GKP Mystery Series 1, Book 11

Grant Kelly

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This audiobook is an overview of an indecipherable manuscript that has been around for centuries. The author discusses the discovery of the manuscript and the mysteries surrounding it. I really like learning about different mysteries around the world and this audiobook introduces me to one I knew nothing about. I like how the book explores different theories about this phenomenon and also describes how modern technology is being used to crack the code. An enjoyable listen for people who enjoy unsolved mysteries around the world.

*I was gifted this audiobook and all opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at the Autumn Apple Festival

Murder at the Autumn Apple Festival: A Willow Cove Cozy Mystery Book 7

J.J. Joseph

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Ally Fisher finds herself in the middle of a mystery when an unsavory DJ drops dead during the Autumn Apple Festival and all eyes are on Hank Pritchard, fiancé of Emma Dalton, Deputy Nate Dalton’s sister. Ally tries to wade through all of the possible suspects, but ends up with more questions than answers. Can she find the real killer before she becomes the next victim?

This book is a wild ride! There are plenty of viable suspects and the author kept me guessing until the end. I like the way that Joseph has developed his characters throughout the series. Ally and Deputy Nate can butt heads at times, but there’s a current of romance between the two. Ally’s mother Judith and her bridge club friends are quirky and bring humor to the story. And don’t leave out Theo, Ally’s Golden Doodle, who is cute, funny and fiercely loyal to his person. I think Joseph is a great storyteller and I’m excited to see what is in store for the future.

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

Abra-Ca-Deadly: Book 7

Bella Colby

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Skylar Blackwood is a witch trying to live a normal life in Tidewater. Her friends convince her to attend a magic show on her birthday. She expected to see illusions but that all changed when the magician’s assistant drops dead at the end of the show. Can Skye and her friends unravel all the clues to find the killer.

This was a great story that kept me engaged until the very last page. There were plenty of suspects, several twists and turns and a bit of romance. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and would like to go back and read the other books. My only (very minor) issue was being a little confused at the beginning of the book. Since I have not read any of the previous books, it took me a bit to figure out some of the background. That being said, it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I encourage paranormal cozy mystery lovers to check this out.

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

A Frostwood Christmas

A Frostwood Christmas Mystery 

J L Koontz

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Investigative reporter Grace Carrington inherits her grandmother’s house in Frostwood, Minnesota and decides to use this as a new start for her life. She takes a job as a journalist at the local paper but does not expect her first story to cover the disappearance of the town’s Santa Claus, Nick Kringle. As she digs into this mystery, she becomes closer to Deputy Jack Manning. She and Jack work together to locate Kringle and uncover Frostwood’s deepest secrets.

What a great Christmas cozy mystery. I love how Koontz describes the setting and develops the characters. You can feel the warmth between the townsfolk and the atmosphere puts the reader in the Christmas spirit. This book has mystery, romance and a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I think cozy mystery lovers will really enjoy this tale.

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

Harvest of Shadows and Dark Brews

Harvest of Shadows and Dark Brews: A Jenna McGregor Mystery Book 3

Willow Thorne

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In this Jenna McGregor mystery, Jenna’s best friend Lisa becomes enamored with a new commune that promotes spirituality and inner peace. However, Jenna feels that there is more to this group than aligning chakras and glowing produce. As Lisa becomes more entangled in “The Grove”, Jenna, her neighbor Mildred and Sheriff Joe race against time to uncover the true motive of the commune before they lose their friend forever. 

This is a marvelous story filled with excitement, intrigue, and humor that grabs the reader from the very beginning. The plot is easy to follow, and Thorne has done a wonderful job developing the characters. The camaraderie between them shines through beautifully. I have to admit—Mildred, the ex-spy neighbor, is my favorite! This is an entertaining and delightful read, and I highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers.

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