Cocoa, Peppermint and Murder

Cocoa, Peppermint and Murder: A Willow Creek Cozy Mystery, Book 5

Jenni Marie

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

B&B owner Cynthia Harper is happily preparing for the Winter Festival in Willow Creek when tragedy strikes. During his opening speech, Mayor Grigsby collapses and it is determined he was poisoned. From this point on, Cynthia, along with her dog Duke and friend Evan, look for clues to find the killer.

I was gifted an ARC copy of this book and felt the book started out in a positive direction. As I read, however, there were inconsistencies in the plot that made it difficult to follow the storyline at times. Since it was an ARC copy, I am assuming that these issues were resolved prior to the release. Unlike other mysteries I’ve read, it was pretty apparent who the culprit was early on. The story had more of a focus of discovering the motive and bringing the killer to justice. I did not feel that this was a negative, it was just a different way to approach the story. This book has mystery, suspense, and a slowly developing relationship between Cynthia and Evan that I found sweet. If I could, I would give this story a solid 3 1/2 stars. It has a lot going for it, just needed tidied up a bit.

Murder at the Marina

Murder at the Marina: A Paisley Penrose Cozy Mystery, Book 2

Cheryl Marlow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Paisley Penrose has left her big city PR job to help her Aunt Dottie run the Sandlin Inn in Sand Keys Shore. Paisley and her dog Noodle are enjoying the laidback life of Florida until a man from her PR past turns up dead in Sand Keys Shore. After the police ask for her assistance in the case, Paisley pairs with Detective Grant Halloway to investigate the murder. While they are digging up clues, another murder occurs. Will they be able to solve this case before another person dies?

Marlow does a really nice job setting the scene and developing her main characters, which helps pull the reader into the story. There were viable suspects and several twists and turns, making it difficult for me to determine the culprit. I was surprised when the murderer was revealed and I like how all of the loose ends were tied up. There is also a hint of romance between Paisley and Grant, which adds another level to the story. This was an easy and interesting read and I recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries.

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

Black Forest Cake Murder

Black Forest Cake Murder: A Sinclair Sisters Bakery Mystery

Karen McSpade

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Sinclair sisters (Noell, Holly and Joy) find themselves in the middle of a mystery when a well-known food critic is murdered after visiting their bakery and their father is the prime suspect. The sisters are determined to clear their father’s name and team up with local detective Chad, who also happens to be Holly’s former boyfriend. Will the girls be able to find the real killer and clear their father’s name?

I was gifted this book and I must say, it was an enjoyable read. Even though it is the second book of the series, it can be easily read as a standalone. The book is told from multiple POV’s which can sometimes lead to a little bit of confusion. I liked the main characters and thought the plot line was solid. It was a pretty fast read and there is even a recipe for Black Forest Cake at the end. All-in-all, I feel this is a book that cozy mystery lovers will appreciate.

Secrets in the Mist-Book 2

Secrets in the Mist Book 2: The Lochraven Romantic Mystery Series

Cait Byrne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The series continues as Isla and Finley investigate the disappearance of Isla’s friend Abby. As they search for answers, dark, hidden secrets are unearthed. The plot line is pretty solid and there are several twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book. I do think the main characters could be fleshed out a bit more, as they sometimes feel a little two-dimensional. While this book could be read as a standalone, I would suggest starting with book one to be the full backstory leading into book two. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read and I think cozy mystery readers would likely appreciate it.

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

Murder Over Coffee

Murder Over Coffee: Silver Pines Mysteries, Book 3

Lyla Blue

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Silver Pines is hosting a coffee and food truck festival which keeps Clare Garner busy between her hosting duties at the Mill and her customer order furniture business. She adds to the load after a popular coffee influencer is murdered and her friend is arrested. Clare jumps into the investigation, hoping to clear her friend’s name. Can she identify the killer before it’s too late?

This is the third installment of the Silver Pines mysteries and it’s as entertaining as the first two. Not only does the author compose a mystery that engages the reader, but also continues the love triangle between Clare, Jackson and Blake. I was unsure of the killer’s identity until the reveal. I was gifted the audiobook and it was an easy listen as the narrators did a nice job with the different voices. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Frosted Pines and Holiday Signs

Frosted Pines and Holiday Signs: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Series Book 10

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In this 10th installment of the Quillhaven series, Clara Snow has a special magic that connects her to the trees at the Frosted Pines Tree Farm. She also is the keeper of magical Wishing Ornaments in her shop, Snowfall Enchantment. Things go awry when the ornaments mysteriously disappear and it’s up to Clara and Nick (the owner of Frosted Pines) to figure out who took the ornaments and find them before the Winter Wishes Festival begins.

Tessa Silver has outdone herself once again. This Christmas story has magic, mystery, humor and love woven throughout the pages. The book not only focuses on solving the mystery but also highlights the Christmas spirit and forgiveness. I honestly had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and Christmas miracles.

Christmas, Clues and Killers

Christmas, Clues and Killers: Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery, Book 3

Bella Colby

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This fun cozy mystery begins with the owner of a local animal shelter is found dead after it is announced that the shelter may be closing due to money issues. Josie Appleton, B&B owner and rookie witch, begins investigating the crime with the help of her familiar, Einstein. Will Josie solve the mystery before the killer strikes again. 

I was gifted a copy of this book and can honestly say I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Josie is a strong main character who I could relate to and I enjoyed her banter with Einstein. The mystery was solid with several viable suspects and kept me guessing until the end. And the slow-burn romance between Josie and Tom is so sweet. If you like paranormal cozy mysteries, I encourage you to check this book out.