St. George’s Church

St. George’s Church: GKP Most Haunted Places (Series 1, Book 3)

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This audiobook explores the history of the abandoned St. George’s Church in the Czech Republic. After a roof collapse in 1968, the building was deserted and left empty for decades. Today, there are several recorded incidents of haunting at the church. Some hear faint whispers while others see apparitions, such as the Veiled Woman and the Phantom Procession. The author presents bite-sized stories detailing ghostly phenomena that have been recorded at the church. These short accounts are great for readers are intrigued with haunted places who may not have the time for a full time read.

*I was given an ARC recording of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Murder at the Manor

Murder at the Manor: A Beth Sanders Cozy Mystery

Iris Kingsley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beth Sanders has been hired to cater a family event at the Everly Manor. She ends up being quarantined with the rest of the guests when the lady of the manor, Eudora Everly, is diagnosed with chicken pox and a major storm is descending on the area. While waiting out the storm, the butler is found dead and Beth finds herself searching for answers. Is it Eudora’s daughter, who is drowning in debt? Or maybe her son Victor, who is anxious to get his hands on his inheritance? Beth must solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim. 

Kingsley weaves an intriguing story that includes several possible suspects in a sinister setting. The leading character is a strong woman who uses her power of observation to get to the bottom of the mystery. I was engaged throughout the story and was eager for the culprit to be revealed. I would encourage other mystery lovers to give this book a read.

*I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Mayhem in the Masquerade

The Mayhem in the Masquerade: Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 6

L.L. Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Harper Sullivan’s enchanted bookstore, Spellbooks, has hit hard times and she is concerned that she may have to close. She organizes a book signing for best selling author Garrett Grimshaw in hopes of revitalizing the store. During the event, Grimshaw mysteriously disappears. Harper and her magical friends must figure out who is behind his abduction Is it an obsessive fan or someone in his inner circle. Harper needs to find him safely before word gets out about his disappearance and scandal rocks Havenwood.

Paranormal cozies are not my usual go-to, but this book might change that. Gray does a wonderful job of of weaving a captivating tale of strong characters with magical powers, descriptive settings and several twists and turns that keeps the reader totally engaged. The ending was a complete surprise to me! Also, there’s a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. 

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Stalls and Scandals

Stalls and Scandals: Northern Lights Cozy Mysteries Book 3

Cheryl Dugan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When a farmers market is set up for a weekend in Northern Lights, Cassie Brooks volunteers to handle the cash payments for some of the higher priced vendors through her cafe. Unfortunately, someone breaks into her cafe and takes the money. Along with her friends, Cassie is determined to find the thief and make things right before the market ends.

This book was an interesting read and a bit different than other cozy mysteries I’ve read. The author takes time to develop the characters, the surroundings and the plot points. The actual crime does not take place until halfway through the book, but I was so engrossed in the story, that I didn’t realize it. As much as I liked the storytelling, the only negative is that the conclusion seemed rushed compared to the rest of the book. Finally, there was a secret revealed at the end that made a heartwarming conclusion. This is a cozy mystery that I think many readers will enjoy.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Murder at Starfall Lake

Murder at Starfall Lake: A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery Book 5

Tessa Silver

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Olympic swimmer Diana Waverly takes a job as a swimming instructor at a summer camp in Quillhaven She is looking for peace and a slower pace, but instead becomes involved in the murder of real estate developer Bryce Hastings when she discovers his body in Starfall Lake. As she investigates, she begins to feel a magical connection to the lake and a romantic connection to journalist Evan Caldwell. Along with Leo and Luna, who are talking cats, Diana and Evan work to uncover who is behind the murder and bring peace back to Quillhaven.

I have read a couple of books in this series and I enjoy them. Each book is a stand alone story with some characters returning. In this book, the author does a nice job of the new characters and using the returning characters in suitable places in the plot. There is mystery, romance and magic in equal doses. I found this to be a delightful reading and look forward to future books by this author.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Case of the Crumbled Cookie

The Case of the Crumbled Cookie: Gwen Lawson Mysteries (Short Reads)

Lisbeth Earley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gwen, Lorraine and Teensie are best friends who support each other in every way, including baking. Lorraine entered the Christmas Bake-Off to compete with her rival, Vivian Sterling. Things go awry when the competition is sabotaged and Gwen and Teensie investigate. Is Vivian playing dirty or is one of the other competitors trying to steal the prize?

This quick read had a cute holiday premise and a surprise ending. There is not much character development, but that’s to be expected in a short story. Overall, it was an endearing story and it came with a cookie recipe for those who like to bake. 😃 

*I received an ARC of this story. All opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at the Bobbin and Bodkin

Murder at the Bobbin and Bodkin: An Emmy Forester Cozy Mystery

Arden Gray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emmy Forester and her dachshund, Wyatt Burp, seem to be a magnet for mysterious deaths. After discovering a lace veil in the her Oddity Shop, Emmy entrusts it to lace historian Dr. Hester Trilby. When Emmy discovers Trilby’s body, she is determined to find answers and justice for the murdered Trilby. If that wasn’t enough, she is still being tracked by the Truffle Mafia, who may have upped their illegal activities game in Hope Springs. Along with a new ally, crime analyst Ingrid Sorensen, Emmy works to find a killer and stop the Truffle Mafia.

This book definitely has layers to it. The plot is complex and keeps the reader on their toes. At times, there was so much going on that I found it a bit hard to keep track. I like the budding romance between Emmy and Jack and the Grannies added some much-needed humor to the story. If you like conspiracies and twisty plots that make you think, then this book is for you.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.