A Victim at Valentine's - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  A Victim at Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #5) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Liked It (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In the cozy town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day plans take a sinister turn when a beloved pillar of the local community is found dead at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.

As Annie assists the lead detective in unraveling the mystery, she quickly identifies a host of likely suspects – from an oddball psychic, to a professional matchmaker, to a rival bookseller – each with a worryingly plausible motive.

With her keen eye for detail, soon Annie suspects there may be connections to the decade-old tragedy of her best friend’s death, which still haunts her. Putting her own Valentine’s Day plans with the irresistible Liam on hold, Annie must solve the crime – before she ends up on a hot date with a killer.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've enjoyed the previous books in the series and this is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.

My Impression:  This may be the of the coziest cozy mystery series ongoing at the moment.  There's a small town with a big community feel and more than few festivals and events, there's an Agatha Christie themed bookstore in an old house complete with a secret bookshelf with a dash of found family, and an amateur sleuth with a cat named Professor Plum - and of course a shockingly high crime rate.  

I liked that Annie studied criminology and that she and Fletcher are in the process of starting a PI business.  That makes the crime solving make sense a bit more than when it's just a nosy resident (not that I'm anti-nosy resident).  This was an interesting mystery.  The victim is someone that everyone likes but things didn't seem quite right in the days before the murder.  Just what secrets were floating about and who hated the victim enough to commit murder.

I really enjoyed this one and loved spending time in the bookstore with Annie, Fletcher, Pri, Liam, and the rest of the cast of characters.  The mystery kept me engaged and reading and I enjoyed trying to figure out all the secrets.  This is a series best read in order as there are a few story arcs that involve multiple books.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I don't feel this is Alexander's best series and it isn't really one I think of when I'm not reading it but I always enjoy my trips to Redwood Grove.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are a cozy mystery fan this series is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

My Winter Reading Retreat Reading List - 2025

A few months ago I did a reading list for an imaginary reading retreat and had a good time picking out books to read for an imaginary weekend where I do nothing but read.  There's always the chance I might make it a reality so I need to be prepared!   My winter reading retreat looks pretty similar to the picture above.  Lots of snow that I don't have to go out into and a big house with lots of cozy reading nooks, fireplaces, and hot beverages - an assortment of tasty baked goods wouldn't hurt!  Here are the 10 books I'd bring to this retreat.

1.  The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller - A book involving an English Manor, antiques, and murder pretty much insists that it be read by a fire with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket.

2.  The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan - Something about historical fiction seems like winter reading for me and this one has been on my TBR for ages.

3.  Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah - It's been awhile since I read any of Hannah's Poirot books and spending time with Poirot during the winter season seems like a good choice.

4.  The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller - Ballet and the aftermath of the siege of Paris and Biller's ability to make the setting a major character - this is another book begging to be read by a fire with a cup of tea.

5.  Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: Peril in Owl Park by Marthe Jocelyn - After some heavy reading I think lightening it up a bit with child versions of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot solving a murder around Christmas sounds like the way to go.

6.  Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez - This one isn't all that seasonal but I really want to read this author and this looks like a good place to start.

7.  Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge - Cooking in Paris and solving murders.  I feel like this is the book where the baked goods would be a very important reading accessory.

8.  Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton - This mystery series is set in a remote area of Alaska and just seems like good winter reading.

9.  The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis - A book that starts during a winter storm - sounds like a fantastic book to read by the fire with all the coziness I can muster.

10. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - Ending on a gorgeously cozy fantasy book seems like the perfect end to my reading retreat.

What would you read on your Winter Reading Retreat?  What does your reading retreat look like?

The Dressmakers of London - Historical Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly

Rating:  Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In 1940s Great Britain, plain and awkward Izzie finds comfort in retreating into the safety of the backroom of her mother’s dressmaking shop. The predictable world of stitches, patterns, and fabric has been a sanctuary from the cruel, chaotic world that took her father in a tragic accident years ago.

Her beautiful sister Sylvia was old enough to watch her father’s tragic death force her mother to give up their respectable middle-class home and open a shop to support their family. That’s why, when she meets the sophisticated, wealthy Martin Pearsall, Sylvia isn’t surprised at her mother’s encouragement to seize her chance for a better life, even if it means distancing herself from her family at Martin’s insistence.

When their mother unexpectedly dies, the two sisters are surprised to discover that her will stipulates that they both inherit the dress shop, stirring up old resentments and hurt feelings. However, when conscription forces Izzie to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service in another part of the country, she realizes that Sylvia is the only person who can save the shop from closure. As the sisters begin an ongoing correspondence, they must confront old emotions to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.

Genre: Fiction - Historical 

Why I Picked This Book:  I've enjoyed previous books by this author and the premise really caught my attention.

My Impression:  It feels like every third book right now is set during World War II but it is a time period that always catches my attention.  In this book I felt like Kelly really focused on two areas that I haven't seen much about before - dressmakers dealing with fabric shortages and the changes in clothing coupons as well as women in military service.  I knew nothing about barrage balloons or the clothing restrictions and found both areas fascinating.  

The relationship between the two sisters is complex and made more challenging by misunderstandings and poor communication.   I loved that the bulk of the communication between the two was through letters and it allowed them to really speak to each other.  Seeing their lives evolve as the war continues was fascinating and really helped me connect with both characters and become invested in their worlds.  Izzie did drive me a bit crazy at times but I also couldn't help but sympathize with her.  

I really enjoyed this book and this author has become an auto-buy for me.  I look forward to reading more from her.  If you enjoy historical fiction with well-drawn characters this is a wonderful read.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  This book really cemented Kelly's status as an auto-buy for me and I will be looking for more books from her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy books that focus on complicated relationships and flawed but sympathetic characters I think this is a fantastic read!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Week in Reading - February 16

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest - Basically I saw that it involves the ghost of a silent film star and I couldn't resist it!  (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander and Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

Listening:  My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

Thanks for all the well wishes!  My surgery went smoothly.  During all the waiting and prep time I noticed that all the nurses and the anesthesiologist spoke very highly of the surgeon so that made me feel pretty positive.  I ended up with two screws in the broken finger and started occupational therapy on Wednesday.  The pain isn't too bad thankfully and the biggest issues have mostly been typing and holding a print book with only one hand. 

I hope everyone has a great week and happy reading!

Five Little Pigs - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

Rating:  Loved It (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  It was an open and shut case. All the evidence said Caroline Crale poisoned her philandering husband, a brilliant painter. She was quickly and easily convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Now, sixteen years later, in a posthumous letter, Mrs. Crale has assured her grown daughter that she was innocent. But instead of setting the young woman's mind at ease, the letter only raises disquieting questions. Did Caroline indeed write the truth? And if she didn't kill her husband, who did?

To find out, the Crale’s daughter asks Hercule Poirot to reopen the case. His investigation takes him deep into the conflicting memories and motivations of the five other people who were with the Crales on the fatal day. With his keen understanding of human psychology, he manages to discover the surprising truth behind the artist's death.

This was also published as Murder in Retrospect

 

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the January pick for the Read Christie Challenge 2025

My Impression:  This is one of my favorite mysteries by Christie and I think really highlights her unique approach to solving mysteries and really allows Poirot's use of his "little grey cells" to shine.  

Poirot is faced with what seems to be an impossible challenge - how do you investigate a murder that occurred 16 years before when there is no evidence remaining?  This is right in Poirot's wheelhouse and he quickly begins to interview the witnesses with a little help from a nursery rhyme.  

This isn't a fast paced or action packed read but it is a fascinating one.    It is interesting to see how the different characters remember the same afternoon and the same woman - and to see what they held back 16 years ago. The reveal is a good one and was quite a surprise but at the same time made perfect sense.  It's easy to see why it is one of my favorites and I think I get a little something different out of each reread.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Of course!  I'm looking forward to reading February's pick - The Thirteen Problems.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are a fan of classic mysteries this is a must read!

Friday Five - Five Books I'm Hoping Will Be Slump Prevention Reading

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.   I had a long tiring week, a book that felt like it took forever to read, and a few books in a row that I was just kind of meh about.  For me this is the perfect recipe for a reading slump which I desperately want to avoid.  So, I'm going through my shelves and picking out 5 books to hopefully prevent this from happening!

1.  Northern Lights by Nora Roberts - This is one of the authors I most enjoy and romantic suspense usually hooks me pretty quickly which seems like it would prevent the dreaded meh feeling.

2.  A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney - The reviews for this one have been glowing and it looks lovely and cozy.

3.  Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker - This is short and involves ghosts which makes this one seem like a good choice.

4.  We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida - I love the title and it sounds like a soothing read.

5.  The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey - I fell in love with this family and the town in the first book and really want to read this one.  Since I'm already invested in the characters this looks like a good slump-busting book.

What are some books you'd try if you were in a reading slump?

Books from the Backlog - The Bar Harbor Retirement Home For Famous Writers

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers by Terri-Lynne DeFino

Blurb:  Alfonse Carducci was a literary giant who lived his life to excess—lovers, alcohol, parties, and literary rivalries. But now he's come to the Bar Harbor Home for the Elderly to spend the remainder of his days among kindred spirits: the publishing industry's nearly gone but never forgotten greats. Only now, at the end of his life, does he comprehend the price of appeasing every desire, and the consequences of forsaking love to pursue greatness. For Alfonse has an unshakeable case of writer's block that distresses him much more than his precarious health.
Set on the water in one of New England's most beautiful locales, the Bar Harbor Home was established specifically for elderly writers needing a place to live out their golden years—or final days—in understated luxury and surrounded by congenial literary company. A faithful staff of nurses and orderlies surround the writers, and are drawn into their orbit, as they are forced to reckon with their own life stories. Among them are Cecibel Bringer, a young woman who knows first-hand the cost of chasing excess. A terrible accident destroyed her face and her sister in a split-second decision that Cecibel can never forgive, though she has tried to forget. Living quietly as an orderly, refusing to risk again the cost of love, Cecibel never anticipated the impact of meeting her favorite writer, Alfonse Carducci—or the effect he would have on her existence. In Cecibel, Alfonse finds a muse who returns him to the passion he thought he lost. As the words flow from him, weaving a tale taken up by the other residents of the Pen, Cecibel is reawakened to the idea of love and forgiveness.

As the edges between story and reality blur, a world within a world is created. It’s a place where the old are made young, the damaged are made whole, and anything is possible…

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  It's been on my bookshelf for ages and it seems like it would be a good winter read.