Premise: Jill is concerned about her aunt Jackie when she suddenly breaks off her engagement and more so when she finds out the reason why. Throw in the murder of a man who was either a saint or the devil and things are busy in South Cove.
My Thoughts: I was THRILLED to see this full length mystery for the Tourist Trap series. I've been reading this series from the very beginning and while I was enjoying the novellas I wanted more time in South Cove. This did not disappoint. The mystery was fascinating and I liked seeing Jackie in a bit of a more vulnerable light. I did figure out what was going on a little bit before Jill did but that didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying the reveal. I did wish that the murder was explored a little more and there had been a little bit more focus on just what was going on there but that didn't keep this from being a thoroughly entertaining mystery and a fabulous visit with old friends. I can't wait for the next book! My Rating: Really Liked It!
Premise: Back in Bellamy Bay, North Carolina for the first time since she was a child, Alexander Daniels, quickly learns that her family and their apothecary shop aren't quite what they seem. While she's still getting used to her magical past and future she soon finds herself drawn into a murder and has to learn how to manage her refound gifts while fighting for the family she's just rediscovered.
My Thoughts: This has all the makings of a fun series! I love the magical elements and the Apothecary shop that Alex's family owns. As well I loved watching Alex get reacquainted with her family and their past. They mystery was intriguing with a good mix of real and magical motives. It kept me guessing all the way through. There are some hints dropped about Alex's mother's death and I' hoping that if not front and center in an upcoming book will be a story that gets explored more as the series progresses. My main issue with this book is Alex herself. I liked her but she seemed so immature and impulsive at times! I wanted to yell at her to communicate with those around her! I'm hoping that as the series grows Alex grows up a bit because I enjoyed everything else about this read. My Rating: Liked It
Premise: Nixy comes to Lilyvale, Arkansas to check on her Aunt Sherry. She's quickly drawn into a land dispute between her Aunt and friends and out of town developer Jill Elsman. Threats and poison quickly lead to murder and Nixy must uncover the killer to clear her aunt and the rest of the "Silver Six".
My Thoughts: I had read the third book in this series and really enjoyed it so when I needed a book set in Arkansas (I'm trying to read a book set in each of the 50 states) I picked up the first book in the series. And it was good. I really loved Aunt Sherry and the rest of the Silver Six - ie her 5 roommates. I love that they all use their strengths and really work together. They're a group of friends that I really believe are friends which I enjoyed. I also liked that they didn't take to Nixy right away but kind of made her earn her way into the group. They weren't mean or rude just hesitant. The bit of romance with detective Eric Shoar was enjoyable and also believable. What kept this book from being a total winner for me was that the mystery itself felt a bit week. The wrap up just didn't fully make sense to me. And while I do love a good villain nickname and I thought "hellspawn" was a pretty good one after the 5,000th time it was used it had gotten a bit old. This is a good series with a fun mixed age cast. This may not be the strongest entry but it was still enjoyable. Rating: Liked It
Those covers will draw me in anytime. Thanks for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteI really expected to enjoy cozies during this pandemic, but the two I've tried so far have been disappointments. I may have just simply made a couple of bad choices. Sometimes, too, I think my expectations are so high that I can't help but be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteAll of these cozy look and sound delightful. To me they scream fall reads. Hope you and yours are well.
ReplyDeleteSTill need to get further in this series to get a better taste of it.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking cozies! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey all sound like good cozies. Yes I often feel if only characters communicated they'd do so much better!
ReplyDeleteSo two of these I haven't tried and they sound good! :)
ReplyDeleteI really need to check out the Tourist Trap series. It sounds super fun!
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I'll dive into the Tourist Trap mysteries. You make them sound so fun! I really liked A Spell for Murder. Hopefully Alex will grow as a character as the series continues.
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