Death at the Dinner Party - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Death at the Dinner Party (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #3) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  When her friend Penny confesses she’s struggling to finance the restoration of the historic Wentworth farmhouse, Annie is instantly inspired. The beautiful property has stood empty since the 1970s, but rumors still swirl about the eccentric Wentworth family and their hidden fortune. It’s the perfect setting for a spooky, immersive dinner party, and the evening is a roaring success – until neighboring landowner Curtis Wright drops dead at the dining table…

Annie knows she didn’t add arsenic to the entrée, so who messed with her catering, and why? Everyone in the party had some reason to hate renowned bully Curtis – not least Penny, who was under pressure to sell land to him. Annie realizes she’ll need to clear her friend’s name fast. Soon, she’s in deep, uncovering long-buried family secrets, shady business deals and pitch-black hidden passageways.

But as Annie closes in on the truth, the killer is determined to stop her at all costs. Will justice be served in time, or will Annie get a helping of death with dessert…?

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've really enjoyed the previous two books in this series and the author is one of my favorites so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression:  I really enjoyed the previous two mysteries and was so excited to see that this one involved the Wentworth family mystery that is talked about in the previous books.  I also really liked that Penny is finding she bit off more than she could chew with the renovatation which lines up with pretty much everyone I know who has done any kind of big renovation.  I really enjoy spending time with Annie and the rest of Redwood Grove.  The mix of bookish and foodie characters is nice and provides a good mix of personalities.  As before, The Secret Bookshelf is on my top five fictional places that I wish were real and I love the relationships between Annie, Fletcher, and the owner whose last name just happens to be Christie.  

What kept this one from being a favorite is that it felt a bit unbalanced.  Over 40% of the book takes place in the dining room after the murder happens and while Annie is in charge there really isn't any investigating.  I also found a few things that happened a bit questionable - especially the moving the body.  As well, Annie's continual referencing to her training got a bit old.  

While this wasn't my favorite of the series so far it was a fun read.  This series has everything a good cozy is supposed to have - good characters, a memorable community, and an entertaining mystery.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? If you are a cozy mystery reader you really must try Ellie Alexander.  I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by her.

Would I Recommend this Book? I would recommend this with no hesitation but you do really need to start at the beginning of the series as there are a number of longer plotlines and a lot of relationshps to figure out.

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

TBR Tarot - You Can Run

 

At the end of 2022 Wendy over at Literary Feline posted about these fantastic TBR Tarot Cards she had picked up on Etsy and that sounded too good to resist so I immediately ordered my own set.  So when I'm not feeling strongly about what to read next I pull out my cards and pick a book based on the prompt.  Here is a book the fates chose for me recently.

Prompt:  Choose a Book With a Title That Starts With "You"

Goodreads:  You Can Run (Laurel Snow #1) by Rebecca Zanetti

Blurb:  Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness…
A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement. Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…

Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was…

My Thoughts:  Well this was a fun book!  There's murder and putting together a team, and a good dog.  Throw in some family secrets and what's not to love!   I liked Laurel as a main character.  She's more than a little intelligent and very good at her job even if she lacks some people skills. Even better I could believe that Laurel has the job that she has in the book.  It always drives me nuts when a main character is in a job with some authority or responsibility but they have all the confidence and skill of an overly-emotional 12 year old.  The mystery and the pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end.  I really liked that the mystery was wrapped up well but there are a few little bits left open ended for the next book.  I'm already looking forward to reading it.  This author has been on my To Read List for quite some time and I'm glad the bookish fates picked this one out for me!  It was a fun grab your popcorn type of book.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Friday Fives - Five Short Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random fve lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently

1.  Clammed Up by Barbara Ross - This is the first mystery in a series about a family lobster boil business serving up the classic Maine experience.  Things are not going as well as could be expected and get worse after a murder and arson.  There's a good community of characters though quite a lot of conflict that kept me reading.  The wrap up was a surprise and I was holding my breath as it all played out.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this series develops.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

2.  Little Girl Vanished by Denise Grover Swank - I'm torn on this one.  I really liked the mystery and the pacing and was fully hooked on the story itself.  However, this may be most hostile town to exist.  With the exception of Harper's father and her friend Louise pretty much every character is unpleasant and argumentative.  BUT, I was also fully pulled into the story and couldn't wait to get back to it.  BUT I wanted to shake Harper through most of the story and didn't like her much more at the ending than the beginning.  This is definitely not a cozy and there are some very dark topics touched on but thankfully not gone into much detail.  I'm torn about if I will pick up the next in the story.  My Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)

3.  End of Story by A.J. Finn - This was okay.  I really enjoyed the author's ability to create atmosphere.  The whole feel of the book was claustrophobic between the dreary weather and the old Victorian house and the secrets lurking between every corner.  For the first third I was really enjoying the book but then the pacing started to drag.  A lot of hand wringing happened with not a lot of story progression.  I didn't love the ending.  It was an interesting twist but felt a bit a bit of a cop out.  I think I enjoyed this more since I listened to it and the narrator did a good job with it.  I suspect if I read it I would have had a tough go through the middle section and been seriously annoyed at the ending.  My Rating:  Liked It (3 Stars)

4.  Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca - This was really cute!  I loved Cassie and Nick and watching them figure out their relationship.  I also really enjoyed seeing Cassie figure out how she fits in Boneyad Key and what she's going to do moving forward. The ghosts add a bit more fun as well!  This is a really light read and was a fun bit of escapism.  I haven't read this author before but I will be looking for more from her - especially if it's more about Boneyard Key!  My Rating: Liked it! (3.5 Stars)

5.  A Traitor in Whitehall by Julie Kelly - This was a reread but the second book is coming out in a couple of weeks so I wanted to be sure I remembered all the details.  I enjoyed it just as much this time around as I did the first read.  Evelyne was an interesting character.  She's intelligent nad strong with an appreciation for the friends in her life.  I liked that she's able to admit that she may have some impulsive behavior after she throws herself into danger a time or two.  You can't beat the beginning of World War II for a "who can you trust" mystery setting and the CWR makes it even more front and center.  I'm super excited to read the second book.  My Rating:  Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - The Summer Retreat

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 Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts

Blurb:  Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.
As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.

Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I'm really trying to decrease my number of review books gathering dust and this looks ike a fun quick read.  Plus, a beach trip sounds like just the thing right now.

Legacy of Blood - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads: Legacy of Blood (The Blackbird Files #3) by Heather Graham

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  When Special Agent Jeanette LaFarge is called in to investigate a vineyard in the Reims region of France, the last thing she expects to find is multiple bodies with every vein bled dry. It’s yet another case tailor-made for Blackbird. Joining her is recent recruit Detective Daniel Murray, eager to use his newfound abilities to track down whoever is terrorizing Paris and its surrounding areas.

With each ashen victim grows the realization that those responsible weren’t inspired by vampiric creatures of the night but by Elizabeth Báthory herself. The Hungarian noblewoman’s unspeakable crimes against her people are being reenacted in both the City of Lights and across the French countryside. Unless the two of them act quickly, the upcoming harvest promises to yield blood instead of wine.

Genre: Mystery - Romantic Suspense

Why I Picked This Book:  I have enjoyed other books by this author and this looked like a fun read.

My Impression: I have really enjoyed Graham's Krewe of Hunters series and I had really high hopes for this series.  One of my favorite parts of her books has always been her way of making the settings come alive so I was especially excited to read this one as who doesn't love a Parisian setting.  I did really love the setting and I enjoyed Jeanette's focus of thinking of the victims' mindsets as young women who were on dream trips to Paris.

That said it took me awhile to get into this book.  The prose felt a bit blocky and a lot of the history came in info dump style which slowed the pace down for me considerably.  While I liked Daniel and remember him from previous books Jeaneatte was a bit lower personality and took me longer to warm up to and feel a connection with.

This series has a lot of promise and I have had a lot of good experiences with Graham's books.   This was definitely not one of my favorites and took me awhile to get pulled into the story.  I'll read more of the series but it probably isn't top of my list.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I will but this series isn't at the top of my list.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you are a Graham fan this series is worth a try.  If you are new to Graham's books I would recommend starting with one of her Krewe books.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Fall TBR

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is my Fall TBR.  I love making these seasonal TBRs!

1.  A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke - I've really enjoyed other books by this author and this paranormal cozy looks fun.

2.  Rockin' Around the Chikadee by Donna Andrews - I love this series and the Christmas books are my favorite.  

3.  Death at the Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander - I really enjoyed the first and second books in the series and I'm looking forward to this one.

4.  Betrayal at Blackthorn Park by Julia Kelly - I loved the first book (and I'm rereading it now and enjoying it just as much) so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

5.   A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay - This is another of my favorite cozy series and of course I had to pick up the newest book!

6.  The Mirror by Nora Roberts - The first book in this trilogy was one of my favorite books last year so I'm looking forward to seeing how the story continues.

7.  Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney - I have really enjoyed this series and the last book especially was good so I'm looking forward to this one.

8.  Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers - I'm slowly reading through the Lord Peter Wimsey books and this is the next one.

9.  The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen - This has been on my Series list since the beginning of the year and somehow I just haven't gotten around to it.

10. Be Afraid by Mary Burton - This is an overdue review book but it looks fun and creepy and perfect for fall.

What are you hoping to read this fall?

A Slay Ride Together With You - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: A Slay Ride Together With You (A Year Round Christmas Mystery #7) b Vicki Delany

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Rudolph, New York shop owner Merry Wilkinson’s best friend Vicky Casey is newly engaged to Chef Mark Grosse and is moving into the historic Cole House–a home surrounded by drama, intrigue, and a possible haunting, that is in desperate need of renovation. The wedding is just three weeks away, but all is not bliss for the newly engaged couple as estranged relatives of the late owner fight over her will. Then, late one night, Vicky and Merry come across a dead body in the garden of Cole House–and Mark is the one standing over the corpse. As Detective Diane Simmonds focuses on Mark as the prime suspect, Vicky asks for Merry’s help to clear her fiance’s name in time for the wedding. As they dig deeper into the connection between the house, Cole relatives, and town residents, past and present, it becomes clear that plenty of people wanted the victim dead. With a bakery to run, the busy Easter weekend fast approaching, a house to renovate, and a fiancé to clear of a murder accusation, Vicky’s wedding may end up on the chopping block. It’s up to Merry to put aside the chocolate bunnies and stuffed rabbits and help her best friend save her wedding–and her life.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I have really enjoyed this series in the past so of course I had to pick this one up.

My Impression:  I so enjoy this series.  I love Merry and her friends and family.  Her mother's grand appearances always make me smile though I'm glad I don't have to deal with her on a regular basis.  Any time spent around Merry's dog Matterhorn is always a good time and has me seriously considering getting a St Bernard.  For this book in particular I especially enjoyed the focus on Merry and Vicky's friendship and seeing more of Vicky and Mark's relationship.  

While the book is set in Spring with mentions of Easter dinner and bunnies it has enough creepiness to be a perfect fall read.  I mean chunks of the book take part in a dilapidated mansion with some serious tragedies in its past as well as a modern day one.   The victim was a horrid little man and more than a few people had a motive to breathe a bit easier once he was no longer breathing.  

This was one of thoese right books at the right time for me.  I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience from the beginning to end and was sad when I put the book down.  This is one of my favorite cozy series and Delany is an author I'm always on the lookout for.  While you could jump into this mystery with no issue I do think you would enjoy it more if you started out with an earlier book.  You won't be disappointed!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and everything else I've read by this author.  I need to read her Baker Street Bookstore series next.  

Would I Recommend this Book? If you like cozy mysteries with a good set of characters and a bit of Christmasy spirit this is a must read series.

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

The Year of Having Fun with Reading: The Castle on Sunset + Postcards From a Stranger

 

Goodreads:  The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal in Hollywood's Chateau Marmont by Shawn Levy

Blurb:  Since 1929, Hollywood’s brightest stars have flocked to the Chateau Marmont as if it were a second home. An apartment building-turned-hotel, the Chateau has been the backdrop for generations of gossip and folklore: where director Nicholas Ray slept with his sixteen-year-old Rebel Without a Cause star Natalie Wood; Jim Morrison swung from the balconies; John Belushi suffered a fatal overdose; and Lindsay Lohan got the boot after racking up nearly $50,000 in charges in less than two months.

But despite its mythic reputation, much of what has happened inside the Chateau’s walls has eluded the public eye—until now. With wit and insight, Shawn Levy recounts the wild revelries and scandalous liaisons, the creative breakthroughs and marital breakdowns, the births and deaths to which the hotel has been a party. Vivid, salacious, and richly informed, The Castle on Sunset is a glittering tribute to Hollywood as seen from inside the walls of its most hallowed hotel.

My Thoughts:  This was fine.  I didn't mind reading it but it isn't really one I'll think about now that I'm done with it nor will I go looking for anything else by this author.  I did like how the author structured the book - into 6 chapters that told the story of the hotel during each of the main owners.  I enjoyed the first part about the hotel being built, the original purpose and how it evolved into a hotel.  I also enjoyed seeing how the studios used it and the clientele it typically attracted and why.  However, I was more interested in the hotel itself and what it would have been like for the employees than salacious Hollywood rumors that the author could dig up.   I also would have loved more pictures of the inside - especially as the hotel evolved.  I suspect the NDAs were a bit too strong and the secrets were kept a bit too well to really flesh the stories out.  My Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)

Goodreads:  Postcards from a Stranger by Imogen Clark

Blurb:  A secret lies buried at the heart of her family—but it can’t stay hidden forever.

When Cara stumbles across a stash of old postcards in the attic, their contents make her question everything she thought she knew.

The story she pieces together is confusing and unsettling, and appears to have been patched over with lies. But who can tell her the truth? With her father sinking into Alzheimer’s and her brother reluctant to help, it seems Cara will never find the answers to her questions. One thing is clear, someone knows more than they’re letting on.

Torn between loyalty to her family and dread of what she might find, Cara digs into the early years of her parents’ troubled marriage, hunting down long-lost relatives who might help unravel the mystery. But the picture that begins to emerge is not at all the one she’d expected—because as she soon discovers, lies have a habit of multiplying . . .

My Thoughts:  I enjoyed this read.  Cara's family story is complicated and after a surprise discovery in the attic is even more complicated than she realized.  She has to decide how much she wants to know the truth and what knowledge she's prepared to live with.  I liked Cara and sympathized with her struggles and feelings dealing with her father.  As so often happens in families one person takes on the bulk of the caregiving and that has fallen on Cara's shoulders.  I also really enjoyed the ending.  It was wrapped up nicely enough that it made me happy but also was a good reminder that feelings don't always fit in nice little boxes.  My Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Friday Fives - Five Classics on My TBR

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random fve lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.  September always feels like back to school time so here's some classics on my TBR that I didn't get around to reading in school.

1.  The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James - I've read Turning of the Screw and didn't love it but want to give James another try.

2.  Middlemarch by George Elliot - I read A Mill on the Floss in high school and while it was not an upper I do remember enjoying it and have been meaning to read more from Eliot.

3.  Emma by Jane Austen - I'm slowly reading my way through Austen's works and this is one of the few I have left to read.

4.  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas - This is one of my dad's favorite books but I've yet to read it.  

5.  Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy- I read Hardy's Tess in highschool and loved it even though it broke my heart.  I always wanted to read more by him but never managed to actually do it.

What classics do you want to read?

Books from the Backlog - A Darkness Absolute

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:  A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong

Blurb:  When experienced homicide detective Casey Duncan first moved to the secret town of Rockton, she expected a safe haven for people like her, people running from their past misdeeds and past lives. She knew living in Rockton meant living off-the-grid completely: no cell phones, no Internet, no mail, very little electricity, and no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. What she didn’t expect is that Rockton comes with its own set of secrets and dangers.

Now, in A Darkness Absolute, Casey and her fellow Rockton sheriff’s deputy Will chase a cabin-fevered resident into the woods, where they are stranded in a blizzard. Taking shelter in a cave, they discover a former resident who’s been held captive for over a year. When the bodies of two other women turn up, Casey and her colleagues must find out if it’s an outsider behind the killings or if the answer is more complicated than that…before another victim goes missing.

Why It Needs To Come Off the Shelf:  I read and absolutely loved the first book in the series at the beginning of the year but as I frequently do I kind of stalled out on the series.  

The cold Light of Day - Historical Mystery Review

Goodreads: The Cold Light of Day (A Verity Kent Mystery #7) by Anna Lee Huber

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  June 1920, Ireland: The streets of Dublin seethe with revolution as the Irish Republican Army clashes with British authorities. Roving assassination squads mean nowhere is truly safe, particularly for Verity Kent and her war hero husband, Sidney. Given their celebrity as society darlings and intrepid sleuths, they must tread carefully to go unnoticed—nearly impossible when they are called upon to search for Verity’s fellow spy and friend . . .

Captain Alec Xavier has seemingly vanished after traveling to Dublin to infiltrate the IRA at its highest levels. Doing her best to maintain a modicum of normalcy and stay under the radar of both the rebels and British Intelligence, Verity works undercover by day and waltzes through the city’s elite social scene by night. Still, she fears the worst for Alec—until shocking evidence mounts that not only is he alive, but that he has switched sides . . .

Already disillusioned with the British government, the news leaves Verity and Sidney reeling. Worse, they learn of a conspiracy within Dublin Castle, where personal vendettas are being carried out and sanctioned by British Intelligence under the cover of revolution. With the distinction between friend and foe never more blurred—or the margin for error narrower—Verity and Sidney cannot turn a blind eye. Especially when a familiar adversary appears, bringing a threat almost too terrifying to confront—even in the cold light of day . . .

Genre: Mystery - Historical    

Why I Picked This Book:  I have really enjoyed this series from the beginning.  

My Impression: I have really enjoyed this series.  Verity and Sidney have been through some challenges both individually and as a couple.  While there was a lot of uncertainty at the beginning they are really feeling like a solid couple.  Sidney is aware of Verity's experience and listens and trusts her input.  While he is not a big fan of her putting herself in danger he trusts her to do it.  

In this mystery things are turned a bit on their ear as Verity and Sidney are in Ireland to look for an old friend.  1920 is not the best time to be in Ireland as there is political unrest in every corner and it is impossible to know who to trust.  For once, Verity and Sidney's celebrity isn't an asset and at times works against them.

The mystery is a good one set during events I'm not the most familiar with in detail.  I love the 1920s time period and would love to be able to see Verity's wardrobe!  Having Verity and Sidney not be the golden children was a nice turn of events and it was fun watching them having to adapt.  I'm already looking forward to the next book and am looking forward to seeing more of this series.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I am counting down days until the next book.

Would I Recommend this Book? Definitely!  However, this is a series that really must be read in order.

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

Ten Books On My Library Checkout List

 

I love my library and here are ten books that I've either checked out or am on the waitlist for.  Now fingers crossed that I actually read these before I have to return them!

1.  The Only One Left by Riley Sager - I've been on the waitlist for the audio of this one for months and it just came through.  I'm so excited to start it.

2.  The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves - This is the first Vera Stanhope mystery and I've been wanting to read it forever!  

3.   An Inconvenient Wife by Karen E Olson - A modern take on Henry IIIV.  It sounds like such a great read!  I've hit the last renewel for this one so fingers crossed!

4.  Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty - I'm on the hold list for this one and not expecting to get it anytime soon but so far I've enjoyed everything I've read by her so I have high hopes.

5.  The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai - This looks wonderful and I've read some great reviews for it.

6.  A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas - I love this series and am looking forward to reading the newest book.

7.  A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters - In the Spice Shop mysteries by Leslie Budewitz the main character references the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters quite a bit and somehow I've never read them. I'mhoping to read this one before it has to go back!

8.  The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller -  This one has been on my TBR since it came out!

9.  When Did We Lose Harriet? by Patricia Sprinkle - This mystery series looks quirky and pretty fun.  I got a few at a used bookstore but I want to read this one which is the first in the series before I start those.

10. Shadows at the Fair by Lea Waite - This is the first in a series by one of my favorite cozy authors.  

Are you a big library user?  What books do you have out from the library at the moment?

TBR Tarot - Take the Honey and Run

At the end of 2022 Wendy over at Literary Feline posted about these fantastic TBR Tarot Cards she had picked up on Etsy and that sounded too good to resist so I immediately ordered my own set.  So when I'm not feeling strongly about what to read next I pull out my cards and pick a book based on the prompt.  Here is a book the fates chose for me recently.

Prompt:  Choose a Book with a Yellow Cover

Goodreads:  Take the Honey and Run (A Bee Keeping Mystery #1) by Jennie Marts

Blurb:  As a successful mystery author, Bailey Briggs writes about murder, but nothing prepares her for actually discovering the dead body of the founder of her hometown of Humble Hills, Colorado. Bailey grew up at Honeybuzz Mountain Ranch and was raised by her beekeeping grandmother, Blossom Briggs, aka Granny Bee, and her two eccentric sisters, Aster and Marigold—which is why she drops everything to come home and help Granny Bee after a bad fall.
A broken foot doesn’t stop her grandmother from ruling The Hive, her granny’s book club, or continuing to prepare and package her bee-inspired products. But when Bailey's grandmother’s infamous "Honey I'm Home" hot spiced honey turns out to “bee” the murder weapon and her granny is now the prime suspect, Bailey has no choice but to use her fictional detective skills to help solve the murder and ‘smoke-out’ the real culprit.

With the help of Bailey’s witty bestie, a pair of meddling aunts, the feisty members of The Hive, and her computer-savvy daughter, this amateur sleuth is determined to solve the case. A malicious attack and an ominous threat reveal that someone wants Bailey to butt out of the investigation, but there’s no way she’s backing down. She must use her skills to uncover the truth and catch the clever culprit before her grandmother ends up bee-hind bars.

My Thoughts:  Well this was a fun start to a series.  Bailey is a mystery writer and is quite sure she knows enough to solve a mystery and protect her grandmother from suspicion.  Unfortunately, murder in fiction isn't quite as high stakes as it is in real life and even more unfortunately the actual detective just happens to be Bailey's ex-boyfriend.  I really liked this setup.  The Hive is a lot of fun and I'm a big fan of any kind of group investigation.   I also really loved how much support Bailey has around her and her relationship with her grandmother and her daughter, Daisy.  Bailey isn't my favorite main character as of yet.  She's a bit immature and overconfident in her abilities.   I do suspect that she'll calm down a bit as the series goes on and I'm already looking forward to connecting with Bailey, Daisy, and the rest of the Hive again soon.  My Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)

A Murder is Announced - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie

Rating: Loved It! (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn, including Jane Marple who is staying nearby, are agog with curiosity over an advertisement in the local gazette which reads: ‘A murder is announced and will take place on Friday October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30 p.m.’ Is this a childish practical joke? Or a hoax intended to scare poor Letitia Blacklock? Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd gathers at Little Paddocks at the appointed time when, without warning, the lights go out…

Genre: Mystery - Classic


Why I Picked This Book:  This was the August pick for the Read Christie Challenge 2024

My Impression:  This is a fantastic Miss Marple book that starts with an little ad in the newspaper and ends with some amazing sleuthing on Miss Marple's part.  There's a fabulous cast of classic Christie characters.  Neighborhood busybodies, Old Colonels who are still stuck on their days in India (and will tell you about them if you stand still too long), overbearing mothers, a wife who may have an iffy background, and the upstanding center of the community and a whole host of others. 

The mystery was an intriguing one with a really great premise.  I loved how Miss Marple was pulled into the case and her interaction with the police was really great.  There were a few laugh out loud moments for me.  As well, even though I remembered the solution to this mystery it did not dim my enjoyment in the reading one little bit.   

This is a Miss Marple mystery I would recommend to readers who are wanting to try a Christie book and are not sure where to start. It's a fun read with a great mystery and classic characters.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I'm looking forward to the September read -Ordeal by Innocence.

Would I Recommend this Book? Absolutely!  If you're a mystery reader this is a must read.  

Friday Fives - Five Nonfiction Books on My TBR

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random fve lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.  Here school starts at the beginning of August but it my head September is the beginning of the school and always has me wanting to learn new things and pick up some nonfiction.  Here are 5 nonfiction titles on my TBR.

1. Betty Ford: First Lady, Woman's Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer by Lisa McCubbin - I read a book about First Ladies a few years ago and was really interested in Betty Ford.  She's an interesting woman in her own right and her courage in talking about addiction and advocating for treatment is amazing.   I'd really like to know more about her.

2.  A Gentleman and a Thief:  the Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue by Dean Jobbs - I've read another book by this author and enjoyed it and this one just sounds so fun!

3.  Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - I adore Lucy Worsley and Christie is my very favorite author so even though I've read quite a bit about Christie I'm very curious to read this one.

4.  How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by K.C. Davis - Now that Will is feeling healthy and his energy levels are back up in normal range it feels like we are constantly on the go.  While it has been wonderful to see him be him again I'm exhausted and having to relearn how to balance things again.  This looks like a gentle way to start adding things back in.

5.  The Falcon Thief:  A True Tale of Adventure, Treachery and the Hunt for the Perfect Bird by Joshua Hammer - How can I resist that subtitle?  And I do love a good bird book but no little about falconry.  

What nonfiction books do you have on your TBR?

Books from the Backlog - The Light Over London

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 Light Over London by Julia Kelly

Blurb:  It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them and this one has been gathering dust for far too long.

Overdue Reviews - The Geography of You and Me + Sunset in Central Park

 

Goodreads:  The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Blurb:  Lucy and Owen meet somewhere between the tenth and eleventh floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they’re rescued, they spend a single night together, wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is restored, so is reality. Lucy soon moves to Edinburgh with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.
Lucy and Owen’s relationship plays out across the globe as they stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and—finally—a reunion in the city where they first met.

A carefully charted map of a long-distance relationship, Jennifer E. Smith’s new novel shows that the center of the world isn't necessarily a place. It can be a person, too.

My Thoughts:  I'm not much of a YA reader and honestly I'm not sure why I picked this one up on NetGalley years ago.  However, I really enjoyed this story of two very different teenagers each with a very different journey.  Both are nice kids who are doing their best in situations beyond their control.  The characters felt authentic but weren't overly angsty which is why I think this one worked for me.  If you're looking for a light YA read with likable characters and a nice story this is a good choice.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

Goodreads:  Sunset in Central Park (From Manhatten with Love #2) by Sarah Morgan

Blurb:  Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. After witnessing the fallout of her parents' divorce, she's seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that's strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race…
Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years but, sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, has always played it cool. But then he uncovers new depths to the girl he's known forever and doesn't want to wait a moment longer. He knows Frankie has secrets and has buried them deep, but can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset?

My Thoughts:  Well that was lovely!  This is the second book in a trilogy involving three friends who have started their own business after moving from a small town to Manhatten.  Frankie and Matt have known each other forever and have had crushes on each other for years but only now does it seem like the right time to start taking steps towards each other.  Frankie has more than a little baggage and some serious trust issues around relationships based off her parents' disasterous split when she was a teenager.  This is one of the few times when trust issues make some sense.  Frankie has been through it and is just now really in a place where she can come to terms with everything.  I loved both the characters and couldn't help but root for them.  My favorite thing was that they actually communicated and listened to each other.  I also really loved the friendship between the three women and how supportive they are of each other.  The ending was also pretty fantastic.  My only issue is that I listened to the audio and for the most part I was good with the narrator but her voice for Eve drove me up the wall.  It was very Marilyn Monroe-esque and just felt so overdone.  I read the third book (Eve's story) years ago and now have added it back to my TBR as I enjoyed this enough I want to revisit it.  My Thoughts:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Read That Provided a Much Needed Escape

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Books That Provide a Much Needed Escape.  Sometimes there is just the right book at the right time and these are ten of those books.

1.  The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett - This was just a breath of fresh air when I was feeling a bit low and stressed.

2.  Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer - I was teetering on the edge of a reading slump when I got the audio of this one and was thoroughly delighted by this one.

3. Be My Ghost by Carol J. Perry - Carol J. Perry is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and this one involving a haunted inn was just what I wanted.

4. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie - Every time I think of this book I picture Miss Marple sitting on the verandah at the seaside resort thinking over things and I can almost feel the sea breeze.

5.  Midnight at the Blackbird Care by Heather Weber - This was just one of those right books at the right time.  I was tired and needed a pick me up and this was just the right book.  

6.  Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan - I listened to this while my son was in the hospital and it was wonderful.  I had a good cry and was fully captivated by the story and the characters.  Visiting a winter-y England was a lovely escape from a hospital room.

7.  Shattered Silk by Barbara Michaels - When I was in college this was one of my go-to rereads after finals to give my brain a little break.  I loved the characters and adored all the vintage fashion.  It's still one of my favorite rereads after a brain draining time.

8.  Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto - I read this book last year while recovering from Covid and it was just the right book for recovering.  It kept me entertained enough that I was able to just sit and read and most importantly get some rest!

9.  Hotel of Secrets by Diane Biller - This was just a fantastic mini vacation to Austria with intrigue and romance and gorgeous gowns.  It was just a delight to pick up this book and tune everything else out for a bit.

10.  What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama - Just looking at the cover of this brings my blood pressure down a notch I think.  This was such a lovely bookish calming book.  It's like a deep breath and a warm blanket with a cozy cup of tea.

The Grim Steeper - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: The Grim Steeper (A Witches' Brew Mystery #3) by Gretchen Rue

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is excited to host her first big author event at the Earl’s Study, her book and tea store. The author, Sebastian Marlow, is a famous birder excited to put Raven Creek on the map for his rediscovery of a presumed-extinct bird. When Sebastian is found dead before his planned bird hike, where he expected to prove the existence of the bird to fellow birding enthusiasts, it’s obvious someone wanted him to be extinct, too.

Sebastian had a few unfriendly encounters with his staff—including his recently fired manager, who was seen arguing with him at the author event. Phoebe is determined to figure out who killed Sebastian, worried that it will negatively affect her store’s image that her biggest guest author got killed. With the clock ticking, she enlists the help of Rich Lofting, the handsome local private investigator, to help her look into the murder.

It’s not long before another victim is pecked off and someone close to Phoebe is the suspect. She’ll have to work quickly to uncover the killer and figure out who’s up to fowl play in the third charming book in this warm and witchy series.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy 

Why I Picked This Book:  I have enjoyed the previous two book sin the series so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression: This was an entertaining read - a fun cozy with a hefty dose of magic, books and cats. In the first book Phoebe arrives on the scene knowing nothing about magic or running a bookstore but she quickly jumps in trying to figure everying out and by book three she's doing great with the bookstore but the magic part isn't going particularly smoothly.  Both aspects take a hit when the celebrity author is murdered right after a signing at the bookstore.  

I really like the characters in this series.  Phoebe is smart and creative and has a great cast of characters around her.  I like Honey and her help with magic and just an ear for Phoebe to vent to.  She contrasts nicely with Imogen who is no nonsense and gifted at helping run the bookstore.  And of course there's Bob, the bookstore cat to end all bookstore cats.  

The mystery isn't the fastest paced.  There's a lot of day to day activity and there's also a decent amount of page time devoted to Phoebe working with her magic and dealing with a few side catastrophies.  As a regular reader of the series, I found this really enjoyable and liked the time spent with the side characters.  But if you're new to the series it may be a bit slow.  

This is a cozy read with fun characters, an interesting mystery, and some fantastic bookstore time.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would!  I've really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to reading anything else by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a cozy fan and like a bit of magic with your mysteries (as well as magic and books) this is a great series though I do recommend you start with the first book.

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

Reading Recap - August 2024

 

Monthly Recap:

Monthly Reading Count -  15 -This is probably my lowest count for the year but this month has been crazy busy.  I think things are settling down soon though.

Print - 3

Ebook - 5

Audiobook -7

Mystery - 10

Fiction - 3

Romance - 2

Favorite Books of the Month:

Favorite Audio:  Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson - This was funny, entertaining, and a super solid mystery with a few surprises.

Favorite Read:  The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen - This was one of those right books at the right time kind of reads.  I liked the characters and got caught up in this historical mystery.

Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews - This is the latest in one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series.  Lots of hijinks and shenanigans and a good mystery.

Least Favorite Read of the Month:  Little GIrl Vanished by Denise Grover Swank - I did enjoy the mystery but disliked all the characters.

This Month's Armchair Travel: 

Domestic Travel:
I visited Colorado and Arkansas for the first time this year.  I also revisited California (twice), New York, Washington, Virginia, Maine, and Massachusetts.

International Travel:
In addition to my usual visits to England (three times) I also visited Scotland, Australia, and Singapore.

What was your favorite read this month?  Where did your books take you?