A Late Phoenix - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: A Late Phoenix by Catherine Aird

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

Description:  Berebury, England, did not have an easy go of it during the Second World War. This quaint Victorian town was destroyed when the Nazis dropped bomb after bomb on its perfect gardens and neat hedges. After three decades of disarray, the town council has finally begun reconstructing what’s left. All throughout Berebury, the sounds of hammers and saws drone on. But on this particular day, the noise stops.

In the crater of a bomb site, a skeleton has been found. While its presence there isn’t unusual—hundreds died in bombing raids throughout England—the manner in which the pregnant girl met her end is sinister enough that Detective Inspector C. D. Sloan and his assistant, Detective Constable Crosby, are called to the scene. The cause of death, it seems, was not the blast, but a bullet to the spine.

Inspector Sloan is the best there is when it comes to cracking the most complex cases. But can he piece together a murder that’s been buried for more than a quarter century?

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've been trying to read through more Golden Age myseries and Catherine Aird is becoming one of my favorite authors.

My Impression: I really enjoyed this classic cozy mystery and it was a pretty quick read.  A new doctor has started his practice in Berebury after the death of his predecessor.  At the same time a last ditch attempt at archeaology is happening acorss the street at a World War II bomb site.  It's last ditch because the site is about to be cleared to make room for a new development.  But all that progress screeches to a halt when a body is discovered in the basement of the blast site and the death was not because of the bomb.  

DI Sloan is on the case with his rather eager assistant DC Crosby.  Crosby is enthusiastic but young and not the most aware which makes for frustration for Sloan and some humor for the reader.  Who was the body and who put it there?  Sloan is on the hunt for the answers with the pressure ramping up as secrets from the past show up in the present.  I enjoyed the complications of having to figure out who went missing during wartime and reading everyone's memories of the time of the bombing.

The ending did feel a little rushed and while I understood how the solution came to be when it was explained it felt a bit out of left field.  Overall, I enjoyed this book and I love the primary investigator's personality.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author - espeically if it's a DI Sloan book.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  This was a very interesting and entertaining mystery.  

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy Agatha Christie or any of the other Golden Age mystery authors Aird is a must try.

Friday Fives - Quick Reviews for Five 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.  One Night Gone by Tara Laskowski - This thriller has been on my TBR since it came out so I was so excited to get started on it.  It's a dual timeline thriller one timeline being present day involving a disgraced weathergirl who needs a place to hide and rebuild her life.  The other timeline takes place in the mid-80s focusing on a teenager working at a traveling carnival who gets caught up in the world of Opal Beach.  Both women get in over their head.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book and was satisfied with the end.  The second half felt like it just dragged on and became a bit repetitive and angsty.  I listened to the audio version and enjoyed both narrators' performances but I think I would have gotten a bit frustrated with the pacing if I had been reading it in print.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea -  This was my first book by this author and it absolutely won't be my last.  From the first chapter to the end I was completely pulled into story and couldn't wait to find out just how everything unraveled.  Rory Moore is a crime scene investigator who uses her attention to detail to see things other people miss.  When her father, a criminal attorney, dies she becomes pulled into one of his cases as she works to put his affair in order.  The author alternates between the events that happened in the summer of 1979 and Rory's investigation in 2019.  I don't want to say much more about it as I knew very little going in and I think that really helped my enjoyment.  I loved the writing style and the characters.  While the story is intense and touches on dark topics it was never so bloody or violent that my cozy loving reading self struggled with it.  After finishing this I immediately added every book I could find by this author to my TBR.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

3.  The Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber - I loved this one but then I've loved every book I've read by Heather Webber so far.  I loved the family dynamic - especially between the sisters and Leala.  There's a lot to heal but there's also a lot of shared bonds.  I loved the world of Sugarberry Cove and the cottage with the bits of lake magic woven through.   I listened to the audio and was absolutely capitvated from page one.  Both narrators did a great job bringing the book to life.  My only issue is that I have lived in Shelby County, Alabama and I have never known anyone with air condition to leave a window open during the summer! Every time I pick up a Heather Webber book I always what took me so long and this was no exception.  I loved this one from the beginnign and was sad to see the end - though the ending was so satisfying!  My Rating: Loved It! (5 Stars).  

4.  Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson - I had no intention of reading this book.  The premise and title didn't grab me at all but when the second book came out I really wanted to read that one and realized it was a series so grudgingly picked this one up and I'm so glad I did!  It took me a short chapter to get used to the main character's voice but then I was completely hooked and thoroughly enjoying it.  I loved the breaking of the fourth wall and the humor mixed in with the mystery.  There were a number of times my jaw literally dropped and times I laughed outloud.   This one really kep tme guessing and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!  The audio is well done and the narrator did a great job with really bringing the humor of the story out.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

5.  The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren - This is my second book by this author(s) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Anna and West have a very straight forward marriage of convenience but after years apart Anna discoveres things are not quite as simple as she thought they were.  I wasn't sure I'd like Anna at the beginning.  She's under a lot of stress but she seems like such a mess and completely unable to get herself out of it.  I quickly learned though that the book starts with Anna at her lowest point and it didn't take long before I was fully on Team Anna.  I  couldn't help but love West as he tries to navigate his life and his incredibly complicated incredibly wealthy family.  After a few chapters I was pulled in and flew through this book.  While this is a sexy beach read it also tackles some serious subjects and that ending (happy sigh).  This was only by second book by Christina Lauren but it definitely won't be my last! My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Storybook Ending - Fiction Review

 Goodreads: Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander

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

Description:   From the author of The Littlest Library —a heartwarming novel about a widowed children’s book author who moves into a cottage in the English countryside and finds herself face-to-face with the handsome and brooding blacksmith who lives next door. In her books she can write “happily ever after”—but real life? That’s another matter… For children’s book author Imogen, an idyllic life in the English countryside seems like the perfect fit for her and her husband. But when tragedy strikes, Imogen is left widowed, and finds herself moving into Storybook Cottage alone with only her monstrously narcissistic cat for company. After discovering she is pregnant, Imogen grows determined to embrace a new start in Middlemass, with its duckpond, cricket matches and village fêtes. The only thing Imogen can’t seem to shake is her neighbor—a brooding, artisan blacksmith named Zach—who she can’t quite decide is friend or foe. That is until she realizes, thanks to an arcane clause in her deeds, that Zach is not just an artist, but lord of the local manor house. He has the power to take her home and leave her completely broke. Devastatingly—he seems keen to do exactly that. Yet, Imogen finds herself drawn to him nonetheless. And in her darkest hour, Zach may just be the bright spot to save Imogen in more ways than one.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book:  I really enjoyed The Littlest Library so I had to try this one.

My Impression: This was a lovely cozy read with a likable main character and a delightful English village setting.  Plus, how can I resist a place called the Dower Cottage.  It sounds like it came straight out of an Agatha Christie.  The last little bit has not been kind to Imogen.  After a not quite successful marriage ends with her being left a widow she finds herself the owner of a little cottage her husband had bought just before he died.  

Imogen has a lot to sort out.  She still has to figure out her feelings about her marriage, figure out how she's going to earn enough money to live on, and just how she fits into life in a small village.  Along with that she has a few new neighbors to make friends with - including her neighbor Gabriel who manages to fascinate her and annoy her all at once.  

But this isn't all cozy garden parties and country walks.  A major problem is looming over Imogen's head connected to Gabriel and Imogen finds herself more conflicted.  I do like books involving characters figuring out what they want out of life and this had that in spades.  I thoroughly enjoyed this read and also really liked the writing style.  This is the second book I've read from this author and the second one I've really enjoyed.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would!  I've enjoyed both books I've read from this author and am looking forward to reading more from her.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a nice cozy read that isn't too cutesy or silly this is a great choice.

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

Sticks and Scones - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Sticks and Scones (A Bakeshop Mystery #19) by Ellie Alexander

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

Description:  It’s late spring in Juliet's charming hamlet, Ashland, Oregon. Spotted deer are nibbling on lush green grasses in Lithia Park, the Japanese maples are blooming, and Torte is baking a bevy of spring delights—lemon curd cupcakes, mini coconut cream pies, grapefruit tartlets, and chocolate dipped almond Tuiles.
Meanwhile, her friend Lance, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is taking center stage with his new theater troupe—the Fair Verona Players. Their performance in Uva's vineyard promises to be a modern, gender-bending twist on "The Taming of the Shrew," but as the curtain rises, so do the strange occurrences. Stage mishaps and internal bickering threaten to derail the production. But as the curtain rises, the real show begins when the leading actor, Jimmy Paxton, meets his final curtain call. Now, Jules is not only in the mix, but she's going to need to craft the perfect recipe for solving this theatrical whodunit.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my absolute favorite series!

My Impression: I love this series and this was a fun one!  Jules is busy with her team at Torte cooking up yummy spring treats and coffee blends.  As well, they've added in new vineyard performances at the winery - Uva.  I've always loved when the Sharkepeare Festival actors and politics get invovled with the mystery but this might be even better as Jules isn't going to the festival - the festival is going to her.  The play in the vineyard sounds super fun and the food and treats sound amazing.  I'm pretty sure that if the Torte bakery really existed I would make the cross country trip to Oregon just to get one of Andy's creations and eat lunch (and dessert - LOTS of dessert) at Torte.

But not only is there drama both on and off the stage and the side characters that I've come to love as the series has developped but there's also a murder!  The victim spends all their page time just begging to be murdered and it doesn't take long before they get their wish.  Suspects and motives abound and I absolutely loved following along with the investigation as it unraveled.  I'm pretty sure Lance is my favorite Sleuth-assistant in all of cozy mystery land.

I did notice that while the reviews on Goodreads were mostly glowing there were a few meh reviews from people who were new to the series.  While I thoroughly enjoyed this one it doesn't sound like it works as a true stand alone.  That said I have enjoyed every single book in this series so even if you are going to start at the beginning you are in for a treat.  And I recommend having a treat nearby as you read because the food descriptions of Jules' baking are fantastic.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I have read pretty much everything this author has written and enjoyed all of her books.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries I would highly recommend this series though I don't know that I would recommend jumping in here as there are a lot of relationships and characters to figure out.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - My Ten All-Time Favorite Books

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 Ten Posts That Give You the Best Glimpse of Me.  I hope my personality comes out a bit in my posts and comments but for the most part I don't post that much personal stuff and my social media is even more barren.  So instead I thought I'd share my ten all-time favorite books and tell you a little bit about why they're my favorites.

1. The Story Girl by L.M. Montgomery - This is one of my favorite Montgomery books and I can't even begin to guess how many times I've read it.  It's essentially a short story collection involving a group of cousins spending the summer at the family farm.  It's lovely and poignant and magical all at once.  If you watched "Road to Avonlea" 100 years ago on the Disney Channel this is the book it is based off.  And now I want to go hunt that series down and do a big rewatch.

2.  Into the Darkness by Barbara Michaels - This is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors and everytime I reread it I enjoy it just as much if not more than I did the first time I read it.  There's family secrets, history, gorgeous jewels, a touch of romance, and murder.  What's not to love.  Everytime I read this book I become fascinated by posy rings and historical jewels!

3.  Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie - I love Agatha Christie, I love Miss Marple, I love Christie's short stories and this book is all three.  This was one of the first books by Christie that I read and it is the one I typically want to reread when I'm feeling stressed or worn out.  This is a cozy blanket and a cup of tea in a book form - with the extra bit of joy as Miss Marple shows up her good hearted but pompous nephew.

4.  The Case of William Smith by Patricia Wentworth - I love Wentworth's books and this one may be my favorite.  The mystery is a good one with connections to the past and touches on some of the upheaval that happened after World War II.  There's a bit of romance and of course the wonderful Miss Silver makes an appearance.  

5.  The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - Words cannot express how much I loved this book as a kid and when I reread it as an adult I enjoyed it just as much.  I love the puzzle element and all the different characters.  And even better now is all the 80s throwbacks sprinkled through the book.  

6.  The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - Another Montgomery book but this one, while child friendly, isn't really for children.  I love this story.  I love Verity and I adore watching her find her footing and figure out what really makes her happy.  Just thinking about this one makes me want to reread it.

7.  Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - I'm a sucker for a character without much confidence or really any idea what she wants finding herself and what she really wants out of life.  That fact that this involves both main characters (though he's not really lacking in confidence) makes it doubly fantastic.

8.  Murder in Retrospect by Agatha Christie - This may be my favorite Poirot.  The idea of investigating a murder that happened in the past and is technically solved is an intriguing one and Christie's execution of it is absolutely brilliant.

9.  Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright - So technically Four Story Mistake by Enright is my very favorite but the only reason that is my favorite over this book is because I didn't know this book existed until I was an adult.  If I had discovered this when I was a kid and reading Four Story Mistake over and over again I would have fallen in love with it and read it until the book literally fell apart.  I love everything about this book and it is one I look forward to rereading even now.

10. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin - I love historical fiction - especially historical fiction set on the homefront during World War II or World War I.  This wonderful poignant story about an ordinary young woman who discovers that she can be extraordinary and really make a difference still shows up in my head sometimes several years after reading it.  

What are some of your all time favorite books?

The Ghost Cat - Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:   For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and How to Stop Time, a charming novel by TikTok sensation Alex Howard that follows a cat through his nine lives in Edinburgh, moving through the ever-changing city and its inhabitants over centuries.

Early morning, 1902. In a gloomy Edinburgh tenement, Eilidh the charlady tips coal into a fire grate and sets it alight. Overhearing, a cat ambles over to curl up against the welcome heat.

This is to be the cat's last day on earth. But he is going to return... as The Ghost Cat, a spirit-feline destined to live out his ghostly existence according to the medieval proverb of "The Cat with Nine Lives" - For Three He Plays, For Three He Strays, For Three He Stays.

Follow The Ghost Cat as he witnesses the changes of the next two centuries as he purrs, shuffles and sniffs his way through the fashion, politics and technological advances of the modern era alongside the ever-changing inhabitants of an Edinburgh tenement.

As we follow our new spirit-feline friend, this unique story unearths some startling revelations about the mystery of existence and the human condition and provides a feel-good read full of charm for any fan of history, humour and fur-ridden fun.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book:  The comparison to Before the Coffee Gets Cold really caught my attention and I decided to give this one a try.

My Impression: This was a quiet read with a cozy atmosphere.  It wasn't too long and read almost like short stories as the cat moves through history.  He can't interact with the world around him (except for those lives where he plays) but he can observe.  There are some interesting bumps with history and the author provides context with footnotes which I enjoyed..  There are some heartbreaking moments as the cat observes tragedies without being able to comfort those around him.

My main issue was I felt that this stayed very surface.  Because we are only seeing through the cat's point of view we never really got to know any of the people or have any connection to what was going on around the cat.  

This was a book I always enjoyed reading but was never anxious to pick up to see what would happen next.  If you're looking for a quiet read that is light but still with a bit of poignancy and enjoy a historical twist this would be a good choice.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to find or auto-buy the next book by this author.  However, if I found one at the library or at the bookstore I'd pick it up.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a quiet read with an interesting take on historical fiction this is a good choice - it just might not be knock your socks off.

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

Taken at the Flood - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie

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

Description:  A few weeks after marrying an attractive young widow, Gordon Cloade is tragically killed by a bomb blast in the London blitz. Overnight, the former Mrs Underhay finds herself in sole possession of the Cloade family fortune.

Shortly afterwards, Hercule Poirot receives a visit from the dead man’s sister-in-law who claims she has been warned by ‘spirits’ that Mrs Underhay’s first husband is still alive. Poirot has his suspicions when he is asked to find a missing person guided only by the spirit world. Yet what mystifies Poirot most is the woman’s true motive for approaching him…

Genre: Mystery - Classic

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

My Impression:  As I was reading this one I kept wondering why this isn't on my favorite Christie list.  The mystery is an intriguing one.  A wealthy man is killed in a bombing two weeks after his sudden marriage to a much younger woman he met on board a ship.  Much to the unhappiness of all his relatives the new wife inherits and the sudden marriage voided his previous will leaving the family with nothing.  

Poirot is at his club when he hears the gossip about this event and then later encounters a family member who tries to hire him for help.  But it isn't until a body with a familiar name turns up dead in the small village where the family resides that Poirot heads down to save the day.  But while everyone in the family has a reason for the widow to be out of the way the victim is one that it seems they would all want alive.

The unraveling of all the whys and just what is going on kept me hooked and turning pages.   Each branch of the family had a motive and I liked seeing each of their POVs.  What keeps this book from being on my favorite list is one scene that didn't age well and kind of ended the book on a sour note for me.  Other than that this was a fun mystery that some interesting twists and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for some lesser known Christies to read.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors and I've been loving participating in the Read Christie Challenge this year.

Would I Recommend this Book? I would.  Other than the one scene that really rubbed me the wrong way I really enjoyed this book and it has some of the twists and turns I love most from Christie.

Friday Fives - Five Non-Book Bookish Items On My Wishlist

I'm taking a bit of a break from my usual Friday Linkups to try something a little different.  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 do love to shop but while I love buying books I'm not typically one for buying bookish stuff but here are 5 items that have been high up on my wishlist lately.

1.  TBR Jar like this one from Decal to Remember - I've gotten obsessed with TBR jars and have decided I must have one.  Honestly I'm probably going to make my own with stuff I have already but this one is adorable.  

2.  Library Cart from Amazon - I guess this is more a portable cart than a real library cart but I see so many TBR setups with these and they're so fun.  Do I need one?  Nope.  Do I have space for one?  Not really.  Do I want one?  Pretty much withe every fiber of my being.

3.  The Saint Mary Mead Book Club Sweatshirt from Pyritengooseberries - Isn't this the cutest!  I really feel like I must have it.

4.  A Wearable Blanket from Huglanket on Amazon - While this is Golden Retrievers and not books I want to wear this while I'm reading because I get cold so I think it counts.  

5.  The World of Agatha Christie Puzzle from Barnes and Noble - Another Agatha Christie thing and one I've been looking at for ages.  I really should just get it next time I'm at the store.

Shock and Paw - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Shock and Paw (A Cat Cafe Mystery #8) by Cate Conte

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

Description:   It’s the holiday season on Daybreak Island, and Maddie James is looking forward to stepping out of the limelight, watching the island’s Christmas decoration competition from afar, spending time with her boyfriend and family, running tours for visitors as part of the festivities and spreading holiday cheer through cute cats in jingle bell collars.But trouble hits close to home when word gets out that Donna Carey, the publisher of the island’s only daily newspaper where Maddie’s best friend Becky is editor, may be selling the business. Becky is a diehard journalist and to her, selling the only newspaper on the island is a fate worse than death. She publicly opposes the potential sale, wreaking havoc on her relationship with her big boss.Maddie is sympathetic, but she has her own problems - like getting pulled into a role on the Christmas event committee despite her best efforts to stay far removed, and solving the case of a mysterious cat breeder trying to sell expensive designer cats as holiday gifts on the island. But then Donna winds up dead—electrocuted by her own Christmas decorations—and it appears to be more than an accident. To make matters worse, Becky becomes suspect number one. Maddie is thrown into another murder investigation in order to save her best friend from a Christmas behind bars.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I loved the sound of the blurb and this is a series I've had my eye on for awhile.  

My Impression: I love the setup for this series.  I mean who doesn't love a cat cafe?  I'm allergic but I would Benadryl myself up to go play with kittens now and then - especially if coffee and baked goods were involved.  There's also a Christmas lights competition with big prizes and high stakes.   But while the results are brignt and sparkly not everything is going smoothly.  

I liked the mystery and how the investigation played out.  One of my favorite things about cozy mysteries is the community aspect and this series has that in spades.  I'm looking forward to going back to the beginning of the series and reading these relationships from the beginning.  

My only issue is with the heavy handed anti-breeder stance throughout the book.  I don't know much about the cat world but I teach obedience classes and show in several different dog sports competively.  Through that I've dealt with a large number of dogs and handlers both rescues and pure-bred.  It kind of annoyed me that the stance was just breeders are bad without talking about the difference between unethical and ethical breeders - and that difference is HUGE.  This is one of those specific things that probably wouldn't have bothered me if this wasn't a world I work in on a daily basis.

This was an entertaining mystery with a good group of characters  The ending was a bit abrupt but I enjoyed following Maddie along for her investigation.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes.  I'm looking forward to going back to the beginning of the series and will keep an eye out for other books.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries and like cats this would be a great series to try.

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

The Jig is Up - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: The Jig is Up (An Irish Bed and Breakfast #1) by Lisa Q. Mathews

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

Description:  Single-mom and police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley is all about family. After she receives an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen, she puts her life on hold and rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts. With her two daughters in tow, she’s ready to fight if it means she can help her charming but hapless sibling. When they arrive, Colleen claims it was all a misunderstanding. But everything changes in an Irish minute when Colleen’s best friend Deirdre, a dance show star, is found dead in the parish hall. With the discovery of a possible witness, a chilling motive, and a wee bit of incriminating evidence Colleen quickly becomes a person of interest in Deirdre’s murder. Convinced her sister isn't a killer, Kate is determined to clear Colleen’s name. As Kate investigates, Colleen takes charge of Shamrock’s popular Irish dance show in honor of her late friend–with disastrous results. With the St. Patrick’s Week festivities in full swing, Kate must catch the killer before the celebrations are ruined and her sister’s Irish luck runs out.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  It's the first book in a new cozy series so of course I had to give it a try!

My Impression: This was an entertaining start to a new series.  I love the setting and the fact that Kate is visiting her hometown after years away.  It gives her a good mix of outsider but still belonging.  Her family situation is a bit complicated.  Her father is a retired police chief and her brother is an active police officer.  As well, the family runs a B&B that is not the most financially healthy.  And Kate's sister, Colleen, is a challenging character to say the least.  

The murder happens fairly early in the book and Kate is involved from the beginning much to her brother's annoyance.  Kate's sister is also involved from the beginning - as a suspect.  Colleen wouldn't know a good decision if it bit her and if I were Kate I might have left her to save herself.  Luckily for the story Kate is a better person than me and is working hard to save her sister and figure out what is going on and the family B&B.  I also really liked Kate's two daughters.  They're very age appropriate without taking up too much page time.  I liked Maeve especially as she has all the teenage eye rolling but is also smart and empathetic.

I enjoyed this intro the a cozy series with a lot of potential.  The adult charaters weren't my favorite and I didn't always feel the most connected to them but I feel like this will get better as the series goes on.  I'm very excited to see what happens next for Kate and the world of Shamrock!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes!  I enjoyed this one and would definitely read more by the author.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries this is a solid and entertaining start to a series.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books on My TBR with Sisters

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 a relationship freebie and I'm going through my TBR and picking out books with sisters.  Maybe because I'm an only child but I love books with sisters and sibling relationships and here are ten I'm looking forward to reading.

1.  The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti

2.  Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

3.  The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

4.  A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales

5.  Dead with the Wind by Miranda James

6.  The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis

7.  The Summer of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

8.  Book Lovers by Emily Henry

9.  The Wilderwomen by Ruth Emmie Lang

10. Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey  

Have you read any of these?  What are some of your favorite books involving sisters?

Death Scene - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Death Scene (A Witch City Mystery #14) by Carol J. Perry

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

Description:  Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .

When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act . . .

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my favorite series so of course I had to pick up the newest book.

My Impression: This is such a fun series!  I always enjoy catching up with Lee, Pete, Aunt Ibby (though her page time is sadly less since Lee has gotten her own place), the crew at WICH-TV and of course O'Ryan.  While I do miss Aunt Ibby and Lee's little garage apartment I have enjoyed how the series has shifted as Lee and Pete have gotten married and the characters are evolving.  I've also enjoyed the introduction of Aunt Ibby's firends and their mystery watching sleuthing group.  

In this book Salem is abuzz with movie making excitement and traffic problems as a film crew is making a big budget movie on site and in the middle of October which is the highest point of tourism season for Salem.  I adore the Salem setting and how not only are the usual well-known tourism spots are mentioned but a number of off the beaten path historical places.   Things get even more chaotic when one of the major stars of the movie is found dead on one of the recreated sets.  

Lee's got a lot going on and her job naturally gets her involved in the investigation and I really enjoy how she and Pete discuss things.  He values her opinion but at the same time doesn't share more than he can professionally.   I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  While the murder doesn't happen until about a quarter of the way through the book there are so many little mysteries and bits and pieces that don't quite feel right that it was never slow going.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I've really enjoyed everything this author has written.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of paranormal this is a fun series though I do recommend starting towards the beginning as there are a lot of relationships that make more sense if you start there.

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

Booked On Murder - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Booked On Murder (A Haunted Library Mystery #8) by Allison Brook

Rating: Really Liked It
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Carrie Singleton is ready to kiss the single life goodbye. Her wedding to Dylan Avery is just a few weeks away, and a happy ending is about to be hers. But when a body is found on the lawn of their wedding venue, happily-ever-after is looking deadlier than ever.

The victim turns out to be Billy Carpenter, a young man recently released from prison after serving time for a bank robbery. The stolen money he’d buried is gone and Carrie and the police suspect Billy’s two alleged co-conspirators, his friends Luke Rizzo and Tino Valdez. But then Luke is murdered and Tino is nowhere to be found.

With no leads and only a week to go before her big day, Carrie is on the hunt for clues. She hopes to wrap up this investigation with a neat bow before she and Dylan tie the knot. Carrie has something old, something new, and something borrowed ready for her walk down the aisle. Now she needs to find the killer without becoming the ‘something blue.’

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This has been one of my favorite series since the first book.

My Impression: Carrie and Dylan are on a countdown to their wedding day and finishing up all the bits and pieces and last minute details before the big day.  In the middle of one of those last minute details - figuring out the arrangement of chairs for the ceremony - they stumble across a dead body. The dead body of a man who has connections to the previous owners of the house where the wedding will take place.  Carrie and Dylan are pulled into an investigation involving a bank robbery from several years ago and the missing money.

As well as the investigation for the murder, Carrie becomes involved in the research of a historical diary found at the library and a movement to exonerate those who were convicted of witchcraft several hundred years ago.  This brings her into contact with a number of women in the community motivated to work for the good of other women.    I loved this expansion of the community that fills out this series.  I love seeing the day to day library business and it was so fun to see Carrie and Dylan planning for the future together.  

I have enjoyed every book in this series and this was no different.  I love the mysteries, the library setting, and the community that surrounds the characters - and the ghost and the library cat and an extra bit of special.  I am sad that the series is coming to an end as I hate to say goodbye to these characters but I am looking forward to seeing what is next from this author.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you are a cozy mystery fan this series is one you should really try - it has books, ghosts, and cats - what's not to like!

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

Friday Fives - Five Book Titles in My TBR Jar

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.  I've been putting together a TBR jar which is something I've wanted to do for ages and am filling it up with book titles that I've been wanting to read but for whatever reason just haven't.  This way when I can't decide what to read I can pick a title out of the jar and problem solved!  Here are 5 titles in my jar already.

1.  The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwa - This one really hasn't been on my TBR for all that long but it looks so good and I've really been wanting to read it.

2.  The Shop on Royal Street by Karen White - I have been wanting to read more by this author and this is set in New Orleans which makes this especially appealing.

3.  The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James - I love this author and a character in a book I was reading was reading this book and made it sound super creepy and good.

4.  The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis - I read the first book in this cozy mystery series and really enjoyed it but keep not picking it up for whatever reason.

5.  Tiny Little Things by Beatriz Williams - This another book where I read the first in the series (though this is a trilogy of three sisters) but keep not getting around to reading it.

Do you have a TBR jar?

Books from the Backlog - Burn for Me

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:  Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews

Blurb:  Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn't sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.
Then she's kidnapped by Connor "Mad" Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan's after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she's getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This is literally the second book I got on Audible ages ago and I still haven't listened to ti.  Plus I've heard nothing but good things about her books.

Reading Between the Lines - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Reading Between the Lines (A Survivors Book Club Mystery #4) by Lynn Cahoon

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

Description:  Bookshop owner Rarity Cole is living her best life after surviving cancer—hosting book clubs, classes, and parties at her store, The Next Chapter, and giving back to her community in Sedona, Arizona. But an awkward outing to an art gallery is about to add a dark slant to the picture . . .

Rarity is grateful for many things and people in her new life, including her friend Shirley, who is helping to provide backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. But Shirley needs a big favor. With her husband in a memory-care home, she wants to attend an art opening with a male friend but fears local gossip. She asks Rarity, her friend Sam, and their boyfriends to come along as cover. It would be fun if not for the fact that the two couples are barely speaking…

The evening proceeds without any social disasters. But the featured artist—who struck Rarity as more of a spoiled playboy—is later found dead with an arrow in his back. Any lingering tensions must be set aside so the amateur sleuths can find an archer who may have taken the idea of pointed criticism a bit too literally . . .

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've really enjoyed almost everything I've read from this author and this has been one of my favorite series by her.

My Impression: I really enjoy this series and this was no exception.  I like the characters, the bookstore setting as well as the town of Sedona in general.  I also always really enjoy the mysteries as well.  This one starts with with Rarity and her boyfriend, Archer, visiting a new art gallery owned by one of Archer's old school friends.  Things quickly spin out of control when the old school friend is found murdered and it turns out his relationship with Archer wasn't always friendly.  Luckily, Rarity's book club is always ready to get involved in the investigation with the help of Jonathan, the father of Drew, the actual detective on the case.

Like a lot of cozy mysteries the actual mystery isn't always front and center.  There's a lot of focus on relationships - especially Archer and Rarity (who seriously need to communicate better), Sam and Drew (ditto) and the new but more poignant relationship between Shirley and Terrence.  As well, there's a lot of day to day bookstore business and quite a bit of Rarity's everyday life.  I enjoyed all of this but it definitely keeps it from being the fastest pace of reads and at times the mystery really took a backseat.  As well, the reveal did feel a bit anti-climatic.

If you enjoy light cozy mysteries that do touch on more serious topics this is a good choice though I do recommend starting with the first book so you can get to know all the characters.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes!  I always enjoy her cozy mysteries.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would recommend this series if you're a fan of cozy mysteries and love a bookish book with a strong community.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books About Travel on My 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 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles so I'm focusing on ten books about travel on my TBR.

1.  Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis - So no planes or trains (though there probably are some automobile mentions) but the main character is a boat captain so I'm saying this counts!

2.  Murder Road by Simone St. James - Travels by car that don't seem to end particularly well for most people involved!

3.  The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor - This involves a travel by shop - specifically the Titanic.

4.   Everyone On This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson - There's a train in the title and apparently not just any train but a train full of suspects.

5.  One Plus One by JoJo Moyes - I love roadtrips in real life and road trips in fiction are also fun!

6.  Not the Ones Dead by Dana Stabenow - So apparently the bulk of my travel books don't go smoothly as this one involves a plane crash.  

7.  Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict - Another train ride and another one involving murder - but this is a Christmas-y murderous train ride!

8.  Last Ride to Graceland by Kim Wright - No murders or catastrophies in this one but it does involve a drive to Memphis as a woman tries to learn more about her mother's past and herself.  

9.  The Last One by Will Dean - A woman wakes up on a cruise ship to find herself completelyalone.  It sounds absolutely bonkers and pretty fun.  

10.  Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams - And some historical travel! 

What books involving travel that are on your TBR?

Between a Flock and Hard Place - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Between a Flock and a Hard Place (A Meg Langslow Mystery #35) by Donna Andrews

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

Description:  Meg's neighbors, the Smetkamps', have won a makeover for their old home from Marvelous Mansions, a flashy, yet dubious company, focused on making historic homes more "modern." The company already several days into its makeover of the Smetkamps' house, and tensions are running high--not only between the officious, demanding Mrs. Smetkamp and her neighbors, but also between her and the renovation crew. Meg, who is trying to keep the peace and prevent the makeover crew from trampling on every clause of the county's building code, arrives at the Smetkamps to find that Caerphilly's resident flock of feral turkeys has moved into their yard--or been relocated there by someone who wanted to cause them trouble. The turkeys are huge, territorial, cranky and aggressive - and impossible to move! Meg does what she can to calm down the irate neighbors and help the makeover crew make progress in spite of the turkeys. She comes up with a plan to gather a group of turkey wranglers to snatch them early in the morning. But when they arrive, they find the body of Mrs. Smetkamp in her backyard. Someone stabbed her, and then tried to make it look as if she was attacked by one of the turkeys, but Meg, the Chief, and the Sheriff are not fooled. Together, they must figure out what really happened to Mrs. Smetkamp...and what to do with all these turkeys!

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I love this series!

My Impression:  One of the things I love most about this series is all the chaos that always seems to be happening around Meg.  This may be the most ever and may be my new favorite (narrowly edging out the Christmas mystery where they were all having to wear hats indoors to protect themselves from dive bombing blue jays).  This time Meg goes to help out one disaster - an ill-informed resident who is participating in a home makeover show - and immediately lands in the middle of an even bigger disaster. This time it's a flock of over 200 feral turkeys running amok and causing massive amounts of damage.
While Meg and others try and deal with the turkey crisis they soon stumble on another and even bigger crisis - a murdered resident.  Meg, as usual, ends up in the middle of the investigation with a handful of town officials and more than a few turkeys.   I am very glad I'm not Meg and I don't know that I would visit Caerphilly if it was a real place as they do have a rather large number of disasters.  

As usual, this was a lot of fun and incredibly entertaining read.  I love catching up with Meg and her family and friends - and assorted animals. The mystery both of who relocated the turkeys and who killed the unpleasant homeowner kept me reading and guessing.  This is my go-to series for a fun entertaining cozy with characters I love and a few laugh out loud moments.  This one did not let me down!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes!  I'm already looking forward to the next book and have really enjoyed the earlier books I've read.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy fun cozy mysteries this is a must read series.  While it easier to figure out who is who if you start from the beginning you can jump in anywhere.  

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

Peach Tea Smash - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery #28) by Laura Childs

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

Description:  During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill. Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:   I enjoy this series and though this one sounded to good to pass up.

My Impression: I think the Mad Hatter Masquerade is in my top ten fictional events that I wish were real so I could attend it list - with the exception of the murder of course!  In the middle of all the madness a gruesome very public matter happens causing chaos and of course Theodosia can't help but be in the middle of it all.  

This is a fun mystery in a fantastic setting - with a bit of a nod to a very infamous recent murder that happened in real life if the very same state.  I love the Charleston setting, all the tea shop mentions (especially the treats), and the community of characters that have been created as the series has gone on.  The mystery did puzzle me a bit and while I did have a pretty good idea of the who - I enjoyed getting all the answers in the reveal.

My two issues with this book are issues I've had with most of the series.  The first is that Theodosia is just a bit too perfect.  Her eyes aren't just blue, they're dazzling blue.  She is the best at everything, the smartest, the kindest, the best of friends.  I don't necessarily need flaws but maybe she could share credit on things every once in awhile - she doesn't have to be the only one who can spring into action to save the day every single time.  As well,  sometimes the descriptions get a bit too wordy.  A character didn't just know someone from college or from Emory - she knew someone when she went to college with them at Emory in Atlanta Georgia.  A character doesn't just have a stall at a craft fair - he has a stall at Charleston's Annual Old Town Fall Festival.  I appreciate the attention to detail but it can make the dialogue a bit blocky and stilted.  

Despite my issues, this is a fun read with a gorgeous setting.  Everytime I read a book in this series I wonder why it has taken me so long to get back to Charleston.  As well, the series is fairly easy to jump into where every you want.  Each mystery is standalone and there aren't super indepth character relationships that could get confusing to new readers.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes.  This isn't exactly a must read series for me but when a blurb grabs my attention I can't resist - as well this is a series I'd like to go back and read from the beginning at some point.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a nice light cozy series with a gorgeous setting and some foodie mentions this is a good choice.  

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

Friday Fives - Five Books I've DNF'd Recently

I'm taking a bit of a break from my usual Friday Linkups to try something a little different.  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.   Today I'm talking about 5 books I DNF'd recently.  I'm not much of a DNFer but it's a habit I'm trying to get better as since it does me no good to unhappily trudge through a book.

1.  Happy Place by Emily Henry - This was my first book by Emily Henry and I really wanted to love this one.  I didn't hate it but I just never got into it.  I was never interested in any of the characters and I didn't care where they ended up and who they ended up with.  I've heard some mixed reviews on this one so this probably isn't the last Emily Henry I will read but this one just never clicked with me.  DNF'd 56%

2.  House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick - This was my TBR Tarot Card choice book for February and while the cards have given me some of my favorite books sometimes they don't quite come through.  This was one of those times.  There were three timelines though I never saw much of the 2nd one.  I was interested in the plot of the first one more as there's a missing person and an old journal discovered (I'm guessing that's where the 2nd time line shows up) but I couldn't stand the main character  and was quite sure her dog deserved better.  I liked the characters a little better in the first timeline which involves the Winter Queen and takes place during the mid-1660s but found it a bit overwrought. While I liked the idea of this book the execution didn't work for me and this will probably be my only try with this author.  I don't think her style works for me.  On the plus side, it's one book off my physical shelves.  DNF'd Page 160

3.  How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix - I've seen some good reviews for this one and I did like the premise but in excecution it just didn't quite work for me.  I disliked all the characters including the deceased parents and after a few hours decided I didn't care if the whole lot of them got stuck in a haunted house surrounded by possesed puppets and dolls.   DNF'd 21%

4.  Murder at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day - I was super excited about this one as it is a historical mystery set at Agatha Christie's home during World War II.  While the writing style did work for me I hated all the characters including both Bridgets.  Other than a prolouge I never actually made it to Greenway but after the first 5 chapters I just couldn't bring myself to pick it back up and wouldn't have minded if the characters (other than the nameless faceless children) had all perished on the train journey.  DNF'd Page 54

5.  When The Marquess Met His Match by Laura Lee Guhrke - I've been reading this author for years and usually enjoy her books.  1 is on my Reread Shelf and the rest I've enjoyed to varying degrees.  I went into this one with highish expectations and was disappointed.  The hero, Nicholas, is fine.  He's got the tarnished background but there are some reasons that keep him from being a total villian and while his motivations are connected to money he's upfront about it.  I was really not a fan of Belinda, the heroine.  She's judgemental and a bit vindictive and not willing to listen.  She also has her reasons for her thoughts but since those thoughts turned into actions without any real reason I wasn't quite as forgiving.  The main issue was I just bored.  I didn't really care to spend anymore time with Belinda and no one else involved was interesting enough to make me overlook her.   I'll read more from this author but this one just wasn't a winner for me.   DNF'd Page 67