This is a fantastic series so I was super excited when Libby asked me to review her book before the release date of 12/31/19. And I'll just let you kThis is a fantastic series so I was super excited when Libby asked me to review her book before the release date of 12/31/19. And I'll just let you know (if you haven't read my other reviews in this series) that I am Team Gia.
So much to say about this book - it made me laugh, it kept me guessing regarding the crime, and it had me rooting for Poppy to make a decision regarding who she wants to date between Tim and Gia. (see my note above....GIA!!!)
What I always enjoy about this series - the relationship between Poppy and her Aunt. It is wacky, yet caring, all at the same time. Poppy never expected to be running a B&B but it was the only way to save the family home. Then there are her aunt's friends - the Biddies as they are called in the book. They remind me of the Jewish old lady stereotype that you see in movies and such, they are all in your business, offering advice you may not want, and sometimes just being a nuisance. But at other times they can save your bacon...or your life!
I chuckled at the theater production that is the main focus of this story and where the murder occurs. Imagine a bunch of senior citizens performing Mamma Mia (cue ABBA music). Since I have seen the movie I could picture these people singing and dancing and it is a comical performance. While I won't give away too much, let's just say opening night didn't quite go according to the script.
Besides the usual murder, there are several other sub-plots occurring at the same time. There is the case of who is leaving bad reviews for anything that Poppy touches (her B&B, Gia's coffeeshop, Tim's restaurant). The answer should be obvious but I have to admit I didn't think about this character. You will also meet some guests of the B&B and there is something not quite right. It is a very minor plot but it adds to the dimension of the story. Aunt Ginny reconnects with her first love from high school, an adopted child looking for his birth parents, and Poppy trying to extract herself from a potential relationship with Iggy, the pianist for the musical. All of these bring the story together and provide depth for several characters.
I haven't even touched on the food mentioned throughout the book. Poppy may not have formal training but she is a skilled baker and the recipes leave my mouth watering. I may be ok having gluten, but these recipes intrigue me and I want to try a few of them out. I'm glad the recipes are provided at the end.
There is a love triangle and I am hoping that the next book will have Poppy choosing one of the men interested in her. Both men in this book have demonstrated their feelings for her and she has some clarity at the end regarding their feelings for her. So, Poppy, it's time to choose!
I do want to share this one line that really made me laugh and you won't understand it unless you read the book and then you might have the same reaction as me:
"He said to tell you now you're even for touching his Skywalker. I don't even want to know what that means."
Overall we give this book 5 paws and can't wait to figure out what is in store for the gang....more
I am a cookbook-aholic and always love when authors that include recipes in their books compile them all into one easy location - like a cookbook! I I am a cookbook-aholic and always love when authors that include recipes in their books compile them all into one easy location - like a cookbook! I have been savoring each recipe and while I haven't made any of them quite yet, I have bookmarked a few to try out on my family and friends.
What I also enjoyed about this book was the excerpts from several of the books, noting which recipes were from which book, and the tips and tricks at the beginning. The recipes include everything from appetizers to desserts and everything in between....more
The great thing about novellas is that when you have just a little time to read you can still enjoy a book and this one checks off all the boxes - intThe great thing about novellas is that when you have just a little time to read you can still enjoy a book and this one checks off all the boxes - intrigue, love, family, and a killer.
This installment in the Cast Iron Mystery series brings together many elements to create a successful story. Jolie and Ava end up sleuthing (of course), there is a mix of characters from all lifestyles, some intriguing twists and turns concerning the killer, and family that doesn't understand boundaries...mostly Jolie and Ava's families!
I was intrigued by Jolie's visits to a counselor/therapist and the resulting information from her past that we learn. It is heartbreaking on one hand, but perhaps answers some questions on another for Jolie. You'll have to read the book to find out what Jolie uncovers about her past.
The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. I was quite surprised when the killer was revealed. This was one I didn't expect but had a few inklings as Jolie was putting the clues together at the end.
I wonder sometimes how Jolie and Ava manage their crazy families. Ava is lucky (maybe?) that her family moved away, but when they come back into town, craziness follows. Jolie somehow manages to keep her family in check (somewhat) considering they all live close by.
This series shows that you can have a complete story with plenty of detail in a shorter length which is perfect to read over lunch or when you have some time to kill. We give this 4 paws up....more
It is amazing anytime I read a cozy book that has food in it (a coffee shop, restaurant, baker, etc) that I don't gain 10 pounds just from reading allIt is amazing anytime I read a cozy book that has food in it (a coffee shop, restaurant, baker, etc) that I don't gain 10 pounds just from reading all the delicious sound dishes. Jill's coffee shop is no exception especially when it is Sadie making the brownies, cookies, and more.
I always enjoy journeying back to South Cove and seeing what is new with Jill, Jackie, Greg, and Amy. This merry bunch of characters keeps me on my toes with their wit and pension to end up involved with the latest case in town. Greg should be involved since he is a police detective, but the others? Not so much. I suppose Jill can't help it that the killer ends up in her sights, but not always on purpose.
This book deals with scams, especially on older citizens. The author does a brilliant job of showcasing potential scams that might trap anyone that isn't aware or watching what is happening to them. Or they prey on emotions as they did with Jackie. While this is common in today's world (sadly), I liked the author's take on that possibility and was quite surprised when everything came to light and who was involved. All I will say is that it is multiple people and at least one of them surprised me.
Sometimes I wish I had Jill's job....being able to read as much as she does but that is a perk (or a curse?) of owning a bookstore.
I am enjoying watching Greg and Jill's relationship continue to progress and maybe one day down the road there will be wedding bells. Only time will tell!
It is time for a trip back to Jefferson to see what Food Blogger, Hope Early, has new in her life. Hope finds herself knee-deep in another mystery whIt is time for a trip back to Jefferson to see what Food Blogger, Hope Early, has new in her life. Hope finds herself knee-deep in another mystery when she stumbles across another dead body while on a scavenger hunt. The bigger surprise comes when two other women appear in town and claim to still be married to the deceased. Who is the true widow? Will Hope survive the search for the killer? You'll have to read the book to find out those answers and much more.
I've enjoyed this series because I love food and I am always intrigued at a look behind the scenes of what food bloggers do to create their recipes and posts. I love to cook but have never really created my own recipe. I have adapted some recipes but that is about all. Several of the recipes in this book have chocolate in them so my mouth was watering just reading about the muffins, cookies, and cakes. Recipes are provided and a few have caught my eye.
The mystery is intriguing and the author does a splendid job of hiding the killer in plain sight. I'm not sure I suspected this character so I was surprised when the story came to a head and the killer was revealed. There are several potential suspects and while I would have liked it to have been one character, no such luck.
Hope has multiple sides to her - she inserts herself into the case trying to solve the murder (despite her boyfriend the sheriff asking her to stay out of the investigation), she doesn't know how to say no, and is a little insecure when it comes to her relationship with Ethan. But all of these pieces come together to form a likable protagonist.
Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series. We give it 4 paws up....more
I don't think I have read anything by this author that I didn't enjoy! This book is humorous and kept me engaged from the first page to the last. I lI don't think I have read anything by this author that I didn't enjoy! This book is humorous and kept me engaged from the first page to the last. I liked that it was a shorter read, it was just the right length to read before I went to sleep.
This series centers around three women that are good friends, they have hunky men that adore them and there is a cupcake shop involved with mouth-watering sweet treats. All is going well until an elf shows up dead on the shop's doorsteps. It is then off to the races to find out who killed the elf and why. The answer was a bit surprising to me and I truly didn't suspect the killer. Along with finding the killer, Callie is trying to figure out what is going on with her boyfriend Ben. The answer is sweet but that is all I will say, you will have to read the book yourself to find out the answer.
Anna cracks me up - she is petite but a force of nature. Let's just say you shouldn't mess with her.
This is the fourth book in the series and I didn't read the first three but I don't think that would keep anyone from enjoying this book, you just miss out on the character development. I will have to go back and read the first three at some point to see what I missed.
Overall it was a great book and we give it 5 paws up....more
This is a short mystery set in Nigeria. This is important to note since the language and flow of the book is written by someone that is multi-lingualThis is a short mystery set in Nigeria. This is important to note since the language and flow of the book is written by someone that is multi-lingual so it might seem stilted if you only speak one language. There were some phrases that confused me because I am from the US and the wording was not what I was used to reading. For example, we use the phrase "million dollar question" and the book has it as "million Naira question". Naira is the currency in Nigeria so it would make sense to use that versus dollars since the book is not set in the US.
The cast of suspects is small but the author did a good job of leading the reader down multiple paths until the killer was revealed. It was quite surprising because this was one character I didn't suspect. I felt that the author did a good job describing the scenery and I was able to picture the various characters in my mind.
If you are looking for a short read this might be a good choice. We give this 3 1/2 paws....more
Sadie is back! I thought this series was over a few years ago but was thrilled to see at least one more book in this series to give us a peek into whSadie is back! I thought this series was over a few years ago but was thrilled to see at least one more book in this series to give us a peek into what Sadie has been up to since she married Pete. They are enjoying life and she has hung up her investigating shoes until someone steals some of Mary's priceless ornaments from the tree in her room at the local nursing home. With Pete out of town for work, she pulls out her sleuthing skills to determine who might have stolen the ornaments and why.
I have to say I did not expect the thief to be this character. I truly had my eyes peeled another way or two and never suspected this person. But beyond the mystery, this book was also about forgiveness and not letting those that you love stray too far from your life before it is too late.
There are many recipes in the book that made my mouth water and I'm going to have to try some of them out very soon.
We give this book 5 paws up. If you have never read of the books in this series, you might want to start at the beginning or at least part of the way through the series to learn about the characters....more
With all of the possibilities available for the who the killer might be, the answer came out of left field!
Marty is still a quirky engineer that helpsWith all of the possibilities available for the who the killer might be, the answer came out of left field!
Marty is still a quirky engineer that helps design a driverless car for a company called Rover. I crack up every time he has the car "stay" especially when he is in an area that getting another car would be nearly impossible. He has two adorable nieces that are spitfires, a compassionate neighbor that helps him out especially when he doesn't even know he needs help, a girlfriend that has many interests that confound Marty at times, and a sister that loves to drive a "loud" car when it comes to the paint color. And we can't forget Buddy, his sister and niece's dog, that Marty somehow gets roped into taking care of more than he expects.
I have to laugh at how Marty thinks he is a special investigator for the police, but it is his sleuthing that usually helps solve the case and this book is no different. Detective Mace has given Marty a code name so when they type Marty's name into the computer it pops up and the police tend to treat Marty a little differently. I had to laugh when he learns what his codename is in the system. Normally he has his coworker Raj helping him, but Raj is out of the country and he has a new coworker assisting, Fernando. There are some tense situations that arise but everyone keeps their cool and escapes unscathed, at least somewhat.
I enjoy the witty banter between characters and trying to solve the mystery. The concept of the driverless car is always fascinating and what new features they are adding to the vehicle.
At the end of the second book, we were left hanging to the color of the new car for Laney and we finally learn the color about 2/3 of the way through the book. WOW is about all I'm going to say.
Overall we enjoyed the book and give it 4 paws up....more
This has been a fun series to read and I really enjoy Stacie and the gang. While the mystery part wasn't predictable, I still had strong feelings abouThis has been a fun series to read and I really enjoy Stacie and the gang. While the mystery part wasn't predictable, I still had strong feelings about a few characters and enjoyed watching all the pieces fall into place....more
What a wonderful followup book in this series. I've really grown to like Belinda and her investigative skills, even if she ends up in the hot seat moWhat a wonderful followup book in this series. I've really grown to like Belinda and her investigative skills, even if she ends up in the hot seat more than she expected.
The story is engaging and I like that Belinda seeks out petsitting for exotic pets. The first book was a snake and in this book, it is helping at a wolf preserve. All is going well until an employee turns up dead in what appears to be a wolf attack. There are other unfortunate incidents at the preserve and there are multiple suspects to consider and motives. I was surprised when the killer was revealed as I didn't really suspect this character as a killer. Yes, something unusual was happening but we don't really know what. There are several possibilities but no character stood out to me until the end when Belinda finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer.
Outside of the mystery, I really enjoy Belinda's character and her multiple talents. Who else could review video games and be an exotic pet sitter at the same time?! A potential career change is suggested to her at the end of the book and she is seriously considering the change. I'm not going to tell you what, you'll have to read the book and find out. Belinda also has some love interests...although I am perplexed at the potential relationship with Jonas because I thought in the first book he was in a relationship with someone else. Perhaps he broke up with that woman and I just don't remember...that is very possible as many books as I read!
Overall we give this book 5 paws up and await the next book in this series....more
This book kept me engaged while trying to figure out who had enough motive to kill Lance.
This is the second book in this series and it is just and thrThis book kept me engaged while trying to figure out who had enough motive to kill Lance.
This is the second book in this series and it is just and thrilling as the first. It seems that Sarah has adjusted to her role as RahRah's caretaker while life continues as normal and she finds herself in the middle of deciphering a crime that has put her mother in the hot seat. There are also some issues regarding her sister Emily that take an interesting turn.
As with the first book, I enjoyed getting to know a few more town residents and picturing more of the town through the author's descriptions while trying to figure out who the killer could be this time. While there are a few characters I wouldn't mind it being, I feel like they are going to be permanent to the storyline. There are many possibilities and the author does a good job throwing in multiple suspects and motives. While this killer was one character I had suspicions about, I didn't know for certain until the end.
The relationship between Sarah and Emily is a typical sibling and twin relationship. There are highs and lows but you can tell that they care what happens to each other. Their mother is quite a character, but I feel like it adds more dimension to the story.
Overall we give this book 5 paws up and look forward to the next installment....more
This is going to be a fun new cozy series. The characters are intriguing and the mystery wasn't easy for me to solve (ok I'll admit it, I didn't figurThis is going to be a fun new cozy series. The characters are intriguing and the mystery wasn't easy for me to solve (ok I'll admit it, I didn't figure it out until the killer was revealed or really close). Andi is a tough take charge woman. She can be a bit annoying thinking she knows it all and that the police on this island know nothing, but she does help them solve the crime.
Watch out, Pat in her funky yellow Mercedes is on the case!
This series has the potential to be a winning series. Pat is downsized from her job at a laWatch out, Pat in her funky yellow Mercedes is on the case!
This series has the potential to be a winning series. Pat is downsized from her job at a law library due to lack of funds, but she doesn't let that stop her. She decides she is going to be a PI when an art instructor dies at one of her classes. As much research that Pat has done over the years and during this book, I'm surprised she doesn't realize you have to take classes or have so many hours to be an official PI. This could be interesting for her should law enforcement find out she isn't quite up to that level...but her love interest is a police detective so perhaps he will smooth the way.
The mystery kept me on my toes as I couldn't figure out who was the killer. There are several key suspects but I couldn't put my finger on any of them to be the killer or for what reason. There is misdirection and red herrings but it all comes together nicely in the end.
There is even a love interest for Pat with Tim and I chuckled as they avoided her friend Syda and her husband Greg, who happened to be Tim's police partner for awhile. Syda has a good heart but wanted to fix Pat up with any man she came across. I grinned when Tim and Pat are "introduced" at a dinner near the end and what Tim does to Pat. I'll leave you hanging, you'll have to read the book to get your own chuckle from this scene....more
This new series knocks it out of the ballpark for this reader!
I have enjoyed all of Nancy's books so far and I was intrigued by this new series. I'm This new series knocks it out of the ballpark for this reader!
I have enjoyed all of Nancy's books so far and I was intrigued by this new series. I'm iffy on the stories that focus on more paranormal angles but am very glad that I gave this story a whirl.
Misty Dawn may be down but don't count her out quite yet. Misty is living in a VW van, which is not an ideal situation for anyone even if you live in California with nice weather most of the year. One of her clients has a solution, for Misty to live in the house where her brother, William, died while she figures out what to do with his house and possessions. Sounds too good to be true, right? What Denise (the client) doesn't know is that her brother's spirit is still there and he does not like Denise and isn't thrilled with Misty's presence in his house. Let's just say he doesn't make it easy on Misty in the beginning but they end up forging a sort of friendship and alliance when it comes to ghosts. William even becomes enamored with a four year old ghost that is part of the mystery.
I really enjoyed everything about this book and the mystery is well written and even I didn't figure out the killer until it was all revealed. There are several suspects but nothing to really pin it to anyone. I wondered about the killer because of some answers to questions didn't always jive, but I didn't suspect anyone.
This story has humor, a mystery, friendships were broken, new friendships made, and even some touching moments in the end when it comes to the child ghost. You do have to stretch your imagination when it comes to William driving his cars. He is a ghost and not something I would have expected a ghost to be able to do, but it made for an interesting twist in the story.
We give this book 5 paws up and anticipate that the rest of the series will be outstanding....more
This is my 3rd journey back to this town and it kept me guessing until the very end. I can't even begin to image a town that has such a variety of coThis is my 3rd journey back to this town and it kept me guessing until the very end. I can't even begin to image a town that has such a variety of collectible stores, but it seems to work for Keepsake Cove!
Callie is a smart woman and is enjoying her new life running her grandmother's music box store. She has settled into the town nicely, met a new guy that runs the cafe, and she has solved a murder or two. The festival in town brings back her ex, Hank, who seems pretty clueless. Why he thinks she would let him stay with her when they aren't together is quite a mystery. The band manager turns up dead and Hank is accused of the murder. Callie knows Hank and can't believe he would kill anyone so of course, she sets off to find the real killer.
I have to say this mystery is well written and I did not suspect the killer. I was focused on one character, but I should have known it wouldn't be that simple. More and more characters were revealed to have ties to the deceased and I couldn't figure out who killed the manager. The author does a great job with red herrings and leading you down many wrong paths! When the mystery comes to a head and Callie finds herself in trouble, well you could have pushed me over with a feather because this character was nowhere on my radar.
I enjoyed the continued love story between Callie and Brian. I am thrilled to see them taking it slow and that he didn't go off the deep end when Hank showed up in town and Callie was trying to help clear his name. He's definitely a keeper.
Overall we really enjoyed this book and feel like the series is continuing to improve and become stronger books. I can't wait to see what is in store for book 4. We give this book 5 paws up....more
This new series has plenty of suspects but only one killer, but who could it be?
I quite enjoyed the first book in this new series, from the clever wThis new series has plenty of suspects but only one killer, but who could it be?
I quite enjoyed the first book in this new series, from the clever writing to the killer hiding in plain sight. Then there is Jamie's business, hand lettering, something I admire but cannot do myself. I think I should have paid more attention to my cursive in grade school!
Jamie is falsely accused of murdering her arch nemesis, Earleen. Earleen is someone everyone loved to hate and there were plenty of people that would not have minded a bit if something happened to her or she went away somewhere. Unfortunately, her death on Jamie's door puts Jamie smack dab in the middle of the case trying to clear her name and save her business. She is very methodical with her research into other possibilities but does not unearth the correct person until it is almost too late.
There is even a potential love interest, Ridge, but there is a mention of his twin brother, Rut, and that something tragic happened to him because he is dead, but no real details. I am assuming that will come in future books. At least I hope so!
We give this new series 4 paws up and can't wait to learn more hand lettering techniques....more
I just love this series from the literary cafe and its dishes, to the characters, and the mystery that is never quite what it seems.
I enjoyed so many I just love this series from the literary cafe and its dishes, to the characters, and the mystery that is never quite what it seems.
I enjoyed so many things about this book/series. Tish is a reluctant sleuth. She can't help it if people just open up to her and she knows what questions to ask. At least she shares all of the information with Sheriff Reade so that he can do his job and catch the criminals. The banter between Tish and Jules (Julian) is witty and had me chuckling throughout the book...especially when Jules is talking about moving into a retirement center with an older woman! Granted he would be renting a room, but the whole situation is comical. There is the dog of the deceased, Biscuit, who appears to be quite charming despite the rumors about some of Biscuits deeds around the community.
The mystery is well written and I was surprised at some of the twists and turns before the conclusion of the story. Who thought gardening could be murder, but once you learn more about the deceased you won't be surprised at his death. I felt bad for some of the characters as their stories were revealed but I think it made them stronger in the end.
Tish does have a love interest, but I think there is someone else that could be interested in her as well. I can't wait to see how this turns out.
I was introduced to this author last year (or the year before, time flies by too quickly) and ever since I read the first book, Dying for StrawberriesI was introduced to this author last year (or the year before, time flies by too quickly) and ever since I read the first book, Dying for Strawberries, I have been a fan of this series. Living on a lake, running a store, and berries of all sorts everywhere. Sounds like a perfect combination to me!
Marlee and the gang are back to solve another murder. I don't think Marlee likes stumbling across dead bodies, just seems to be the way her life goes (as it seems to be with any cozy protagonist!) but this time, the potentially accused murderer has a lot more to hide than just being eccentric in their small town. Leticia the Lake Lady is well known for her crazy antics and orange hair. Little does anyone know the truth about her past until strange things keep happening and someone ends up dead.
I really enjoy all that I learn about different berries in this series. This book focuses on the Mulberry and the information shared about this berry is fascinating and I never would have known any of these tidbits had I not read this book. When it comes to the killer, there are multiple possibilities as to who it might be and I didn't figure it out until the killer was revealed. That is the sign of a good book to me when there are many clues and the obvious answer is not evident.
I loved how many of the residents of the town were volunteering at a health fair and were in costume since the event was close to Halloween. I cracked up at someone in a Chip costume (Chip 'n Dale) and had the citizen in the It costume (Stephen King) tapped me on the shoulder I might have screamed a bit! I enjoyed the return of many of Marlee's friends like Natasha and Theo.
There is the romance between Marlee and Kit that is still going strong and they play well off of each other despite the fact that she tends to put herself in some dangerous situations.
This series gets better with each book and we give this one 5 paws up....more
Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews
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