Forensic specialists may say that the dead speak to them, but in the case of Samantha Casey, ex-cop, wife and mother, the dead really do speak to her.Forensic specialists may say that the dead speak to them, but in the case of Samantha Casey, ex-cop, wife and mother, the dead really do speak to her. Blessed with a gift, although some may say cursed, she is able to sense things that most people can’t. A distraught husband comes to her for answers that only she can find. The police have ruled the wife’s death a suicide – something the husband cannot accept. Sam's quest for the truth leads to her to other strange deaths, and in finding the connecting thread, she endangers her own well-being. S. D. Tooley’s latest installment in this marvelous series will capture your interest and pull you into the story from page one. With well-developed and likable continuing characters, an intricate plot, and surprising twists along the way, this combination of logical police work with illogical paranormal research is bound to entertain mystery readers as well as those who just like a good story. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but you will surely want to. Highly recommended.
Merged review:
Forensic specialists may say that the dead speak to them, but in the case of Samantha Casey, ex-cop, wife and mother, the dead really do speak to her. Blessed with a gift, although some may say cursed, she is able to sense things that most people can’t. A distraught husband comes to her for answers that only she can find. The police have ruled the wife’s death a suicide – something the husband cannot accept. Sam's quest for the truth leads to her to other strange deaths, and in finding the connecting thread, she endangers her own well-being. S. D. Tooley’s latest installment in this marvelous series will capture your interest and pull you into the story from page one. With well-developed and likable continuing characters, an intricate plot, and surprising twists along the way, this combination of logical police work with illogical paranormal research is bound to entertain mystery readers as well as those who just like a good story. You don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but you will surely want to. Highly recommended....more
Although she is an excellent self-taught baker, Yolanda has yet to make pies. An appreciated guest questions the lack of pies in her Yummery, and YolaAlthough she is an excellent self-taught baker, Yolanda has yet to make pies. An appreciated guest questions the lack of pies in her Yummery, and Yolanda realizes that her grandmother never taught her how. This omission occurred because her grandmother’s best friend, Mildred, was stabbed to death while making a pie, and after that, her grandmother just didn’t want to make pies anymore. When Yolanda finds out that Mildred’s pies were the best anyone ever had, she becomes intrigued with the idea of making pies like Mildred’s. When she discovers that Mildred’s murder was never solved, she becomes determined to solve it and find closure for Mildred. When she “sees” Mildred putting pies in her car at the cemetery, and then suddenly disappearing, she really becomes invested in Mildred’s story. This third installment in the series is quite intriguing, and a noticeable improvement from the first two books. The characters are better developed, the mystery is quite interesting with just a touch of magical realism thrown in, and the writing itself is much improved from the previous books in the series. It is evident that the author has gained more skill and is flourishing in her craft. The writing just flows. A secondary storyline concerning Yolanda’s love life fits well in the novel and does not overpower the main mystery. The story is entertaining and leaves readers wanting to know what is next in store for Yolanda. A recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies is included as a bonus. Maybe next time, we’ll get the recipe for Yolanda’s banana cream pie!
I received an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
An elegant tea party is disrupted by a bogus beekeeper and ends in the death of a prominent politician and injuries to numerous other guests. The hostAn elegant tea party is disrupted by a bogus beekeeper and ends in the death of a prominent politician and injuries to numerous other guests. The hostess who had hired Theo is distraught at the mayhem and the damaged artwork she was displaying. Pressed into service to find the killer, Theo again puts herself and Drayton in danger as she forges ahead. The mystery itself isn’t all that involved, but the path Theo takes to solve it is fraught with pitfalls. It’s an exciting story, and about as far from a neat and cozy tea shop as one can get, although there is plenty of tea talk in this tale as well. If you are a regular reader, then you what to expect from this talented author. If you are new to the series, then you are in for a treat.
Merged review:
An elegant tea party is disrupted by a bogus beekeeper and ends in the death of a prominent politician and injuries to numerous other guests. The hostess who had hired Theo is distraught at the mayhem and the damaged artwork she was displaying. Pressed into service to find the killer, Theo again puts herself and Drayton in danger as she forges ahead. The mystery itself isn’t all that involved, but the path Theo takes to solve it is fraught with pitfalls. It’s an exciting story, and about as far from a neat and cozy tea shop as one can get, although there is plenty of tea talk in this tale as well. If you are a regular reader, then you what to expect from this talented author. If you are new to the series, then you are in for a treat....more
Private detective Holly Gibney is hired by Penelope Dahl to find her missing daughter. At first, Holly is reluctant to take the case. Her mother has jPrivate detective Holly Gibney is hired by Penelope Dahl to find her missing daughter. At first, Holly is reluctant to take the case. Her mother has just died of Covid, and her partner is sick with the disease. But Penny is desperate, and Holly gets involved. Much more goes on in this thriller. A friend of Holly is a poet seeking a mentor and help in getting her poems polished for publication. Health issues are a key element in the story. Also brought in are prejudices and political views. Eventually, it all ties together. Of course, it doesn’t work out well for everyone. Somebody, actually, several somebodies, have to die. It’s quite a story, gripping and terrifying and intriguingly unbelievable. Perhaps some parts could have been whittled out to make a tighter tale, and certainly, much of the gross and gorier parts could have been eliminated or at least condensed. But it’s Stephen King, and gross and gory are expected. I did appreciate that Holly is quite religious, although that doesn’t stop her from being a bit OCD or paranoid when it came to germs. It’s a compelling story: I couldn’t wait to start it (it is a book club selection) and then I couldn’t wait to finish it....more
How sad to discover this is the final book in this series! Just when it is getting really over-the-top good, it’s over. Well, I guess this author leftHow sad to discover this is the final book in this series! Just when it is getting really over-the-top good, it’s over. Well, I guess this author left us wanting more, for sure. (I can only hope she decides to continue on!) Carrie is getting married, but before she can do that, she and Dylan find a body at the private residence where they are to marry. And you know what happens next: Carrie has to find out who killed him. There is a lot that goes on in this mystery. There is the missing money, stolen from a bank years before, more than one killing, and an old diary, written by a woman hanged for being a witch, which is stolen from the library. And, mere hours before her wedding, Carrie is abducted. It’s just another day in the life of Carrie Singleton, well, except for the wedding part. Well written, intriguing, entertaining, and filled with great characters, this is a best book yet. I’m not ready to say good-bye to this series, and I bet other readers aren’t, either. Are you listening, Allison Brook?...more
Yolanda’s Yummery is getting quite a following. One of her appreciated guests is Captain Angus. And when he goes missing, Yolanda is the first person Yolanda’s Yummery is getting quite a following. One of her appreciated guests is Captain Angus. And when he goes missing, Yolanda is the first person the detectives suspect in his disappearance. She must prove her innocence, which gets harder by the day when incriminating evidence is found in her home and on the Captain’s boat. Meanwhile, she still must keep her Yummery stocked and complete work on the new Beverage Bar. She is also wondering where her new romance with Nigel is headed, or maybe she should reconcile with her old boyfriend. Anyway you look at it, Yolanda’s life is a hot mess. This cozy has a lot going for it. The continuing characters from the first book are better developed in this story. Yolanda’s former boyfriend is nicer in this story. The mystery is a good one, even if Yolanda is foolhardy for rushing into the fray and putting herself in danger. The most unbelievable part is that the detective zeros in on Yolanda in the first place when he has no reason to suspect her. It’s a quick and entertaining read. And as a bonus, two recipes are included in the book.
I received an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
A school fund raiser this year involves shops around town. Tokens have been hidden in the shops and the class that finds the most tokens wins a prize.A school fund raiser this year involves shops around town. Tokens have been hidden in the shops and the class that finds the most tokens wins a prize. A call to the school from a shop owner with a complaint brings Melanie to his shop to sort out the problem. The owner no longer has a problem, since Melanie finds his dead body. Once again, Melanie is in the middle of a murder investigation, and it’s a muddle for sure. The well-written mystery is quite clever, but astute readers will likely figure it out once all the clues are disclosed. It’s a quick read, entertaining and intriguing. The continuing characters are all interesting, but Aunt Peg is by far the best....more
Flavia is back at her favorite pastime: solving mysteries. This time it hits really close to home when her housekeeper, Mrs. Mullet, is under suspicioFlavia is back at her favorite pastime: solving mysteries. This time it hits really close to home when her housekeeper, Mrs. Mullet, is under suspicion of murder. She served up a meal of mushrooms that evidentially caused the death of a former hangman. But never fear! Flavia along with her trusted sidekick Dogger are on the case. She even gets a bit of assistance, and a lot of aggravation from her young cousin Undine. Flavia seems to flit from one thing to another, including visiting an army base, but eventually things tie together. There are some tense moments and a huge plot twist at the end that may leave you wondering what the author was thinking. Still, Flavia is always intriguing in her methods and entertaining in her adventures....more
Kate Burkholder is called to investigate a gruesome murder: a man has been chained to a stake and burned alive. It turns out the man was Amish, and soKate Burkholder is called to investigate a gruesome murder: a man has been chained to a stake and burned alive. It turns out the man was Amish, and so Kate’s ties to the Amish community will again come into play. This tale gives some background into the beginnings of the Amish faith which helps Kate in her investigation. Like many times before, Kate puts herself in harm’s way, not waiting for backup, and often rushes into situations before considering the ramifications of her actions. Still, it is a suspenseful story, and readers know going in that Kate will probably be hurt but she will never die. ...more
It’s a cold spring, but the Chamber of Commerce director, Wagner Lavoie, decides a festival and parade would be great for tourism. Despite pushback frIt’s a cold spring, but the Chamber of Commerce director, Wagner Lavoie, decides a festival and parade would be great for tourism. Despite pushback from various merchants and the forecast of possible stormy weather, it turns out he was dead right. Unfortunately, as the festivities wound down, he was also dead. Now Mac has another mystery on her hands. She also has her hands full with her busy bike shop and settling into life with her new husband. She doesn’t know it yet, but there is a target on her back as well. It’s another entertaining and intriguing addition to this delightful series. The Cozy Capers Book Group may not talk a lot about books, but they sure know how to solve crimes! This entire series is recommended to cozy mystery readers who like novels with interesting characters in compelling plots....more
Mac and Tim are finally tying the knot. During renovations at their house, they knock through a wall, and find a skeleton. It’s a woman, dressed in a Mac and Tim are finally tying the knot. During renovations at their house, they knock through a wall, and find a skeleton. It’s a woman, dressed in a wedding gown, and chained to a wall. Not a happy find, especially with her own wedding just days away. Mac is determined to find justice for this poor bride. With the help of her book club and her friendly librarian, Mac delves into the past, and discovers it has connections to the present day. It’s quite the entertaining mystery. Author Maddie Day does a great job of building intrigue and then springing the solution to a satisfying conclusion. The sprinkling of romance adds just the right touch without overpowering the mystery story. ...more
When Tulia finds a dead body in her walk-in freezer, she calls on her friend Mackenzie for help. Soon, the entire Cozy Capers Book Group is sleuthing When Tulia finds a dead body in her walk-in freezer, she calls on her friend Mackenzie for help. Soon, the entire Cozy Capers Book Group is sleuthing for clues. Though the detective in charge warns them off the case, nothing stops this group from snooping. Subtlety is not their strong suit, and before long, they have raised the ire of more than one person. This cozy has a lot going for it - a lovely setting, interesting characters, and an intriguing mystery, as well as a sprinkling of romance thrown in for good measure. It’s well written and quite entertaining. ...more
Detective Matthew Venn sees two young girls alone on the beach, who are much too young to be alone. Questioning them, he finds out they are waiting foDetective Matthew Venn sees two young girls alone on the beach, who are much too young to be alone. Questioning them, he finds out they are waiting for their mother, but when she fails to return, they go to look for her, and got lost. Matthew knows he is out of his depth when it comes to small children, so he looks to his associate, Jen, for help. This short story has everything fans of Ann Cleeves have come to expect: great characters in an engaging story and an entertaining mystery. It’s just too short! But still, Cleeves manages to include everything that is necessary for a wonderful read in a very few pages. ...more
Dixie French is writing a mystery novel, and, thinking that a change of scenery would facilitate her creativity, she leaves her home in Kansas and renDixie French is writing a mystery novel, and, thinking that a change of scenery would facilitate her creativity, she leaves her home in Kansas and rents a house in Loblolly, South Carolina. The last thing she expects is to get involved in a real murder mystery, but that is exactly what happens. She is enjoying the company of her landlady while indulging in the local food offerings when she witnesses the collapse and death of a man at a nearby table. The next day, his death is declared to be a homicide. Dixie, being the astute and curious mystery writer that she is, decides that she will investigate. Miriam, her friendly landlady, is also mired in the case, since she is friends with the widow and both are in the same book club. The two amateur detectives team up and make a formidable force! This cozy is very well written. The characters are delightful and come to life on the page. The author drops a few clues along the way, enough for savvy readers to match wits with Dixie and Miriam. The setting is lovely, and the novel is filled southern charm. The ending is quite satisfying and sets up the next book in the series. I’m looking forward to Dixie’s next adventure!
I received an advance copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Aurelia came to Trouble Island hoping to escape her past, but Trouble Island is aptly named and has brought danger instead. Aurelia is a sevant to RosAurelia came to Trouble Island hoping to escape her past, but Trouble Island is aptly named and has brought danger instead. Aurelia is a sevant to Rosita, a woman in solitude, mourning the murder of her son a year ago. The women have one thing in common: they are gangsters’ wives. A limited staff lives in the mansion on the island that serves as the gangsters’ stopping off port between Canada and United States. Everyone is surprised when Rosita’s husband Eddie shows up unannounced one frigid day with an entourage of his own. They are even more surprised when Eddie announces that he is forcing Rosita to sell her island to Marco, a rival gangster. It seems Eddie needs money, and cares not that Rosita must leave her chosen refuge. But there will be bloodshed, lots of it, before the deal comes to fruition. If it ever does. This exciting thriller is a page-turner. The time period, 1920s and early 1930s, as well as the setting, are well defined, and the characters are well developed. Aurelia is a complex character, and her desperate situation as she fears for her life will have readers hoping for the best for her. There are many surprises along the way, twists and turns that are quite unexpected. The suspense just keeps building from the beginning to the astonishing conclusion. A masterfully written thriller, this just might be Sharon Short’s best book yet.
I received a complementary copy from the author through Minotaur Books for which I am grateful, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
Gina’s brother Vic is wanted for the murder of his former girlfriend. Gina knows he is innocent, but can she prove it? Maybe, if she can get her talkiGina’s brother Vic is wanted for the murder of his former girlfriend. Gina knows he is innocent, but can she prove it? Maybe, if she can get her talking dog Daisy to help. Actually, Gina is the only one who can understand those barks, due an earlier accident. They go off to examine and sniff out the murder scene. Gina ends up hiding Vic at her place. She also manages to talk an old friend, and current deputy, into helping her prove Vic is being set up. Gina has a few anxious moments when stubborn Daisy feels neglected and refuses to talk. Was Gina just imaging she could understand Daisy? It’s an interesting cozy for sure. Daisy adds the comic relief and can be counted on to ratchet up the entertainment level of the tale. Well done. ...more
Murder and suicide both figure in this suspenseful mystery. Detective Matthew Vern is called to an unusual murder. Dr. Nigel Yeo, a well liked public Murder and suicide both figure in this suspenseful mystery. Detective Matthew Vern is called to an unusual murder. Dr. Nigel Yeo, a well liked public servant, has been stabbed in the neck by a glass shard from a broken vase that his daughter had made. Nigel had been investigating the life of a recent suicide, after the victim’s parents demanded answers concerning his death. While Matthew is investigating the murder, trying to discover a connection, a second murder victim is discovered, killed in the same manner. This intricate and intriguing mystery is quite gripping. The path from murder to murderer is not a straight one, and it will take some diligent police work to figure this one out. This is the second installment in the series, and is better than the first one, “The Long Call.” This tale takes off from the beginning, and maintains a sense of urgency to find the killer throughout the novel....more
Liane Moriarty can always be counted on to deliver the very best in suspenseful novels. Put yourself in the place of one of characters in the book. YoLiane Moriarty can always be counted on to deliver the very best in suspenseful novels. Put yourself in the place of one of characters in the book. You are minding your own business on a plane, just wanting to get to your destination as soon as possible. Then a strange woman looks at you, and announces that she expects you to die at a specific age from a specific cause. And then she goes on to the next passenger. This is what happens on this unfortunate flight. People dismiss her as a deranged nuisance, until her predictions come true and people start to die when and how she said they would. The suspense starts high and soon in this novel and it never lags. Viewpoints change as the various characters reveal themselves to the readers. The characters are quite realistic, and readers will feel their tension and fear as the novel progresses. The ending is surprising in the way it finishes, but is wholly satisfying. The book is somewhat lengthy but readers won’t notice - they will be too engrossed in the story. I hated to put it down to do those mundane but necessary things like sleep and go to work. Recommended for everyone who enjoys a well-written and suspenseful tale. ...more
Mackinac Island should be a peaceful place. Cars aren’t even allowed. Evie co-owns a bike rental shop, and spends her time there painting custom jobs Mackinac Island should be a peaceful place. Cars aren’t even allowed. Evie co-owns a bike rental shop, and spends her time there painting custom jobs on the bikes. And when she has free time, she finds dead bodies, gets chased by bad guys, and falls off her bike. An lot. In this story, it seems everything has gone wrong. Smuggling, a false charge against Evie’s friend, the police chief, and a dead wedding planner are just a few of the things that have gone wrong. But Evie is on the case! And there may even be a smidge of romance in the air, if only she can clear up the mess first. Quirky characters, an entertaining and slightly crazy plot, and a beautiful setting add much to the charm of this mystery. ...more
Just because you were friends at college, it doesn’t mean you have a lot in common decades later. Merry’s mother found this to be true when she inviteJust because you were friends at college, it doesn’t mean you have a lot in common decades later. Merry’s mother found this to be true when she invited some college friends to spend the weekend at her home. They soon find out that they have little in common. In fact, they really don’t like each other much, and spend much of the time bickering. When one of them dies eating dinner, Merry is sure she was murdered. To clear her mom of any suspicion, Merry must figure out who is responsible. The house guests are now unwelcome but can’t leave town while the death is being investigated. To add to the family’s distress, a newcomer wants to replace Merry’s dad as the town Santa. The town of Rudolph is certainly in upheaval! This charming cozy is a wonderful mix of great characters, a wonderful setting, and a compelling plot. Reading a novel by Vicki Delaney always means a great time spent in the land of fiction....more
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