Magic & Mistletoe is delightful read with the edge of a paranormal and the mystery of a cozy. Readers can count on Nix Halliwell to bring us wonderfulMagic & Mistletoe is delightful read with the edge of a paranormal and the mystery of a cozy. Readers can count on Nix Halliwell to bring us wonderful characters and exciting stories that are just plain fun to read. This second book in the Confessions of a Closet Medium series is as delightful as the first.
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Magic & Mistletoe is delightful read with the edge of a paranormal and the mystery of a cozy. Readers can count on Nix Halliwell to bring us wonderful characters and exciting stories that are just plain fun to read. This second book in the Confessions of a Closet Medium series is as delightful as the first....more
Sugar is at it again, stumbling over a dead body of course. While the body is nothing new, the story is fresh and original. Quiche of Death makes threSugar is at it again, stumbling over a dead body of course. While the body is nothing new, the story is fresh and original. Quiche of Death makes three our of three Sugar and Spice Mysteries that I have loved. Mary Lee Ashford creates a new feel with each book by adding unusual or different details, introducing new characters for us to love or hate, and developing a unique mystery wrapped about a new cookbook with every novel. It is fun spending the beginning of the book at a B&B with Sugar and Dixie, to see this fascinating place as we meet members of the diverse family for whom the newest cookbook is being being created. The method of the murder is fairly unique and while one good clue is provided, it does not by any means lead the reader to the murderer or the motive. I love the twists along the way, some of which add a touch of a cute or hilarious humor. Time Sugar and Dixie spend together is like time spent with friends and always enhances my enjoyment of the books.
Merged review:
Sugar is at it again, stumbling over a dead body of course. While the body is nothing new, the story is fresh and original. Quiche of Death makes three our of three Sugar and Spice Mysteries that I have loved. Mary Lee Ashford creates a new feel with each book by adding unusual or different details, introducing new characters for us to love or hate, and developing a unique mystery wrapped about a new cookbook with every novel. It is fun spending the beginning of the book at a B&B with Sugar and Dixie, to see this fascinating place as we meet members of the diverse family for whom the newest cookbook is being being created. The method of the murder is fairly unique and while one good clue is provided, it does not by any means lead the reader to the murderer or the motive. I love the twists along the way, some of which add a touch of a cute or hilarious humor. Time Sugar and Dixie spend together is like time spent with friends and always enhances my enjoyment of the books....more
Lowcountry Boughs of Holly, Liz Talbot Mystery #10, was AWESOME! I love watching Liz and Nate work together, and spending time with her family is an aLowcountry Boughs of Holly, Liz Talbot Mystery #10, was AWESOME! I love watching Liz and Nate work together, and spending time with her family is an absolute blast! Susan M. Boyer evocates a wide range of emotions from her readers as she pulls us into the lives of the people of Stella Maris and the individuals that Liz and Nate encounter during their investigation. One of the fun elements of this book is the way Liz's mother attack the holiday with all her heart. The idea that Nate has tried to make the season a little lighter with the secret trip he has planned is almost an insult to her need to make the holiday special so she does her thing just like always.
Since the whole family is supposed to travel together for the holidays, solving this murder is a time sensitive matter and there are few clues to go on. That lack of solid evidence doesn't slow down our twosome who fervent about making sure neither they or Blake are delayed in departing for the mysterious destination. In addition to the question of who would kill a pretty decent guy in a Santa suit, Liz is tantalized by the feeling that there is more to Nate's secrets than the trip.
Even though I had pre-ordered a copy of Lowcountry Boughs of Holly, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it so I requested a copy from the author. It was even better than I expected.
Merged review:
Lowcountry Boughs of Holly, Liz Talbot Mystery #10, was AWESOME! I love watching Liz and Nate work together, and spending time with her family is an absolute blast! Susan M. Boyer evocates a wide range of emotions from her readers as she pulls us into the lives of the people of Stella Maris and the individuals that Liz and Nate encounter during their investigation. One of the fun elements of this book is the way Liz's mother attack the holiday with all her heart. The idea that Nate has tried to make the season a little lighter with the secret trip he has planned is almost an insult to her need to make the holiday special so she does her thing just like always.
Since the whole family is supposed to travel together for the holidays, solving this murder is a time sensitive matter and there are few clues to go on. That lack of solid evidence doesn't slow down our twosome who fervent about making sure neither they or Blake are delayed in departing for the mysterious destination. In addition to the question of who would kill a pretty decent guy in a Santa suit, Liz is tantalized by the feeling that there is more to Nate's secrets than the trip.
Even though I had pre-ordered a copy of Lowcountry Boughs of Holly, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it so I requested a copy from the author. It was even better than I expected....more
As a fan of the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade series, was excited to find another cozy/amateur series by J.J. Cook (the late Joyce and Jim Laverne). The cAs a fan of the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade series, was excited to find another cozy/amateur series by J.J. Cook (the late Joyce and Jim Laverne). The characters are awesome, the plot is just twisted enough to have me wondering and the unique approach this team takes makes their books extra fun to read....more
A Christmas Corpse is a warm, whimsical, and delightful holiday tale from the land of St Nick. This lighthearted story where alA perfect holiday cozy!
A Christmas Corpse is a warm, whimsical, and delightful holiday tale from the land of St Nick. This lighthearted story where almost everyone is good and kind and honest manages to bring murder into the picture without destroying the magic....more
Shadows in Death felt a little different right at first, Roark's view point, but was caught up almost immediately and loved it. My favorite of the morShadows in Death felt a little different right at first, Roark's view point, but was caught up almost immediately and loved it. My favorite of the more recent books....more
After reading the third book in the series, I had to start over with Yorkie Doodle Dandy. Belinda White has hooked me and I will be checking out all tAfter reading the third book in the series, I had to start over with Yorkie Doodle Dandy. Belinda White has hooked me and I will be checking out all the books connected to these guys and will be looking into the other series. Short but packs a big story. A great read for fans of cozy mysteries or light paranormal. Great characters....more
An great tale wrapped into a small package. Now I have to go back and read all the other books Belinda White has written. While it was Yorkie Doodle tAn great tale wrapped into a small package. Now I have to go back and read all the other books Belinda White has written. While it was Yorkie Doodle that first caught my attention, he does not play a major role in the events of the story; he is important in the life of his mama and he is adorable. A good mystery and people I want to get to know better....more
I loved Marry and Bright by Laura Durham. I always enjoy the books in the Annabelle Archer series but let's face it, some of the humor is way over theI loved Marry and Bright by Laura Durham. I always enjoy the books in the Annabelle Archer series but let's face it, some of the humor is way over the top. We still get those roll-on-the-floor moments but the focus is on the search for the mother of a baby left on the steps of the church attended by our two favorite Harley riders/florists. The portrayal of bikers who stand for the innocent is beautiful. Annabelle and her friends get to see other reformed riders as well as always-good-guy bikers as they ride side by side to stand for fallen soldiers and their families. The feel of the holidays is woven though this heartwarming Christmas novella, my favorite of the series....more
I have found a new series but I started at the end. The Giving Tree definitely made me want to go back and get to know the people better. I hope thereI have found a new series but I started at the end. The Giving Tree definitely made me want to go back and get to know the people better. I hope there will be a new book out soon. There is nothing dramatically Australian about the setting but there are reminders that we are in a different part of the world. Love it....more
Love, love, love Have Yourself a Merry Little Witness and the Marshmallow Hollow series. I managed to read the book out of order but it didn't take anLove, love, love Have Yourself a Merry Little Witness and the Marshmallow Hollow series. I managed to read the book out of order but it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment. This is the kind of cozy mystery made for the holidays or any days....more
As a long time fan of Cheri Lewis Blackmon, I was really excited to see that she had a sequel to Bugs and I loved it!!! These two books are different As a long time fan of Cheri Lewis Blackmon, I was really excited to see that she had a sequel to Bugs and I loved it!!! These two books are different from her earlier ones but they still have that wonderful conversation with a friend feel. I fell in love with almost every character, especially Cappy a blind senior citizen who becomes part of Callie's bakery, Sweet Temptations. The book is half chick lit and half swoonworthy romance for a delightful whole. Most of Ms. Lewis Blackmon's books would be great for Kristin Ashley fans but this series would be a big hit with fans of somewhat gentler romance. The edge is there but the life and death situations are less intense. On the other hand, those tattoos are HOT!...more
Death Gone A-Rye carries on the tradition of excellence Winnie Archer introduced us to in the beginning of A Bread Shop Mystery. My attachment to thesDeath Gone A-Rye carries on the tradition of excellence Winnie Archer introduced us to in the beginning of A Bread Shop Mystery. My attachment to these characters contributes to how much I enjoy each book in the series. Ivy is naturally drawn to almost any mystery but when Miguel, the love of her life, is labeled as the top suspect, nothing can keep her from investigating the death of a local school board member. With her unintended team of her boss Olaya Solis, and eighty-six-years-young neighbor Penelope Branford, Ivy discovers that the woman is reprehensible and that there are many people who belong on that suspect list ahead of Miguel. Now she just has to convince the police of that and the only way she can see to do so is to find the real killer. Heart is a big draw for me and this book touches mine deeply. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read the ARC of Death Gone A-Rye. It is a well written, well paced novel with amazing characters and I enjoy sharing my love for the series and this book, not to mention getting to sneak and early read. #NetGalley #DeathGoneA-Rye
I have really been looking forward to Long Island Iced Tina, the second book in Maria diRico's new Catering Hall Mystery series and it did not disappoI have really been looking forward to Long Island Iced Tina, the second book in Maria diRico's new Catering Hall Mystery series and it did not disappoint. I found myself cheering Mia on in her investigation and booing several of the suspicious characters that she encountered in her complex search to clear her best friend's father of murder charges. The victim, his second wife Tina, was such a flagrant narcissist and jerk that no one was too concerned with her death but the negative publicity murder near the catering hall could cause had already peaked Mia's concern even before Ron's arrest. As always, humor and warmth bring balance to the danger and Maria DiRico in both author personna's (Ellen Byron was already one of my cozy authors favorites when this series came out.) can turn intensity to outright laughter through her depiction of these senior New Jersey Italian ladies or with Mia's newest endeavor, learning to drive. Poor Jaimie. Time at the catering hall is always interesting whether through the special people who work there or through Mia's interaction with the newest hire, the incompetent son of one of the area mafia heads. The complexity of the background of the murder almost had my head spinning but it also held my attention throughout this unputdownable tale. I requested an ARC from NetGalley and am excited to share how much I enjoyed it. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series! ...more
A Tourist's Guide to Murder was the great adventure I expect from V.M. Burns, Sam and the crew. I can sooo relate to the challenge of the beginning ofA Tourist's Guide to Murder was the great adventure I expect from V.M. Burns, Sam and the crew. I can sooo relate to the challenge of the beginning of Sam's trip to England. While it is usually her grandmother and the other seniors who provide most of the laughs, I was almost in tears both for Sam and at her terrible luck. The Mystery Lovers Tour should be perfect for the whole group and even with all the unexpected events, they get even more than they expect. Talk about twists! Not only do we get to read Sam's newest historical cozy as she writes it, there is another mystery within the murder mystery that befalls the groups planned tour. When a new friend is identified as the prime suspect in a murder, the group, always ready to investigate any mystery, jumps in with all 10 feet. I missed Snickers, Oreo, and all my two-footed friends from back home but had a delightful journey with Sam and the ladies from Shady Acres. I was excited to be approved for an ARC of A Tourist's Guide to Murder because I love every book I have read from V.M. Burns and I knew that a trip to England would hold tons of excitement. As always, I share my enjoyment of this book because that is what I do. #NetGalley #ATourist'sGuidetoMurder ...more
Killer Comfort Food, book 5 in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series has it all and I love it!!! Author Lynn Cahoon always brings warmth with her wonderful Killer Comfort Food, book 5 in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series has it all and I love it!!! Author Lynn Cahoon always brings warmth with her wonderful characters and excitement with her great mysteries. This addition carries a slower build but a greater edge than some of the others, but it isn't a slow read at all. There is so much involved in the story but it is not overloaded and some of complex issues come together in the end. As I always say, as much as I love Ms. Cahoon's mysteries, I would read the books just for the character interaction. I have to admit when I first saw the series title Farm-to-Fork, it didn't draw me but I love Ms. Cahoon's South Cover series and characters so much that I had to try this one. I have come to love the newer series even more and that is saying a lot! I appreciate that the characters don't make the stupid choices that drive me crazy in even some series that I otherwise enjoy. That is a big point in making these two series among my favorites. I hate cringing for characters instead of from the plot. Thank goodness that these guys act with intelligence, or their friends shut them down when they don't! Killer Comfort Food was all that I expect of a book from Lynn Cahoon and more. I was thrilled to be approved for an ARC from NetGalley even though I had already pre-ordered my personal copy!!! I feel confident requesting one of her books because I know that I will be sharing my enjoyment with friends and followers whether not I get an ARC and I love getting my hands on them early!