“Ghostridden” by EJ Russell is a fun gay paranormal story that has a delightful mixture of genres that grabbed me from the first line and kep4.5 stars
“Ghostridden” by EJ Russell is a fun gay paranormal story that has a delightful mixture of genres that grabbed me from the first line and kept me anxiously turning the pages. I love the way things slowly escalate from an unforeseen windfall to uncanny occurrences to a murder mystery, all within a small-town framework. There are plenty of fascinating characters, including those with an obsession to contact ghosts, which makes it all the more amusing that both Maz and his cat are the only ones who can see and interact with a ghost.
This is the beginning of a series, so there are a few dangling threads, and I am anxiously awaiting sequels to help resolve some of the overall arcs as well as introduce additional quirky characters. After all, there can’t help but be more fun times in a town called Ghost, inhabited by ghosts, that welcomed a ghostwriter who may just provide services to help a ghost write a book.
A copy of this title was provided for review...more
“Murderous Means” by Lida Sideris is part of the ‘A Southern California Mystery’ series, and features intrepid almost-official private inves3.75 stars
“Murderous Means” by Lida Sideris is part of the ‘A Southern California Mystery’ series, and features intrepid almost-official private investigator Corrie Locke and her team as they try to determine whether a sudden death is due to homicide. Using a variety of conventional and not-so-conventional methods, the cast of characters look for clues in unusual places while they try to figure out if an actual crime has been committed, and if so, why.
This cozy mystery features a somewhat wacky crew of investigators who definitely should not be underestimated. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone story, I suspect that it would be less confusing to read the prior book(s) in the series and get a feel for the dynamics of the group and their outside-of-the-box techniques.
I enjoyed working my way through the twists and turns of the investigation even as I shook my head at some of the shenanigans and the way these folks play fast and loose with the legalities. A few things strained my credulity a bit, but it was fun reading the colorful descriptions of the characters and locations. This author has a way with words that makes even serious crimes entertaining, and I suspect the crew will soon be embroiled in even more adventures in beautiful Southern California.
A copy of this title was provided for review...more
Oh, I was so excited to realize this story is connected to the other 'Fae Out of Water' and 'Mythmatched' and 'Supernatural Selection' and al4.5 stars
Oh, I was so excited to realize this story is connected to the other 'Fae Out of Water' and 'Mythmatched' and 'Supernatural Selection' and all of those other lovely stories set in that universe, and I wasn't disappointed. There are multiple cameos of some of my favorite characters, some new folks to pique one's curiosity, and a mystery to follow. I adore Jordan the werewolf, and he is evidently going to be a contributing factor to this fun new 'Quest Investigations' series. This story is a perfect blend of humor, urban fantasy, and relationships and I'm already tapping my foot waiting for the next exciting story in this fantastic new series....more
"Dead as a Duck" by Colleen J. Shogan is part of the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series and features the adventures of Kit Marshall, chief of staf3.75 stars
"Dead as a Duck" by Colleen J. Shogan is part of the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series and features the adventures of Kit Marshall, chief of staff for representative Maeve Dixon, and amateur sleuth. A “feeling out” stop for the congresswoman that is supposed to morph into a well-deserved vacation for Kit and her cohorts is complicated when her brother gets implicated in…what else? A murder!
This cozy mystery provides an armchair visit to a quaint seaside town in North Carolina named Duck. Glimpses of the fun activities to be had on a vacation that includes canines (despite one’s disappointing antipathy toward the beach) are interspersed with persistent investigation into the most recent murder to impact Kit and her crew. It’s fun to see Kit’s husband get more immersed in her propensity to solve murders, and I wholeheartedly approve of his decision about the subject of his next book.
I didn’t feel much connection to the secondary characters, but I had met several of them in previous stories, so it was good to get an update on where they were in their lives. I think this would be a perfect quick beach read for anyone who likes cozy mysteries and small-town stories.
“Larceny at the Library” by Coleen Shogan details another adventure involving the intrepid Kit Marshall, whose involvement in the latest mur4.25 stars
“Larceny at the Library” by Coleen Shogan details another adventure involving the intrepid Kit Marshall, whose involvement in the latest murder on Capitol Hill is even more personal than ever before. Her search for the murderer and for the motive behind the theft of valuable Lincoln memorabilia leads her all over DC as she confronts many of the movers and shakers on The Hill.
This cozy mystery story is part of the ‘A Washington Whodunit’ series and includes great details about the Library of Congress, some of its iconic collections, and the machinations of the library staff, politicians, support staff, and other movers and shakers in Washington, D.C. The witty allusions to current events also add realism to the story. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, many of the characters persist throughout the books in this fun series, and it helps to deepen one’s appreciation of their motivations and actions if some of the previous volumes have been read.
There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including two delightful canines, and the obscure details about topics as diverse as invaluable comic books or presidential memorabilia enrich the story. I enjoyed the multilayered conflicts as Kit not only searches for a murderer and the missing items, but navigates through appeasing various powerful folks, her hubby’s search for their new house, and her best friend’s love triangle. Books that allow me to armchair travel are always welcome, especially during these turbulent times, and I can only hope to one day visit some of the places described so vividly and appreciate the beauty and weighty history for myself. This was an excellent addition to a charming series, and I look forward to reading more about Kit’s adventures.
A copy of this title was provided for review ...more
“The Murderous Macaron” by Ana T. Drew stars Julie Cavallo, whose gluten-free bakery has been the site of a death. Julie’s sense that there is more to“The Murderous Macaron” by Ana T. Drew stars Julie Cavallo, whose gluten-free bakery has been the site of a death. Julie’s sense that there is more to it than meets the eye puts her at odds with Capitaine Gabriel Adinian, who wants to get this cut-and-dried case off of his plate.
This cozy mystery with paranormal elements is part of the ‘Provence Cozy Mysteries’ series, and has the typical kooky cast of colorful characters, including a grandmother who teaches doga (doggy yoga), and a smart-mouthed and sometimes wise younger sister (I love her advice that…. “if you keep mentally photoshopping the ugly truth out of people, you’ll surround yourself with friends you can always rely on to backstab you.”)
The special talent that Julie evidently shares with her estranged twin was unexpected and added an odd element to the story, which already has its share of twists and turns. I enjoyed following the investigation and the red herrings as well as the opportunity to armchair travel to a small town in France, plus who could resist the sexy capitaine? Julie will undoubtedly have more adventures to come, and I look forward to reading about more of her madcap adventures and their alliterative titles.
A copy of this title was provided for review ...more
“Murder: Double or Nothing” by Lida Sideris is part of the ‘Southern California Mystery’ series that features attorney and sleuth Corrie Locke, whose “Murder: Double or Nothing” by Lida Sideris is part of the ‘Southern California Mystery’ series that features attorney and sleuth Corrie Locke, whose job at a movie studio shifts from the legal work she was hired for to investigating a murder using everything she was taught by her late father. Aided and abetted by her friends and allies and complicated by the powerful actress she’s ostensibly working for, Corrie follows a serpentine path in search of a killer who may also have her in his or her sights.
This mystery story is a romp that is more of a cozy mystery despite being set in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles and some of its surrounding cities. The breezy but determined techniques utilized by Corrie to achieve her goals are entertaining and impressive, and her sidekicks definitely liven up the action with their expertise and unconventional techniques. There are plenty of red herrings and a fun sprinkling of movie studio glitz and misdirection with a bit of international flavor thrown in.
I haven’t read the other stories in the series, so some of the backstory had to be inferred, but I had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone story. I would have liked a bit more depth to some of the secondary characters and I thought some things were a little too easily ignored or swept over but this is still a fun light read. There are a few dangling threads that are apparently part of the series arc but I enjoyed getting to know this heroine and her stalwart aides and I was particularly gratified to learn that she is feisty as well as tenacious, even if she’s a little wishy-washy in the romance department, lol. I look forward to seeing what other sticky situations she gets herself into and out of.
A copy of this title was provided for review ...more
“Gore in the Garden” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 5 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that feature Kit Marshall, Congresswoman Dixon’s chief 4 stars
“Gore in the Garden” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 5 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that feature Kit Marshall, Congresswoman Dixon’s chief of staff. An exclusive opportunity to see the rare blooming of the plant known as the corpse flower becomes all too apropos when Kit’s best friend and fellow staff member discovers a body. This time, even more of the family gets involved in the investigation as Kit’s husband, brother, and dog all become embroiled in the case.
This fun cozy mystery truly gives an insider view of Washington D.C. and the machinations of some of its denizens. As usual, Kit tries to navigate the delicate pathway between appeasing those in power, refraining from antagonizing anyone who could become (or already is) an important player, and maintaining a harmonious personal life while solving a murder mystery. Although I appreciate the authenticity of the details that permeate the story, at times I felt a bit overwhelmed by them and would rather have had a bit more connection to the characters. I like that Kit is growing in confidence, although I was a bit surprised that the detective who she is always thrown into contact with during the course of her investigations has evidently given up and welcomes her interference, ahem, assistance. Despite the widespread influence of the players in this environment, this still has the small town feel of a cozy mystery, and I was happy to read another tale from this series. Those who are unfamiliar with the series may want to read one or two (or four) of the previous stories to get a bit more oriented, but you can probably get by reading this as a stand-alone story. I look forward to seeing what other complicated situations Kit gets into in the future, as well as learning about other obscure locations in the nation’s capital.
A copy of this title was provided for review ...more
“Empty Handed” by Jo A. Hiestand is part of the ‘McLaren Mysteries’ series. It follows the former Inspector as he wrestles with a ne3.5 out of 5 stars
“Empty Handed” by Jo A. Hiestand is part of the ‘McLaren Mysteries’ series. It follows the former Inspector as he wrestles with a new cold case at the request of the victim’s bereaved fiancee. The small village of Linnden seems peaceful, but the undercurrents may prove deadly to the unwary.
This British mystery story showcases Michael McLaren as he reluctantly takes on a case that requires expertise from both his past and current occupations. As the story unfolds, there are primarily a couple of viewpoints being used, with a brief foray into another character’s point of view, which was a little jarring for me, especially since it seemed a bit forced and wasn’t really pursued,
I enjoy the opportunity to armchair travel and this story gave me a nice image of a picturesque region but I’m not quite sure I have a feel for what the town looks like and I’m surprised that it is large enough for an art gallery, but perhaps that is typical for the countryside. I wish there were more scenes that showcased the multiple breeds of dogs because I was intrigued by their presence but never got a feel for them as other than watchdogs or nuisances.
I was surprised that McLaren was so casual about certain events that endangered him and it seemed to me that he neglected to use some of the procedures that would have been standard responses (e.g. reporting an assault) and I wasn’t sure why. I’m delighted that McLaren’s friend Jamie still has his back although I expected him to be called in sooner when one of the major events transpired.
This series continues to provide an entertaining look at a different lifestyle and although this story isn’t my favorite, it should appeal to those who enjoy getting a taste of British investigation techniques or glimpses of life in a small hamlet of the English countryside.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“A Very Merry Murder” by Mary Angela is an entertaining cozy mystery that is part of the ‘Professor Prather Mystery’ series. The in3.75 out of 5 stars
“A Very Merry Murder” by Mary Angela is an entertaining cozy mystery that is part of the ‘Professor Prather Mystery’ series. The intrepid English professor, Emmeline Prather, gets more than she bargains for when she tries to support a seasonal concert performed by her friend and colleague Lenny and quartet of musical academics. Despite the festive season, it is not only end-of-term challenges that Em has to overcome when she becomes a key figure in an unexplained death.
I love books that allow me to armchair travel and this story gave me a glimpse of a college town in South Dakota and evoked the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays seen through the prism of academia. I’m afraid I didn’t make much of a connection to the characters, although I love the juxtaposition of the names of Em and her cat Dickinson, and I would like to see Em’s relationship with Lenny flourish. The mystery was entertaining, with several nice red herrings, and I enjoyed the seasonal flavoring (even though I’m not quite ready to face the holiday madness, lol). The story does stand alone but I suspect one would enjoy it better if the first two books in the series are read, so that the main characters have a bit more depth. Those in search of a quick cozy mystery that will engender a desire for tinsel, hot cocoa, or sleigh rides will undoubtedly enjoy the adventures of Professor Prather.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review ...more
“K Street Killing” by Colleen J. Shogan is part of the ‘Washington Whodunnit’ series that features Kit Marshall, whose duties as chief of staff for a “K Street Killing” by Colleen J. Shogan is part of the ‘Washington Whodunnit’ series that features Kit Marshall, whose duties as chief of staff for a Congressional Representative from North Carolina suddenly expand to include the need to solve a mysterious death. As if that isn’t enough, her home life is threatening to go through upheaval when a job opportunity opens up in another state, prompting even more conflict between her husband of a few months and her best friend since childhood.
This delightful cozy mystery is a bit different since it is set in the political world of Washington, DC rather than a small whimsical town, but it definitely has an interesting cast. Although this is part of a series, I had no trouble connecting with the characters and getting intrigued by the story. It was fascinating to learn about the maneuverings and legalities involved with fundraising and lobbyists and I obtained a new perspective and new knowledge about the roles various folks play and some of the lines that theoretically regulate their duties and actions. I love Clarence and his foibles and I enjoyed the glimpse of a world that is entirely foreign to me. There were some aspects of the mystery that were a bit predictable, but it was still entertaining to watch the case unfold and I would happily read more stories in this series.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review ...more
“The Case of the Sexy Shakespearean” by Tara Lain is an adult m/m cozy mystery that features Dr. Llewellyn Lewis, who gets caught up in a very lucrati“The Case of the Sexy Shakespearean” by Tara Lain is an adult m/m cozy mystery that features Dr. Llewellyn Lewis, who gets caught up in a very lucrative research proposition. His alter-ego only gets a brief cameo but definitely is enchanted by the man who turns out to be a new teaching assistant at Llewellyn’s university. The prospect of proving someone else wrote the works attributed to Shakespeare is sweetened with a significant financial incentive, but the search may prove deadly.
I always look forward to devouring a new story by this talented author because I like her characters and their ability to overcome their obstacles and find someone who embraces them for who they are. I enjoyed watching the personable professor work his way through the minefield of his job and personal preferences. I would have liked a little more of Rondell’s personality to be displayed and I’m not quite sure I like or forgive Blaise yet but hopefully he will continue to redeem himself. There were great twists to the mystery and I enjoyed Llewellyn’s self-deprecation and humility that mask his incisive mind and skill. I look forward to meeting more of this author’s “beautiful boys” and watching them solve more mysteries.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review ...more
“A Hasty Grave” by Jessie McAlan follows Rona Murray as she is recovering from the recent traumatic events and ready to go back to b3.5 out of 5 stars
“A Hasty Grave” by Jessie McAlan follows Rona Murray as she is recovering from the recent traumatic events and ready to go back to business as usual, but her plans are disrupted by the disturbances on her property. Unfortunately, the dead body discovered in a shallow grave leads her on a circuitous journey that involves unexpected connections and persistence to uncover. The invaluable assistance of her ex-husband, Johnny, and her faithful German Shepherd, Drew, may not be enough to keep her safe as Rona follows a trail that leads into history…that someone may not want uncovered and is willing to do harm to prevent it.
This cozy mystery story is the second book in the ‘Linn House Mysteries’ series but it can be read as a stand-alone story without too much difficulty. I gather there was a previous issue on the property which is still reverberating, but the events detailed in this book don’t require having read the first story. The author has a gentle style and I was reminded of some of the British mysteries that I have read as events play out between a couple of small towns and various somewhat eccentric characters are introduced. The relationship between Rona and Johnny is a little odd, as it seems that the embers of attraction are still very much alive but neither is ready to deepen the connection again for some nebulous reason. For me, it was a little irksome, as he obviously cares for her, and vice versa, but they are tiptoeing around her insistence on independence even as she requests his presence.
The mystery has nice elements of history along with some intriguing facts about geocaching but I thought that some events were a little forced and some of the dangling threads are not cleared up as much as I would like. I think Rona and Johnny are personable and make a good team and that someone who enjoys light cozy mysteries will have fun with this story.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review ...more
“Lethal in Old Lace” by Duffy Brown is part of the contemporary cozy mystery ‘A Consignment Shop Mystery’ series. This story picks up where “4.5 stars
“Lethal in Old Lace” by Duffy Brown is part of the contemporary cozy mystery ‘A Consignment Shop Mystery’ series. This story picks up where “Demise in Denim” left off, with Walker Boone a vindicated man who’s ready to move on in his relationship with Reagan and put a ring on her finger. Unfortunately, her vow to avoid dead bodies is short-lived, and her attempts to exonerate her neighbors seem to not only endanger those she cares about but threatens to make her wedding party larger than she anticipated! Fortunately, she has plenty of allies (willing and unwilling) and a man who isn’t going to let a little thing like a mobile corpse or the law deter him from being there for the woman he loves.
I always enjoy visiting Savannah with this series and wincing at the complicated yet hilarious situations Reagan gets herself into, but I think this is my favorite thus far. I adore Walker Boone and the way he gets Reagan and lets her go her way but offers his unstinting support. It’s been wonderful watching their relationship deepen and seeing Reagan bloom with him (and BW) in her life. The wacky hijinks that spread to involve not only the intrepid Aunt Kiki but also Reagan’s mom, the illustrious judge, are hilarious even as they are a little frightening. One will have a different appreciation for senior retirement homes after reading this, I daresay. I’m not sure one would enjoy this story as much if unfamiliar with the series, although the quirky events would still be entertaining, so I’d suggest you read at least the book preceding this one…or even better, the entire series!
A copy of this title was given to me for review...more
“Halloween is Murder” by Carolyn Arnold is a cozy mystery featuring husband and wife cops-turned-private investigators Sean and Sara McKinle3.75 stars
“Halloween is Murder” by Carolyn Arnold is a cozy mystery featuring husband and wife cops-turned-private investigators Sean and Sara McKinley. An interview featuring their haunted house fundraiser goes awry when the reporter who did their feature dies. The question of whether the death was from natural causes prompts Sara to drag the “Pay It Forward Investigations” staff into an investigation. Foul play or bad luck? Sara and Sean will find out, one way or another.
This book is part of the ‘McKinley Mysteries’ series and is a gentle mystery that showcases the interactions between the easygoing couple and their staff, including their former sergeant, Jimmy, who is now their employee. The mild competition between their employees, the awkwardness of being on the other side of the badge in an investigation that they are only tangentially involved in, and the lack of a definitive conclusion pointing to murder make this a relatively low-key investigation, without a lot of excitement.
I enjoyed the interaction between the McKinleys but I was disconcerted to suddenly have Jimmy’s point of view pop up every so often as he performed his share of the research. I get the feeling that those who are familiar with the series are more comfortable with the dynamics between the various employees of the agency and are used to the barbed comments traded between folks, but I would have liked to get to know all of the characters in a little more depth, with a bit less sniping and more camaraderie between a couple of them. This can be read as a stand-alone story, but I suspect one would benefit from having read other books in the series, in order to better appreciate the dynamics.
Those looking for a sweet and mild cozy mystery featuring an altruistic couple who are free to pursue whatever they want will undoubtedly enjoy this seasonal story.
A copy of this story was provided to me for review. ...more
“Calamity at the Continental Club” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 3 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that features Capitol Hill staffer Kit Ma4 stars
“Calamity at the Continental Club” by Colleen J. Shogan is Book 3 in the ‘Washington Whodunit’ series that features Capitol Hill staffer Kit Marshall. A stressful interlude with her in-laws-to-be during the annual meeting of the Mayflower Society is complicated by Kit’s penchant for getting involved in murder investigations, but this time the stakes are even higher. Between her presumptive mother-in-law’s rabid interest in wedding planning and her prospective father-in-law’s star position in a murder investigation, Kit and her fiancé have plenty to deal with, and Kit’s sideline suddenly becomes amazingly useful.
This fun cozy mystery provides an entertaining armchair tour of several historically significant areas of D.C. while detailing the machinations of the jockeying for position and power in a historical society. The vague counterpoint of what is involved in being a congressional aide adds to the realism and evocation of the atmosphere of life in D.C. This is part of a series, so I think I might have appreciated the characters more if I was familiar with the previous stories, but for me they started out a little stiff and slowly developed more personality as the story progressed. Despite that, there was no significant problem reading this as a stand-alone story. I liked the mystery itself and the red herrings that were trailed in front of the reader’s nose, and I particularly liked the solution Kit and Doug came up with at the very end of the book as it appeals to my sense of whimsy and certainly sounds unique. There were lots of interesting facts sprinkled through the story and I think those who like cozy mysteries with a bit of historical bias will enjoy this story.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review. ...more
I loved the television show that featured this charismatic sleuth and this story is a delightful addition to the collection of mysteries she has been I loved the television show that featured this charismatic sleuth and this story is a delightful addition to the collection of mysteries she has been involved in solving. The ongoing gentle feud between Doc Hazlitt and Sheriff Metzger and the delights and drawbacks of small-town life are vividly portrayed, supplemented with a delightfully chilling arcane twist. Many of the elements that are characteristic of Jessica’s life, including her well-used bicycle and love of books, are present to delight those of us who are fans, and the gradual revelation that exposes the darker side of life in this ostensibly bucolic paradise reminds me that Cabot Cove is a picturesque town that it could be pretty fatal to visit! This is another entertaining addition to the series, with nice twists to the tale.
“The Ghost and Mrs. Fletcher, A Murder, She Wrote Mystery” by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain & Renee Paley-Bain is another mystery featuring the intrepid fictional character who starred in her own television series. Set in her beloved Cabot Cove, this story starts out with an unexpected death that enmeshes Jessica in a complex web involving a house, lurid book titles, inexplicable messages being delivered by an unknown source, and mysterious strangers. Using her characteristic tenacity, Jessica begins teasing out a mystery that has roots in the past and unexpected connections to those around her, with a solution that, as usual, isn’t the obvious and easy answer.
This mystery story blends a delicious amount of tasty temptation with a lovely flavor of life in New Orleans. There are quite a few secondar3.75 stars
This mystery story blends a delicious amount of tasty temptation with a lovely flavor of life in New Orleans. There are quite a few secondary characters who have interconnections and even though this story can be read as a stand-alone, I suspect that it would help if one was familiar with prior events. There are quick recaps sprinkled throughout the story, but sometimes it seems like there are actions that seem a little odd within the context of this story that would be clearer if one is familiar with the series. There were some elements that were irksome to me, particularly the erratic behavior of the newest employee who swings between self-effacement and blatant disregard of Rita’s wishes, as well as Rita’s initial cavalier dismissal of the dangers inherent in carrying around a very valuable piece of jewelry which may or not be cursed, and the final resolution felt a bit forced to me. Despite all of my reservations, however, I was fascinated by multiple facets of the story, including the creative cakes being created and the atmosphere of a city that is almost a character in itself. I think this is a fun quick read that will appeal to cozy mystery fans who like a bit of a paranormal twist in their tales.
“The Cakes of Monte Cristo” by Jacklyn Brady is a cozy mystery that is part of the ‘Piece of Cake’ mystery series that stars Rita, the owner of the Zydeco Cakes bakery in iconic New Orleans. A new employee’s accidental discovery of a stunning necklace causes a resurgence in stories about curses as well as a fanning of an ancient feud plus a distressing string of violent encounters that escalate. Added to the stress of catering one of the premiere events of the season, it is possible that the business (and its owner) may not survive long enough to solve the mystery of the necklace.
“Catch as Cat Can” is a fun cozy mystery that centers around Sunny Coolidge, who has moved back to Kittery Harbor in Maine to help her dad. Ably assis“Catch as Cat Can” is a fun cozy mystery that centers around Sunny Coolidge, who has moved back to Kittery Harbor in Maine to help her dad. Ably assisted by her furry sidekick, Shadow, Sunny uses her well-honed instincts from her journalistic days to investigate the fishy circumstances surrounding a dead body found in a rental space handled by Sunny’s company. Investigator Will Price has no qualms about accepting his girlfriend Sunny’s assistance, and knows that wherever she is, Shadow is soon to be involved, but neither of them expects how vital the intrepid feline’s role will be.
This newest addition to the ‘Sunny and Shadow’ mystery series has the small town elements of interconnected characters, a nicely simmering romance, a dead body, a gradually unveiled mystery, and helpful secondary characters. I love the determined kitty who is a stowaway, acrobat, comfort-giver, and occasional informative observer. I’m not always a fan when the animal’s point of view is included in stories, but this one worked well for me, probably because I had fun figuring out his titles for the humans he interacted with. I thought some of the red herrings and additional threads were a little awkward, especially given the twist taken by the story at the end, but I was still very entertained by both the antics of Shadow’s humans and the appetizing dishes being described. I have not read the other stories in this series yet had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone tale, and I think this is a great story for those who enjoy cozy mysteries that blend homey elements with a bit of danger and a pinch of whimsicality.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of this review was submitted to Night Owl Reviews....more