Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Dying to Go (Nothing to Gush About) by Marcy Blesy

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  • Title: Dying to Go (Nothing to Gush About)
  • Author: Marcy Blesy
  • Series: A Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Tucson Valley Retirement Community. Tuscon Valley, AZ
  • Main Character: Rosisophia Doroche (Rosi for short)
  • Other Characters: Richard, Rene, Keaton, Bob, Salem, Detective Kelly, Officer Daniel, Barry, , Sparrow, Tina, Mayor Troy Kettleman, Jan, Zak, Wesley
  • Pets: a Golden Retriever named Barley
  • Stars: 5

This is a new to me author and I had a great time reading the first book in Tucson Valley Retirement Community series. It was entertaining, unique, and had some amazing characters—well, minus the murder.

Rosi, whose full name is Rosisophia, is in Arizona visiting her parents who live in a retirement community. Her mother named her after each of the Golden Girls because she was an avid fan of the TV show in the 1980s. She goes by Rosi for obvious reasons. After going through a challenging divorce and losing her job as a reporter, Rosi chooses to spend some time supporting her father during his recuperation from knee surgery. This was supposed to be a quick getaway from the stress she had been experiencing, a chance to spend time with her parents, and assistance for her father as he recovered. She is even more stressed when she discovers the local bookshop owner deceased inside her own establishment. Since the inept investigator is unable to solve this murder, she turns to her experience as a reporter for leads that eventually result in the killer’s capture.During her investigation, Rosi runs into some of her mom’s eccentric friends, one of whom is attempting to hook her up with her nephew—something Rosi is trying to avoid. She also meets handome landscaper and Barley, an adorable golden retriever puppy. Could Rosi decide she needs a change of scenery, and will she make Arizona her new home.

I had a great time reading this. The ensemble of personalities and Rosi’s efforts to put her painful past behind her were enjoyable. It was entertaining, with a few unexpected turns that revealed a murderer. I am excited to see where Rosi ends up and what her next adventure will lead her..

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder at the Festival by Penny Brooke

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  • Title: Murder at the Festival
  • Author: Penny Brook
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #7
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Birch Creek Harvest Festival in Birch Creek, VT
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy May, Ellis, Parker, Phoenix, Holly, Joy. Flo, Ben, Noa, Detective Sterling
  • Pets: Jasper, Claudia’s black cat
  • Stars: 5

A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop cozy mystery series continues with Murder at the Festival, book seven, and the author never lets readers down. Her diverse range of personalities makes each of her characters interesting and the story is always engaging.

This story takes us to the village of Birch Creek, Vermont, about 2 hours from Greenwood, in time for the Birch Creek festival. Spending a stress-free weekend away from Greenwood excites Claudia. She has taken her mobile bookshop to the festival hoping is hoping to make some money selling her books. Vans come to the festival from all over to sell their products. Claudia’s friend Ellie is also there to promote her famous whipped coffee. Claudia is loving catching up with Ellie, and being away from murder investigations. She was loving it, however, until she heard a spine-tingling scream in the middle of the night from a neighboring van.. Aunt Daisy Mae and Claudia rush outdoors to find Holly yelling that her boyfriend, Phoenix, is dead. Claudia discovers herself smack dab in the heart of a murder investigation, just when she was hoping for a quiet weekend. As it happens, Phoenix isn’t very well liked as he is well-known for being a womanizer and and a cheater. Claudia calls Detective Sterling to run some background checks on Phoenix and Holly, despite the fact that this isn’t his jurisdiction. Holly and Phoenix appear to have secrets of their own. Is it possible Holly killed her boyfriend?

The author takes us on an exhilarating roller coaster ride to identify a killer once more. Every one of her books has a twist to an unexpected ending. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist is thrown in the mix. It is also enjoyable to see how Claudia and Detective Sterling have gone from being adversaries to becoming friends. And could Daisy Mae actually have a love interest. As of this writing, this is the last book in the series. I am hoping for more adventures with Claudia and I can’t wait to see where Daisy Maes new romance will lead.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder at the Villa by Penny Brooke

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  • Title: Murder at the Villa
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word travels Mobile Workshop #6
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Greenwood, VT
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy Mae, Arden, Grace, Eris, Logan, Melanie, Lucas, Detective Sterlings, Noah
  • Pets: Jasper the black cat
  • Stars: 5

A Word Travels Mobile Book Shop’s sixth book transports us to an Italian-style property approximately half an hour’s drive from Greenwood.

Claudia’s favorite novelist has asked her to a murder mystery dinner at her Italian-style villa. Claudia is ecstatic to get this invitation, and she plans to attend with her Aunt Daisy May. The hostess, Ardin Billings, greets them as soon as they enter. Claudia is a little star-struck because she is a huge fan of Ardin’s & her novels. lArdin introduces her to the other guests, each of whom has a quirky side. Their Murder Mystery Fun ended abruptly by one of the guests actually being murdered. Although all the evidence points to Arden as the murderer, Claudia is certain she couldn’t have done it. Claudia learns that Arden is keeping some secrets but was she willing to kill to keep them hidden.

Once again, the author pulls off a gripping story of mystery in the hunt for a murderer. The plot was exciting, and every character was interesting and well-thought-out. This narrative will appeal to readers who love a good cozy mystery with unexpected turns with a surprise ending.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder by the Mountain by Penny Brooke

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  • Title: Murder by the Mountain
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #5
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy Mae, Detective Sterling, Lexi, Elenore, Jim, Tommy, Eva, Nicole
  • Pets: Jasper the black cat
  • Stars: 5

Ms Brookes delivers another great Cozy Mystery in book 5 of A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop.

Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae are traveling in the mobile bookshop, to local schools in order to introduce Greenwood’s new literacy program. While working at one of the schools, they learn about a ten-year-old cold case concerning the mysterious disappearance of a teacher employed by the school. Although foul play was suspected, there was no body and no proof, thus the matter was closed. Claudia finds herself enmeshed in the cold case mystery when she discovers a dead body on school property that has evidently been there for some time. Is there a possibility that this body is connected to the missing teacher? If yes, what happened? With the cooperation of Detective Sterling, Claudia once again puts her sleuthing skills to work to solve this cold case.

Claudia my have some competition when a local podcaster, who is also an amateur sleuth goes to all lengths to obtain material for her podcast. However, when the podcaster deceives Claudia and provides her with false information, Claudia comes to the conclusion that she cannot be trusted.

To solve this unsolved cold case, the author takes the reader on an extremely suspenseful journey. Claudia is the ideal protagonist and everyone could use an aunt like Daisy Mae. I also enjoy every one of the supporting cast members. Before the cold case is solved, there are many more twists and turns to this mystery. Check out this book to find out if Claudia will fall victim to a murderer once more.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder out of Wedlock by Penny Brooke

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  • Title: Murder out of Wedlock
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy May, Detective Sterling, Rachel, Sarah, Noah, Ellie, Felix, Aubrey, Riley
  • Pets: a black cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Word travels Mobile Bookshop and Ms Brooks never disappoints.

Detective Sterling and Claudia have never seen eye to eye. She was the main suspect in one of his cases from a previous book, and she constantly seemed to get embroiled in his murder investigations. In this installment The detectives ex wife is in town and it is obvious there is no love lost there when Claudia over hears a heated argument between the two. Claudia is working hard on the reopening of the local library, where her friend had been murdered in a previous book, but when Detective Sterling turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend him a hand. The Detectives ex has been murdered and he is the primary suspect. Obviously he can’t work that case so he has been put on administrative leave. Claudia discovers additional information about Detective Sterling’s past during her research, leading her to wonder if he is connected to the murder. Claudia can’t get rid of the feeling that she is being stalked and after being the victim of a hit-and-run, the detective becomes enraged and informs Claudia that he no longer needs her assistance. Luckily Claudia didn’t listen to him and continues to find the real killer even if it leads to the detective. She puts a plan in action to catch a killer.

This installment takes the reader on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery, just like the previous books in the series. Claudia is an amazing protagonist, and you can’t help but adore her devoted kitty companion Jasper, who is by her side virtually all the time. Claudia and her aunt Daisy May are having some conflict as Aunt Daisy May is deliberating about a significant choice. We also get to see Noah, Claudia’s long-distance boyfriend, It is always fun to see where their relationship is going . If you love a small town cozy mystery with great characters and a twist to an unexpected ending, you will enjoy this series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Paranormal

Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley

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  • Title: Shifting and shenanigans
  • Author: Elizabeth Patley
  • Series: Magical Mystery Book Club #1
  • Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Cascade Valley, CO and inside the pages of a book
  • Main Character: Paige,
  • Other Characters: Theodore, Zell, Vee, Sabastian, Emiko, Moonbeam, Forrest, Randall, Carter, Cheyanne, Outlaw, Birdie, Duchess, Selena, Brandy
  • Pets: Frank the talking Siamese cat,
  • Stars: 5

Despite my not being a fan for the paranormal, the author invited me to read and review this book. I chose to give it a try and I must say, it was entertaining and humorous.

Paige’s GeeGee has passed away and she, along with her Aunt Glo have inherited her Snapdragon Inn. GeeGee told them to especially take care of the Library because it  is Priceless. They both packed up and headed to Cascade Valley & the Snapdragon Inn.

The Caretaker meets them at the Inn, gives them the keys, and leaves. Paige & Glow choose to explore the Inn, but their curiosity got the best of them so they head to the basement first because they are particularly interested in the Library and why it is so priceless. When they discovered the door was locked, they went to hunt for the key, which they eventually found, and then they returned to the basement to unlock the door to the priceless Library. They are immediately enthralled by the sheer number of books they discover when they walk through the door. What really amuses them is when they discover a cat is also in the library. Not just any old cat, though; he’s a talking cat that introduces himself as Frank. I had to laugh about a cat named Frank who can talk.

Frank continues by giving them a tour of the library and informing them about the book club. He tells them that they need to keep up this book club since it has been happening for years. The book club members gather for their first meeting after Frank explains how the group operates. They decide to choose the book for this month. Strange things begin to happen as Paige opens a book and starts to read. They enter the plot and journey inside the book before they even realize it. They are thrust into the center of a murder mystery, and in order to escape the book, they have to solve the crime. They encounter some quirky characters and start experiencing some really unusual things as they work to solve this mystery so they can return home.

Even though I am not a fan of paranormal and the story is so implausable, I am still giving it a 5 because of the writing. I thought the author did a great job twisting the narrative to keep the reader wondering until the murderer was identified. Additionally, the reader was able to visualize the characters because of the way the author described them.

If you are a fan of paranormal cozies, then you will love this book. Even if you aren’t into the paranormal, you might still enjoy this if you enjoy tales of talking cats and the exploits of characters that are thrust into the story of a book. I must say that my favorite character in the book was Frank the talking cat.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Till Death Do Us Port by Kate Lansing

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  • Title: Till Death Do Us Port
  • Author: Kate Lansing
  • Series: Colorado Wine Mystery #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Boulder, CO
  • Main Character: Parker Valentine
  • Other Characters: Emma, Nash, Michael, Mrs Valentine. Eli, Caroline, Prynne, Sage, Liam, Reid, Jack, Josie, Xavier, Clyde, Grace, Sloan, Chastity
  • Stars: 5

With yet another fantastic novel in the Colorado Wine Mystery Series, Kate Lansing has excelled once more. I adore wine, so I’m loving all the wine-related references in this series and how the author deftly integrates Parker’s knowledge of wine into a convoluted mystery.

It’s wedding season and Parker’s cousin Emma is getting married so Parker, the proprietor of Valentine Winery, is thrilled to be supplying the wine for the festivities. Parker’s boyfriend Reid is out of town on business, thus Parker will be attending the wedding alone. There is some family conflict, as there usually is during weddings. Reid’s absence causes Parker’s relatives to ask a lot of questions about her relationship or even if her boyfriend exists. There are awkward moments because the Bride’s mom is there along with her dad, and his new wife. To make matters worse, the challenging wedding planner, who was recommended by Emma’s stepmother, is found dead right as the vows are about to be exchanged.

Since Prynne, the wedding planner, was difficult to work with, the suspect list is long. Once again, Parker finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery and this time she will be assisted by an unexpected ally. Parker is determined to find the killer so her cousin will have her happy ever after. When a suspect is taken in for interrogation, Parker is convinced they have the wrong person, despite the evidence. Parker is racing against the clock to prove who committed this crime.

Along with the new characters, I also adore the recurring cast. Every character has different personalities and is well-developed, three-dimensional, and well thought out. Parker is demonstrating her strength of character by overcoming her fears and stepping outside of her comfort zone. She is having trouble worrying about a potential development in Reid’s career and how it may impact their relationship. I am glad to see the bond is growing between Parker and her mother.

Throughout the book, you’ll be kept guessing thanks to the author’s skill at twisting stories. Just when the reader thinks they have it all figured out, She adds yet another twist to the tale. Similar to her previous books in the series, this one has many twists and turns leading up to the shocking conclusion that you won’t see coming.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder Mystery at the Castle

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  • Title: Murder Mystery at the Castle
  • Author: Avery Kent
  • Series: A Kitty McCray Cozy Mystery #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Frobisher Castle
  • Main Character: Kitty McCray
  • Other Characters: Nan, Richard, Morag, Miss Hagerty, Dorthea, Will, Ava, Emitt, Emmitt, Agnes, Wayne, Carla, Vincent, Madalyn, Zach, Major Daniels, Raymond, Gwendoline, Nigel, Brian, Inspector Haddock, Dr Tyne, Helen
  • Pets: Black Lab named Flint & a Cat named Mitten
  • Stars: 2

This is the first book in the Kitty McCray Cozy Mystery series . Since I like the Bishop’s Landing series, I was eager to get started on this new one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t captivated by this book. .

Kitty is at Forbisher Castle to visit her Nan, who oversees all of the castle’s events. Growing up Kitty was often at the castle so she knows a lot about it and lends a hand when needed. Richard, the owner’s son, took over the Castle after his parents, Lord and Lady Forbisher, were killed in an aomobile accident. Richard and Kitty used to hang out when they were younger, so Kitty knows him.

Kitty is going to assist Nan with her murder mystery night at the castle. The murder mystery is about to begin, and the guests have shown up. With their costumes on, the cast is prepared to start the murder mystery. They had no idea that this evening would become a true murder mystery. As soon as the lights go on, one of the guests is found dead, apparently stabbed, lying over his table. Who could have wanted Raymond Haynes dead? As it happens, he wasn’t well-liked, so the suspect list is long.

This book seemed very familiar to me like I have seen a movie or read another book with similar plot. It reminded me of the game Clue. “Who killed Mr Haynes in the theater with the knife!” Despite the lengthy number of suspects. It was very obvious who the killer was, before they were even revealed. I was hoping for a twist at the end, but there was none. This book had so many characters that I felt like I needed a score card to keep track of them all. I really wanted to enjoy this series as much as I enjoyed Bishop’s Landing, the author’s previous work, but unfortunatly I didn’t. While I enjoyed Kitty and Richard, I found it difficult to distinguish between the others at times as they all seemed to blend together.

“I received this book as part of an ARC and this review is my own opinion”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing

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  • Title: Mulled to Death
  • Author: Kate Lansing
  • Series: Colorado Wine Mystery #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Silver Creek Lodge
  • Main Character: Parker, Reid, Liam, Sage
  • Other Characters: Annemarie, Akira, Paisley, Boone, Hudson, Sherrif Scott
  • Pets: The resort cat Madeline
  • Stars: 4

Another great Read in the Colorado Wine Mystery series by Kate Lansing. I have really enjoyed this series. I am a wine lover so I enjoy all the wine references throughout the book.

Parker goes on a much-needed vacation with her boyfriend Reid in this episode. They are accompanied by Parker’s best friend Sage and her brother Liam, who are now dating. Since they are in Colorado in February, they will be going snow skiing at Silver Creek Lodge. Parker also takes use of this trip to pitch her wine to the Lodge’s proprietor. When they arrive at the lodge, Paisley, the unwelcoming person in charge of checking them in, greets them. Akira, the wine director, meets with Parker. They are joined by the lodge owner, who also happens to be an Olympic gold medalist. Parker is hopeful that the lodge will include her wine on their menu because they both genuinely enjoy it. She is ecstatic because she is sure they will purchase her wine.

They are ejoying their vacation and head to the slopes for some skiing. They are having a great time until Parker finds the owner of the Lodge dead on the slopes from an apparent skiing accident. With Annemarie being experienced skier, she wasn’t believing this was an accident. Parker ends up entangled in a murder mystery one again. Could Parker’s own investigation get her killed!

I love the protagonist in the story and the supporting characters are also great. All the characters are well developed and interesting. The gorgeous scenery that the author described made me want to visit Colorado. This book also takes place around Valentine’s Day so their is some romance. Reid & Parker are really getting to know each other as she reveals a little bit more of her past.

Despite being very obvious, this mystery was nonetheless enjoyable. Although the author does put the reader through a bit of a roller coaster with multiple suspects for the potential murderer, I was still able to figure it out. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. Don’t forget to check out the recipes with wine parings in the back of the book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Sluething Game by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: The Sluething Game
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: Tess & Tilly #16
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Lake Tahoe
  • Main Character: Tess
  • Other Characters: Tony, Zoe, Zack, Shaggy, Carmen
  • Pets: A golden Retriever named Tilly
  • Stars: 2

This is the sixteenth installment of The Tess & Tilly Cozy Mystery and it should be the last. Sometimes a seris goes on for too long and I think this is one of them. As much as I have enjoyed the escapes of Tess & Tilly this one just didn’t measure up.

Tess and her husband Tony, her dog Tilly & Tony’s friend Shaggy head to Lake Tahoo for a video game convention. They are promoting their newest game. There is a lot of talk at the conference about a new game created by Loki and Craven that is supposed to be the best of the best. But when it comes time to preview this game, Loki & Craven are nowhere to be found. The next day when Tess and just her new friend Zoe are snow skiing they encounter a dead body, who just to be Loki. It looks like he died from a fatal accident while skiing. But when his friend Craven was found in his room by an apparent suicide, they are begging to wonder if Loki’s death was really an accident and did Craven really commit suicide. Tess & Loki, with the help from Tony are putting their sleuthing skills to work.

The plot twist I like in books wasn’t present in this one. There were no surprises at the conclusion or unexpected turns. Any good mystery should have a surprise ending and a a lot of twists, and this one fell short of my expectations. And then there is Tess’s father who keeps showing up, and it’s absurd that they were able to pass him off to her mother as her dad’s brother. There’s just not the suspense I keep expecting to build with her dad. I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I had liked the other ones in the series.

Happy Reading!