Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Muffins and Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: Muffins and Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery Series #2
Location: Bar Harbor Maine
Main Character: Sammy
Other Characters: Emily, Jax, Sherriff Donovan, Kim, Erin, Jenny, Astrid, Olivia, Mrs Finch, Ethan, Tiffany, Fawkes
Pets: Golden Retriever named Cinnamon
Rating: 5

“Muffins and Murder” by Daisy Belle is a charming addition to the Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery Series! The story follows Sammy Brook as she returns to her hometown of Bar Harbor to take over her Granny B’s Bakery. Her excitement quickly turns to dread when she discovers the town’s mayor dead with his face in her basket of muffins.

Sammy finds herself a prime suspect in the mayor’s death. Determined to clear her name, she embarks on her own investigation, aided by her loyal golden retriever, Cinnamon, and her best friends, Emily and Jax. As they dig deeper, they uncover surprising secrets that could lead them straight to the killer.

The author’s writing captivates readers with its engaging style and unexpected twists that keep them guessing until the very end. The small-town setting, filled with quirky and well-developed characters, adds both depth and charm to the story. Sammy’s resolve to clear her name, supported by her loyal golden retriever and her gossipy best friend, creates an entertaining and heartwarming story.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries filled with humor, charming characters, and unexpected twists, you will love this book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Jail Cell Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: The Jail Cell Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery #3
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe
Other Characters: Officer Daniel, Dani, Rosie, Kieran, Aiden, Dana, Ramiera, Pearl, Astrid, Levy, Jose, Alison, Raye, Billie Jean, Aunt Rene
Pets: Golden Retriever named Peanut
Rating: 5

“The Jail Cell Murder” by Daisy Belle is a fantastic addition to the Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery Series! This book expertly blends suspense, humor, and heart, making it a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts.

In this installment, a prisoner is murdered in jail, and Officer Daniels is injured in the process. With numerous suspects to consider, could a pair of boots and a cryptic message written in lipstick on the cell wall by the deceased lead to the murderer? Chloe, along with her loyal golden retriever, Peanut, and her friends Aiden and Rosie, is determined to follow the clues to find the killer. However, could their involvement in the investigation put their lives in jeopardy?

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. All the characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities, and the plot is captivating. I find that once I start reading, I can’t seem to put it down. The author has a remarkable ability to take the reader on a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns as the puzzle unfolds.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries featuring a compelling cast of characters and a murder that keeps you guessing about the suspect’s identity, you’ll love this book.

I received this book as part of the ARC team and this review is my own opinion.

Happy Reading?

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Taste for Murder by Daisy Belle

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Author: Daisy Bell
Series: A Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Main Character: Sammy
Other Characters: Millicent, Mayor Thompson, Jax, Sheriff Donovan, Emily, Mrs Findlay, Jackie, Sierra, Dr. Palmer, Dottie, Elois, Harold
Pets: Golden Retriever named Cinnamon
Rating: 5

This is the first book in the Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery Series, more akin to a short story that I finished in about an hour.

Sammy has returned to take over her grandmother’s bakery. When a local food critic collapses and dies right after tasting her cream puff, all evidence suggests that Sammy poisoned her. With the help of her friends and her trusty Golden Retriever, Cinnamon, Sammy races to prove her innocence and catch the real killer.

This is a short book, making it a quick read that is both entertaining and enjoyable. Although it’s a murder mystery, it is infused with humor. Sammy’s witty remarks had me laughing out loud at times. I found the book highly engaging, featuring a compelling mystery with a twist, as well as themes of friendship, community, and humor. And let’s not forget the dog; I always enjoy a good story that includes dog.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Vow of Murder by PennyBrooke

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Title: A Vow of Murder
Author: Penny Brooke
Series: A Seabreeze Bookshop ‘Cozy Mystery #7
Location: Somerset Harbor, Massachusetts
Main Character: Rue
Other Characters: Diana, Jeanne Marie, Elliot, Elizabeth, Angela, Mark, Belinda, Sargeant Mott, Andy, Felicia, Clinton
Pets: Golden Retriever named Gatsby & 2 cats, Oliver & Beasley
Rating: 5

A Vow of Murder is the seventh book in the Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery series, and it certainly lives up to expectations. Ms. Brooke crafts a captivating and engaging story from the very first page.

Rue Collier finds herself entangled in yet another murder mystery when she is invited to a cake tasting, only for one of the wedding guests to end up murdered. With plenty of suspects and unexpected twists, Rue, along with her loyal dog, Gatsby, set out to find a killer.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries featuring well-developed characters, intriguing plots, and a touch of small-town charm, you will love this book. of course, I love Gatsby, the Golden Retriever, who adds a delightful touch to the story. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating mystery filled with twists and turns to catch a killer.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Manuscript Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: To Manuscript Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Aunt Rene, Aiden, Rosie, Officer Daniel, Dani, Dana, Raye, Dana, Ethen, Hannah, Madeline, Lucas, Leslie, Jackson
Pets: A Yellow Lab named Peanut
Rating: 5

I love discovering a “new to me” author, and Daisy Belle is a true gem. She has an incredible ability to weave a mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The second installment in the Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery series is a delightful mix of suspense, humor, and heart—definitely a page-turner. I stayed up far too late because I simply couldn’t put it down.

Once again, Chloe finds herself at the center of a murder mystery when a local author, disliked by almost everyone, is found dead in her bookstore. As the prime suspect, Chloe teams up with her best friend Rosie, her current crush, Aiden and her loyal Labrador Retriever, Peanut, to prove her innocence.

This story is filled with intriguing suspects and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. Chloe makes a fantastic protagonist; she’s relatable and likable. And, of course, everyone loves a story that features a dog. The small-town setting and cozy bookstore add a charming backdrop, and there may even be a hint of romance.

This book truly has it all: suspense, a cleverly constructed murder mystery, a touch of humor, endearing characters you’ll fall in love with, small-town charm, and, of course, a dog.

If you read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

To Catch a Murderer by Daisy Belle

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Title: To Catch a Murderer
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Aiden, Rosie, Officer Daniel, Dani, Dana, Raye
Pets: A Yellow Lab named Peanut
Rating: 4

To Catch a Murderer is the first book in the Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery Series and also the first work I have read by this author.

Chloe has moved back to town to run the local small town bookstore. When the most despised man in town is found murdered, there is no shortage of suspects. However, when Chloe’s old crush becomes the prime suspect, she feels compelled to get involved in the investigation. Accompanied by her trusty dog, Peanut, Chloe begins to dig deeper. As she starts receiving threatening notes and Peanut faces danger, she realizes she’s getting closer to uncovering the truth. Despite warnings to back off, Chloe remains resolute in her mission to find the killer. Will Chloe’s determination to solve this crime put either her or her loyal yellow lab, Peanut, in danger?

I found this book entertaining, featuring a well-paced plot filled with twists that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed and engaging. I particularly enjoy the small-town atmosphere and Chloe’s interactions with the other residents. Chloe is a strong protagonist, and I look forward to her next adventure.

If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a twist, especially one featuring a feisty yellow lab, you’ll love this book

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

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Title:A New Leash on Life
Author: Patricia Sands
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Libby
Other Characters: Don, Matthew, Amy, Marge, Rosie, Matilda, Dorothy, Leslie, Ethan, Matilda, Emily
Pets: Labrador Retriever named Chance
Rating: 5

This is the ninth and final book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, and I must say, I will miss all the characters and dogs from Dragonfly Cove. Each book in this series is beautifully written and heartwarming. Although each book is penned by a different author, they fit together so seamlessly that you would think they were the work of a single writer.

This episode focuses on Libby, a retired librarian. Her husband has dementia, leading her to place him in a care home, while her only son and his family have temporarily moved to Australia. Before their departure, Libby’s son and daughter-in-law reserved a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder, to be picked up upon their return. When they learn that their stay in Australia will be longer than initially planned, they ask Libby to take care of the puppy until they come back. Reluctantly, Libby agrees. Little did she know, this decision would turn out to be the best one she ever made.

Libby’s journey of navigating the challenges of caring for her husband with dementia while temporarily looking after a new puppy is both touching and inspiring. The author skillfully captures the emotional depth of the characters, making them relatable and endearing. The playful puppy brings a delightful charm to the story, illustrating the healing power of canine companionship. The plot is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers captivated from beginning to end.

As a big fan of Labrador Retrievers, the inclusion of Labs in the stories sealed the deal for me. If you’re a fan of heartwarming stories featuring dogs (especially Labradors), you’ll love this series.

Make sure to explore all the books in this heartwarming series.

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson

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Title: Teacher’s Pet
Author: David Johnson
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #8
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Dorothy
Other Characters: Craig, Harliss, Hope, Drew, Nelda, Officer Fischer, Allie, Dr Livingstone, Louise
Pets: a Labrador Retriever named Sadie
Rating: 5

Teacher’s Pet, the eighth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, certainly lives up to expectations.

Dorothy, a retired teacher from Nashville, has moved to Dragonfly Cove, where she lives alone in a 55-and-over community. A dog lover at heart, she recently adopted a puppy named Sadie from a local breeder, Leslie. Sadie is smart, adorable, and loyal.

Dorothy was hurt by a lost love, making it difficult for her to open her heart to others. However, with the help of her adorable puppy, will she finally learn to trust and love again?

This heartwarming story beautifully portrays the bond between Dorothy and Sadie. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys of self-discovery, healing, and embracing new beginnings are both touching and inspiring.

If you love stories that celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions, “Teacher’s Pet” is a must-read. It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting and feel-good experience!

I also can’t resist a story that includes Labrador Retrievers, so that’s definitely a plus.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday by Marcy Blesy

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Title:|Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday
Author: Marcy Blesy
Series: Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery series #1
Location: Northern Michigan
Characters: Rishard, April, Vicki, Roberta, Yoly, Pamela, Gladys, Junior, Noah, Wally
Pets: a cat named Angela
Rating: 5

Murder Movie Club (Murder on a Monday)” is the first book in the Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery series. Having enjoyed another series by this author, I decided to give her new series a try, and I’m really glad I did

The Movie Murder Club is a group of enthusiasts who gather monthly at the Northwoods Movie Theater to watch a murder mystery. They pause the movie halfway through to discuss the plot and each member attempts to solve the mystery. Afterward, they watch the rest of the film to see who guessed correctly. However, this month takes an unexpected turn when a real murder occurs at the theater. The concept of a group of movie buffs solving actual crimes brings a refreshing twist to the genre. The characters are charmingly eccentric, each contributing their unique skills to the mix.

This was an incredibly enjoyable read, which might sound odd given there’s a murder involved, but the characters and their unique traits are simply irresistible.

If you are a fan of cozy mystery, you’ll appreciate this fresh take on the genre. The plot is well-paced, filled with numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing. While the mystery is captivating, it’s the character interactions and relationships that I truly enjoyed.

I received this book from the author as part of her ARC team. This review is my honest opinion.

This book will be released February 21, 2025. Be sure to check it out.

If you like this book, check out the other books in the series:

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Loyal and True by Ev Bishop

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Title: Loyal and True
Author: Ev Bishop
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #5
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Leo
Other Characters: Zane, Nora, Libby, Leslie, Marsha
Pets: Loyal & True (Leo’s adorable Yellow Labs)
Rating: 4

“People rush to get rid of grief because they see it as hanging onto loss. But grief is really hanging onto love, which is why you always feel it.”

The fifth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series was written by Ev Bishop and it’s the first work of hers that I’ve read. I found her writing style enjoyable, as she effectively captures the healing power of companionship, whether through dogs or friendships.

In this installment, we follows Leo as she navigates life after the loss of her sister while taking on the responsibility of running their beachfront bookstore, Beach Reads which they opened together as part of their shared dream. The sudden loss of her sister  altered that dream significantly. However, the arrival of two adorable Labrador puppies brings a glimmer of hope into Leo’s life, aiding her  healing process and helping her to embrace new beginnings.

The Author’s writing is both touching and relatable, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The interactions between Leo and the new people she meets in the community feel genuine and heartwarming, adding depth to the narrative.

Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the bond she forms with her puppies is both healing and heartwarming. I felt the book lingered a bit too long on Leo’s grief, which became almost depressing. However, as she developed friendships that aided her healing, I truly enjoyed the direction the story took.

Happy Reading!