Tag: Ashley Albi

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Rest in Peas by Ashley Albi

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Rest in Peas
Author: Ashley Albi
Series: Scarlet James Cozy Mystery #3
Location: Spirit Lake, Iowa
Main Character: Scarlet James
Other Characters: Bree, Della, Ellie, Samuel, Lucas, Gabe, Zoey, Maggie, Tucker, Hudson, Maggie
Pets: Bentley – Della’s Beagle
Rating: 5

Rest in Peas is an engaging, twist-filled journey that I had trouble putting down. Scarlet James is the heart of the story; she genuinely cares for others, and her unwavering determination to solve the crime is inspiring.

Scarlet moved back to her hometown to take care of her grandmother and help out at Fireside Books & Cafe, little did she know she would end up staying.  Since she has moved back, finding dead bodies just seems to follow her. In this third installment she has stumbled upon yet another dead body. When her best friend appears to be the prime suspect,  Scarlet dives in headfirst, allowing readers to experience her courage and moments of doubt. 

This book takes the reader on twists and turns as Scarlett begins to piece together the clues to uncover the truth. The plot unfolds with clever twists that kept me guessing right up until the final pages. Will Scarlett put herself in jeopardy as she gets closer to the truth?

If you enjoy a cozy small-town mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, featuring a lovable protagonist you’d want as your best friend and a hint of romance, this series is for you. I recommend starting with the first book of the series  to get to know the characters.

There is also a subplot involving Scarlett and a cold case. I look forward to continuing the series to see how this cold case develops and what other mysteries Scarlett will encounter..

Having loved the first two books in the Scarlet James series, I was thrilled when the author reached out to ask if I would like to read and review the latest installment. I eagerly accepted the opportunity, as I thoroughly enjoyed Scarlet’s previous adventures. This opinion is entirely my own and was shared willingly.

If you’ve read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Amused to Death by Ashley Albi

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Amused to Death
  • Author: Ashley Albi
  • Series: Scarlett James Cozy Mystery #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Spirit Lake, Iowa
  • Main Character:
  • Other Characters: Gabe, Justin, Ellie, Bree, Zoey, Della, Lucas, Nathaniel, Sydney, Bert, Jack
  • Stars: 5

The second book in the Scarlett James Cozy Mystery series was just as good as the first. Scarlet once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, so of course, she has to play amateur sleuth.

Gabe, the Chief of Police and Detective Sydney are investigating the suspicious death of a young girl thought to be a runaway. In addition to Scarlet’s amateur detective skills, her gal pals must put their sleuthing skills to use.. As the plot unfolds, a twist reveals who the murderer is and the motive for committing such a heinous crime. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the very end.

This is definitely a ‘can’t put down’ read. I read most of it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I recommend reading the first book in the series, Death is Better at the Lake, before reading this one, because there is another mystery in the book that is ongoing.

This was my second read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Death is Better at the Lake by Ashley Albi

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Death is Better at the Lake
  • Author: Ashley Albi
  • Series: Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Spirit Lake, Iowa
  • Main Character: Scarlet James
  • Other Characters: Jasper Hall, Gabe, Justin, Julie, Ellie, Lily, Bree, Zoey, Della,
  • Stars: 5

Death is Better at the Lake is the first book in the Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and, I have to say, I am hooked. I love her writing and the mystery she weaves.

Scarlet is a literary agent in Chicago and she just broken it off with her boyfriend because of his betrayal. She got an urgent phone call that her grandmother, who practically raised her, has fallen, so she immediately heads home to Spring Lake, Iowa. While her grandmother is in the hospital, Scarlet stays at her house and gets together with some long time girlfriends.

She is worried about her grandmother but still able to enjoy her friendships with her girlfriends, that is until her ex shows up. She immediately puts him in his place and he leaves. Everything is going fine until her ex ends up dead and Scarlet is the prime suspect. Scarlet is determined to prove that she didn’t kill her ex.

I really loved all the characters in this story. The author has really developed the characters in such a way that I can really picture them. The protagonist is a strong independent woman who is determined to prove she is innocent.

The author will take you on lots of twists and turns until the Climax of the book. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of twists and lovable characters, you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the next book.