Tag: Books

Fiction, Mystery

Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Gone Without a Trace
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Title: Gone Without a Trace
Series: Maddie Baker Mystery #2
Location: Cockamamie, TN
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Neil, Bert, Mallory, Aunt Diedra, Amy, Jake, Barbara, Steve, Gil, Boomer
Rating: 5+

I literally could not put this book down. Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank had me thinking, “Okay, just one more chapter…” before I realized it was well past my bedtime.

This is a suspenseful mystery that centers around a sudden disappearance that leaves more questions than answers. As the story unfolds, secrets begin to surface and relationships are tested, revealing that not everything—and not everyone—is as it seems. As tension rises and emotions escalate, the quest for the truth draws readers deeper into a web of mystery, danger, and unexpected revelations. This fast-paced, character-driven story keeps you guessing until the very end.

This story captivated me from the very beginning. The mystery unfolds at an ideal pace, creating just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages, while also providing enough emotional depth to make you genuinely care about the characters. I loved how the author expertly balances suspense with heartfelt moments. It’s not just about what happened, but how it affects everyone involved, which makes the story feel authentic and personal. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story took another unexpected turn.

This was a such a cozy yet suspenseful read, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine later in the evening. If you appreciate emotional mysteries filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing, featuring strong characters and a protagonist you can’t help but love, along with a captivating storyline and a touch of romance, Gone Without a Trace definitely deserves a spot on your TBR list.

I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery with emotional depth.

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?

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!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Movie Stars & Mayhem by Avery Kent

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  • Title: Movie Stars & Mayhem
  • Author: Avery Kent
  • Series: Bishop’s Landing Cozy Mystery #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Bishop’s Landing
  • Main Character: Annie, Jake
  • Other Characters: Casey, Maggie, Christopher, Alistair, Bradley, Arthur, Mickala, Jamieson, Mandy, Dexter, Janet, Carl, Allison, Izzy, Clyde, Tanya
  • Pets: A Golden Retriever named Cookie
  • Stars: 4

This is the 4th book in the Bishop’s Landing Cozy Mystery.

Once again, Annie and Jake are caught up in a vicious crime spree. The residents of Bishop’s Landing are thrilled that a Blockbuster movie is being shot in their quaint little town. Annie is hired as the caterer for the cast & crew. The issue is that there is a lot of tension on the set, especially between the male lead and the female lead. With a Phantom haunting the theater, a robbery, a dead body and an actress who is missing, things really start to spiral out of control. Is it the same person or is there more than one person involved?

This is a one-of-a-kind story that will keep you guessing until the end. It started out slow, but then it really took off and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Disclaimer: I received this book free as part of an ARC. This review is my opinion only and was freely given.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance

Starting Over by Kay Bratt

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  • Starting Over
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #8
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romance
  • Takes Place: Hart’s Ridge GA
  • Main Character: Taylor
  • Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Sutton, Alice, Shane, Caleb, Corbin
  • Pets: Diesel along with several rescue animals
  • Stars: 5

This is another great read by Kay Bratt and the 8th book in her Hart’s Ridge Series.

We return to visit the Gray’s once more in this story about family dynamics, romance, secrets, helping where needed, balancing a busy life with family and of course, Mysteries.

A kidnapping rocks the town of Hart’s Ridge when Lydia, the wife of a local sheriff deputy, goes missing from the local Walmart. Deputy Taylor Gray along with the local Sheriffs Department and the FBI are on the case to find this missing woman. This takes Taylor away from her fiance, Sam, as he is dealing with some family struggles of his own.

Cate is struggling with her romantic life and recovering from a gunshot wound she received at the end of book #7. We meet a new character, Sutton, who has been accused of embezzlement. She moves in with Cate to help with her recovery and has secrets of her own.

Most of the book revolves around the search for Lydia and Sutton’s secret. Two great mysteries that will keep you guessing throughout the book.

I love this series. It pulls the reader in and it is a ‘can’t put down’ read. The characters are all 3-dimensional with distinct personalities. I love their strength and no matter their struggles, they always have each others backs. I recommend reading the books in order so you can get to know the Gray family fall in love with them as I have.

Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book. The kidnapping in the book was based on a real life kidnapping. Parts of it were altered a bit but her inspiration came from an actual event.

Although I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have one issue with the ending. I felt like there was no closure. I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say more. This was supposed to be the last book in the Hart’s Ridge series but due to popular demand, there will be a 9th book. I am so glad we get to visit with the Gray’s one more time. I am looking forward to book 9.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Christmas in the Candlelight by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: Christmas in the Candlelight
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay
  • Genre:Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Abby, Georgia
  • Other Characters: Jeremy, Mylie, Colt. Reno, Brody
  • Pets: Ramos the cat, Dog named Molly, Dog name Ramos
  • Stars: 5

This is the  twenty-fifth book in The Inn at Holiday Bay series. I really enjoy this series and have enjoyed all of the books by Kathi Daley. Even though there is a murder, this series makes you want to move to Holiday Bay, well apart from the cold and snow, that is. But I love the community, friendship and how everyone is always there for each other. Abby is the owner of the Inn and she treats her employees very well. They are more family and friends than employees

In this installment, Holiday Bay is preparing for the Christmas activities at the in while Georgia’s past is coming back to haunt her. Georgia’s cooking show is filming at the Inn which seems to be bringing on a lot of stress. Georgia’s new producer is bringing in Chef Brody Litman who Georgia has an unpleasant past. Brody is to take the lead while Georgia takes a supporting role which doesn’t make her happy. When Brody’s body is found in a sleazy motel on the outskirts of town and Georgia is seen on camera leaving his room earlier in the evening, she becomes the prime suspect in the case. Because of a conflict of interest for Colt, a detective is brought in to investigate. No one else is seen on camera leaving the victims hotel room so will Georgia be able to prove she didn’t kill him? 

If you haven’t read this series, I recommend it. It is best to start at the beginning and read the books in order so you can get to know the cast of characters. The reader starts to think of all the characters as family and can’t wait to see what they are up to next

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the 1920s by Penny Brooke

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  • Title: Murder in the 1920s
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: Green Oaks Bookbinding Cozy Mystery
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Green Oaks, Massachuttes
  • Main Character: Charlotte
  • Other Characters: Isla, Natalie, Brandonr, Kenan, Annette
  • Pets: Charlotte’s 2 cats Roma & Archimedes
  • Stars: 5

This is the first book in the Green Oaks Bookbinding Cozy Mystery Series. I love a good cold case and this book brought all the mystery that I love.

Charlotte inherits her grandmothers estate in the small town of Green Oaks, Massachusetts, a historic estate built in 1902 and purchased by Charlotte’s grandfather in the 1970s. Charlotte used to visit her grandparents there when she was a child. While exploring her grandmothers overgrown garden, she falls in a well. Imagine her shock when she stumbles upon a human skull. The medical examiner (who happens to be Charlotte’s best friend) determined that the skull belonged to a young woman who went missing in the 1920s. The authorities aren’t particularly interested in a century-old cold case since anyone involved would be dead but Charlotte’s curiosity has piqued so she decides to do her own investigating.

Will Charlotte’s sleuthing put her in danger? How is this mystery connected to the present day? All of this and more will be discovered as you read this cozy mystery that checks all the boxes. It is intriguing with lots of suspects and a surprise ending. It kept me engaged throughout the book and It left me wanting more.

Happy Reading!

Fiction

A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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  • Title: A Different kind of Gone
  • Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
  • Genre: General Fiction
  • Takes Place: near the Arizona / Utah border
  • Main Character: Norma
  • Other Characters: Jill, Wanda, Betty, Teresa, Owen, Jake, Farley
  • Pets: A horse named Saint Fred and Norma’s 2 hound dogs Gracie & Lonny
  • Stars: 4

This is a thought-provoking book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The theme of the book is abuse, recovery, and the impact it has on family and friends, including children of those who have been abused. Abuse can have lasting effects on children and affect their life choices.

Norma is a local bartender plus she is a volunteer on the search and rescue team. Jill is a nineteen year old girl who has gone missing and the search & rescue team are looking for her. Norma finds her but Jill begs her not to tell anyone because her boyfriend will kill her if she is found. In the middle of the night, Norma takes Jill to her parents who then help Jill change her identity. Norma warns Jill’s parents that by concealing the fact, that Jill is alive could affect the rest of their life, if they make this decision they will have to keep the secret forever. Skip ahead five years and Jill is declared legally dead and her boyfriend Jake is going on trial for her murder. This is where the plot thickens. Even though Jake is not a good person, he didn’t murder anyone so a tough decision must be made. Does Jill come forward or stay silent and let Jake possible be

This is a thought-provoking book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The theme of the book is abuse, recovery, and the impact it has on family and friends, including children of those who have been abused. Abuse can have lasting effects on children and affect their life choices.

Norma is a local bartender plus she is a volunteer on the search and rescue team. Jill is a nineteen year old girl who has gone missing and the search & rescue team are looking for her. Norma finds her but Jill begs her not to tell anyone because her boyfriend will kill her if she is found. In the middle of the night, Norma takes Jill to her parents who then help Jill change her identity. Norma warns Jill’s parents that by concealing the fact, that Jill is alive could affect the rest of their life, if they make this decision they will have to keep the secret forever. Skip ahead five years and Jill is declared legally dead and her boyfriend Jake is going on trial for her murder. This is where the plot thickens. Even though Jake is not a good person, he didn’t murder anyone so a tough decision must be made. Does Jill come forward or stay silent and let Jake possible be covicted of a murder that didn’t happen.

This is a story of difficult decisions, secrets, family commitment, discovery and new life. While I enjoyed the book as a whole, there were a few plot points that didn’t quite work out as I hoped for Jake and Jill. I can’t reveal what I happened without revealing spoilers so I will leave it at that.

I like that this book brought awareness to abuse and how it can affect entire families especially their children. You can’t go wrong with a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

of a murder that didn’t happen.

This is a story of difficult decisions, secrets, family commitment, discovery and new life. While I enjoyed the book as a whole, there were a few plot points that didn’t quite work out as I hoped for Jake and Jill. I can’t reveal what I happened without revealing spoilers so I will leave it at that.

I like that this book brought awareness to abuse and how it can affect entire families especially their children. You can’t go wrong with a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder and Matrimony by Avery Kent

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  • Title: Murder & Matrinoy
  • Author: Avery Kent
  • Series: A Bishop’s Landing Cozy Mystery
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Bishop’s Landing
  • Main Character: Annie, Jake
  • Other Characters: Amanda, Janet, Devon, Warren, Maggie, Lieutenant Sherman
  • Stars: 5

This is the third book in Bishop’s Landing’s Cozy Mystery series, and I have to say that the books just keep getting better and better as I read them. I’ve fallen in love with the characters throughout this series.

Annie, a baker and the owner of Boardwalk Bakery in Bishop’s Landing, has landed the baking job of a lifetime. She has been commissioned to bake a wedding cake for the daughter of a wealthy resort owner in nearby Grenville. The wedding will take place at her daddy’s resort. This job could really put Boardwalk bakery on the map so Annie is doing her best to make it perfect. She has rented a van to deliver the cake and her assistant Maggie has agreed to drive her. When Maggie has an accident, it leaves no one to help Annie so Sheriff Jake volunteers for the job.

When they get to the resort, there is a sudden snowstorm so Annie, Jake and any guests that have arrived are snowed in. Anyone who hasn’t already arrived, will not be able to get there. Amanda, the bride, decides to go ahead with the wedding so she can marry the love of her life. The ceremony went on without a hitch but the reception is another issue. While eating the wedding cake, the groom drops dead of an apparentnut allergy. So now all eyes are on Annie as she is the primary suspect. Annie didn’t have a motive but could the cake have been cross contaminated with nuts?

Annie and Jake hustle to prove that Annie didn’t accidentally poison the groom. But if not Annie then who. Turns out there are a lot of people who would want the groom dead.

This book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride with a lot of twists and turns to find a killer. It was really good and kept me engaged and guessing until the last word.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Pies, Paws & Peril by Avery Kent

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  • Title: Pies, Paws & Peril
  • Author: Avery Kent
  • Series: A Bishop’s Landing Cozy Mystery
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Bishop’s Landing
  • Main Character: Annie, Jake
  • Other Characters: Casey, Maggie, Ursula, Maple, Walter, Carla
  • Pets: Golden Retriever named Cookie
  • Stars: 4

is the second book in the series Bishop’s Landing by Avery Kent. I am glad I gave this series another try because this book was much better than the first. It had better character development and we got to know the Protagonist a little better.

In this episode, Annie is entering the pie contest at the annual Fall festival. When a celebrity chef shows up to judge the contest and ends up dead, the town is in a frenzy until the killer is found. Of course Annie has to be in the middle of it to help solve the case. It seems the celebrity judge, isn’t the nice person she appears to be on TV so the suspects endless since no one really likes her.

This book takes you on a lot of twists and turns to solve this mystery of who killed the celebrity judge. With a lot of possible suspects including her family, staff and even her publisher it takes you on a bit of a roller coaster ride with a suprise ending you won’t see coming.

Happy Reading!