Tag: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Once upon a Mystery by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: Once upon a Mystery
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Bookstore at Holiday Bay #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Lou, Velma
  • Other Characters: Eden, Alex, Hazel
  • Pets: Lou’s Cat Toby
  • Stars: 2

I was really looking forward to this series since I am a fan of her other series, The Inn at Holiday Bay & Bistro at Holiday Bay. Bistro as well as this series is a spinoff of The Inn at Holiday Bay.

I was disappointed in the first book of this series. If you have read The Inn at Holiday Bay then you know that Lou came to Holiday Bay to help out her niece, Vanessa, who owned the local bookstore. Lou is a widow who has been at a loss since her husband passed away. She feels like she no longer has a purpose so when her niece Vanessa offers to sell her bookstore, Lou jumps at the chance. She leaves her life in Minnesota and moves to Maine.

This book had a lot of potential but somehow dropped the ball. There is a death and a mystery surrounding that death but there wasn’t enough suspense surrounding it. The climax was a big letdown.

There also wasn’t enough Character development. The story spent more time on Lou remodeling the bookstore, reflecting on her husband’s passing and the changes in her life that I found myself being a bit bored with the story. There were too many characters, and I really couldn’t connect with any of them. The mystery wasn’t even much of a mystery and it was barely mentioned, except in the beginning and then again at the end. I like a mystery with twists and turns and this one just didn’t have that. I like to finish a book either feeling good and uplifted or have that wow feeling because I never saw it coming, and this one did not deliver.

This is not a series that I am looking forward to seeing where the characters go next. I will probably give book number two a chance, but if it isn’t any better than this one, then I won’t finish this series.

I feel like there have been enough books in Holiday Bay and maybe she should move on.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Clue in the Carriage House by Kathy Daley

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  • Title: Clue in the Carriage House
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay #23
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine,
  • Main Character: Abby, Georgia, Jeremy, Mylie, Nikki, Colt
  • Other Characters: Alex, Gabby
  • Pets: a big cat named Rufus and 2 dogs named Molly, Ramos, Alex’s Emotional Support Dog Cooper.
  • Stars: 4

This is the 23rd book of The Inn at Holiday Bay series. We once again visit Holiday Bay, Maine at the beginning of Summer. Colt is looking forward to his niece and nephew coming to stay with him for the summer. In the meantime, Colt has hired a new Dispatcher and another deputy so with all he has going on, there hasn’t been able to spend enough time with Abby, which has caused some concern.

Jeremy and Mylie’s wedding is quickly approaching, so Lonnie is preparing their cottage so they can move in. It’s upsetting that they’re thinking about moving the wedding date to accommodate Annabelle’s mother’s schedule. They discover some ancient trunks while tearing down a wall in the cottage, which leads to a mystery that several inn guests are determined to solve.

A dead body is discovered by the crew tearing down what is left of Velma’s diner, which heightens the tension.

A lot is going in the 23rd book in this series. I really do like this series and I love all the characters but 23 is enough. There comes a time when we know there has been enough done to this story. It has gotten to where I am not looking forward to another one. I am not sure there will be another one but, in my opinion, this should be the last. I know there is a spinoff coming out called Bookstore at Holiday Bay. The first book is coming out at the end of June 2023 with number two not far behind, in October 2023.

If you have read this series, let me know what you think.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Instant Karma by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Instant Karma
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge, GA
  • Genre: Small town mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Faire, Brian, Taylor, Jo, Corbin, Della Ray
  • Other Characters: Cate, Anna, Eldon
  • Pets: Dog named Diesel and a bird named Baby
  • Stars: 5

This is the 5th book in the Hart’s Ridge Series and it does not disappoint. I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me engaged and I just had to know how it all turned out.

Faire, a widow in the community, decides to take in a boarder because she is having financial difficulties. Brian, her new border, at first seemed like a really nice guy. Do things really look as they do? How is Faire going to handle this border? What mysteries does he possess? Will Faire lose her home?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Jo’s story. Struggling to be a single mom, Jo just wants what is best for her son. Kyle has some behavior issues, so Jo signs him up for theater. He is not thrilled, to say the least. He ends up doing the best he can and wows everyone, especially Jo. A couple of guys from Jo’s past show up in her life, so she has some decisions to make

Taylor’s family has established an animal rescue, under Cate’s leadership. Even though Taylor is less involved than the others because she is a local police deputy, the entire family is involved.

Taylor stopped seeing Sam until she could deal with some demons from her past that she is battling.

This is a story of family, love, forgiveness, community, and supporting others. It is heartwarming and there is a mystery to solve. I think you will love this book as much as I did.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Amused to Death by Ashley Albi

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  • 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

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  • 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.

Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Borrowed Time by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Borrowed Time
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Anna
  • Pets: Diesel who is shared by Taylor and Sam
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, we visit Taylor Gray’s dysfunctional family. This time the focus is on Anna, whose husband has left her and has secrets of his own that will begin to unfold. We see a different side of Anna who is becoming a bit more human and relatable. She is learning how to get out from underneath a controlling husband and finding out that she really didn’t know the man she was married too.

While we are visiting Anna, Taylor has a new mystery of her own. Her friend Sissy has disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened to her. I have loved Taylor since book one of this series. She is strong and independent and when she is working on a case, she is determined to solve it. This story is no different except that it involves a close friend so it hits a little to close to home. It has become personal. This story takes a few twist and turns before we reach the climax. I did find the mystery a little too predictable, I kept waiting for another solution but it didn’t happen. Other than this I found the book to be very good.

The ending might have you a bit teary eyed. It is very emotional so have your tissues ready. If you like a whodunit and a family who, through everything, are closer than ever, then you will love this book. I recommend this entire series and I can’t wait until book #5.

Happy reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Negative Reaction by Lori Roberts Herbst

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  • Title: Negative Reaction
  • Author: Lori Roberts Herbst
  • Series: Callie Cassidy Mysteries #5
  • Genre: cozy mystery
  • Takes Place:  Rock Creek Village
  • Main Character: Callie, Sam, Braden , Banner, Monika
  • Other Characters: Desiree, Weston, Mrs Finney, My Purdy, Brian, Elyse, Trent, Ethan, Tonya, David, Raul, Lynn, Pamela,
  • Pets: Woody and Carl
  • Stars:   5

This is the 5th book in the Callie Cassidy Mystery series and I think it is my favorite. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

In this episode of the mystery series, we visit again with Callie, photographer/amateur sleuth, so you know there will be a mystery to solve and she will be right in middle of it.

The author really took us on a roller coaster ride with this book. It all starts with the long anticipated wedding of Tonya and David. Tonya, Callie’s best friend, is gorgeous in her gown and the groom is dashing as ever. Braden, one of the Ratliff twins, has his first job as a wedding photographer. He is nervous and excited but Callie has every confidence in him

Everything is going great until the twin’s (Braden & Banner) father, Brian Ratliff shows up with his current flavor of the month, Desiree. Brian appears to be drunk, he is obnoxious, stumbling and verbally abusive to everyone even his own sons. Callie has taken Braden & Banner under her wings and is sort of a surrogate mother to them so she doesn’t take too kindly to Brian being abusive towards them. Nobody likes Brian and they just want him to leave. Even his own sons don’t like him.

So when Brian ends up unresponsive and in the hospital from an apparent poisoning, the suspect list is long. When evidence shows up that points the finger at Braden, Callie teams up with a feisty new reporter, Monika to try to prove he didn’t poison their father. Callie sees something very disturbing, which gives us another possible suspect. Callie and Monika take the information to the cops and are convinced they know who did it but there just isn’t enough evidence and there is another twist to the story. She is convinced there has to be another explanation. But what could the explanation be?

This book takes you on a lot of twist and turns before reaching the climax. The only motive seems to be that no one liked Brian so that means the cast of suspects is long. I was totally involved in this story from beginning to end. This author has a way with words and just hooking you into her stories. It is definitely a book that you can’t put down. I have been a fan of this author since her very first book and this book did not disappoint.

Even with a dad in a coma and murder victim mystery, we get to visit with Callie’s parent’s at the Knotty Pine Lodge that they own. Then there is Callie’s boyfriend, Sam and her Golden Retriever, Woody & tabby cat Carl. There is even some comic relief.

If you love a whodunit with a lot of twists and turns & a little bit of humor thrown in, then you will definitely love this book.

Happy Reading

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Riddle in Review by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: Riddle in Review
  • Author:Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay #22
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Abby, Georgia, Jeremy Mylie, Lou
  • Other Characters:
  • Pets: a big cat named Rufus and 2 dogs named Molly, Ramos
  • Stars: 3

I was really looking forward to the 22nd book in The Inn at Holiday Bay series and I must say I was a little disappointed. It seemed to be all over the place with a lot of characters. I needed a score card to keep up. And the mystery concluded with a suspect who wasn’t even part of the plot and seemed to come out of nowhere. I like a whodunit that I can try to figure it but this would have been almost impossible to figure out.

The story starts with a missing bilingual parrot that Beck has been hired to find. This story kinda dropped and we didn’t hear about the parrot again until much later in book. I had almost forgotten about it.

Vanessa is out of town and has left her feisty Aunt Lou to take care of the bookshop. Someone is leaving one star reviews for several of the small business around town. At first it is just an inconvenience and a bit unsettling since the reviews seem to be bogus. Then these same small business start to be vandalized. It seems like the person giving bad reviews is also responsible for the vandalizing. For now, this still seems to be more of an inconvenience and the loss of some profits due to some businesses having to temporarily close until the can repair any damage. That is until there is a fire at one business and, the police find a body. Now it becomes a mystery to find out if this was murder or or did someone accidentally end up dead.

Colt, the chief of police and Abby’s boyfriend, is out of town so the women business owners in town take it upon themselves to try and solve this mystery. With the help of the town bartender/computer hacker, they trace the reviews back to someone in town. Is this person also the one who is vandalizing the business and have they actually committed homicide? Or was it an accident that someone died in the fire? Is all of this connected in some way to the reviews? You will have to read to find out.

Other highlightsin the story are Colt dealing with issues concerning his nephew, a couple gets engaged, Georgia and Tannerreevaluateeevalute their relationship, a new character may be staying in Holiday Bay.

This was not my favorite in the series and I struggled at times to finish it but I did. I will still read the next book in the series once it is released but if this had been the first book in the series, it would not have convinced me to finish the series.

If you read this, give me your thoughts in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Cruise to Murder by Dawn Brookes

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  • Title: A Cruise to Murder
  • Author: Dawn Brookes
  • Series: A Rachel Prince Mystery
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  The Coral Queen Cruise Ship
  • Main Character: Rachel
  • Other Characters: Sarah, Carlos, Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe
  • Stars: 3

A broken engagement, mistaken identity and a killer is lose on a cruise ship. What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery book.

This is the first book I have read by this author and It may be the last. I gave it 3 stars because it took a bit to get to the point. I got a little bored with it because it went into a lot of background before it got to the main plot. Once it gets to the main plot of the story, it moved faster and got to the climax pretty quick.

Rachel’s fiance breaks up with her because he finds someone else. Her best friend, Sarah is a nurse on a cruise ship so she convinces Rachel that she needs to take a 2 week cruise. Soon after boarding the cruise ship, Rachel befriends an elderly woman whose husband has recently died. Marjorie is a wealthy woman and she and her husband use to cruise and they loved it. Since her husband has passed away, she decides to go on a cruise by herself. She had a lot of doubts on going alone but feels like she really needs this. She meets Rachel and their staterooms just happen to be right next door to each other. Rachel takes it upon herself to look after the woman. But could Marjorie’s life be in danger?

Marjorie befriends another elderly woman who just lost her husband as well, so they decide to get off the ship at port together. Her friend is hit & killed by a truck so the question is, was it an accident or was she pushed? Was it a case of mistaken identity or was this woman the target ? There a lot of questions to be answered.

In the meantime, Rachel meets a guy on the ship whose name is Carlos. He is assigned to her table in the main dining room and she finds herself attracted to him. She seems to see him everywhere she turns and sometimes she thinks he may be following her. Could Carlos be a killer or is he as nice as he apears to be.

Rachel finds her self right in the middle of the drama and could find herself as the killer’s target. Once it got to the point, the book took a few twists and turns. I found myself watching to see how many pages I had left to finish the book. it was slow in the beginning but picked up right at the end. The problem is that I love a good who dunit. I like to see if I can figure it out. This one can’t be figured out because the characters came out nowhere at the end of the book. I am not going to finish this series.

If you read this book, let me know in the comments what you think.

Happy Reading

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Cupid and cool jaz by Kathi Daley

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  • Title: Cupid and cool jaz
  • Author: Kathi DaleyAmy
  • Series: Bistro at Holiday Bay #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Shelby, Dawson, Colt
  • Other Characters: Duke, Amy, Dax, Abby, Georgia, Nikki
  • Stars: 4

This is the third book in the Bistro at Holiday Bay series. This series is a spinoff of the Inn at Holiday Bay so you will see a lot of familiar characters along the way. As you remember, Shelby is one of the three sisters who received a huge inheritance from her grandmother, who she never knew existed. She also didn’t know about her twp sisters, before this all happened. Shelby decides to buy the Bistro with part of her inheritance.

It’s Valentines Day in Holiday Bay and the Bistro is having a big celebration with a cool jaz musician Duke Armstrong. When Duke is found dead in his hotel room the next morning, Police chief Colt Wilder is called. Duke evidently fell and hit his head on a table which caused his death. But did he really fall or was he pushed? Colt, along with the help of Shelby & Dawson (the bartender at the Bistro), investigate to determine if this was an accident or was it murder and if so, who did it. Dawson had a quite a few enemies so their are several suspects.

I liked this book but not as well as the first two. Shelby mentioned twice that the door to the roof was left open and she was curious as to why it was open but it was never explained. She kinda made a big deal about it so I kept expecting that someone was hiding on the roof or something but I guess it was dropped.

If you like a good mystery with some twists and turns and surprise ending, you will enjoy this book. Like I said, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two but I did like it and I was surprised by the ending. I am looking forward to book.

Happy Reading