Tag: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery, DNF, Fiction

Delicious & Suspicious by Riley Adams

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Title: Delicious & Suspicios
Author: Riley Author
Series: Memphis BBQ Mystery
Location: Memphis, TN (My hometown)
Rating: 2

I am attempting something that I never do: writing a review of a book I couldn’t finish. I had hoped to enjoy it, but despite my efforts, I found it impossible to do so.

Since this book is set in my hometown, I picked up Delicious and Suspicious in hopes of finding a cozy mystery that would reflect the essence of the Memphis I grew up in. However, The pacing was slow, and the story lacked a smooth flow, making it difficult to stay engaged. While the setting evoked a nostalgic version of Memphis—possibly reminiscent of the 60s or 70s—it did not accurately reflect the city I know today. Memphis has evolved and is no longer the same city I grew up in, and that complexity was absent from the narrative.

I found myself frequently flipping back through the pages, struggling to remember who each character was. There were so many that I felt I needed a character guide just to keep track.

It was disheartening to feel so disconnected from a city that I expected to resonate with me. Sometimes a book just doesn’t connect, and this one lacked the charm and intrigue I had hoped for.

I made a strong effort to enjoy this book and continued reading in hopes that it would improve. However, I ultimately couldn’t finish it, as it failed to engage me or offer enough charm to keep my interest.

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

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Judge’s Murder by Amy Muir

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Title: The Judge’s MurderAuthor: Amy Muir
Series: A Bayview Bookstore Cozy Mystery #2
Location: Bayview
Main Character: Andrea
Other Characters: Wes, Els, Kenny, Joe,Margaret, Judge Stanholt,Mary Stanholt, Mrs Finch, Paul
Pets: Bob the Parrot
Rating: 4

The Judge’s Murder is the second installment of the Bayview Bookstore series and it is the first book I have read by this author. Amy Muir delivers a delightful cozy mystery filled with twists, quirky characters, and a protagonist you will love and her Psychic Parrot, Bob, adds some humor to the story.

The Judge’s Murder is the second installment of the Bayview Bookstore series and my first book by this author. Amy Muir crafts a charming cozy mystery packed with twists, quirky characters, and a lovable protagonist. Her Psychic Parrot, Bob, brings an added touch of humor to the narrative.

I have never come across a book that includes a parrot in its narrative, so I found Bob to be a delightful addition. Bob is Andrea’s psychic parrot with a caffeine habit, offering both comic relief and unexpected wisdom. His quirky antics help ease the tension just when the plot starts to get murky.

I rated this book a four because, although the mystery is engaging, some clues seem rushed in the final reveal, leaving the ending feeling somewhat flat.

Overall I found this book to be an engaging, lighthearted mystery filled with heart and humor. Fans of small-town sleuths, bookstore charm, and feathered sidekicks will find this installment worth reading.

*** Disclaimer: This post includes links to Amazon; however, I am not a member of the Amazon affiliate program and do not earn any commission. I simply want to share the books I review with you.***

Happy Reading

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Greenhouse Murder by Lilly Gibbs

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Title: A Greenhouse Murder
Author: Lilly Gibbs
Location: Willowbrook
Main Character: Lila, Detective Harper
Other Characters: Sarah,  Gerald Fitch, Caleb Fitch,  Jack Harper, Maxwell Stone, Margaret
Fielding,Vivial
Pets: Ella
Rating: 4

“Once More, the truth lies where the willow weeps, hidden by time and broken promises.”

Lilly Gibbs presents an engaging cozy mystery in A Greenhouse Murder, skillfully intertwining small-town secrets, unexpected betrayals, and a compelling sleuth to root for.

Journalist Lila Lawson plans a getaway to her friend Sarah’s B&B, which Sarah has just inherited from her aunt. Expecting a quiet retreat and much-needed girl time, Lila’s plans take a turn when they discover a dead body in the greenhouse, with Sarah becoming a suspect. This unexpected twist places Lila right in the middle of the investigation.

Lila is a compelling protagonist, but it’s her dog, Ella, who truly steals the show. The story guides readers through unexpected twists and turns as it unravels town secrets to reveal a killer. Despite being a short story, it offers a wealth of information without feeling rushed or overwhelming, making for a quick and engaging read.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Misty Blue Malice by Emily Oberton

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Title: Misty Blue Malice
Author: Emily Oberton
Series: Hadley Home Designs #6
Location: Darlington Hills
Main Character: Hadley
Other Characters: Dennis, Aunt deb, Roy, Brady, Jana, Garth, Michael, Akari, Martha, Bernie, Fiona, Vivian
Rating: 5

Emily Oberton has done it again with Misty Blue Malice, the sixth installment in the Hadley Home Design Cozy Mystery series. This five-star cozy mystery skillfully combines intrigue, small-town charm, and a touch of romance, captivating readers from start to finish with its expertly crafted plot and compelling characters.

Hadley Sutton, an interior designer turned amateur sleuth, is busy preparing for her aunt Deb’s wedding at Ladyvale Manor when a shocking poisoning at a pre-wedding celebration disrupts the festivities. Discovering that the poisoned wine glass was meant for someone else complicates the situation further. As she investigates the mystery, she begins to uncover a connection between this poisoning and her uncle’s mysterious drowning five years earlier.

What I enjoy most about this author is her ability to craft a story filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. Just when I think I’ve figured it out, she introduces another twist that leaves me guessing again.

Misty Blue Malice is a must-read! If you love unpredictable plots filled with a captivating whodunit, hidden town secrets, a determined sleuth and a touch of romance, this book will keep you entertained and guessing until the very end.

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading it in order. Doing so will help you become familiar with the recurring characters and allow you to fall in love with them, just as I have. I am already looking forward to the next book.

I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my personal opinion.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Every Little Thing by Kay Bratt

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Title: Every Little Thing
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #12
Location: Cabo San Luca, Mexico & Hart’s Ridge
Main Character: Taylor, Lucy
Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Ellis, Gia, Madison, Brady
Rating: 4 stars

Every Little Thing is the twelfth installment in the Hart’s Ridge Series, which I have thoroughly enjoyed since the first book. This episode offers a captivating mix of suspense and emotional drama, making it an engaging read. However, although it contains strong moments, some elements could have been even more impactful.

In this book, we alternate between Taylor’s story of a kidnapping in Mexico and Lucy’s journey of self-discovery.

Taylor’s investigation in Mexico stands out as one of the book’s highlights, filled with intrigue and tension as she seeks to unravel the mystery of the missing bride and her friend. However, the resolution of the kidnapping storyline lacks impact. A more intense climax, featuring unexpected twists—such as a shocking revelation or a high-stakes rescue—could have heightened the suspense and provided a more gripping conclusion.

Lucy’s personal journey, while meaningful, did not engage me as much as the rest of the book. At times, her storyline felt disconnected, and its pacing didn’t align with the urgency of the central plot. A stronger link between her narrative and the primary mystery could have made her arc more compelling, but as it stood, I found myself less interested in Lucy’s story.

Despite these elements, Bratt’s storytelling and character development remain strong, making the novel a valuable addition to the Hart’s Ridge series. It is an engaging read with emotional depth. While some moments could have been more impactful, it still earns a solid four.

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Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Unforseenl Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: An Unforeseen Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Sammy Brook’s Cozy Mystery
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Main Character: Sammy Brooks
Other Characters: Emily Jax, Edwina, Gertie, Sabastian, Jasper, Bobby, Wade, Sherrif Donovan, Poppy, Pete, Maude, Dylan, Agatha
Pets: a Golden Retriever named Cinnamon
Rating: 5

“Beware the twister of wills and words.”

An Unforeseen Murder skillfully combines intrigue, charm, and unforgettable characters. From the first page, Daisy Belle captivates readers with a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Her vivid and engaging storytelling creates a cozy yet suspenseful atmosphere, making it ideal for fans of classic whodunits.

When she arrives and waits for the housekeeper, Gertie, to fetch Ervina, she suddenly hears a scream. Rushing to find out what happened, she discovers Ervina lying on the ground, dead after having fallen through a barrier. While the sheriff deems it an unfortunate accident, Sammy believes a more thorough investigation is necessary. Sammy, along with her friends Emily and Jax, and her loyal Golden Retriever companion, Cinnamon, embarks on their own investigation.

This book is a true gem for fans of cozy mysteries. It’s clever, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Heartwarming and thoroughly satisfying, I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a captivating read filled with lighthearted humor and suspense.

I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Deadly Pursuit by Tammy L. Grace

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Title: Deadly Pursuit
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Cooper Harrington Detective series #6
Location: Nashville, TN & Knoxville, TN and surrounding area
Main Character: Coop Harrington
Other Characters: AB (Annabelle), Aunt Camille, Charlie, Ben, Deputy Bennet, Royce Stanton, Detective Mitchel, Sherrif Lawson, Ms Clara, Luna
Pets: Gus, Coop’s loyal Golden Retriever
Rating: 4

“You know what I like about people? their dogs”

Tammy L. Grace delivers a captivating mystery in Deadly Pursuit (book 6 in the Cooper Harrington Detective series). The narrative is engaging, featuring well-developed characters like Coop, the charming and determined private detective, and his loyal assistant, Annabelle (AB), who adds intelligence and depth to the investigation.

In this episode, a woman has gone missing, and Coop is called in to assist with the investigation. The team identifies a suspect, but they must gather evidence to prove his guilt. Alongside the police and his loyal dog Gus, Coop works tirelessly to establish the suspect’s involvement in the crime, racing against time to locate the missing woman. Additionally, there are suspicions that this may not be his first offense, prompting them to investigate cold cases involving other missing women as they strive to hold him accountable.

As a side story, Coop’s Aunt Camille has a friend who is missing an expensive broach that is a family heirloom. She believes it has been stolen. Coop is called in to investigate what happened to the broach and identify the potential thief.

I love Coop! He is a loyal friend, son, and nephew, and he’s also known for the quirky sayings on his T-shirts. I admire his relationship with his associate, AB; I keep hoping it will develop into a romantic relationship, but only time will tell. My favorite character, however, remains to be Gus, Coop’s loyal Golden Retriever. I am obviously a dog person. The suspenseful plot keeps readers hooked, while Gus, Coop’s dog, brings warmth to the story.

Although the twists and turns are intriguing, some aspects of the plot felt slightly predictable, which is why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5. Overall, it’s a fantastic read for mystery lovers who appreciate a blend of suspense, Southern charm, and relatable characters!

“”Sorry, I can’t, I have plans with my dog”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

The Blackmailer’s Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: The Blackmailer’s Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery #1
Location: Peak’s Point
Main Character: Finola
Other Characters: Tom, Jack, Martha, Iris, Becky, Harold, Roger, Sara, Ben, Zita
Pets: Watson & Pip
Rating: 4.5

The Blackmailers Murder is an excellent introduction to the Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery Series. From the very first page, I was captivated by the charming protagonist and her loyal dog, Watson, as I always enjoy stories featuring dogs. The small-town setting and quirky characters infused the story with warmth and intrigue.

Fiona inherits her aunt’s Bed & Breakfast and is getting ready for the grand opening. But when she discovers a dead body of a local developer, everything goes awry!

The author’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to easily visualize the scenes and connect with the characters. The pacing is perfect, and I often found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth. I appreciated how the author seamlessly blended humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments. The grand reopening of the Bed and Breakfast, the mysterious death, and the ensuing investigation were all beautifully executed.

Although I found the plot skillfully crafted with twists and turns that kept me guessing, the ending didn’t deliver the surprises I had hoped for. The buildup led to a climactic moment, but when the killer was revealed, it felt less surprising than expected; I anticipated a bigger revelation.
That said, I did enjoy the book—it was definitely a page-turner. However, I wish the identity of the killer had been more surprising.

Happy Reading!

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?