Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Act Like you’re murdered by Daisy Belle

Title: Act Like You’re Murdered
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Sammy Brooks #4
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Main Character: Sammy, Jax, Emily
Other Characters: Emily, Toria, Ben, Sherrif Donovan, Maude, Arthur, Mrs. Finch, Mr Finch, Mrs. Gable, Brayden, Trevor, Brenda, Detective Summers, Gary, Penelope, Marge, Sarah, Jessie
Pets: Cinnamon, Sammy’s Golden Retriever
Rating: 4

I have enjoyed Sammy Brooks’s since the very first book, and this one was no exception. I was captivated from the start—the premise was clever, the writing was sharp, and the main character drew me in completely. However, around the middle, the story began to feel a bit crowded. New characters kept appearing, which made it difficult for me to remember who was who, pulling me out of the whodunnit.

The scenario unfolds as a movie crew arrives in Bar Harbor, only for the high school bully to be found dead during her final scene. When Sammy’s best friend becomes the prime suspect, she must take action to clear her name. This sparks chaos, introduces a host of other suspects, and brings into the spotlight a golden retriever named Cinnamon, who certainly deserves her own spin-off series. I loved the small-town charm and how Sammy navigates the mystery with both heart and comical blunders. It’s like watching your best friend to attempt to solve a murder while balancing a latte, a planner, and a dog that sniffs out clues better than the sheriff. (Honestly, Cinnamon should run for office.)

It’s not quite a five-star for me—there were a couple slow patches—but overall, it was still an entertaining mystery with plenty of attitude and a few twists I didn’t see coming. If you like your mysteries with a side of coffee and a dash of sass, You will enjoy this book. You can never go wrong with a dog as one of the main characters—it’s always my favorite!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Final Brush With Murder by Daisy Belle

Title: A Final Brush With Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery Club
Location: Peak’s Point
Main Character: Fiona
Other Characters: Ursula, Brenda, Iris, Sherrif Jack, Nathaniel, Harold, Tom, Martha, Eliza, Martin, Cooper
Pets: Pip & Watson
Rating: 4

“If it’s in cursive and tied with ribbon, it’s probably important.”

Daisy Belle offers another delightful installment in her Peak’s Point Cozy Mystery Club series with A Final Brush with Murder. In this second book, readers are immersed in a quaint town filled with secrets, intriguing clues, and a heartfelt heroine determined to uncover the truth.

Fiona’s latest sleuthing adventure blends quaint charm with keen intuition. When she joins a new calligraphy class and her instructor is found dead, Fiona—accompanied by her loyal dogs Watson and Pip—must navigate yarn-themed clues, cryptic notes, and gossip-laden suspects to unravel the latest murder mystery in Peak’s Point.

The author captures the charm of small-town life, featuring quirky residents and a slow-burning romance with Sheriff Jack. Although some twists felt predictable and the pacing lagged in the middle, the emotional warmth and playful tone more than compensate for these flaws. I particularly enjoyed the dog’s antics, especially those of Pip. For me, dogs always enhance the enjoyment of a cozy mystery.

If you love slow-burn, small-town cozy mysteries that feature crafting, loyal dogs, friendships, and a resourceful heroine who knits her way to the truth, then you’ll enjoy this series.

“The answer lies where the past crumbles into ash, where the old meets the discarded.”

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Murder Served Cold by Daisy Belle

Title: Murder Served Cold
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Myster
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Rosie, Aiden, Greg, Detective Daniels, Detective Owens, Officer Wu, Brooklyn, Miranda, Tessa, Leo, Dani, Nadia, Olivia, Chief Kim, Benji, Luisa
Pets: Peanut, Chloe’s faithful Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5

I have loved this series since the very first book, and “Murder Served Cold” is no exception. The mix of cooking competition drama and murder mystery creates a captivating blend of “Bake Off” and amateur sleuthing, drawing me in from the very first page.

Rosie is both excited and a bit nervous about entering the baking competition. Imagine her surprise when the judge tastes her dish and suddenly collapses dead! Naturally, Rosie becomes the main suspect. Will her boyfriend, Detective Daniels, along with the help of Chloe and her loyal Labrador, Peanut, be able to prove her innocence?

Chloe Lane is the perfect protagonist: intelligent, witty, and unafraid to plunge into trouble when her best friend is named the prime suspect in a suspicious death. And who doesn’t love a dog at the heart of a mystery? Peanut, her loyal Labrador, has more personality than most of the contestants in that kitchen!

I love the small-town vibe of Bramble Dale. The suspects were intriguing enough to keep me guessing, and I particularly enjoyed the friendships and the lengths to which the characters would go to protect one another. The pacing was steady, and I appreciated how all the elements came together seamlessly without feeling forced. The story delivers a well-balanced blend of mystery, friendship, and a dash of humor.

I recommend this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters and a dash of culinary chaos. I can’t wait to see what adventures Chloe and Peanut embark on next!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Unforseenl Murder by Daisy Belle

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

The Blackmailer’s Murder by Daisy Belle

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

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

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

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

The Manuscript Murder by Daisy Belle

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

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!