Other Characters: Ona, Becca, Vince, Bunce, Kristin, Kris, Rich, Mr & Mrs Oriel, Chief Jimbo, Darrell, Mayor MacDonalld
Stars: 5
“If you want to know who committed a crime, take a look at who benefits the most.”
This is the first time I have read anything by this author but it won’t be my last. This cozy mystery was a fast and easy read. The reader can’t help but fall in love with Alice.
We first meet Alice as she arrives in town wearing a dirty wedding dress. She is a runaway bride who shows up in her hometown that she hasn’t been back to since she was a child. She first visits the bookstore her mom used to own just to find that it is falling apart and a developer is trying to buy it to destroy it. When the contractor at the bookstore falls to his death, the authorities brush it off as an accident but Alice thinks it is murder and she is deterimined to prove it. Her Sleuthing takes her through several possible suspects and motives until the surprise ending.
This has the small town community feel that I love. Even though Alice hasn’t been to town since she was a child, some members of the community embraced her as one of their own. Then it has the drama of why did Alice show up in town wearing a wedding dress and a murder that she feels compelled to solve so she can save the bookstore from being demolished. I really thought I had this one figured out but i was wrong. There was a twist that I didn’t see coming.
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
“The most important things in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will’
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Characters: Mildred, Hank, Martha, Mayor McCray, Catherine
Pets: Golden Retriever named Cookie
Stars: 3
This is my first book by the author. This book was given to me as a free giveaway at the time of reading. My opinion is my own and is not influenced by the giveaway.
Newly divorced Annie moves back to her home town of Bishop’s Landing to help her Aunt Mildred and take over her aunt’s bakery. The bakery needs extensive renovations before she can open her doors again so the town handyman begins the renovations. Imagine Annie’s shock when she arrives at the bakery to find the mayor dead at the base of the stairs. This is definitely a murder. The mayor wasn’t popular, so no one cares. Even the sheriff isn’t that interested in solving this crime. Annie and her amateur detectives Cassie and Maggie take on the task of figuring out who killed the mayor.
This book is the first in a series called Bishop’s Landing Cozy Mystery. This book was okay and kept me interested for a while, but it lacked depth and character development. The characters are 2 dimensional and not very interesting. Even Annie (the protagonist)) was not someone I could connect with. Most books I read, especially small town books, make me feel like the main characters are best friends and I want to be a part of that small town community. I didn’t feel that way in this book. I don’t really know where the book took place except Bishops Landing, and I never said where, so I’m not sure if it even took place in the United States. I thought it was the UK because the apartment above the bakery was referred to as a flat, but that’s just a guess. The town wasn’t really described and It lacked the sense of community connection I have come to love in the books I read.
This book reads more like a short story than a full-length book. I figured out who the murderer was early on in the book, so there weren’t any twists and turns to solve the mystery. I didn’t find out the motive until the end, but I had a gut feeling that this person did it and I was right.
I am going to give the second book in the series a try because I think this might have been this authors first book. When I look it up on Fantastic Fiction and Goodreads, It is only showing this series with this being the first of a three book series at the time of this review. I will see if my opinion changes after the second book and if I decide to read more. I feel like every author has to start somewhere and deserves a chance.
If you read this book, let me know what you think.
Other Characters: Larson, Marc, Abby, Jo, Lucy, Anna, Alice, Judith, Cecil, Jackson, Fair, Blanche, Abby, Larson
Pets: Diesel
Stars: 5
This is book 7 of the Hart’s Ridge series and I loved it, just the others. This is a great series.
The protagonist of the story is Deputy Taylor Gray. Taylor and her sisters went through foster care most of their lives. Taylor basically raised her sisters after her mother supposedly burned to death in a fire with her baby brother.In this installment there is a double homicide. The Swansons who have 3 adopted kids kids, are discovered brutally murdered. We first met this family when we Taylor called to Their home after Marc’s parents refused to let him in due to missed curfew. While Marc is the prime suspect in the homicide, he is currently in a behavior health facility. Is it possible that he may have broken out and gone and killed his parents? There are several suspects but who could have done this heinous crime? Taylor and Shane are on the case to find out who could have brutally murdered this couple and left their kids without parents.
As Taylor is dealing with a double homicide her relationship with fiance Sam could be rocky due to them finding out he may have a 12 year old daughter that he didn’t know about (we found that out at the end of the last book).
Sam is also trying help Taylor close a case that is very personal to her. She has a lead but will she finally be able to put an end to this case so she can move on with the rest of her life . And as if this isn’t enough, there is another tragedy to the story that you won’t see coming.
There are several stories going on so Taylor has her hands full. This is definitely a page turner that you will have trouble putting it down. Be ready to curl up and engross yourself in this well written mystery with twists and turns until the surprise ending.
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