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

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

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

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!