Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder at the Festival by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder at the Festival
  • Author: Penny Brook
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #7
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Birch Creek Harvest Festival in Birch Creek, VT
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy May, Ellis, Parker, Phoenix, Holly, Joy. Flo, Ben, Noa, Detective Sterling
  • Pets: Jasper, Claudia’s black cat
  • Stars: 5

A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop cozy mystery series continues with Murder at the Festival, book seven, and the author never lets readers down. Her diverse range of personalities makes each of her characters interesting and the story is always engaging.

This story takes us to the village of Birch Creek, Vermont, about 2 hours from Greenwood, in time for the Birch Creek festival. Spending a stress-free weekend away from Greenwood excites Claudia. She has taken her mobile bookshop to the festival hoping is hoping to make some money selling her books. Vans come to the festival from all over to sell their products. Claudia’s friend Ellie is also there to promote her famous whipped coffee. Claudia is loving catching up with Ellie, and being away from murder investigations. She was loving it, however, until she heard a spine-tingling scream in the middle of the night from a neighboring van.. Aunt Daisy Mae and Claudia rush outdoors to find Holly yelling that her boyfriend, Phoenix, is dead. Claudia discovers herself smack dab in the heart of a murder investigation, just when she was hoping for a quiet weekend. As it happens, Phoenix isn’t very well liked as he is well-known for being a womanizer and and a cheater. Claudia calls Detective Sterling to run some background checks on Phoenix and Holly, despite the fact that this isn’t his jurisdiction. Holly and Phoenix appear to have secrets of their own. Is it possible Holly killed her boyfriend?

The author takes us on an exhilarating roller coaster ride to identify a killer once more. Every one of her books has a twist to an unexpected ending. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist is thrown in the mix. It is also enjoyable to see how Claudia and Detective Sterling have gone from being adversaries to becoming friends. And could Daisy Mae actually have a love interest. As of this writing, this is the last book in the series. I am hoping for more adventures with Claudia and I can’t wait to see where Daisy Maes new romance will lead.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder at the Villa by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder at the Villa
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word travels Mobile Workshop #6
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Greenwood, VT
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy Mae, Arden, Grace, Eris, Logan, Melanie, Lucas, Detective Sterlings, Noah
  • Pets: Jasper the black cat
  • Stars: 5

A Word Travels Mobile Book Shop’s sixth book transports us to an Italian-style property approximately half an hour’s drive from Greenwood.

Claudia’s favorite novelist has asked her to a murder mystery dinner at her Italian-style villa. Claudia is ecstatic to get this invitation, and she plans to attend with her Aunt Daisy May. The hostess, Ardin Billings, greets them as soon as they enter. Claudia is a little star-struck because she is a huge fan of Ardin’s & her novels. lArdin introduces her to the other guests, each of whom has a quirky side. Their Murder Mystery Fun ended abruptly by one of the guests actually being murdered. Although all the evidence points to Arden as the murderer, Claudia is certain she couldn’t have done it. Claudia learns that Arden is keeping some secrets but was she willing to kill to keep them hidden.

Once again, the author pulls off a gripping story of mystery in the hunt for a murderer. The plot was exciting, and every character was interesting and well-thought-out. This narrative will appeal to readers who love a good cozy mystery with unexpected turns with a surprise ending.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder by the Mountain by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder by the Mountain
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #5
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy Mae, Detective Sterling, Lexi, Elenore, Jim, Tommy, Eva, Nicole
  • Pets: Jasper the black cat
  • Stars: 5

Ms Brookes delivers another great Cozy Mystery in book 5 of A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop.

Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae are traveling in the mobile bookshop, to local schools in order to introduce Greenwood’s new literacy program. While working at one of the schools, they learn about a ten-year-old cold case concerning the mysterious disappearance of a teacher employed by the school. Although foul play was suspected, there was no body and no proof, thus the matter was closed. Claudia finds herself enmeshed in the cold case mystery when she discovers a dead body on school property that has evidently been there for some time. Is there a possibility that this body is connected to the missing teacher? If yes, what happened? With the cooperation of Detective Sterling, Claudia once again puts her sleuthing skills to work to solve this cold case.

Claudia my have some competition when a local podcaster, who is also an amateur sleuth goes to all lengths to obtain material for her podcast. However, when the podcaster deceives Claudia and provides her with false information, Claudia comes to the conclusion that she cannot be trusted.

To solve this unsolved cold case, the author takes the reader on an extremely suspenseful journey. Claudia is the ideal protagonist and everyone could use an aunt like Daisy Mae. I also enjoy every one of the supporting cast members. Before the cold case is solved, there are many more twists and turns to this mystery. Check out this book to find out if Claudia will fall victim to a murderer once more.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder out of Wedlock by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder out of Wedlock
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia
  • Other Characters: Aunt Daisy May, Detective Sterling, Rachel, Sarah, Noah, Ellie, Felix, Aubrey, Riley
  • Pets: a black cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Word travels Mobile Bookshop and Ms Brooks never disappoints.

Detective Sterling and Claudia have never seen eye to eye. She was the main suspect in one of his cases from a previous book, and she constantly seemed to get embroiled in his murder investigations. In this installment The detectives ex wife is in town and it is obvious there is no love lost there when Claudia over hears a heated argument between the two. Claudia is working hard on the reopening of the local library, where her friend had been murdered in a previous book, but when Detective Sterling turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend him a hand. The Detectives ex has been murdered and he is the primary suspect. Obviously he can’t work that case so he has been put on administrative leave. Claudia discovers additional information about Detective Sterling’s past during her research, leading her to wonder if he is connected to the murder. Claudia can’t get rid of the feeling that she is being stalked and after being the victim of a hit-and-run, the detective becomes enraged and informs Claudia that he no longer needs her assistance. Luckily Claudia didn’t listen to him and continues to find the real killer even if it leads to the detective. She puts a plan in action to catch a killer.

This installment takes the reader on an exhilarating journey to unravel the mystery, just like the previous books in the series. Claudia is an amazing protagonist, and you can’t help but adore her devoted kitty companion Jasper, who is by her side virtually all the time. Claudia and her aunt Daisy May are having some conflict as Aunt Daisy May is deliberating about a significant choice. We also get to see Noah, Claudia’s long-distance boyfriend, It is always fun to see where their relationship is going . If you love a small town cozy mystery with great characters and a twist to an unexpected ending, you will enjoy this series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder on the links – Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder on the Links
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • BookMain Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Detectiv Sterling, Mayor Tom Linden, Tammy, Noah, Jason, Aaron, Jenny, Everette, Scarlett
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

The author has a remarkable ability to craft a narrative that will captivate the reader until the unexpected conclusion. This is the third installment of the Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery Series, and ito may be my favorite so far.

Claudia is once again thrust into the midst of a homicide investigation when Jason, the Mayoral Candidate, is tragically killed at his own fundraising event. To further complicate matters, Claudia is observed having an altercation with him shortly prior to his death, thus making her the prime suspect in the investigation. If you read the first book in the series, “Murder in the Library”, then you know that Jason is the ex Stalker boyfriend of Layla’s and a suspect in her murder. In this book, Jason is running for mayor in a race against Tom Linden, the incumbent mayor.

Jason’s reputation for ruthlessness and being a womanizer is well-known, and no one likes him, so there are numerous suspects who could have wanted him dead. This book takes the reader on a bit of roller coaster ride through the whole book. I found myself devouring the entire book in a single sitting, unable to put it down, simply because I had to discover the identity of the perpetrator. I suspected who the murderer was, but there were still surprises and twists along the way. The only thing I would have expected was that Claudia would have learned her lesson from the first two homicides in which she was involved, not to confront the suspect due to the potential danger.

When I am reading a book, I tend to find it easier to relax and enjoy the content without the need for a playbill. This series is an ideal fit for this type of reader, as it is full of complex and engaging characters that make the book enjoyable without the need for playbills to keep track of who is who. Additionally, the suspense of the book keeps the reader interested and entertained.

I highly recommend this series and each book just keeps getting better. They are full of suspense, intrigue, a bit of romance and a cat who is always into something. Jasper the cat is one of the main characters in the book. Claudia takes him everywhere and he can be a bit mischievous and fun. He tends to add a bit of humor to the books. I do recommend you read the first two books in the series before this one since several of the minor characters in the other books are in this one along with the protagonist, her eccentric aunt and sometimes naughty cat.

I highly recommended this series and each book keeps getting better. They are full of suspense, intrigue, a bit of romance, and a cat that is always into something. Jasper the cat can be a bit mischievous and humorous. I recommend that readers should read the preceding two books of the series prior to this one, as several minor characters from the preceding books are included in this one, as well as the protagonist, her eccentric aunt, and the occasionally naughty cat.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the Study by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder in the Study
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • BookMain Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Detectiv Sterling, Arthur Hattan, Venus, Arya, Tammy, Rubin
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is the second installment of the A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop series, and it does not disappoint. Claudia, the Protagonist of this series, continues to find herself embroiled in a murder situation through no fault of her own.

Claudia is having financial difficulties in this episode, following the murder of her friend, Layla. Due to the investigation of the murder, she was required to remain in Greenwood for an extended period of time, thus not earning any income from her book mobile. She is in a state of panic until she comes across a first-edition of a classic book with an inscription on the back. Despite the fact that she is unable to afford the purchase, she is confident that she will be able to recoup her investment and more. While researching the book, an ex-colleague provides her with the opportunity to interact with an antique specialist who is knowledgeable about rare books. Claudia, aunt Daisy Mae, and her cat, Jasper, travel to the home of a man named Arthur, located in the suburb of Greenwood, an area she is not particularly fond of due to the fact that her friend was killed there.

The plot thickens when she discovers Arthur murdered in his study and her book is missing, Claudia is compelled to remain in Greenwood until the case is resolved. Even more so, Detective Sterling requests her assistance in the investigation, which she initially declines due to her strained relationship with him. Subsequently, she reluctantly agrees to assist in the investigation. As the investigation progresses, secrets are uncovered and it is revealed that there are multiple suspects who may have had a hand in Arthur’s murder. During Claudia’s investigation She finds secrets concerning Arthur’s past which could get her killed.

If you enjoy a captivating mystery with plot twists and a protagonist you can’t help but fall in love with, you are going to love this series. It’s a really well-written, enjoyable book that’s full of mystery and suspense that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. You can read it as a standalone but I suggest reading it in order so you can familiarize yourself with the characters. I am excited about reading book three in the series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the Library by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder in the Library
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Layla, Melody, Noah, Ellie, Jason, Detective Sterling
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is my first book by this author and it won’t be the last. This one is bit different in that it involves a bookmobile. Claudia has always wanted to own her own bookshop but unfortunately that takes money she doesn’t have so she bought a van and turned it into a mobile bookshop. Now she and her eccentric Aunt Daisy Mae along with Claudia’s perky cat Jasper travel the country selling books from the van turned bookshop.

This is a fun story, well except for the murder part. Claudia has a friend who runs a local library in Greenwood, Vermont. She puts books aside to sell to Claudia at a good price. Claudia is on her way to the library to get these books but it is strange that her friend, Layla, isn’t anwering her texts or calls. Layla always answers her texts, so this gives Claudia a bit of an uneasy feeling. When they arrive at the library, the door is locked and no one is answering the door. When Layla’s assistant shows up and unlocks the door, the enter. When they discover an overturned bookcase with a body underneath it, it is very apparant that Layla is dead. The local police are called in an Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae become immediate suspects and are told not to leave town. Since Claudia has to stay in town and the police department seems to be inept, she decides to do her own investigation. There are a lot of red herrings as Claudia makes it her mission to find out who killed her friend. Evidently Layla had some secrets she hadn’t shared with Claudia. Could the motive be jealousy, revenge, money or something entirely different. There are several potential suspects along the way. As Claudia closes in could she be putting her own life in danger and become a victim herself.

I recommend this book. I love Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae. They are 3-dimensional characters with a lot of personality. Aunt Daisy Mae is free spirited and just goes with the flow. Claudia’s cat Jasper has a lot personality and just seems to show up when he is needed the most. I am looking forward to the next book to see where Claudia’s next adventure takes her.

Happy Reading!