New Release For Meg Muldoon

 

Today is the release date for Meg Muldoon’s newest release, Missing in Christmas River. This is the ninth book in her Christmas River Mystery Series.  She is also the author of Cozy Matchmaker Mystery Ser

 

Book 9 in the Amazon Bestselling Christmas River Cozy Mystery Series tells the tale of a missing fortune, obsession, jealousy, and the lengths that some will go because of greed…

What happened to Search & Rescue volunteer Wes Dulany?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind this fall in the small town of Christmas River, Oregon. And it’s especially on the mind of pie baker extraordinaire Cinnamon Peters, who returns home after spending the summer working in Portland to find that one of the town’s most beloved citizens has gone missing while looking for legendary treasure in The Christmas River National Forest.
But when Cinnamon and her husband Sheriff Daniel Brightman come across a small piece of the legendary treasure in town, and become a target of violence shortly after, it’s clear that Wes’s disappearance isn’t as cut and dry as it seems.
Because a dangerous game is afoot in Christmas River this autumn.
And the stakes are higher than anybody ever imagined.

https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Christmas-River-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01LXPE1TR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475257338&sr=8-1&keywords=missing+in+christmas+river

 

About The Author:

Meg Muldoon writes cozy mysteries and is the author of The Christmas River Cozy Mystery series, The Cozy Matchmaker Mystery series, and The Dog Town USA Mystery series. A former small town news reporter, Meg has always had a special place in her heart for lost dogs, homeless cats, and feisty old locals. She enjoys bourbon bread pudding, red cowboy boots, and craft glue guns.
She lives in central Oregon with an Australian cattle dog named Huckleberry.
Visit http://megmuldoon.blogspot.com/ for more information on Meg’s upcoming books. (Goodreads)

The Christmas River Cozy Mystery Series:

Review of Reining In Murder

 

 

Synopsis:

“Here’s a new heroine after my own heart. Plan to stay up all night with this one.” — Fern Michaels, #1 New York Timesbestselling author

When horse trainer Annie Carson rescues a beautiful thoroughbred from a roadside rollover, she knows the horse is lucky to be alive…unlike the driver. After rehabilitating the injured animal at her Carson Stables ranch, Annie delivers the horse to Hilda Colbert–the thoroughbred’s neurotic and controlling owner–only to find she’s been permanently put out to pasture. Two deaths in three days is unheard of in the small Olympic Peninsula county, and Annie decides to start sniffing around. She’s confident she can track down a killer…but she may not know how ruthless this killer really is… (Goodreads)

Review:

Annie Carson is part of a search and rescue team for large animals.  She helps save them and rehabilitate them.  When she is called out to help a horse after being involved in an accident while being transported, she is surprised to hear that the man hauling the horse is dead.  She is even more surprised to find the horse’s owner dead when she goes to return the horse.  Murders do not happen in her community, and two in such a short time is unbelievable.  Whether she wants to be or not, she is involved in this horror and knows she has to help figure out who the killer is.  But can she do it before the time, and her life, are over?

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional.  I really enjoyed reading about how much Annie loved animals, especially her horses, donkey and dog.  She seems to be more of animal person than a people person, which I can relate to.  She is a hard worker and takes her job as a horse trainer very seriously.   I enjoyed the bickering and banter between her and Dan, the local sheriff, and her friend.  They did not always see eye to eye about things, but each knew the other had their backs.  I thought Annie’s sister, Lavender, was quirky and strange and I loved that.  I enjoyed reading the interaction between the two.  I also enjoyed all the secondary characters and felt they added a lot to the story.

The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book.  There were enough suspects, clues, twists and turns that I could not pinpoint the killer until it was revealed at the end. I like when that happens.  There was a lot of tension and suspense and I was pulled into the book right from the beginning.  I wanted to keep swiping pages  as fast as I could to see what would happen next.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.  The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and much of the time I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place and hearing the horses neighing.  

Since I know nothing about horses, sometimes I felt a little lost when it came to some of the terminology used when describing actions that Annie was performing.  I would have enjoyed a glossary at the beginning or back of the book so I could have learned what some of the terms meant.  That is only my opinion and others may not agree with me.  

One thing that I found a bit unbelievable is how fast Annie feel for one of the murder suspects.  It seemed that as soon as she saw this particular person, she was smitten.  That just seemed much too quickly for me and took away some of the credibility for me.  Again, this is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.  I thought the mystery was expertly plotted and the tension was almost palpable in places.  I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

https://www.amazon.com/Reining-Murder-Carson-Stables-Mystery-ebook/dp/B010ZZXX1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1474920807&sr=1-1&keywords=reining+in+murder

 

New Release For Susan Bernhardt

 

Susan Bernhardt has just released a new mystery, A Manhattan Murder Mystery.  It is available on Amazon so be sure to pick up your copy and enjoy.

 

 

A Manhattan Murder Mystery

Irina Curtius, a retired ballet dancer living on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, runs a ballet studio for young children. Recently, she has been watching her younger and otherwise healthy neighbor, Stephen Kramer, become ill over time. When Stephen travels for business, his health always seems to improve dramatically after he has been away, but only temporarily. Within days of returning home, his health begins to deteriorate again. On top of that, Stephen has added stress due to problems he is having with his wife and his irate live-in sister-in-law. Sadly, Stephen’s last bout with his mysterious illness has proven to be fatal. Unsatisfied with the official explanation and in order to deliver justice for her friend and neighbor, Irina sets out to uncover the truth and prove that Stephen was indeed murdered.

It won’t be easy, though. A former lover from Irina’s college days at NYU has suddenly reinserted himself into her life, wanting to pick up where they left off. Additionally, a strange newcomer arrives in Irina’s neighborhood and he now seems to be shadowing Irina, appearing everywhere she goes. The story that unfolds, interwoven in the everyday lives of Irina and her social circle, highlights the unpredictability of life, the best and worst of humanity, and the powerful bonds that drive people together (and apart). (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Murder-Mystery-Irina-Curtius-ebook/dp/B01LWO8TRG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1474945041&sr=1-3&keywords=susan+bernhardt

 

About The Author:

From Susan Bernhardt:

I’m an author living in northern Wisconsin. Like Kay Driscoll, in my cozy mystery series, I’m a retired public health nurse who volunteers at her local free clinic. An avid reader of mysteries, I’m a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association. My published works include: The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1), Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2), Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3), “October 31st”, “Midsummer”, and “John and Madeline.”

My town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of my novels. Ninety-five percent of American ginseng is grown in Wisconsin. I live with my husband, William, and have two sons who are both married and also live in Wisconsin.

When not writing, I love to travel, bicycle, kayak, and create culinary magic in my kitchen. I work in stained-glass, daydream in my organic garden, stay up late reading mysteries, and eat lots of chocolate.  (Goodreads)

 

Links:

A Manhattan Murder Mystery: An Irina Curtius Mystery – http://amzn.to/2cPlxqq

www.susanbernhardt.com

Other mysteries by Susan Bernhardt
The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1) – http://amzn.to/1oPTsiw
Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2) – http://amzn.to/1tC5krR
Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3) – http://amzn.to/1MBKRd4

 

Review of The Book Club Murders

The Book Club Murders

The Oakwood Mystery Series, Book 1

Leslie Nagel

5+ Stars

Synopsis:

In a charming cozy mystery series debut, Leslie Nagel’s irrepressible small-town heroine finds that her fellow mystery book club members may be taking their Agatha Christie a bit too literally—and murder a bit too lightly.

Charley Carpenter has poured heart and soul into her clothing store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She’ll do anything to make it a success—even join the stuffy Agathas Book Club in order to cultivate customers among Oakwood, Ohio’s wealthy elite.

Although mixing with the most influential women in town has its advantages, Charley finds the endless gossip a high price to pay. But after two women with close ties to the Agathas are brutally murdered, everyone falls under threat—and suspicion. When key evidence indicates that both murders are the work of the same hand, Charley realizes that the killer has arranged each corpse in perfect imitation of crime scenes from the Club’s murder mystery reading list. She uses her membership in the Club to convince Detective Marcus Trenault to use her as an inside informant. Not that he could stop her anyway.

Intelligent, fearless, and every bit as stubborn as Marc is, Charley soon learns the Agathas aren’t the only ones with secrets to protect. Passions explode as she and Marc must race against time to prevent another murder. And if Charley’s not careful, she may find herself becoming the killer’s next plot twist. (Goodreads)

Review:

Charley Carpenter is the proud owner of Old Hat Vintage Fashions and she is so proud of her shop.  She has worked hard to make it successful and is willing to do just about anything to keep it that way.  Even join a book club, The Agathas, where most of the members are priggish and not people she would normally spend time with.  But she knows these women have money and influence, and she should try to be friends with them. When two murders occur close together, and the victims have a tie to the book club, she realizes that one of the members may be a cold blooded murderer.  Since she is a member of the club, she is very well aware of the fact that she could become the next victim.  She knows she has to do whatever she can to catch the killer before her life is written off for good.

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional.  Charley is a hard working, smart and clever woman. One of the things I found refreshing about her and this book is that Charley did not take unnecessary chances and instead of  going behind law enforcement’s back, she worked with them side by side.  It helped that she had a past history with lead detective, Marc Trenault, all though it was not a good history.  I enjoyed reading about their antagonistic relationship.  Charley’s best friends, Frankie and Dmitri, added a lot to the story and were people I was glad to get to know.  And her relationship with her dad is heartwarming.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a fast paced read.  The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching the action taking place all around me.  I could see the vintage clothing in my mind and hear conversations as though I was right there in the room.  I really enjoy when this happens.

The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book.  There were enough viable suspects to make picking out the killer nearly impossible.  They all had motives and secrets that might be worth killing for.  Twists and turns and red herrings abound and I did not figure out the murderer until it was revealed at the end.  That is a real plus in my book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted, well crafted mystery.  This book is a lot grittier than the typical cozies that I read.  The language is stronger than what is normal.  In my opinion, that made the book seem more realistic.  I consider this book more of a romantic suspense mystery than a cozy.  This book had everything I look for in a book: mystery, romance, humor, and suspense.  If I could I would give this book more than five stars, that is how much I loved it.  There is not one thing I would change about it.  This author has penned a fantastic debut and I am sure she will be very successful.  I am eagerly looking forward to reading more books that she creates.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.  I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Alibi for the opportunity to read and review this book.

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Club-Murders-Oakwood-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4ATX9E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1474297019&sr=1-1&keywords=the+book+club+murders

Release Day For Tonya Kappes

 

 

 

 

Happy Book Birthday to Tonya Kappes.  Her newest book, A Charming Voodoo, (Magical Cures Mystery), is being released today.  Congratulations!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

New Releases For Week Of September 25th

 

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of September 25th, 2016.  Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading.  Enjoy and happy reading.

 

A Manhattan Murder Mystery

Irina Curtius, a retired ballet dancer living on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, runs a ballet studio for young children. Recently, she has been watching her younger and otherwise healthy neighbor, Stephen Kramer, become ill over time. When Stephen travels for business, his health always seems to improve dramatically after he has been away, but only temporarily. Within days of returning home, his health begins to deteriorate again. On top of that, Stephen has added stress due to problems he is having with his wife and his irate live-in sister-in-law. Sadly, Stephen’s last bout with his mysterious illness has proven to be fatal. Unsatisfied with the official explanation and in order to deliver justice for her friend and neighbor, Irina sets out to uncover the truth and prove that Stephen was indeed murdered.

It won’t be easy, though. A former lover from Irina’s college days at NYU has suddenly reinserted himself into her life, wanting to pick up where they left off. Additionally, a strange newcomer arrives in Irina’s neighborhood and he now seems to be shadowing Irina, appearing everywhere she goes. The story that unfolds, interwoven in the everyday lives of Irina and her social circle, highlights the unpredictability of life, the best and worst of humanity, and the powerful bonds that drive people together (and apart).  (Amazon)

A Manhattan Murder Mystery: An Irina Curtius Mystery – http://amzn.to/2cPlxqq

 

Christmas normally descends on Lake Eden, Minnesota, as gently as reindeer alighting on a rooftop—but this yuletide season the only thing coming down Hannah Swensen’s chimney is a case of murder . . .
 
The holidays have arrived, and Hannah and her good pal Lisa have agreed to provide all the goodies for the town’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. But before anyone can say “Bah, humbug!” a Santa-sized sackful of trouble ensues. Like the fact that Lisa’s husband will be playing Mr. Claus to his ex-girlfriend Phyllis Bates’ Mrs. Claus. Or that before the curtains even go up Phyllis is found dead in the snow—wearing a costume that the real Mrs. Claus would put on the naughty list. Soon after the suspects pile up faster than snowdrifts in a blizzard, while a merry murderer remains on the loose. With clues even harder to find, it might take a visit from ghosts of Christmas past to wrap up this mystery in time for the holidays . . .

Includes Over a Dozen Holiday Recipes from The Cookie Jar!  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Caramel-Murder-Swensen-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4APJII/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474813807&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

“Reading a new Lucy Stone mystery is like catching up with a dear old friend.” —Kate Carlisle, New York Times bestselling author

It’s a nippy spring in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, and so Lucy Stone can’t wait to join her friend Sue at the Earl of Wickham’s manor in England for the “Heads Up!” hat exhibition—even if she has to spend her entire holiday curtseying. But at Moreton Manor, privileged life isn’t always tea and crumpets . . .

Although Perry, the earl of the house, and his sister, Poppy, are surprisingly accommodating to their jetlagged guests, Lucy feels uneasy after a fallen portrait sparks talk of a deadly family omen. The bad vibes come in quickly—snobby Aunt Millicent and her handmaiden Harrison unexpectedly drop by for the exhibition, and meals with the family are consistently tense. But real trouble begins when a body, bludgeoned by the chapel’s gold-plated reliquary, is found in a hidden, sealed off room. Stranger still, the corpse is identified as Harrison’s son, Cyril.

Considering the weapon and the clandestine location, Lucy wouldn’t be shocked if the murder was an inside job. Cyril wasn’t exactly a gentleman, and it’s unclear what business he had on the property. Was the victim trying to make off with the family riches before meeting his end? Or was a scorned country squire looking to settle an ancient indiscretion for good? One thing’s for sure—the criminal is privy to Moreton Manor secrets . . .

To end the reign of terror, Lucy must keep her ear to the ground and mind time-honored traditions—no matter how unusual. Because Lucy has a hunch that the killer has been in her company all along, just waiting for a chance to make blueblood run red . . .  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/British-Manor-Murder-Stone-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4AMKVM/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474813807&sr=1-5&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

In the latest from the author of A Familiar Tail, a witch and her familiar find trouble brewing at a coffee house.
 
After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.

But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.

Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer… (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Means-Witchs-Cat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0191WS1JO/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474813807&sr=1-10&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .

As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .

With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . .  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Pumpkin-Spice-Bookstore-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4APJ1A/ref=sr_1_29?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474827775&sr=1-29&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Between a riverboat gambler-theme engagement party and a murder mystery dinner for charity, Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay is far too frenzied to feel festive. Add to the mix her duties at the annual businesswomen’s retreat and the antics of a celebrity ghost-hunting diva, and Liv’s schedule is turning out to be the scariest thing about this Halloween—especially when the ladies stumble across a dead body in a cemetery…

Morgan Robison was a party girl with a penchant for married men and stirring up a cauldron of drama. Any number of scorned wives or frightened philanderers could be behind her death. As Liv and her best friend, Di, set out to dig up the truth, they’ll face the unexpected and find their efforts hampered by a killer with one seriously haunting vendetta…  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Party-Want-Dixie-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4ANVWE/ref=sr_1_40?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474828051&sr=1-40&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

In a cozy mystery filled with natural cures and edible plants that you will love, an organic winery becomes the backdrop for murder! Fortunately, solving crimes comes naturally to charmingly unconventional amateur sleuth and holistic doctor, Willow McQuade, as she looks for clues that will reveal a killer’s true vintage.

Business is blooming at Nature’s Way Market & Café, and shop owner, holistic doctor, and amateur sleuth, Willow McQuade has never been happier. Her new medicinal herb garden is a hit, so is her new book, she’s in love with ex-cop and animal rescuer Jackson Spade, and enjoying teaching seminars about edible plants and natural remedies.

But everything changes when Willow’s old boyfriend and TV producer, Simon Lewis, winemaker David Farmer, and his wife Ivy, ask her to cater a party at Pure, their new organic vineyard, to kick off North Fork’s Uncorked! week and the competition forWine Lovers magazine’s $200,000 prize. Pure’s entry, Falling Leaves, is the favorite to win, and the wine flows freely until after Simon’s toast when smiles give way to looks of horror. Ivy’s twin sister, Amy has been murdered! Turns out, the poison that killed her was actually meant for David. But who wants him dead? A rival vintner? Or someone closer to home? This time the truth may be a bitter vintage to swallow. (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Dandelion-Dead-Natural-Remedies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00WRBQP22/ref=sr_1_43?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474828051&sr=1-43&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Murder takes center stage . . .

It’s a Christmas miracle for the Happy Hoofers—Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini. They’ve scored a gig at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall with the legendary Rockettes, complete with sexy Santa suits and microphones on their shoes. But when a dazzling diva of a dancer is found dead under the stage, there’s quite a lineup of suspects. In between rehearsals and seasonal sightseeing—and the discovery of a multi-talented, multi-colored cat—the toe-tapping troupe has to sort out the intrigue before another victim kicks the bucket . . . (Goodreads)

 

https://www.amazon.com/Kicks-Chocolate-Homicides-Hoofers-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4ANW4G/ref=sr_1_49?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474830514&sr=1-49&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

AGATHA NOMINATED SERIES

Wedding bells are ringing at the Richmond Telegraph, and maid of honor Nichelle Clarke is determined to give her friends the perfect fairytale beginning to their happily ever after. So when a corpse crashes rehearsal weekend, Nichelle ditches her wedding coordinator shoes for her crime reporter ones, and a little poking around turns up a big problem: the victim and the groom have a history, and it’s not a pretty one.

Evidence against groom Grant Parker piles up, leaving Nichelle wishing a hostile bridesmaid was still her biggest worry as she tries to fend off Richmond’s favorite TV reporter—and her own scheming publisher. At odds with the cops, her beloved editor, and the ticking clock, Nichelle races to uncover the truth and save the day before this perfect wedding turns into a funeral.

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.

Books in the Headlines in High Heels Mystery Series:

FRONT PAGE FATALITY (#1)
BURIED LEADS (#2)
DATELINE MEMPHIS (novella after BURIED LEADS in HEARTACHE MOTEL)
SMALL TOWN SPIN (#3)
DEVIL IN THE DEADLINE (#4)
COVER SHOT (#5)
LETHAL LIFESTYLES (#6)

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all… (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Lethal-Lifestyles-Headlines-Heels-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01HOS85XE/ref=sr_1_63?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474830694&sr=1-63&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

As the Roaring Twenties get under way, corruption seems everywhere—from the bootleggers flouting Prohibition to the cherished heroes of the American Pastime now tarnished by scandal. Swept up in the maelstrom are Dr. Jamie Fraser and Speed Cook . . .

Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, is having a record-breaking season in his first year as a New York Yankee. In 1920, he will hit more home runs than any other team in the American League. Larger than life on the ball field and off, Ruth is about to discover what the Chicago White Sox players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series are learning—baseball heroes are not invulnerable to scandal. With suspicion in the air, Ruth’s 1918 World Series win for the Boston Red Sox is now being questioned. Under scrutiny by the new baseball commissioner and enmeshed with gambling kingpin Arnold Rothstein, Ruth turns for help to Speed Cook—a former professional ballplayer himself before the game was segregated and now a promoter of Negro baseball—who’s familiar with the dirty underside of the sport.

Cook in turn enlists the help of Dr. Jamie Fraser, whose wife Eliza is coproducing a silent film starring the Yankee outfielder. Restraint does not come easily to the reckless Ruth, but the Frasers try to keep him in line while Cook digs around.

As all this plays out, Cook’s son Joshua and Fraser’s daughter Violet are brought together by a shocking tragedy. But an interracial relationship in 1920 feels as dangerous as a public scandal—even more so because Joshua is heavily involved in bootlegging. Trying to protect Ruth and their own children, Fraser and Cook find themselves playing a dangerous game . . .

Once again masterfully blending fact and fiction, David O. Stewart delivers a nail-biting historical mystery that captures an era unlike any America has seen before or since in all its moral complexity and dizzying excitement.(Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Babe-Ruth-Deception-Fraser-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4ANVYC/ref=sr_1_67?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474830694&sr=1-67&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

All abuzz about murder . . .

Former police officer Abigail Mackenzie has made a fresh start as a beekeeper and farmer in picturesque Las Flores, California—but she never suspected her new hometown would prove to be a hive of criminal activity.

When Abby invites her free-spirited friend, Fiona Mary Ryan, owner of Ancient Wisdom Botanicals, to her farmette for lunch, she never imagines that Fiona’s no-show will lead to a murder investigation.

Only hours after their lunch date, Fiona’s body is found in a burning car in what at first appears to be a tragic accident. But after the coroner’s report is issued, it’s clear she was dead before being placed in the vehicle. Someone has gone to great lengths to cover up a murder. But who—and why?

Driven by her loyalty to her friend, and her deeply ingrained skills as a trained investigator, Abby sorts through suspects—who seem to be sprouting up everywhere. Speculating that Fiona’s herbal business might hold the key to motive, Abby isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to smoke out a killer . . .

Includes farming tips and delicious recipes! (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Queen-Henny-Farmette-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4APJ9M/ref=sr_1_92?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474831140&sr=1-92&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

ExSpelled (The Kitchen Witch, Book FIVE)
A fun cozy mystery – with witches!
Egged on by Amelia’s recent success in the kitchen, her friends send her to a cooking school on a remote tropical island resort. Her teachers’ tempers reach boiling point when they sample her cooking, and worse still, her classmates begin to die one by one. As a tropical storm brews and the body count rises, can Amelia find the killer before she is expelled, or becomes the next victim?  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/ExSpelled-Kitchen-Witch-Book-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01LFDKYBK/ref=sr_1_178?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474831476&sr=1-178&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Perhaps Danielle’s first clue should have been—Hillary’s muse is male.

He brings with him restless spirits and murders to solve—if Danielle dares.

She has already been warned to stay away.  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Muse-Haunting-Danielle-Book-ebook/dp/B01HUFD73Y/ref=sr_1_180?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474831476&sr=1-180&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON, KINDLE, & KINDLE UNLIMITED THROUGH 2016

***A murder, a broken heart, and a forbidden love***

It’s up to Cathy once again to solve a murder no one else can, while also struggling to keep her ability to see ghosts secret.

In the aftermath of solving her boss’s murder last Winter, Smallton Elementary has become a very lonely place for Cathy Dorne. Between the whispers from co-workers, and the rumors around town, she is more than ready to spend Spring Break alone on the lake.

But before she can begin to soak in some rays, the ghost of her high school sweetheart’s father appears. As the list of suspects shrinks, Cathy is forced to confront her ex about his father’s death and the lingering feelings she’s held since he left her all those years ago.

*This is Book 2 in the Ghost & Grades Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book Series
Book 1: Murder Makes the Grade – Now Available as a Cozy Mystery Paperback Book & Audible Audio
Book 2: Murder Takes a Break
Book 3: School’s Out For Murder – Winter 2016  (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Takes-Break-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01LWD6YWU/ref=sr_1_231?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474833168&sr=1-231&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Rue is a Freshman at St. Angelus College, the heir of the Hallow Fortune, and has faced two necromancers who have abused their power and caused the death of innocents.

People are starting to believe that Rue Hallow is the right choice to protect the Thinning between the living and the dead. Rue, however, isn’t among the believers. She has her own goals for her life, and they don’t include policing the dead and witches who draw power from ghosts.

Once again, someone is breaking the laws surrounding necromancy and this time, Rue is determined not to interfere. But will she be able to keep to resolution when events draw closer and closer to home? And if she does keep her distance, just who will pay the price? (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Graves-Hallow-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01I0CBDAU/ref=sr_1_246?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474833205&sr=1-246&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

A season of hope . . .
‘Tis the season in Shenandoah Falls and the first time Willow Peterson has been home in years. But she’s determined to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend and restore Eagle Hill Manor to its former glory-all in time to host the perfect holiday wedding. She just has to get the owner of the historic inn to hire her. Unfortunately, that means dealing with Scrooge himself…

After the death of his wife, David Lyndon has a bah-humbug approach to Christmas. But as December counts down and the wedding planning is in full swing, it’s harder and harder to stay immune to the charms of Willow, especially when he sees how much joy she brings his eight-year-old daughter. After a simple kiss under the mistletoe turns into something more, David is hoping he can turn the magic of the holiday season into the love of a lifetime.  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Bride-Chapel-Love/dp/145556480X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474834188&sr=8-1&keywords=a+christmas+bride

 

In a charming cozy mystery series debut, Leslie Nagel’s irrepressible small-town heroine finds that her fellow mystery book club members may be taking their Agatha Christie a bit too literally—and murder a bit too lightly.

Charley Carpenter has poured heart and soul into her clothing store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She’ll do anything to make it a success—even join the stuffy Agathas Book Club in order to cultivate customers among Oakwood, Ohio’s wealthy elite.

Although mixing with the most influential women in town has its advantages, Charley finds the endless gossip a high price to pay. But after two women with close ties to the Agathas are brutally murdered, everyone falls under threat—and suspicion. When key evidence indicates that both murders are the work of the same hand, Charley realizes that the killer has arranged each corpse in perfect imitation of crime scenes from the Club’s murder mystery reading list. She uses her membership in the Club to convince Detective Marcus Trenault to use her as an inside informant. Not that he could stop her anyway.

Intelligent, fearless, and every bit as stubborn as Marc is, Charley soon learns the Agathas aren’t the only ones with secrets to protect. Passions explode as she and Marc must race against time to prevent another murder. And if Charley’s not careful, she may find herself becoming the killer’s next plot twist. (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Club-Murders-Oakwood-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A4ATX9E/ref=sr_1_255?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474833366&sr=1-255&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

Bubble. . . bubble. . .
Whispering Falls is abuzz with the new
housing development and new shops
popping up all over the magical
village right before the annual All
Hallow’s Eve celebration.

Cures and trouble. . .
June Heal’s intuition
is on high alert and she just can’t shake
that something bad is about to happen.

Magic stirs . . .
June finds Violet Draper standing over a dead body
In the new pumpkin patch hours before it’s supposed
to open for hayrides.

And trouble doubles . . .
Once again, June has to put her sleuthing skills to work
and figure out who the real killer is before the new
citizens pack up and move right back out of town.  (Goodreads)

https://www.amazon.com/Charming-Voodoo-Magical-Cures-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01IDXN09I/ref=sr_1_196?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474831857&sr=1-196&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selection Sunday

I know a lot of people use Sundays to organize and prepare for the upcoming week.  That got me thinking about what everyone plans on reading this week.  Will you take something from your oh-so-large To Be Read Pile or a library find or a newly released book?  Comment and let me know what this week’s selections will be.

 

   

 

Review of A Christmas Bride

 

A Christmas Bride

Chapel Of Love, Book #1

Hope Ramsey

5 Stars

 

Synopsis:

A season of hope . . .

‘Tis the season in Shenandoah Falls and the first time Willow Peterson has been home in years. But she’s determined to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend and restore Eagle Hill Manor to its former glory-all in time to host the perfect holiday wedding. She just has to get the owner of the historic inn to hire her. Unfortunately, that means dealing with Scrooge himself…

After the death of his wife, David Lyndon has a bah-humbug approach to Christmas. But as December counts down and the wedding planning is in full swing, it’s harder and harder to stay immune to the charms of Willow, especially when he sees how much joy she brings his eight-year-old daughter. After a simple kiss under the mistletoe turns into something more, David is hoping he can turn the magic of the holiday season into the love of a lifetime. (Goodreads)

Review:

A Christmas Bride is the story of second chances, standing up for yourself, moving on with you life and learning to let go and move on.  I always like these kind of stories, and I thought this one was well written and entertaining.

The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional.  Willow is a honest hardworking woman  who always tries to do the right thing, even if that causes her problems.  She also has a vulnerable side, trying to overcome her past and her mother’s past.  David has had his whole life planned out for him, whether he wanted it to be or not. But the one thing that was not planned was his becoming a widow with a young child, Natalie.  He has become bitter from the turn his life has taken.  I enjoyed reading the bickering and bantering between Willow and David, the interaction between the two of them and the chemistry that flames between them.  And Natalie was adorable and my heart went out to her.  The secondary characters were also well developed and added a lot to the story line.  Most were likable and people you would want to get to know better.  But some were easy to dislike and I wanted to see them get what they deserved.      

I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed them all.  The author is very talented in writing life adventures that have a ring of truth to them.  She is also very talented in bringing out the emotions of the reader.  I felt happiness, sadness, frustration, anger and sympathy while reading this book.  I think it takes a special author to create all of these emotions for the reader.  The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy quick read.  I read this book in one day, and that is unusual for me.  But I just had to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen and learn more about each of the characters.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary.  There was a little bit of heat but nothing over the top, which I liked.  I am excited that this is the first book in a new series, because there are other characters I want to learn more about.  

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.  I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read and review this book.

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Bride-Chapel-Love/dp/145556480X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474726128&sr=8-1&keywords=a+christmas+bride+hope+ramsay

Review of The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum

 

Synopsis:

When Maddie Kosloski’s career flatlines, she retreats to her wine-country hometown for solace and cheap rent. Railroaded into managing the local paranormal museum, she’s certain the rumors of its haunting are greatly exaggerated. But a new ghost may be on the loose. A fresh corpse in the museum embroils Maddie in murders past and present.

With her high school bully as one of the officers in charge, Maddie doubts justice will be served. When one of her best friends is arrested, she’s certain it won’t be.

Maddie grapples with ghost hunters, obsessed taxidermists, and the sexy motorcyclist next door as outside forces threaten. And as she juggles spectral shenanigans with the hunt for a killer, she discovers there truly is no place like home. (Goodreads)

Review:

When Maddie agrees to manage a local paranormal museum temporarily, she does not really think that there are ghostly beings inside.  She also does not expect to find a dead body or be pulled into a murder investigation.  But what she thinks and expects is not always reality, and she finds she has to deal with both of these things.  

The characters are well developed and well rounded.  Maddie is smart and is not afraid of hard work.  She is funny and witty and I enjoyed getting to know her.  I think that all of the characters are well written and add a lot to the story.  I am looking forward to spending more time with them.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.  The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place around me.  This is a big plus in my book.  I felt the mysteries (yes, plural) were carried on well throughout the entire book.  There were enough suspects, clues, twists and turns to make it very difficult to answer all the questions.

I really like the setting and the premise of the book.  My only complaint is that there could have been more of the paranormal.  Cozy paranormals are some of my favorite types to read and I felt this one could have had more than it did (especially given the title).  Hopefully this is the beginning of a series and future books will have even more ghostly happenings.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted cozy mystery.  Start reading this book and see why I hope this is beginning of a new paranormal cozy mystery series.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.  I would like to thank NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read and review this book.   

https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Proper-Paranormal-Museum-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01A5OGVGC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1474469497&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfectly+proper+paranormal+museum

 

Review of It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To

 

 

It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To

Liv and Di In Dixie Mystery, Book #2

Vickie Fee

5 Stars

Synopsis:

Between a riverboat gambler-theme engagement party and a murder mystery dinner for charity, Dixie, Tennessee, party planner Liv McKay is far too frenzied to feel festive. Add to the mix her duties at the annual businesswomen’s retreat and the antics of a celebrity ghost-hunting diva, and Liv’s schedule is turning out to be the scariest thing about this Halloween—especially when the ladies stumble across a dead body in a cemetery…

Morgan Robison was a party girl with a penchant for married men and stirring up a cauldron of drama. Any number of scorned wives or frightened philanderers could be behind her death. As Liv and her best friend, Di, set out to dig up the truth, they’ll face the unexpected and find their efforts hampered by a killer with one seriously haunting vendetta…   (Goodreads)

Review:

This is the second book in the Liv and Di In Dixie Mystery series (very clever use of the main characters names in the series title) and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first book. There was everything that I look for in a cozy mystery: great characters, humor, suspense and that small town feeling.   

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional.  I really enjoy reading about the friendship between Liv and Di.  They are best friends and  they are always ready and willing to help each other out, even if that means breaking the law.  And this law breaking behavior always puts Di in a precarious situation since she is dating the town sheriff.  I really enjoyed reading about the things that Liv and Di do and say, they provided a lot of laugh out loud moments.  I also enjoyed learning more about Liv’s extended family. One of my favorites is her father-in-law, he is really grumpy and cantankerous. All of the characters are likable and I really enjoy spending time with them. 

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read.  The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching the action taking place all around me.  I thought that the mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book and I did not figure out the killer until the big reveal at the end of the book.  I was frustrated (in a good way) that Liv figured out who the killer was and only told a few people.  I was not one of the ones she told!  I thought this was a very clever way to keep the suspense and tension building.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a skillfully  crafted cozy mystery.  I would suggest that you read the first book in the series too, so that you can spend more time with the two friends.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.  I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read and review this book.