Review of Murder As Sticky As Jam

 

 

Synopsis:

Come for the cozy, stay for the thrill of it The first in a brand new series: A Gluten Free Mystery Mona Reilly is preparing for the grand opening of Jammin’ Honey, a local Jam and Honey shop, in the small town of Magnolia Falls. Her best friend, Vicki, supplies the shop with honey and homemade lotions, candles and royal jelly. While Mona and Vicki are off taste testing the gluten-free catering the shop mysterious burns down. When a body is recovered from the fire, Vicki’s brother, incidentally the most handsome cop Mona has ever laid eyes on, is assigned to the case. Everyone in town has a motive and it’s up to Mona to solve this sticky situation. (Goodreads)

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed.  I enjoyed getting to know Mona and her best friend Vicki.  Mona is a hardworking smart woman who has poured everything into her new shop, Jammin’ Honey.  When things do not work out as planned and the shop has a fire, Mona will have to rely on strength she did not even know she possessed to get her life back on track.  I enjoyed the friendship between Mona and Vicki, you could tell they cared deeply for each other.  Mona was strong about everything that was happening in her life.   That is, everything besides Leo, Vicki’s brother and Mona’s forever crush.  Then she turned into a high school girl, with all of the insecurities that go along with that.

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 of the action taking place.  She is also very talented in creating small town settings and all of the nosiness and politics that go along with it.  The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the story.  There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and I did not figure out who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery.  It is a good start to a new series and I am looking forward to reading future books.  

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and that is what this review is.

 

 

New Releases For The Week Of February 4th, 2018–Part 3

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of February 4th, 2018.  I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them this week. Today is the third day of my list.  Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading.  Enjoy and happy reading.

 

A Victorian mystery with a haunting twist! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Antonia Hodgson…

A scandalous rumour is sweeping through Brighton. But is everything really as it seems …? 

 

Brighton, 1871

Forty-one years after his death, King George IV is said to be haunting the Royal Pavilion. The story of the ghostly encounter has been published anonymously, and it is sweeping through the town.

Mina Scarletti, an author herself, immediately suspects the story to be false. And when she inspects the Pavilion, she is certain her suspicions are correct.

But as she prepares to expose the false claims, her past begins to catch up with her. Blackmailed and threatened by those with an ulterior motive, Mina finds herself caught in a trap.

Can Mina prove that the Royal Ghost is a fake? Will she escape from the threat hanging over her? 

Or will she find herself in grave danger …?

THE ROYAL GHOST is the second cosy mystery in Linda Stratmann’s intriguing historical series, the Mina Scarletti investigations, a traditional British detective series with a feisty woman sleuth set in Victorian Brighton.

“I found this tale totally different from the usual Victorian melodramas, as it was firmly based on fact and the beliefs of the time. The pace is good, the characters believable and the style of writing suits the time in which it is set without going over the top. I enjoyed it very much.” Historical Novel Society

“This beautifully written mystery tale could be glibly summed up as Jane Austen meets a female Perry Mason. The historical background is evocative and brings middle class Victorian Brighton, with all its gullibility, gossip, backbiting, social climbing and pretensions, to life, often with a wry sense of humour. Mina is a more than believable protagonist, pragmatic and resourceful and while realising her limitations, determined not to let her disability stop her doing things she wants to. The supporting characters are also well-rounded and contribute effectively to the whole.” John Cleal, Crime Review

“The Royal Ghost benefits from a nicely evoked setting in Victorian Brighton, and casts entertaining light on an era when ghosts and psychic phenomena were all the rage.” Martin Edwards

“If you enjoy the Frances Doughty mysteries then you’ll find this book right down your street.” Crime Fiction Lover  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle. Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attorney Petra Rakowtiz thought her courtroom skills were magical… that is until this newbie witch realized what real magic was.

For the past two months Petra has made the Disclaimer Ranch her home, undergoing treatment and training for her fledgling powers. She’s focused on learning to be a good witch—no more accidental arsons. But when a fellow Ranch resident and wizard dies while arguing with Petra, the other program residents accuse her of murder by magic, and Petra must use all of her legal know-how to defend herself!

With a slew of suspects ranging from a convicted killer to a wanna-be Watson making wild accusations, Petra has her hands full. Not to mention the murder victim who returns in ghostly form, demanding that Petra find his killer. The clock is ticking as the other residents become targets and Petra finds herself going toe to toe with a murderer intent on not-so-magically making her disappear…for good!

Petra Paranormal Mysteries:
Murder Casts Its Spell (book #1)
Murder Lifts the Spirits (book #2)

“Absolutely delightful cozy mystery with solid dose of the paranormal. And oh, the world building! Margaret C. Morse does a marvelous job at introducing us to the challenges—as well as the benefits—of having magical powers. ”
—Fresh Fiction

“Margaret C. Morse creates a world full of magical and mundane things with this unique mystery.”
—Night Owl Reviews  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

Next on Wren and Death’s Appraisal List:

Item #1: An Old Family Feud.

Item #2: A Missing Woman.

Item #3: A Body in the Rosebushes of their Dream House

Auctioneer Wren Morgan and her private eye fiancé Death (pronounced “Deeth”) Bogart are ready to meet each other’s parents and settle down together. But their sleuthing days are far from over. While Death and Wren are helping prepare auction items at an old supper club, a Viking reenactor nearly dies at the historical settlement next door. The cause? Seeing the ghost of his daughter, who went missing twenty years ago.

As Wren looks into what happened to the Viking’s daughter, Death is hired to investigate the theft of historical items that have high sentimental value. When their respective investigations turn out to be connected, the couple gets caught in a deadly conflict.

Praise for the Auction Block Mysteries:

Death & the Gravedigger’s Angel

“Ross’s sleuthing pair again faces a present-day murder steeped in historical detail.”—Kirkus Reviews

Death &the Brewmaster’s Widow

“There are fewer auctions in this second series entry, but readers won’t mind as the twisty, Hitchcock-style plot unfolds.”—Booklist

“Lively.”—Publishers Weekly

“The second case for Death and Wren uses an intriguing premise to flesh out the charming detective duo.”—Kirkus Reviews

Death & the Redheaded Woman

“[A] winning debut.”—Publishers Weekly

“The witty sarcastic banter between the lead characters was charming and endearing.”—RT Book Reviews

“Ross’s debut features a likeable pair of sleuths, some local Missouri history, and a nice little mystery.”—Kirkus Reviews  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

Trouble seems to follow Penny Preston wherever she goes, but as usual when life gives her lemons, she makes lemon bars. Her trusty sidekick, Linda, has convinced her they need their Private Investigators licenses. The only problem is she can’t figure out how to tell the overprotective Deputy Hanson, now that they are dating, that she’s going all in on this mystery business.

Penny’s new adventure takes a back seat when the local baker, Violet, turns up missing. With the baker’s ex-fiancé mysteriously returning to town it seems like the police may have a viable suspect, that is until another towns-person goes missing. Penny decides she can’t sit back and do nothing. She must try to find her missing friend before it’s too late for the pastry princess, but can she do it before any more Wyoming, Ohio locals go missing?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s July in Houston, and when heat waves and storm warnings finally give way to flooding rains, Jake Hillebrand’s strange dreams take a sinister turn. When the flood waters recede, the body of a young woman is found on the banks of Buffalo Bayou – a young woman whose life overlaps with that of Detective Victoria Perez.

With Perez on the sidelines, maybe she and Jake can finally come to an understanding. Or not.

Petreski’s working with a new partner, Jake’s declared a major, Jennifer Katz is moving on with her life, and Don has no idea that the new cat hanging around his apartment is not what she appears.

Contains even more carbs than “Not a Werewolf”, plus all you can eat shrimp!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

Pyper and Julius are getting married. There’s a wedding to plan, dresses to order, and daiquiris to consume. But when an old curse rears its ugly head and ends in a murder, Pyper’s younger brother Bo is suddenly in danger of being charged with a crime he didn’t commit.

Now Pyper and her friends are racing against time to clear Bo’s name and neutralize the curse before it claims another life. With a little help from the ghosts of New Orleans, Pyper’s determined to save the day… and still find her perfect wedding dress.  (Amazon)

 

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

The third book in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series!
As Valentine’ Day approaches, the cozy village of Waterfell Tweed is rocked by the unwelcome return of a familiar face.Sandy Shaw doesn’t believe that Dick Jacobs, the Health and Safety Officer, is as bad as people say. But within hours, he’s closed down one village business and has a list of other targets – including Books and Bakes!When Sandy discovers Dick’s lifeless body, she vows to find his killer. But her investigation soon points in a direction she doesn’t want to believe could be true.Can Sandy solve the case?And will life ever be the same if she does?A Valentine’s Kill is a novella of around 35,000 words. Light and cozy, the book follows our female amateur sleuth, the village of Waterfell Tweed, and a whole host of quirky characters! Each book in this series can be read as a standalone (but is better enjoyed if read in order), and is free from swearing, sex, violence and cliffhangers.  (Amazon)Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abit Bradshaw is back! Four years after that fateful summer in A Life for a Life, Abit Bradshaw faces the biggest challenge of his life. When a family of con artists fleeces his school and casts suspicion on him, Abit, with the support of his friends Della Kincaid and Alex Covington, sets out to find them. Along the way, he encounters a slew of characters—from sinners to saints—who help him discover his rightful place in the world.

Praise for A Life for a Life

“Lynda McDaniel can write. This is one fine read. ‘A Life for a Life’ is outstanding, great character development, real and believable. A good mystery that reads like a literary piece. Della Kincaid is a wonderful. READ THIS ONE.”—Wooley, Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer

“A homey southern mystery whose characters were as intriguing as the mystery. Lynda McDaniel has that wonderfully appealing way of weaving a story, much in the manner of Fannie Flagg. … It’s a real treat to read and made me anticipate meeting the characters in yet another installment.” — Deb, AMAZON HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like Nick and Nora Charles from “The Thin Man” series, Dick and Dora Zimmerman in “The Senior Sleuths” solve crimes, especially murders. Along with Zero the Bookie fashioned after the author’s father) and a fascinating cast of other characters (such as Frankie Socks, fresh out of the Witness Protection Program), the Zimmermans, known as The Zimms, have the time, the money, the smarts and the chutzpah, to get involved in murder and mayhem, even when warned by police and criminals to stay away…or else!

In these modern noir stories, the hard-boiled detectives are soft-boiled sleuths whose inner shell is softer and gentler, although their outer shell is still tough. Of course, it doesn’t matter, hard-boiled or soft-boiled, they can still be nearly beaten by the bad guys. But it is the puzzle of the mystery and putting the pieces together to solve it that matters.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come for the cozy, stay for the thrill of it

The first in a brand new series: A Gluten Free Mystery

Mona Reilly is preparing for the grand opening of Jammin’ Honey, a local Jam and Honey shop, in the small town of Magnolia Falls. Her best friend, Vicki, supplies the shop with honey and homemade lotions, candles and royal jelly. While Mona and Vicki are off taste testing the gluten-free catering the shop mysterious burns down. When a body is recovered from the fire, Vicki’s brother, incidentally the most handsome cop Mona has ever laid eyes on, is assigned to the case. Everyone in town has a motive and it’s up to Mona to solve this sticky situation.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle