Review of Iced Over

Iced Over
Barks & Beans. Book #2
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars


Synopsis:

BOOK TWO in the ALL-NEW BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck’s cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy’s mama bear instincts kick in. She can’t ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren’t all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she’s been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade


Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Macy and Bo get along really well and they will do anything for each other. Macy likes to help her friends out and she will need to do just that when a security truck has an accident and it gets robbed. With the help of her brother and dog, Coal, she will do what she can to solve the mystery and prove someone’s innocence.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it made a clear picture in my mind’s eye. I could picture the coffee shop and all of the activity with the animals. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read book three.

New Releases For The Week Of August 23, 2020–Part 2

Here is a list of some of the new releases for the week of August 23rd, 2020. I am going to divide the list into 4 days because there are so very many of them for the week. Today is the second day of my list for this week. Hope you find some selections for your weekly reading. Enjoy and happy reading.

 

Just when I thought I’d seen it all…

After twenty plus years in the land of the not-so-living, I didn’t think a ghost could surprise me. Consider that winning streak over. While looking for the perfect piece of Seattle real estate, leave it to me to find the world’s first ghost detective.

Yeah, you heard that right. A ghost detective.

The Supernatural Protection Agency has written her off as the ghost who cries murder, but this time she swears she’s onto something big. Something real.

Like a moth to a bonfire, I dive in headfirst, just in time for the trouble she’s been following to take a U-turn.

Lucky me.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Rachel Prince cruises, it’s no honeymoon!

Rachel’s dream honeymoon is disrupted when Sarah’s eccentric cousin is found dead.

With wedding plans up and down, Rachel and Carlos have finally managed to tie the knot and head off on a Mediterranean cruise. Their honeymoon spirals out of control when murder interrupts marital bliss and Carlos receives a mysterious phone call from an old flame.

Sarah is struggling to come to terms with the death of her cousin while she and the medical team are battling with the abrasive new junior doctor who wants to make her mark.

Will Rachel find the killer and hold on to her new husband with chaos all around? Murder and mayhem are never far away when Rachel takes a cruise.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub is the master of psychological suspense. In her latest thriller, an investigative genealogist digs for her own biological roots, well aware that some secrets are better left buried.

Investigative genealogist Amelia Crenshaw solves clients’ genetic puzzles, while hers remains shrouded in mystery. Now she suspects that the key to her birth parents’ identities lies in an unexpected connection to a stranger who’s hired her to find his long-lost daughter. Bracing herself for a shocking truth, Amelia is blindsided by a deadly one.

NYPD Detective Stockton Barnes had walked away from his only child for her own good. He’ll lay down his life to protect her if he and Amelia can find out where—and who—she is. But someone has beat them to it, and she has a lethal score to settle.

Amelia and Stockton’s entangled roots have unearthed a femme fatale whose family tree holds one of history’s most notorious killers. And the apple never falls far…   (Goodreads)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is book 2 in the Peachtree Point cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author J A Whiting and Amanda Diamond.
The seaside town of Peachtree Point, New Hampshire is preparing for the annual peach festival. The town librarians, Heather and Sylvie, are readying the library for several events when Heather notices Sylvie isn’t her usual self. Her boyfriend, Frank, a high school teacher, and another teacher at the school have been asked to write a play on the history of Peachtree Point, but working together leads to trouble.
Sylvie and Frank’s relationship is in jeopardy, there’s a new detective in town, and someone is murdered during the festival.
Will Heather and Sylvie along with Booker the cat, their family and friends, and the library’s murder posse get to the bottom of the crime before the whole town learns that murder is the pits?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tragedy strikes in Thread and Dead, the second book in Elizabeth Penney’s cozy mystery series—and now everyone in Blueberry Cove, Maine, is on pins and needles. . .

Iris Buckley is busier than ever this July, with the town’s annual Lobster Festival fast approaching. In just a matter of days her apron shop Ruffles & Bows, will be jam-packed with tourists eager to lay eyes on its world-class collection of aprons and linens—and Iris’s inventory is running low. Then, just when all hope seems lost, Iris gets a call from Eleanor Brady, a wealthy, reclusive spinster who just happens to have trunks full of vintage fabrics. Would Iris like to come down to Eleanor’s cottage estate Shorehaven and have a look?

Before long Iris is on the scene—and on the case. Turns out that Eleanor has rented Shorehaven to the handsome, charismatic environmentalist Dr. Lukas de Wilde and his flock of students. What begins as an apron-scouting endeavor soon morphs into a full-blown murder investigation when Dr. de Wilde’s beautiful young teaching assistant turns up dead. Now it’s up to Iris—along with her partner-in-love-and-crime Ian Stewart—to unravel the mystery before the Blueberry Cove killer strikes again.


Praise for The Apron Shop series

“Quirky-meets-fun.”—Woman’s World on Hems & Homicide

“Penney knows the recipe for delivering just what cozy readers are looking for.” —Reviewing the Evidence  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the best-selling author of Skinny Dip and Razor Girl, a hilarious new novel of social and political intrigue, set against the glittering backdrop of Florida’s gold coast.

It’s the height of the Palm Beach charity ball season: for every disease or cause, there’s a reason for the local luminaries to eat (minimally), drink (maximally), and be seen. But when a prominent high-society dowager suddenly vanishes during a swank gala, and is later found dead in a concrete grave, panic and chaos erupt. Kiki Pew was notable not just for her wealth and her jewels–she was an ardent fan of the Winter White House resident just down the road, and a founding member of the POTUSSIES, a group of women dedicated to supporting their President. Never one to miss an opportunity to play to his base, the President immediately declares that Kiki was the victim of rampaging immigrant hordes. This, it turns out, is far from the truth.

The truth might just lie in the middle of the highway, where a bizarre discovery brings the First Lady’s motorcade to a grinding halt (followed by some grinding between the First Lady and a love-struck Secret Service agent). Enter Angie Armstrong, wildlife wrangler extraordinaire, who arrives at her own conclusions after she is summoned to the posh island to deal with a mysterious and impolite influx of huge, hungry pythons . . .

Carl Hiaasen can brighten even the darkest of days and Squeeze Me is pure, unadulterated Hiaasen. Irreverent, ingenious, and highly entertaining, Squeeze Me perfectly captures the absurdity of our times.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The murder of a shipping clerk . . . the strange disappearance of trusted friends . . . rumors of corruption within the powerful East India Company . . . all add up to a dark mystery entangling Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford in a dangerous web of secrets and lies that will call into question how much they really know about the people they hold dear—and about each other . . .
 
When Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge, disappear from London, rumors swirl concerning fraudulent bank loans and a secret consortium engaged in an illicit—and highly profitable—trading scheme that threatens the entire British economy. The incriminating evidence mounts, but for Charlotte and Wrexford, it’s a question of loyalty and friendship. And so they begin a new investigation to clear the siblings’ names, uncover their whereabouts, and unravel the truth behind the whispers.
 
As they delve into the murky world of banking and international arbitrage, Charlotte and Wrexford also struggle to navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other. But the clock is ticking—a cunning mastermind has emerged . . . along with some unexpected allies—and Charlotte and Wrexford must race to prevent disasters both economic and personal as they are forced into a dangerous match of wits in an attempt to beat the enemy at his own game.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join witch Esme Westbrim on the race to solve a wicked murder in Bewitching Brimstone Bay. This time a certain ridiculously handsome Special Agent is in big trouble when his past catches up with him, and only Esme can help. Can she solve the crime with the help of her psychic cat, ghost aunt and three wild witch cousins before time runs out for Agent Chris Constantine?

Full description coming soon. One click to join Esme on her latest charming and funny witch cozy mystery adventure now!

Books In This Series:
Book 1 – Witch In Charm’s Way
Book 2 – Wands Upon A Time In Brimstone Bay
Book 3 – Witch Way To The Wicked…  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1800s Hammersmyth. A city at the heart of the Great Steam Revolution. John Sinister, a young man with friends in all the wrong places, is hired to look into some shady goings on at the airship factory. It might be nothing, but with the fortunes of the greatest inventor in the Britannic Empire at stake, you can bet John will do his best to get to the bottom of things (even if his best might generously be described as haphazard and shambolic). But when people start dying, and it looks like there might be a killer on the loose, John has to team up with Dexter, a walking, talking mechanical cat, to try and figure out what the hell is going on. He’d rather not, but it doesn’t seem to be up to him. Dexter is going to make sure this “lazy sack of meat” does the job he was hired for if it’s the last thing he ever does. With secret societies, arrogant aristocrats, and criminal chocolatiers to contend with, John and Dexter are going to have to keep their wits about them if they’re going to come out of this alive. And if John happens to fall in love with his employer’s daughter along the way, well nobody said catching a killer was going to be easy now did they?  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A mysterious outbreak. Tourism under threat. Can Rynelle solve the case before it becomes a tropical hot zone?

Public Health Officer Rynelle MacLeod loves keeping her Caribbean island pristine for visitors. But when a visiting billionaire is struck down with food poisoning, she has to cut her own vacation short to stop a nasty crisis. And she’s sure the skin-and-bones stalker who keeps hitting on her is actually a reporter sniffing out a dirty scoop. 

NASA Astronaut Joe Johnson struggles to blend into the blue-water paradise. Secretly on an underwater mission, the ISS-stationed scientist is focused on avoiding people and pathogens and getting his gravity-laden body back into shape. But it’s the larger-than-life, germ-busting beauty he continually bumps into that’s making his heart work overtime.

In a race to prevent microbial mayhem, Rynelle slowly warms up to the scrawny man interfering with tracking down the toxin-inducing culprit. But when Joe thinks she’s about to expose his hidden research habitat, he’s forced to choose between career contamination and an out-of-this world romance.

Can the grime-fighting duo save the island from a septic catastrophe and give their love-infected hearts the all-clear?

Poisoned in Paradise is the first book in the feel-good Grime Fighter cozy mystery series. If you like entertaining mixups, quirky characters, and health-conscious hijinks, then you’ll adore Sarah Jane Weldon’s escape from reality.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secrets in a small town can be deadly.

Marley Bloom, now an official resident and business owner in Hazard Valley, is ready to dig her heels into her first event and show the world just how ready she is to hit the ground running with her brand new juice truck.

When a murder occurs at a local shop, the owner is less than impressed and places the blame on Marley. Friends and family are forced to choose sides as the rivals go head to head in more ways than one. As the suspects pile up, and the rumor mill runs deeper than ever, the locals are in for a wild ride.

Will the townspeople have to face the possibility of canceling their annual Harvest Festival, which helps to support the town’s finances, or will Marley and her nemesis come together to solve the crime that threatens to turn the town on its head?

Find out in Citrus Criminal, Book 2 in the Juiced Around the Corner Cozy Mystery series.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack’s a retired ex-cop from New York, seeking the simple life in Cherringham. Sarah’s a Web designer who’s moved back to the village find herself. But their lives are anything but quiet as the two team up to solve Cherringham’s criminal mysteries.

This compilation contains episodes 31 – 33.

TRAIL OF LIES

Last year at Cherringham High, and for three girls that means facing the School Summer Challenge, a grueling fifty-mile hike across the Cotswolds, through thick woods, over steep hills, camping each night under the stars. But when one of them disappears in the middle of the night and is found dead in the morning, most believe a terrible accident has taken place. Was it really an accident? Jack and Sarah aren’t convinced – and soon discover that secrets and lies can have terrible consequences … and always leave a trail …

DEATH TRAP

When Edward Townes – famed writer of novels about knights and maids, and castles and conquering – attends a medieval launch party for his latest book, he arrives ready to do more than celebrate. But party night brings a blizzard, a once-in-a-century storm that sees Townes staggering home, alone … only to be found dead the next day. With Cherringham cut-off and the blizzard still raging, Jack and Sarah start investigating. Their questions reveal that many of those still stranded in the dark village have secrets. And Townes’ killer is still in the village …

CLIFFHANGER

When a hiker falls from a cliff edge while walking the Cotswolds Way, it seems like no accident. The more Jack and Sarah investigate the walkers on the trail that day, the more likely it seems that danger is still afoot. Is there a potential killer in this Cherringham tour group? And when will he or she strike again?

Co-authors Neil Richards (based in the UK) and Matthew Costello (based in the US), have been writing together since the mid 90’s, creating content and working on projects for the BBC, Disney Channel, Sony, ABC, Eidos, and Nintendo to name but a few. Their transatlantic collaboration has underpinned scores of TV drama scripts, computer games, radio shows, the successful crime fiction series Cherringham, and – most recently – the historical series Mydworth Mysteries.  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand New 1950s Cozy Mystery series by USA TODAY bestselling author Lee Strauss!
Murder’s a wrap!
Private Investigator Rosa Reed has finally accepted that her girlhood romance with Detective Miguel Belmonte has no hope of being rekindled, but when his actress girlfriend gets embroiled in a murder on her movie set, it’s more than a movie schedule that’s upsetting. Can Rosa put aside matters of the heart long enough to help Miguel solve the case?
If you love early rock & roll, poodle skirts, clever who-dun-its, a charming cat and an even more charming detective, you’re going to love this new series!

★★★★★
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.

A brand new 1950s series!

THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES

Murder at High Tide (Book 1)

Murder on the Boardwalk (Book 2)

Murder at the Bomb Shelter (Book 3)

Murder on Location (Book 4)

Murder and Rock ‘n Roll (Book 5)

Murder at the Races (Book 6)

 

Hop aboard the 1920s!

THE GINGER GOLD MYSTERY SERIES

Murder on the SS Rosa (Book 1)

Murder at Hartigan House (Book 2)

Murder at Bray Manor (Book 3)

Murder at Feathers & Flair (Book 4)

Murder at the Mortuary (Book 5)

Murder at Kensington Gardens (Book 6)

Murder at st. George’s Church (Book 7)

The Wedding of Ginger & Basil (Book 7.5)

Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman (Book 8)

Murder at the Boat Club (Book 9)

Murder on Eaton Square (Book 10)

Murder by Plum Pudding (Book 11)

Murder on Fleet Street (Book 12)

Murder at Brighton Beach (Book 13)

Murder at Hyde Park (Book 14)

Murder at Royal Albert Hall (Book 15)

~more on the way!

Don’t miss LADY GOLD INVESTIGATES, the short story companion series!

Genre: cat cozy mystery series / historical mystery / women amateur sleuths / female detectives  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could you face your greatest fear?

The holiday season is in full swing and the only thing Zoey wants to do is get to know her new boyfriend better. But when a ghost shows up at her loft with the name of her killer on her lips, Zoey knows she’s being pulled into another mystery. This one is more puzzling than the last. According to police, the woman died of natural causes, but people who were nearby claim to have heard the victim screaming for help before she died. When a second body turns up, killed in the same manner, Zoey knows Bridgeport has another killer on its hands.

Helping Zoey get to the bottom of things are a meddling ghost, a paranormal investigator, and Zoey’s two best girlfriends. When Zoey finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer, she knows time is running out.

Zoey Matthews, the Unwanted Ghost, and the Cursed Manuscript is the second book in an urban fantasy series that features an engaging mystery, a cast of supernatural characters, a few alluring men, and a heroine who may be afraid of ghosts, but still manages to get the job done.

Get your copy of Zoey Matthews, the Unwanted Ghost, and the Cursed Manuscript today to continue your journey with Zoey into the supernatural.

Warning: Contains adult language, a bit of sex, and a few really creepy characters  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, counts down to a spooky celebration on October 31st, a horrifying murder leaves Melanie Travis pawing for clues in a hair-raising game of trick-or-treat . . .
 
With just a few days left before Halloween, everyone at Howard Academy is anticipating the guaranteed sugar high they’ll experience from gorging on Harriet Bloom’s famous marshmallow puffs. The private school’s annual costume party revolves around the headmaster’s assistant and her seemingly supernatural batches of gooey goodies. So, it’s a shock when Harriet’s elderly neighbor is suddenly found dead with the beloved dessert in his hand. In a snap, police start questioning whether Harriet modified her top-secret recipe to include a hefty dose of lethal poison . . .
 
Melanie knows her tenured colleague would never intentionally serve cyanide-laced puffs to a defenseless old man. But as explosive neighborhood gossip reveals a potential culprit, it also brings her closer to sealing her own doom. Because on an evening ruled by masked revelers, bizarre getups, and hidden identities, Halloween might just be the perfect opportunity for a cold-hearted killer to get away with murder once again—this time sending a nosy, unsuspecting sleuth to an early grave!  (Amazon)

Editions Available:  Kindle, Hardcover