Front Page Murder

Irene Ingram was placed as the editor in chief for the Progress Herald while her father is a war correspondent during WWII. Moe Bauer is a crime reporter who is found dead and Irene put in charge of the local paper. Moe's death was considered an accident until Irene finds a note that was left for her. Moe said he was on a big story and if his body was found she was to know it was not an accident.

Irene decides to look into Moe's murder and she tries to link it to some other crimes that have been occurring in their little town.

I enjoyed reading this murder mystery. If  you enjoy fun books like this I would highly recommend it. 

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Deep-Fried Revenge

This book is a part of a series however, having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page this cozy mystery pulled me in and kept me captivated until the end. It involves a restaurant family which allows for so many ideas Ms Cahoon weaves her magic into this setting so well.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Kensington Press in exchange for my honest review all opinions are my own.

The Rocky Road to Ruin

I loved this book by Meri Allen. I do enjoy cozy mysteries and this is up there with one of my favorites.

When you pick up this book to read a bowl of ice cream should be close at hand to help fit the atmosphere..

As for the mystery, there were enough surprising happenings to keep me enthralled. I was on my toes through the entire book. This is a fun series. I cannot wait to read the next book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinoins are my own. 

Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

 

A pending wedding, a healing plant and murder. They are perfect together. This is the first of these books that I have read and now I will be going back to read the others in this series. This book includes old friends and enemies..

In this book Wrexford and Charlotte are facing these good and bad plans together. There is a reuniting of Charlotte with her brother, who happens to have befriended the murdered man.

I love the twists and turns through this book and I was never lost by not reading the previous books. To top the whole book up Wrexford and Charlotte have their wedding at last.

I highly recommend this book to mystery readers as well as others.

I was given this book by Kensington Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Sins of the Past

 

Sins of the Past consists of three mystery novellas. The first is Missing by Dee Henderson. Second is Shadowed by Dani Pettrey. Third is Blackout by Lynette Eason. I have read other books by Dee Henderson and Lynette Eason and have always been spell-bound. Now I will add Dani Pettrey as a Christian author of thrillers to add to my list. 

All three of these stories kept me enthralled. The story lines are great, which is not always the case with novellas. They each have endings which will surprise along with a bit of romance.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Sorry I Missed You by Suzy Krause

This is a humorous book which meant that it was a quick read. I love how Suzy Krause was able to combine romance, humor, and mystery together in a book which had me chuckling out loud, at times.
The story is told through different perspectives with each character sharing their unique view. Three women meet when they rent from the same property. Each of them are dealing with things from their pasts and possible ghosts in the house. It was interesting watching how their relationship evolves into a friendship.
If I were to name a theme through this book I would have to say it is ghosts. There are ghosts in the women's, plus one man's, pasts plus the ghosts that may be in the house. Plus each must face letting go so they can move forward.
This was such a fun read during the time when we are trapped in our homes, trying to stay safe. I recommend this book to anyone looking at a fun, book that is hard to put down. It was great.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon

I love cozy mysteries. They are easy to read yet have enough twists to keep my attention.
Memories and Murder, by Lynn Cahoon, is such a book and Lynn Cahoon is an exceptional writer in this genre.
This is part of a series but I was not lost a bit when I picked this title to read. Jill Gardner owns a combination coffee shop/bookstore in South Cove. Across the street from her shop is another owned by Harrold Snider. He was engaged to her Aunt Jackie until the aunt broke the engagement. Jill becomes suspicious when she discovers why.
I enjoyed this book so much and feel like this is a good addition to any cozy mystery collection.
I was given this book by NetGalley and Kensington in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: A Harvest of Thorns

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Many young women die in a garment factory fire in Bangladesh. In the aftermath a picture of a teenager is taken. This young girl has a fabric with Presto Omnishops Corporation on it. This is one of the largest retailers in America.
In its headquarters a man, Cameron Alexander, watches the news coverage of the incident. He watches at the picture of the girl is everywhere making people wonder about the ethics of the company. Alexander starts an investigation which will lead him down paths that could devastate his world.
A reporter, a year later, receives information about the company and the fire. This is all Joshua Griswold needs to cover a story that could save his career from former disgrace.
The story was developed well as the author begins with a central story and then builds each character from there. It is a sobering story that gives insight in the garment industry. The real world settings helped me to see the world in a different light.
A very good book.

Book Review: Death Comes to Dogwood Manor

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This cozy mystery by Sandra Bretting is great fun. Missy, on her way to her shop, Crowning Glory, has a car accident in front of Dogwood Manor. This once beautiful mansion is being changed into a hotel by Herbert Solomon. His is the car that Missy runs into. A Rolls Royce, no less. This is not a big concern to Herbert as he is too busy dealing with the remodel.
Missy returns to the mansion to check out the chapel where one of her clients is getting married. While there she finds Herbert Solomon dead, by poison. Missy just seems to run into one misfortune after another in this enjoyable book.
I have enjoyed Sandra Bretting's books in the past and I have a feeling I will be reading more of her works int he future.
Highly recommended.

Book Review: A Fatal Collection

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have fallen back in love with cozy mysteries. These are the kind of mysteries that make you want to sink back into your chair with a pot of tea and read.
In A Fatal Collection (A Keepsake Cove Mystery) I have found such a book.
This is the first in a series of books, I will be reading more in the series.
After spending the night at her aunt's house, Callie Reed discovers her aunt is dead. Callie doesn't agree with the authorities when they say her aunt's death was from an accidental fall.
Callie is left a music box store by her Aunt Melodie. This store fits in with the neighborhood as it seems where ever she looks she sees more stores with collectibles. This is the opportunity Callie decided to take. However, soon odd things happen.
This book was so fun to read and I liked the characters that the author, Mary Ellen Hughes created.

Book Review: The Lighthearted Quest

This book was first published in 1956, with this in mind, the world was a different place with varied views on things.
Julia Probyn's cousin has not communicated with any of his family for a while, now Julia needs to find him. He was last seen in Morocco, so she sets of in this direction, relying on her journalism career to be a good cover. Not looking for any danger she was not prepared for the secrets which enveloped this disappearance.
I enjoyed this book immensely, the humor and adventure that the author included played off each other just right. I was also thrilled with the opportunity to "visit" many of the exotic areas this book took me on.
Exciting and humorous, this book was an excellent choice.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book may be found at Amazon HERE!

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Book Review: Ruff Justice

Disclaimer: I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love books and dogs, so when I saw this book cover I had to get this book to review. I was blessed with lovely weather and no distractions so I was able to pick up this book yesterday and I finished it this morning. I loved it.
This book is a cozy mystery which centers around the world of a dog show, a murdered vendor and her missing friend and tenant. The connection between the murder and the tenant becomes clearer when secrets start appearing.
As I stated before this book was a nice quick read, especially when you can settle back and enjoy it. The description of the world of dog shows and the world of teaching are very well written, as are the characters, including the dogs.
I highly recommend this book and I hope to be able to read more by this author soon.

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Book Review: Domestic Secrets

Rachel owns the local hair salon. she serves many of the women in Timbergrove, Oregon. Her friend, Ariel Alexander, used to be a television star. Together they have helped each other through the adventures of single motherhood.
Lately, however, it seems to Rachel that Ariel's parenting skills have been slipping and she has a secret love. In addition to worrying about Ariel, Rachel also has a son who has become distant. The two families are torn apart by an event that Rachel has a hard time understanding. This leads her to discover other things about those she has trusted in the town.
I was taken in by the way the book explores things that tie people together and the things that can separate them. I had a little discomfort with how honest the writing was, but this is a personal feeling. Overall, I feel like Rosalind Noonan wrote a book which will leave the reader satisfied in choosing this book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Cat Who Moved A Mountain

The Cat Who series centers around Qwilleran, a reporter who always seems to come across crimes, Koko, a Siamese cat who has amazing talents and Yum Yum, another Siamese cat who is loved by the other two. In this book Quill rents a house on Big Potato Mountain. The house is owned by J.J. Hawkinfield. Hawkinfield ends up pushed off the mountain by someone that call Big Potato Mountain his home. Qwill is not sure that they have the right man and soon the three are on the trail of the crime.

This is the second time I have read these books and I enjoy them just as much as the first time. The author, Lilian Jackson Braun now how to captivate her readers with crimes that have twists and turns before coming to an end. Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum work their ways into the heart without too much difficulty. Altogether, I recommend this book, and series, very highly.

Book Review: Death at Thorburn Hall

This is book six in the Drew Farthering Mystery Books. Don't let this turn you away, however. I don't always enjoy coming into a series not having read the previous books, but I thought I would try this one since it was a mystery. I am very glad that I did.

In this book, Drew Farthering was going for a holiday at the 1935 British Open at Muirfield. While there he discovers that the partner of Lord Rainsby, his host, is believed to be embezzling. Lord Rainsby as for help but soon is found dead. As is his way, Farthering continues looking around, in spite of all the guest present, each who had motive to kill Rainsby.

This book is filled with history and mystery, two things that draw me right into a book. The characters in the book gave me a feeling that I was glancing into a life I would not have known, if I were around at that time. This makes me feel like a fly on the wall, trying to absorb as much as I can. The same can be said about the way the mystery was written. I felt like I was looking for a solution with Farthering, without interfering or knowing what was to come next.

I loved this mystery and I hope to now pick up other books by the same author. I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
This book may be found at Barnes and Noble HERE!

Book Review: The Cat Who Talked Turkey

These books by Lilian Jackson Braun are so addicting. In this one the Pickax bookstore is having its groundbreaking. At the same time Brrr, yes that is the name of the town, is having a celebration for their bicentennial. Of course, the events are ruined when a man's body is located on James Qwilleran's land. This brings Qwill and his mystery solving cats, Koko and Yum Yum to the thing they like most, determining who committed this crime.

These books are so much fun, this is the 26th in "The Cat Who..." series and I have enjoyed every one. This is an enjoyable read for when the reader is looking for a mystery that is not too heavy.

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Book Review: The Lost Woman

Sofie Parker, a Dane, is murdered in England. The murder was a shot through the kitchen window. Sofie had been on the Missing Persons list for almost 20 years. Because of the circumstances, Louise Rick is asked to be on the case, however, the person who reported Sofie missing was Louise's co-worker and her significant other, Eik. He comes to England and is jailed on suspicion of the murder. All of this has confused Louise, but she continues on with the case hoping to find the killer.

I seem to be on a thriller kick right now. Even though this is the third in the series, and I had not read the previous ones. I was able to pick the characters up easily. The story was very complex with many surprises throughout.

If you are a lover of murder mysteries this would be an excellent choice. I was given this book by Grand Central Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Skeleton Garden

This is part of the cozy mystery series, A Potting Shed Mystery.

Pru Parke has moved from Texas to a plush place in England called Greenoak. Offered this estate, Pru and Christopher Pearse, her new hubby and former Detective Chief Inspector, said yes. While there she decides to connect with her brother, Simon.

While working on the grounds, Pru and her brother, the grounds worker, found a WWII German fighter plane and some bones. This did not thrill everyone and some blamed Simon. This did not sit well with Pru so she fights for him.

This was such a fun read. I enjoyed the garden talk and the connection with WWII. The development of the characters was well done. I had not read a book in this series before so this aspect was important to me. The predictability factor was pretty high but it was still enjoyable.

I received this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This book may be purchased at Amazon HERE!

Book Review: Twenty-eight and a half wishes

This is another one of those books that is hard to put down. It is so much fun.

Rose Gardner works at the DMV. One Friday afternoon she sees a vision. In the vision she is dead. This is not unusual, having visions, but they are usually mundane everyday occurrences. this is the first one she has had of herself. Her mother, a person who never showed much love to Rose, is murdered. This leaves two problems: the blood stain and Rose is considered the victim.

With her vision and her status as being a suspect on her mind, Rose decides that she has wasted 24 years. So she makes a list of 28 things she wants to do before her vision comes true. Her neighbor, Joe, helps Rose with the list, except number fifteen - do more with a man. Soon, even though he is new in town, Rose realizes that he has secrets.

Rose has also discovered that someone thinks she has something that they want. They have threatened her, broken into her house, murders someone else, in other words they will do what they have to in order to get the item back again.

The cover pulled me into this book and I was hooked by the middle of the first chapter. The characters are well filled out. We find out about Rose's mom and how she has affected Rose's life. Every character shows imperfections which will make you want to scream at them at times, but if you keep reading the next sentence may make you smile again. The situations which Rose gets into are so hilarious. But there is also a mystery to solve throughout the book.

I feel like this is a fun read that many would enjoy, if you enjoy a cozy mystery this will be a nice additions, also.

I was given this book by the author, Denise Grover Swank, in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Bringing Maggie Home

It has been a while since I have read a novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I am so glad that I picked up this book. It was like seeing a friend who you haven't seen for a long time.

In Bringing Maggie Home, the main character is Hazel DeFord. When she was ten, her sister, Maggie, who was three, disappears while the two girls are berry picking.

Now, almost seven decades later, it is still a mystery as to what happened all those years ago. Hazel has kept this as a guilt as she feels responsible since she was the older sister. This feeling has kept her from becoming close to her own daughter, Diane. Diane does not understand why her mother was almost paranoid about her protection. Diane's daughter Meghan, loves her grandmother, including all the attention.

Meghan takes a leave-of-absence after a car accident which makes all three women living together for a while. While there the secret guilt of Hazel's comes to the surface and causes Meghan to wonder if she will be able to solve this case.

What good writing. I wanted to continue reading to the end so I could find out what happened all those years ago. I love it when this happens. It really touched my heart, even with a subject which almost made me not read it. This story changes points of view throughout, plus time periods. This is handled in such an effortless manner which shows the skills of the author. I felt like I was a part of each life.

This book is one that I thoroughly enjoyed and I highly recommend it. I was given this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.