REVIEW: Cabin by Patrick Hutchinson

 Cabin
Author: Patrick Hutchison

DIY is not my forte in any way. The talents involved are just not in my skill set. I'm an office job sort of person. So, the basic plot of this book spoke to me. 

I can't imagine buying a dilapidated cabin in the woods as a project, and learning by trial and error how to fix it up. Patrick Hutchison shares his saga of buying a cabin in the Pacific Northwest that is in pretty bad condition and how that project changes his life. He has to work to afford the cabin project and often finds himself wishing he was there when he needs to be at the office. 

I had a great time reading about his six year renovation project. I can't imagine jumping into a huge project like that with very little knowledge about renovation and carpentry. Kudos to Patrick for pulling it off and for persevering even when he realized he had bitten off way way more than he could chew. 

This book became a national bestseller. I hope for readers' sanity that it did not motivate a bunch of people to buy old cabins with dreams of renovating them.

Very entertaining and interesting read. 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Sleep in Heavenly Pizza

 Sleep in Heavenly Pizza
Author: Mindy Quigley

I enjoy the Deep Dish mystery series. This newest book is an entertaining addition to the series. 

It's the holiday season in Geneva Bay, and the town is hosting its annual ice sculpting championship.  The whole town is transformed into a winter wonderland. Delilah O'Leary finds herself busily catering events leading up to the contest. 

But as with most holidays, things start to go wrong. An unexpected visitor shows up. A party guest disappears. And then.....a body is discovered. Delilah finds herself navigating drama.....and a murder. 

I had the best time reading this newest mystery in this series. It was snowing outside as I read which just gave the perfect atmosphere for enjoying this book. 

Ice sculptures are so pretty, and I could just imagine this whole town gearing up for hosting this event. And then to have the festivities put on ice because of a murder. Delilah and her sidekicks had quite the adventure with holiday drama! I had fun reading this story. The mystery moves along at a nice pace. There is plenty of background plot as well, which I also enjoyed. Delilah and her crew do an excellent job of amateur sleuthing. There were plenty of suspects and a few twists and turns I didn't see coming. 

 All in all, a great addition to this series! I look forward to the next book!

 **I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Curiosity Thrilled the Cat

 Curiosity Thrilled the Cat
Author: Sofie Kelly

I started reading this series several years ago. But then life got busy and I lost track of the series. Circling back around. I decided just to start over at the beginning and read from Book 1. After several years, I remembered the basics of the series but not so much detail that I already knew the killer's identity. 

The Basics: Kathleen Paulson moves from Boston to Mayville, MN to oversee the restoration of the town's library. She finds friends, a new purpose for her life, and two cute cats. Her cats seem unusual but Kathleen is still learning just how unusual they are. The town is gearing up for a music festival when a special guest for the festival is found dead.Kathleen finds herself a suspect in the case, so jumps in to do some amateur sleuthing to clear her name. 

I'm glad I read this book again. The plot and characters are entertaining. The mystery moves along at a good pace and has plenty of suspects and twists to keep a reader interested. The antics of the cats, Hercules and Owen, are endearing and fun. I like the background plot of the library restoration and life in Mayville.  

All in all, a very entertaining read. Moving on to book two! 

REVIEW: If You've Got it, Haunt It

 If You've Got It, Haunt It
Author: Rose Pressey 

This is a re-read for me. I read this book several years ago but then lost track of the series when life got in the way. Darn adulting cutting into my reading time! 

So....I have started the series all over again. :) 

If You've Got It, Haunt It is the first book in the Haunted Vintage cozy mystery series. 

I enjoy the mix of humor, supernatural and mystery. The vintage clothing background plot is interesting as well. I have no real interest in vintage clothing or designer brand, but Rose Pressey used it to skillfully craft an entertaining cozy mystery. The idea of a vintage clothing shop is intriguing. I live in a large metro region and I think a shop like that would be very successful here. Outfits that are different and one of a kind have an appeal for a lot of people. I like the main character, Cookie Chanel. She's smart, a skilled business-woman and a convincing amateur sleuth. Her bestie is a great character and her ghost side-kick is also likable. 

The cover art is very colorful and fits the series. 

 Overall, a fun read. 

I'm glad I'm revisiting this series! Enjoying it! 

Moving on to book 2! 

 

REVIEW: Death by Dumpling

 Death by Dumpling
Author Vivien Chien

I found myself craving Chinese food on multiple occasions while reading this book! 

 The basics: Lana Lee returns home after breaking off a bad relationship. She works at her family's restaurant. When the property manager is murdered, she finds herself investigating the death to save the reputation of Ho-Lee Noodle House. 

This story is a great start for the Noodle Shop Mystery series. I like the characters and the setting. The mystery moved along at a nice pace, and the characters for the series were introduced and developed enough for me to want to read the next book. 

I've had this series waiting on my bookshelf for some time. I'm glad I finally started reading! 

I have already started reading the second book - Dim Sum of All Fears. Enjoying it! And I see a couple Chinese food runs in the near future!