REVIEW: The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern

 The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
Author: Lillian Jackson Braun

I first started reading this series when I was in college. There were only a few books at that time. Lillian Jackson Braun wrote the first 3 books in the 1960s, and then continued the series starting in 1986. I loved the early books! But life happened and I lost track of this series for a very long time.

Flash forward a couple decades. I decided to read my way through this whole series starting back at the very beginning! Loving it!

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern is book 2 in this series. Jim Qwilleran continues to work at the Daily Fluxion putting out a Sunday special magazine on interior decorating. The assignment isn't making him exactly happy because everytime he publishes an article on an art collection or a wonderfully decorated home...something horrible happens! A break-in and theft. A police sting. A murder. Jim just can't seem to catch a break! At least no matter what happens he still has his strangely intelligent sidekick -- his Siamese cat, Koko.

At under 200 pages for the paperback edition, this book was a quick and very enjoyable read. The reporter/newspaper journalism portion of the plot is quite outdated, but the mystery is still spot on. I love how Koko seemingly gives Jim clues, and how Jim's mustache tingles when he's on the right track. Just a fun series to read! The series changes quite a bit when it hits the 4th book, published in 1986. I like the first three books, but I prefer the Qwilleran character once his life changes a bit in the 4th book.

Moving on -- The Cat Who Turned On and Off is next!! :) There are 29 books in this series, plus a couple short story collections. I'm going to be reading for awhile! But, I'm ok with that! Glad to finally be going back and reading this series!

REVIEW: Vinyl Resting Place

 Vinyl Resting Place
Author: Olivia Blacke

I read cozy mysteries to relax in the evenings after work. I love the humor, the quirky background plots, cute pets, etc. For me, reading purely for entertainment is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable.

When I read the blurb for this first book in the Record Shop Mystery series, I knew I had to read a review copy of this book! A coffeeshop/record store!! OMG! I wish Sip & Spin Records was a real shop!! I would be in there all the time! And I'm glad I jumped at the chance to read this book -- I enjoyed it immensely!

The basics: Juni and her sisters Tansy and Maggie decide to collaborate on a business venture. They open a coffee shop and record store. Things get off to a rocky start when a family member is accused of murder and they put their new shop up as guarantee on the bail bond. Can the sisters do some sleuthing and save not only their uncle, but also their new store?

I love the characters, the premise, the idea of the shop.....I just had fun reading this book! But the book wasn't just fun to read -- the plot was well-written and interesting! The story definitely kept my full attention from start to finish! Sometimes cozies can be a bit heavy on the cute/humor and light on plot. This book was a nice mix of it all -- great plot, humorous and quirky! Loved it!

I can't wait to find out what happens next in this new series!

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

REVIEW: The Tudors in Love

 The Tudors in Love
Author: Sarah Gristwood

The Tudors. We all know the history. Court intrigue, political wrangling, violence, beheadings and burnings, insurrection, assassination attempts, war....   The history of the Tudors is a lot more than Henry marrying six times or Elizabeth being The Virgin Queen. There was a lot going on! A lot of change. A lot of heavy stuff!

But what of love?

What's love got to do with it? Author Sarah Gristwood brings forth a treasure trove of Tudor research and facts to show it might just have a lot to do with it. Love, even with hugely political aspirations, is still love, right?

I'm a sucker for all things Tudor era, so I enjoyed reading this book. I knew the history and a lot of the background facts already. But, Gristwood puts an interesting spin on things. This book is not about romantic love, but courtly love and relationships that wield great political power. It brings into focus how much obsession, lust, the rules of courtly love, marriages and relationships entered into for political gain left their mark on the Tudor era.

I enjoyed this book! Gristwood relates the facts in an interesting way. This isn't a dry history book, but an engaging presentation of the facts and a reflection on the effects of courtly love, marriages and relationships on the Tudor Era.

This is the first book by Sarah Gristwood that I've read. I can't wait to read more by her, especially her book on the women behind the War of the Roses!

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

REVIEW: Steeped in Secrets

 Steeped in Secrets
Author: Lauren Elliott

I love tea....I have a huge tea stash and sip my way through multiple cups daily. So, when I see a tea-related cozy mystery, I grab a copy and read. Especially when the book is the first in a new series! I've enjoyed several books in Lauren Elliott's Beyond the Page Bookstore cozy series and enjoyed each one. It was not a hard decision to grab up a review copy of this first book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series!

The Basics: Shay Meyers is having a rough time. Her entire life in New Mexico has imploded...so she's heading back to her hometown. Not because she wants to, really. But because she inherits an estate from someone she barely knew. But, in a pinch, weird circumstances are better than living amongst the flaming ashes of  her former life....so she heads to California. Little does she know....but things are going to get a lot stranger.

I enjoyed this book! I was intrigued by the crystals and slightly paranormal background plot. I like the characters. And, Shay is a scrappy, determined main character. Made for a fun cozy read!

I can't wait to read more of this series! It's quirky and entertaining! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: The Butcher's Masquerade

 The Butcher's Masquerade
Author: Matt Dinniman

This series has been my gateway into the LitRPG genre. I'm totally hooked. And, since I have now caught up with Matt Dinniman and need to wait for book 6 in this series to come out.....I have lots of adventurous tales saved to my TBR! It will make the wait for more Carl and Princess Donut a little easier to bear. Only a little -- I want to know what happens next!

The Butcher's Masquerade is the 5th book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. Sucked into a diabolical and universe-wide reality dungeon crawl when aliens destroyed Earth, Carl and Donut fight their way through level after level, appear on talk shows, and struggle to defeat whatever the game throws their way. This time, all of the Crawlers who remain are being hunted. Hunters pay big bucks to get a chance to bag some players. Some return every season. And, at the end of the level, a huge masquerade party is held for the top 50 surviving Crawlers and all of the remaining hunters. No fighting allowed.....supposedly. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything. As usual.

Wow. That's all I can say. As the final credits finished on my audio book, I just sat and let all the events of this book sink in. So much! The action was great! Carl and his crew come up with some great strategy. I enjoyed every minute of this audio book! The audio book, narrated by Jeff Hayes, is just over 23.5 hours long. Hayes gives another excellent performance! He is rapidly becoming one of my favorite audio book narrators. Always so much fun to listen to him voice these characters!

This series is a nice mix of action, fantasy and humor. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!

REVIEW: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Author: Lillian Jackson Braun

 Jim Qwilleran's life took a bit of an unexpected detour....divorce, alcoholism....but he's getting things back on track. He takes a job as a feature writer with a newspaper, the Daily Fluxion. Although in the past he was a prize winning reporter, he starts out a bit humbly at his new job -- writing features on local artists. His publisher wants him to smooth some ruffled feathers. The paper's art critic has published some scathing, sarcastic commentary on the work of many local artists. Jim doesn't realize how cutthroat the art world can be until a local gallery owner turns up dead. He finds himself covering his art beat, while working in some sleuthing into the darkness lurking behind the local art culture.

This book is the start to this popular series. There are 29 books in this series, plus a couple short story collections. The first three books were written in the 60's when working at a large daily newspaper meant huge rooms filled with typewriters, hanging out at the press club, etc. As a former reporter and editor, it made me smile. Jim Qwilleran is thrown into writing features on art when he knows nothing about art at all. This might seem unrealistic to some....but not to me. On my first day as a newspaper reporter when I was fresh out of college, I was thrown into covering city and county commission meetings. I had to research things like property tax and appraisals, elections and other important topics that I knew absolutely nothing about. I was thrown right into the fire on day one and had to figure it out. Totally normal.....you have to fake it til you make it. Call and ask questions, check facts multiple times, look foolish on occasion to make sure a story is on target.....reading about Jim trying to swim through his confusion about art, eccentric artists and local shows made me smile. I never had to work in a large room filled with typewriters....we had computers. But, when I first started as a journalist at a small rural daily paper, we had to print our stories, send the trimmed copy through a wax machine and layout the pages by hand. I had to take and print my own photographs in "the dungeon''....the dank and horrid darkroom on the bottom floor of an ancient building. Reading this book made me a bit nostalgic for my own "old days.'' :)

The first three books in this series were written in the 60s. Then Lilian Jackson Braun picked it up again in the late 80s....that's when I discovered this series. I got to book 8 before life interrupted and I lost track of the series. I'm going to revisit the books I read way back then.....and then read my way through the stories I missed! :) Lots of reading to do! I'm looking forward to revisiting the interesting reporter whose mustache tingles when a story is going to break and his two siamese cat companions!

12/26/2022 - I originally wrote this review in July 2019. Returning to this series again. Re-read book 1 (loved it all over again) and now on to book 2.

REVIEW: The Gate of the Feral Gods

 The Gate of the Feral Gods
Author: Matt Dinniman

The adventures of Carl and his cat sidekick, Princess Doughnut continue in this 4th book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.

Gnomes. Sand castles. Bubble worlds. Feral Gods. The 5th floor of the dungeon has many surprises and game-changing twists! Even live-streamed feral god attacks!

I love this series! Always entertaining! The audio books are amazing. Jeff Hays is one of my favorite audio narrators. His voice acting is superb, bringing the characters and zany LitRPG action in this series to life.

I am never disappointed by this series. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Each dungeon floor gets more and more interesting!

REVIEW: Daisy Darker

 Daisy Darker
Author: Alice Feeney

A family gathers to celebrate their matriarch's 80th birthday. As they gather at Nana's house, the atmosphere is strained at best. A lot stands between them -- Secrets. Lies. Cruelties. All those things that tear dysfunctional families apart. But they are all stuck there together for hours because access to the mainland is completely cut off once the tide comes in.

And then someone starts killing them off. One by one. Leaving macabre messages behind.

I listened to the audio book version of this story, and loved every minute of it! This tale is definitely inspired by And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. But, there is enough different and surprising aspects about Alice Feeney's take on the isolated who-dunnit style tale that I found myself completely lost in the story.

The audio book is just shy of 11 hours long and is narrated by Stephanie Racine. She does an excellent job of voice acting and brings the story to life!

This was an enjoyable and suspenseful story. I'm definitely going to read more by this author!

REVIEW: Dead and Breakfast

 Dead and Breakfast
Author: Kate Kingsbury

To recover from a bad divorce, Melanie enters a business partnership with her grandmother, Liza. They buy a fixer-upper mansion on the Oregon coast to renovate and open a B&B. The locals say the old house is haunted, so they go with the flow and name it The Merry Ghost Inn. Just as they start renovations on the house, a grisly discovery within one of the walls halts their project. Soon laughing ghosts and a skeleton in the wall is the least of their worries when a woman is murdered and someone seems keen on killing Melanie, too.

I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by Tavia Gilbert, the audio is just shy of 7 1/2 hours long. Gilbert does a great job of narrating. She really brought the story to life!

I enjoyed the characters, the plot and setting of this book. My favorite character? It's a toss up between Liza, the spunky grandma or Max, the rescue dog. Or, maybe the ghost! It's hard to choose!

I'm definitely reading the rest of this 3-book series! Very entertaining!

REVIEW: Mountain Town Mischief With a Poodle

 Mountain Town Mischief With a Poodle
Author: Virginia Fox

I love cozy mysteries, especially if they are set near where I live. Since I moved to CO this past summer, I jumped right at the chance to read a cozy set here. But, while the book is entertaining, it is a bit too much like a romance novel for me. Just not my type of cozy.

The story is cute and I did finish reading, but too much romance and not enough mystery for my taste. The relationship between the main character, Jasmine, and her new boyfriend just moved too fast. Her new friendships formed after moving from Seattle to small-town CO were also insta-relationships. The plot felt like it glossed over any character building straight to MC-is-set-up-and-in-her-new-life. I felt the romance is more the focus of the plot than mystery/suspense.

Readers who really love romance mixed with a bit of mystery will enjoy this series.

I'm glad I tried Virginia Fox's writing. She is popular for a reason. But, this series is just not for me. Not every book or series is for every reader. And this one was just not for me. Doesn't mean it's a bad book....the story is just meant for others.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Dragonbooks Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Dead and Gondola

 Dead and Gondola
Author: Ann Claire

Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I was 9 years old and bought a box set of Poirot mysteries at a garage sale. So, just about any mystery book that invokes her name pulls me right in immediately. The Christie Sisters and their cat, Agatha, running a bookshop in CO -- yep, reading it! Easy choice. How could I not? I live in CO...and if this bookshop were a real place, I would be there!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I like the setting, the characters, the plot....the story is just fun to read! I read my review copy of this book while watching the first snow of the season fall over the front range, sipping hot tea, and snuggled under fuzzy blankets. It was perfect!

My favorite character? Agatha, of course!

The basics: Ellie and Meg Christie run a bookshop, the Book Chalet. When a man is found dead in a gondola on the nearby ski lift, trouble starts. Rumors, secrets, a rock slide.....  Can the Christies sift through a mountain of clues and find the killer?

Loved this book! I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!! This was the perfect book for reading on a snowy night in CO!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House/Ballentine. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: A Sliver of Darkness

 A Sliver of Darkness
Author: CJ Tudor

CJ Tudor had me as a dedicated reader from her very first book -- The Chalk Man. If she wrote a Compendium of Stereo Instructions, I would buy it and read it. I'm sure she could give even stereo installation a cool, creepy vibe! So, of course, I jumped right on a short story collection.

This collection of 11 dark stories has a bit of everything. Old friends. Love. Revenge. Jealousy. Mistaken identity. Time. Hidden things. Secrets. Killers. Teenagers. Even butterflies and a cruise ship. The themes are varied, but all are creepy and well-written. My favorite? Dust. Excellent story! There wasn't a single story I didn't enjoy. Even the cover art is excellent!

The best part? Before each story she includes an introduction about where her head was at when she wrote the tale.

Loved this book!! Not really a surprise though. I've loved them all so far!

And, I already have a review copy of her next book, The Drift.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House/Ballentine. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Deliberate Cruelty

 Deliberate Cruelty
Author: Roseanne Montillo

Wow .... for me, this book was a rough read, but one I couldn't stop reading. A high society scandal. A famous writer wanting to stay relevant. Choices. Consequences. Downfall.

Brutal. And....all true.

In 1955, a New York socialite shot and killed her husband. Anne Woodward said it was an accident and that she thought her banker husband was an intruder. Truman Capote, famous for his novel In Cold Blood, decided to make the story into a book. He said it would be his next bestseller, of course. Capote's need for attention and fame led him to make some bad decisions. He betrayed the trust of high society friends, publishing a magazine story revealing things he had been told in confidence. Before the magazine article even came out, Anne Woodward killed herself. And, Capote was ruined. He lost his high society contacts, and fell into drug and alcohol addiction. Eventually, his addictions killed him. 

Roseanne Montillo does such a great job of telling this story. I loved In the Garden of Good and Evil. But, I have to say, in my opinion, this book surpasses that one. Normally, I'm not phased by much. I can read non-fiction and true crime stories, and not get overwhelmed by the subject matter. But, this book hit me right in the feels. Truman Capote pretty much destroyed himself. One choice (or mistake, if that was the actual truth) destroyed Anne's life. And so many upper crust people with very damaging secrets. Just sad all the way around. Nobody involved came out of this unscathed. Choices have consequences. Secrets never stay secret. And, it's never wise to burn bridges and betray people for your own self interests.

This book had me thinking deep thoughts for days afterwards. What awesome stories could Capote have written, if he hadn't pretty much self-imploded? What would Anne's life have been like if she hadn't made a split second decision in 1955? What was the final fate of all those high society "swans' who fluttered all around Capote and left him in the cold when he betrayed them? Yikes - reality sometimes surpasses any soap opera. Some very wealthy women were floundering around in their own personal shit show, but trying to keep up appearances and hide their dirty secrets. Ick. What a waste -- all the way around. Nobody came out of this happy. Nobody.

Wonderfully written. This is a Hard-hitting and dark story of hatred, jealousy, the price of fame, and consequences. It's a brutal, but compelling, tale. And, it's even darker because it's all true.

I can't wait to read what this author writes next!!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Atria Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: A Trace of Poison

A Trace of  Poison
Author: Colleen Cambridge

This mystery series, in my opinion, has the most awesome basic premise ever. The main character, Phyllida Bright, is Agatha Christie's housekeeper. Not only does she keep Mallowan Hall running smoothly, but she also plays amateur detective when things go wrong. Investigating deaths tied to the Queen of Mystery Writers -- beautiful! Such an awesome idea for a book series!

I enjoyed this second book in the Phyllida Bright series just as much as the first. This time, members of the famous Detection Club have been invited to take part in a murder fete fundraiser to aid an orphanage. Things go horribly wrong when Father Tooley drops dead during the party on the first night. When a second attempt is made on another guest, Agatha of course calls in Phyllida to investigate. Can you even imagine a murder at an event involving so many famous mystery writers? Who would dare!?
Perfect idea for an awesome plot, in my opinion! The ending surprised me - I didn't see it coming. I love it when that happens!!

The story kept my attention from start to finish. I love the characters and the basic premise of this series. And I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!

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

REVIEW: A Trip with Trouble

 A Trip with Trouble
Author: Diane Kelly

The Mountain Lodge Mysteries series continues with book 2, A Trip With Trouble. This time a women's biker club is staying at the lodge for their annual autumn get-together. Lodge owner, Misty Murphy, is happy because every room is full and her guests are having a great time. Until.....

There's always an "until,'' right?

When one of the bikers is killed, Misty finds herself doing a bit of sleuthing once again. Can she and her friends discover the truth behind the killing?

I really enjoy this series! I like the setting, the characters and the plots. Favorite character? Yeti -- the cat, of course! In this newest book, there is plenty of investigating, suspects and surprises. The story kept me engaged from start to finish. Nice mix of mystery and humor.

I love the cover art! The picture makes me wish I could actually stay at the lodge!

I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are completely my own.**

REVIEW: Empty Smiles

 Empty Smiles
Author: Katherine Arden

Empty Smiles is the fourth and final book in the middle-grade horror series, Small Spaces. I love creepy stories written for kids -- no heavy, traumatizing adult themes....just entertaining with a spooky edge. I have enjoyed this series from the start, and this final book is just as good as the first three!

This time, the kids work frantically to get one of their friends back from The Smiling Man, while facing a demented, evil carnival. Yep -- clowns are involved. They are scary enough when they aren't evil horror clowns with sharp teeth!! And, there are dolls, too. Doubly spooky!  The story is very entertaining and creepy. It kept my attention from start to finish.  I'm sorry to see this series end, but I was quite satisfied by the ending.

I'm eagerly awaiting what Katherine Arden publishes next! I have enjoyed all her books!

REVIEW: Marple - Twelve New Mysteries

 Marple: Twelve New Mysteries
Authors: Various

Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I purchased a set of 5 Hercule Poirot paperbacks at a garage sale when I was 9. I spent all summer reading those books - the first adult paperbacks with small print I ever read. And I have loved her mysteries ever since.

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries isn't Agatha Christie. But, almost 50 years after her death, this anthology from 12 very talented authors is as close as we can get to new stories. Jane Marple. The quiet elderly small village dweller, sitting in a corner quietly knitting or sipping tea.....all the while overserving and putting 2 and 2 together to catch the evildoers. A classic character for almost 100 years now. These authors did a wonderful job of bringing the character back to life in 12 new short stories. Lovely!

The stories:

Evil in Small Places - Lucy Foley: Miss Marple believes that bad things can happen in small villages because everybody is in everyone else's business -- then goes about solving a case that proves her right. Lucy Foley writes mystery/thriller/suspense novels. Her story is spot on when it comes to Jane Marple and the Christie short story vibe. I enjoyed this story, and added two novels by Foley that I haven't read yet to my wait list at my local library. I've previously read her book The Hunting Party and enjoyed it. Now I'm going to read The Guest List, followed by The Paris Apartment.

The Second Murder in the Vicarage  - Val McDermid: A second murder occurs at the vicarage in St. Mary Mead. Luckily, Jane Marple lives right next door. Great story -- and lovely to hear about characters from Murder at the Vicarage again! Val McDermid writes crime/suspense fiction. The television series Wire in the Blood is adapted from her Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series (I've added book 1 in this series to my list at the library). I haven't read any of her novels yet, but I did watch a season of the television show and enjoyed it.

Miss Marple Takes Manhattan - Alyssa Cole: Miss Marple visits Manhattan and gets caught up in sleuthing. I have to admit that I didn't finish this story. Although Miss Marple did travel at times in Christie's stories, I just couldn't picture the character doing these things or being in this situation. So, I DNFd this one. Great writing.....just not Marple-ish enough for me. One great thing about anthologies, even themed ones, is the fact that there is something for every reader. This one was just not for me. Alyssa Cole is an award-winning romance writer.

The Unravelling - Natalie Haynes: Knitting helps Miss Marple solve a murder.I loved the small village feel of this story. The story definitely highlights Miss Marple's talent for sitting in the background knitting and observing, coming up with the solution to a mystery through quiet contempation. Natalie Haynes is an award winning women's fiction author. I'm intrigued by her book Pandora's Jar, a re-telling of Greek mythology with the female characters taking  the lead. I definitely added Pandora's Jar to my TBR!

Miss Marple's Christmas - Ruth Ware. A traditional Christmas with Miss Marple will, of course, include a crime to solve. This story is what first drew my attention to this collection of Marple tales. I enjoy Ruth Ware's books and just had a feeling she would completely knock it out of the park with her story. And she did! This is, by far, my favorite story in the anthology! Ruth Ware writes suspense/thrillers.

The Open Mind - Naomi Alderman. Bad behavior at a stuffy academic dinner turns into something much more sinister. I absolutely love how Miss Marple's character shines out in this story. She's surrounded by people she doesn't really know or particularly like, but spends the entire evening noticing things and listening to conversations (which comes in handy later, of course). In Christie's early Marple stories the character was very much like this, and it made me love this story! Naomi Alderman is an award winning fiction writer and game writer (Run, Zombies!). I added her newest novel The Power to my TBR -- I can't wait to read it! I loved the style of Alderman's story in this anthology and look forward to more of the same!

The Jade Empress - Jean Kwok. Jane Marple travels by ship to visit her nephew in Hong Kong. Of course, a murder occurs on-board during the voyage. Although this story does push the character to the limits a bit, I could absolutely see the independent, shrewd and feisty Miss Marple doing all the things she does in this lovely story. I really enjoyed this one! Jean Kwok writes fiction with Chinese cultural themes.

A Deadly Wedding Day - Dreda Say Mitchell. A wedding reception turns deadly. Although this was a great murder mystery story, it just didn't have that Christie/Marple feel to me. Definitely not one of my favorites from this collection. Dreda Say Mitchell is an award winning British crime novelist. I'd love to read some of her crime novels!

Murder at the Villa Rosa - Elly Griffiths. A villa in Italy. A perfect get-away for a tired author....or is it? This story was enjoyable, but not really a Miss Marple sort of tale. Elly Griffiths writes mystery thrillers. I added several to my TBR. Although I didn't really care for her Marple tale, I like her writing style and enjoy suspense stories. So I'm definitely going to try a couple of her books!

The Murdering Sort - Karen McManus. While vacationing, Miss Marple is called in to investigate a murder....before it happens. Ahhh, family intrigue. Very Christie-esque. I liked the fact this story was told from the perspective of Jane's niece. Karen McManus writes YA novels. I enjoyed her Marple story with a YA flavor. Nicely done!

The Mystery of the Acid Soil  - Kate Mosse. A chance meeting on a train involves Miss Marple in an investigation. I enjoyed this story. The characters, plot and setting all had a nice Marple-y feel to them. Kate Mosse is an award winning fiction writer. Years ago I read her novel Labyrinth and loved it, but I never finished the series. I have added it to my TBR and will right this wrong! Great story in this collection. I could see Miss Marple in my head, knitting on the train, and being her usual inquisitive self. :) Lovely!

The Disappearance - Leigh Bardugo. Miss Marple is called in to investigate a disappearance in St. Mary Mead. This one didn't work for me. The ending is not, in my opinion, what Jane Marple would have done in the circumstances. But, others may feel differently. Leigh Bardugo is a bestselling YA author. I added her Six of Crows series to my TBR. I've been wanting to read it -- time to get it done!

I love how this anthology includes stories from authors that are all so different. Everything from YA fantasy to romance writers. Some of the stories were completely in line with the Christie character for me...and others were off a bit. But there's something for every reader in this lovely book.

So happy that they brought Jane back for a few more investigations! Poirot next? Please?

REVIEW: Died in the Wool

 Died in the Wool
Author: Peggy Ehrhart

Died in the Wool is the second book in the Knit and Nibble Mystery series. Pamela, Bettina, Nell and all the members of the knitting group have been hard at work knitting stuffed aardvarks to raise money for the local high school sports program. 25 cute little stuffed 'varks are for sale at the knitting club booth at a local festival. However, they come up two aardvarks short at the end of the day. Did some shoplifter make off with the goods? As they search around the booth for the missing stuffies, they find more than they bargained for. A dead body. With a cute stuffed turquoise colored aardvark posed right in the middle of his chest.

Oh no! Things do not look good for the members of the knitting club. Soon they are all getting side eye from the entire town. Can the knitters do a little sleuthing and repair the reputation of the club and stop the ugly rumors about a "Killer Aardvark''? Read the book to find out!

I really enjoy this series! I like the setting and the cast of characters. Plus there are knitting patterns and recipes at the back of the book! :)

On to book 3 -- I already have it checked out from the library and on my desk as I finish typing up this review!

REVIEW: Read Herring Hunt

Read Herring Hunt
Author: VM Burns

I first read this second book in the Mystery Bookshop series back in 2018 before it was published. Then life kinda swooped in and I lost track of so many series I enjoy. Back now...and I started reading this series (and several others) all over again from the beginning. Having a great time!

Samantha Washington, Nana Jo and her senior friends, Dawson and the whole crew are back in Read Herring Hunt, the second book in the Mystery Bookshop series. Samantha was widowed about a year ago. She fulfilled a dream she had with her husband to open a mystery bookshop. The shop is doing quite well, despite the dead body discovered nearby when it first opened. Sam lives in an apartment over the store. Nana Jo still stays over often. And adopted member of the family and college student, Dawson lives in the apartment above the garage. Things are getting easier for Sam...the shop is making money, she has friends, and she's trying to learn to enjoy life without her husband.

Dawson has become entangled with the wrong sort of girl. Nana Jo (always quick to express her opinion) hates her and calls her a floozy. Obviously the tart has her eyes on Dawson because he's a popular and talented football player at the local college, with prospects for a pro career. The day after breaking off his relationship with her, Dawson comes to work at the bookshop with a black eye and scratches on his face. He blames Melody for the injuries. Unfortunately, the floozy is found dead, and Dawson is immediately suspect number one. Sam, Nana Jo and the gaggle of lovely seniors join forces again to prove his innocence (before the upcoming big football game of course).

I love this series! Nana Jo is a hoot. And her friends are even more fun. They are outspoken and very good at helping Sam with her amateur sleuthing. Iris is my favorite. She has to be stopped each time she almost lets loose with curse words. Sam is a great main character. She's trying to put her life together after a terrible loss, and building the dream she had with her husband is making a new life for her. The other supporting characters like Dawson and Sam's sister, Jenna, make this a funny, feel good, entertaining cozy mystery series. Sam is also writing her own murder mystery series set in Britain in the 1940s. The story she is writing is included within the book, making each story a mystery within a mystery. This time, the story forms around the former King Edward VI who just abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. A woman is shot during a shooting party....who was the intended victim? And was the motive political?

Fun, entertaining and suspenseful cozy! The cover art is perfect -- very colorful with Sam's poodle smack dab in the middle. :) Very eye catching! I already have book 3 requested at my local library. Woot!

REVIEW: Sarah Brown and the Cabin

 Sarah Brown and the Cabin
Author: Audrey Walker

Every Fall I end up binge reading mysteries and thrillers. I guess there's just something about the weather growing colder and spending more time indoors that makes me want to curl up with a good investigative story. I also love discovering new-to-me authors. So, I gladly added this book to my autumn reads.

I discovered Audrey Walker's books quite by accident. I accepted a freebie copy of a prequel to another series she writes. And this first book in the Sarah Brown series was a freebie special at an online bookseller. The story is short -- only 7 chapters -- but a nice introduction to Sarah Brown. I'm very curious what the next book in the series is like, so the free first story served its purpose. It's not too difficult to suck a book blogger into a new series. :)

The basics: Sarah Brown is a detective known for her sometimes unconventional investigative tactics. She needs a break, so she goes to stay at the family cabin in the mountains for a few days. Her annual getaway. But, her vacation is basically ruined when a dead body shows up outside the cabin. She has no clue who the dead woman is, who killed her or why the body was left outside the cabin where she is staying. The investigation quickly heats up and Sarah discovers her own life might be in danger.

I like Sarah as a main character. She's feisty and a good detective. The mountain cabin setting is great as well and the plot is an interesting premise. But, the story never really hits a true conclusion. It just stops. There is no explanation of who or why. Too many unexplained plot threads. I feel like I read an unfinished story. Too much is left unexplained at the end. After reading this entire story I'm in pretty much the same boat as Sarah Brown -- I have no idea who the dead woman is, who killed her, or why the body was left outside Sarah's cabin. I can't even really call the ending a cliff hanger -- nothing was revealed....at all. Like I said, I feel like I read an unfinished story.

I'm willing to invest the time to read the next ebook in the series to see if more information is revealed and anything concluded. I'm intrigued. But if there's no conclusion or definite explanation of any of the plot in the next ebook, I will  unplug at that point. I've read too many indy digital releases that spread one plot line out really thinly over multiple ebooks instead of ever concluding any portion of the story. It doesn't make for enjoyable reading, or good writing.

Interesting start to a series, even if the ending was completely unfulfilling. I'm willing to read the next book to see what happens.

MOVIE REVIEW: Ghost Stories (2017)

 Ghost Stories (2017): BluRay
Director: Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman

We moved to CO at the very end of June, and I just got my TV/Blu-Ray player set up this week. I just couldn't find any motivation until a few days ago to fuss with all the wires and assembling the stand I bought for it. Done now though. So, I celebrated by checking out a couple movies from the local library. Saw a BluRay for an interesting looking horror movie with Martin Freeman in the cast. I really like Freeman -- so gave it a try!

The move is based on a stage play written by the directors. I wish I could see the play. I enjoyed it as a movie, but a stage play has a completely different vibe than a film. The movie's ending is superb -- I'd love to see how they staged it!

The basics: Professor Philip Goodman has spent his entire career debunking fake psychics and supernatural hocus pocus. He doesn't believe any of it is real. Then, he is sent to investigate 3 supernatural occurrences that supposedly can't be explained. Will the skeptical Prof Goodman be a believer by the end??

Definitely worth a watch! Some great horror effects and the stories were creepy with an interesting vibe. The stories also added to a central plot instead of just being stand alone, unrelated horror stories like some other similar movies have done. Very enjoyable! Andy Nyman (plays Goodman) is a very skilled actor (and director for this particular film). Martin Freeman was awesome too, as usual.

Enjoyed it!

REVIEW: Death by Cashmere

 Death by Cashmere
Author: Sally Goldenbaum

This series has been on my I-really-want-to-read-this-list for years, and I believe I did read this first book before, but then lost track of the series. You know -- life happens and reading takes a back seat. Sometimes for very, very long stretches of time.

But, I'm trying to find balance. So, I have a new routine. I visit my lovely local public library at least once a week - it's my Friday morning day-off thing I do just for me. And, I take time to read every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Balance is important. Work is also important, but it can't be the constant main focus of my life. Nope. Making sure to add in some books and the peace they bring as well.

I like the characters in this book. The Seaside Knitters -- a group of friends, all different, all intelligent, all creative. That would be such a cool group to belong to! They meet once a week at Izzy Chambers knitting shop in Sea Harbor, MA. Food food, lovely yarn, a bit of gossip....fun! But things take a dark turn when someone they all know is killed. The circumstances are strange, and the knitters find themselves doing some sleuthing to find out if their friend made a foolish choice.....or was it murder?

I already have book 2 in this series on the way to my favorite public library via inter-library loan. Woot! Can't wait to find out what the ladies knit next......and what case will have them sleuthing again! This was definitely a great addition to my annual fall cozy reading binge!

REVIEW: The Broken Spine

 The Broken Spine
Author: Dorothy St. James

Trudell Becket is shocked when she hears that the library where she works is going to become a bookless technology center -- digital only. In a panic to save what books she can, she enlists the help of some fellow employees to hide a stash of books in a hidden room in the library's basement. When the man responsible for the change is killed...in the library, no less....Trudell is a suspect. She and her secret bookroom crew have to do some amateur investigating to keep Trudell out of trouble!

I love my local library's digital site....but I would really hate it if the library system here suddenly got rid of all physical books, movies and music offerings!! I can see the benefits....but it would leave so many patrons wanting "real'' books! Not to mention those without a computer or device would be left out in the cold! I silently cheered Trudell as I read about them sneaking books to the basement....and I kinda didn't feel too badly about the guy who got offed. :) Just kidding....but still...he was a bit of a wanker. Taking books to the landfill??? Grrrrr!!!!!!!!!

I liked the characters and setting. The plot moved along at a nice pace and there was plenty of sleuthing and suspects. Very entertaining and fun to read!

I already have book 2 in this series on hold at the library! 

REVIEW: The Cluttered Corpse

 The Cluttered Corpse
Author: Mary Jane Maffini

The Cluttered Corpse is the second book in the Charlotte Adams cozy mystery series. Charlotte is a professional organizer. Unfortunately, sometimes while clearing up other people's clutter she just happens to get pulled into a messy murder investigation.

The basics: Charlotte has a new client. Emmy Lou is an attractive woman with a nice life....but she has a serious problem with clutter. Fuzzy, cute clutter. Stuffed animals. Everywhere. Thousands of them. Who best to de-stuffie Emmy's house? Charlotte of course! The job gets a lot more complicated though when Charlotte finds a dead body at the bottom of Emmy's stairs.....and Emmy confesses to murder. In public. In front of multiple police. At the top of her lungs.

This story reminds me of episodes of hoarding television shows -- I could picture mounds and mounds of stuffed animals filling up this woman's house. A few stuffed animals are cute -- I have a few myself. But thousands of them? That would be creepy. When it gets to be an obsession on a grand scale like that, the darn things just wouldn't be cute anymore. Perfect setting for a murder!

I enjoy this series. I like the characters, the concept and the plots are entertaining. In Cluttered Corpse, the plot moves at a nice speed, there are plenty of twists and surprises, and lots of investigation. My favorite characters? The two wienie dogs, of course! Followed closely by Jack. All tried and true friends!

I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! I enjoy this author's writing style and I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books!

On to the next -- Death Loves a Messy Desk!

REVIEW: Death Overdue

 Death Overdue
Author: Allison Brook

Carrie Singleton is a free spirit. She doesn't stay in one place too long. She likes her freedom. But, then she gets offered the job as head of programs and events at the library in Clover Ridge, CT. It's a better paying and more permanent job than she has ever had before. She not only discovers that the job is a bit hectic, but that the library has its own resident ghost. Things get out of hand for Carrie immediately. Her first event is a presentation by a retired local police detective. Al Buckley claims he has new information about a decades old local murder case. But, before he can reveal the new evidence....he drops dead. Right in the middle of the library. Carrie feels a bit guilty because Al was poisoned at her library event, so she decides to investigate not only the death of Al Buckley, but the old murder case of Laura Foster as well.

I loved this book! Not only because of the haunted library theme -- perfect for an October reading! But also because I just enjoyed the characters, the plot and the premise for this new series. Carrie is a strong and intelligent woman who loves her freedom but also realizes that being an adult requires....adulting. The ghost of a former librarian is a hoot -- and a helpful side character that is woven into the plot. Nicely done! And I got sucked right into the story from the beginning. Poor Carrie -- her first event at her new job and the speaker drops dead. Not only that but there is a bit of job tension, jealousy and funny goings-on at the Clover Ridge Library. I had to keep reading to find out if Carrie survived both her promotion, all the adulting, and her amateur sleuthing. :) A great mix of mild spookiness, humor and mystery.

The mystery moved along at a nice pace with a nicely complex plot. There were several situations going on with multiple suspects. It was a well-written,enjoyable read!

As with most cozy mysteries, the cover art for this book is supremely awesome. :) Definitely eye-catching!

Moving on to the next book in this series!

Allison Brook is a pen-name for author Marilyn Levinson. For more information on the author and her other books, check out her website: http://www.marilynlevinson.com/

REVIEW: Fishing for Trouble

 Fishing for Trouble
Author: Elizabeth Logan

Loved returning to Elkview, Alaska for this second book in the Alaskan Diner Mystery series! This time around, everything is in uproar when a customer dies minutes after walking into the Bear Claw Diner. Charlie Cooke and her friends are soon on the case to figure out what killed the young man who had come to Elkview for summer work at a local fish processing plant.

Fishing for Trouble is just as entertaining as the first book. I like the background plot of a diner in a small Alaskan town. I like the characters (Benny the cat is my favorite, of course!) and the plot. There is more than enough amateur sleuthing, twists and surprises! Very entertaining read.

As I read, I kept thinking about what it must be like to be a summer worker in Alaska. I understand that there is a lot of money to be made in the fishing industry, but also know it's hard work, often dangerous, and messy. I'm sure there are a lot of college students who fund their tuition with work like this or just people looking for a bit of adventure or a temporary high paying job -- and I have huge respect for every one. I can see why the author crafted a cozy murder mystery around the summer influx of workers into fish processing plants -- perfect setting for a fictional murder mystery.

I love the cover art for this series! The cover for this second book shows Benny being his best cat self as usual with a huge moose buddy in the background. Made me smile when I picked the book up at the library. Cozy covers are always so colorful and fun! |

I have the 3rd book in this series on my TBR list at the library -- I can't wait to read it!

REVIEW: The Charterhouse of Evil

 The Charterhouse of Evil
Author: Janice Tremayne

I'm picky about which horror novels I read, and which ones I leave alone. As I write this, it's spooky season....and I'm even more picky about my horror reads leading up  to Halloween. I want a story to be scary, suspenseful, and well-written, plus there has to be an interesting plot to go along with the horror aspects. Janice Tremayne's books always deliver spooky-done-right. Her writing has a permanent place in my spooky reading season line-up. A horror tale should invest a reader in the story and characters....and then totally creep them out! This author delivers that each time. With work and parental responsibilities, I only get so much reading time and I am never disappointed that I invested time in a Janice Tremayne book.

The Charterhouse of Evil is the 5th book in the Haunting Clarisse series. Orphans are mysteriously dying and Clarisse is called in to investigate. That's the only snippet of plot I'm going to give away. It's important to come into the book with as little knowledge of the story line as possible. Supernatural horror is just more scary when the story is a surprise! I will say this:  this story is eerie, suspenseful and scary! I am not an easily creeped out person, but I read this story at night, and I shouldn't have. I finished this story at 2 am.....and laid down to sleep on the couch as the Fall breeze coming in the screen door was so nice. We live on the top floor of our building, so I can leave the sliding door open with little fear of anyone intruding. I settled in for some good sleep, but kept being jerked awake by weird noises. Then I saw movement out on the balcony. Cue creepy, feel-like-I'm-being-watched vibes.....I sat straight up and got that stabbing rush of adrenaline. Something was at the screen door! Then I realized it was my nightly guests I can't seem to scare off -- pigeons. Don't tell my teenager. He will never let me live it down that Janice Tremayne creeped me out enough to make me startle awake in the middle of the night because of ..... pigeons. I'm sure the birds are laughing too. Feathered jerks!

Another great story in this series! And Tremayne's Zack Bolder series is also very good! I will keep reading each book this author writes as she never disappoints me. The cover art is awesome as well!

REVIEW: After Midnight

 Close to Midnight
Author: Various, edited by Mark Morris

I absolutely love horror short story anthologies! It's a great way to discover new-to-me horror writers and each story can be vastly different while still being creepy. I find myself reading through anthologies quickly to get reviews done on time, and then I get a physical copy and take a slower trip through the stories for a second time. And this collection is no different. I read through this once to be able to post my review. And I'm at the top of the hold list at my local library to get my mits on a physical copy so I can look each author up, re-read their story and really soak in the creepy vibes.

I have never been disappointed by a story anthology in this series. I read both of the prior collections -- Beyond the Veil and After Sundown. Thoroughly enjoyed each one! That's why I'm back for the 3rd round! Wouldn't miss it for the world!

This collection has 20 stories. Most of the authors were new to me. Some I have read before. I liked some of the stories better than others. But, there weren't any that I didn't enjoy reading. Nice varied mix of horror stories. They are all horror tales, but there is no central theme. I liked the surprise of each new story going off in its own direction.

Very entertaining and creepy story collection! I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next collection! I will add to this review once I get my hands on a physical copy and can take my time meandering through the tales again. Sometimes with horror you just have to take time to stop and smell the blood, if you know what I mean.

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

REVIEW: A Christmas Candy Killing

 A Christmas Candy Killing
Author: Christina Romeril

I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, especially those with a holiday theme. It's even better when the book is the first in a new series and from a new-to-me author! When I saw this book available for review, I jumped right on it. Had to read it!

Felt a little weird reading a Christmas theme cozy in August.....but just thinking about Christmas and snow and the holidays somehow made the afternoons feel a little less blazing hot. I even made a cup of cocoa at one point because the book kept mentioning chocolate. Had to have some!

The basics: Murder and Mayhem is a mystery bookshop owned by twins, Alex and Hannah. Just before Christmas, murder becomes something real and not just something in the books they sell. One of their neighbors is killed and one of the twins is a suspect!

This is a fun, entertaining read! I like the characters, the basic premise, the idea of a mystery bookshop, the plot -- I just had a fun time reading this story in general! The mystery progresses at a nice pace. There is a good amount of amateur sleuthing and surprises along the way. Great start to a cozy series!

I will definitely be reading more of this series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: What Song the Sirens Sang

 What Song the Sirens Sang
Author: Simon R. Green

Simon R. Green has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read his Nightside series. When that series ended, I found his Ismael Jones stories and now Gideon Sable to be excellent successors.

Gideon Sable is a sneak thief and con artist. But not your run-of-the-mill sticky fingered second story man.....let's just say that Gideon steals things that aren't really classified as steal-able. He steals supernatural items. Things that shouldn't exist. Collectibles that are magical and dangerous. But not by himself. His friend, Annie Anybody, helps him out. A criminal duo of the most interesting kind -- a man who can steal anything and a woman who can be anybody.

If anybody can pull off a supernatural heist series, it's Simon R. Green. He's in his best element in this series. And I love every single new story that comes about about Gideon and Annie. This time Gideon is the victim. He's tasked with appraising a very dangerous magical item, but before he gets the job done the item is stolen from him. Pissed is not a strong enough term for how angry Gideon is when he discovers the theft. He's livid -- and looking for the person that dared to steal from him.

Great story! Simon R. Green never lets me down! I'm definitely going to keep reading this series as long as the stories keep coming out! Ishmael Jones, too! Any reader who enjoys urban fantasy with supernatural/paranormal tones will love both these series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Severn House. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: All That is Wicked

 All That is Wicked
Author: Kate Winkler Dawson

I guess I have to admit that I'm somehow obsessed with murder cases. I watch documentaries on true crimes all the time. I read murder mysteries, true crime books, non fiction about investigations. And I listen to about a bazillion podcasts on the topic. Yikes. If I was ever a suspect in a murder, the FBI would have a field day with my search history. Not a killer -- I'm just interested in investigations of solved and unsolved murders/violent crimes.

When I saw this book available for review, I had to read it. Not only had I not heard of this serial killer, but I hadn't heard of Kate Dawson either. Glad I rectified both issues! I have two other books by this author  added to my TBR at the local library, and I'm followed two of her podcasts as well!

This book is intense. Edward Rulloff was an evil, violent, disgusting person. He was a genius and a serial killer in the 19th century before the term "serial killer" even existed. His case was one of the first to become a public spectacle and media frenzy. And, doctors and scientists practically lined up to study Rulloff. In fact, a renowned university still has this killer's brain preserved in a jar.

Awesome book! Dawson definitely did huge amounts of research and tells the tale in a factual, yet interesting way. This book kept my attention from start to finish. I was so curious about the doctors and psychiatrists back then who were just trying to learn about the human brain and criminal behavior. So interesting!

I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I enjoyed reading about a case that I really hadn't heard of before.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Penguin Group. All opinions expressed are entirely  my own.**

REVIEW: The Ghost and the Stolen Tears

 The Ghost and the Stolen Tears
Author: Cleo Coyle

I have been reading this series faithfully since the first book came out. Even when there was a 10 year break between books.The stories are always entertaining and fun to read! This series is definitely in my top 5 favorites!

The Ghost and the Stolen Tears is the 8th book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series. This time Penelope and her ghostly PI, Jack, are doing some sleuthing to exonerate an innocent woman. It's not easy to prove someone innocent when they act guilty!

This newest story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. Plenty of sleuthing and suspects. The plot moves along at a nice pace with a few twists and surprises along the way. I love the basic premise of this series -- a long-dead PI assisting a bookshop owner to solve mysteries. Jack is such an entertaining character and I love the mix of old-time detective cliches and slang into the story.

The cover art for this series is always awesome. I usually buy the paperbacks each time a new book comes out and I also listen to the audio book through my local library. The audio books are always top notch and fun to listen to!

Another entertaining book in this series! And I see the next book -- The Ghost Goes to the Dogs -- is coming out in May 2023. Woot!! Already added to my TBR list!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing, but also have my own copy on pre-order! Will be re-reading this as soon as my physical book arrives! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: A Good Dog's Guide to Murder

 A Good Dog's Guide to Murder
Author: Krista Davis

I have loved this series ever since the first book came out in 2013! Fun characters, cute pets, fun background premise, excellent amateur sleuthing -- perfect set up for an excellent and entertaining cozy series!

A Good Dog's Guide to Murder is the 8th book in the Paws & Claws Mystery series. This time the citizens of Wagtail, VA are all excited because the Gingerbread Dog & Cat House contest is coming to town over Thanksgiving! The event is enough to overshadow a slight kerfuffle over the new convention center. A Wagtail resident gifted the land to the city, and his relatives are a little upset over not getting the property themselves. The whole thing becomes a lot more serious when......you guessed it.....a dead body is found in a very strange place. Will a murder ruin Thanksgiving in Wagtail??

Loved this book! This series never disappoints me! Favorite characters? Trixie and Twinkletoes, of course! I love the idea of a tourist town that caters to pets. I would vacation there, if it were a real place! Very entertaining read. Definitely going to continue reading this series until the very last book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing and then bought my own copy when it came out! Love this series! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: On Skein of Death

 On Skein of Death
Author: Allie Pleiter

As I write this, it's late September. The weather is getting rather fall-ish, and every year when that happens I get in the mood for knitting and reading murder mysteries. :) I saw book one of the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series on the shelf at the library and knew this series would be a great way to mix two of my favorite Fall activities!

The basics: Libby Beckett returns to her hometown in Maine to follow her life-long dream of owning a yarn shop. She names her new shop Y.A.R.N. which has a special meaning to her, but she puts up a blackboard so customers can leave their own definitions for what the letters mean. Things are going great at first. The town even declares an entire day as Yarn Day to honor her shop! And, a special famous guest is coming to host a knitting event. But then things go horribly wrong. Her famous guest is murdered! Libby finds herself doing some amateur sleuthing to discover a killer, save her shop and make everyone in town feel safe again. Will she be successful before everything in her life unravels?

I enjoyed this book! I like the characters and the setting, and definitely love the mix of amateur sleuthing and knitting! This is the first book by Allie Pleiter that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! I already have book 2 in this series on hold at the library! :) Can't wait to read it!

REVIEW: Academy Assassin

 Academy Assassin
Author: Audrey Walker

Academy Assassin is a prequel story to the Shelby Griffin series. The novella is a quick read and a great introduction to the characters.

Shelby and her friends, Maya and Tracy, are nearing graduation at the police academy. Shelby excels at athletics, but her academic performance is slipping. In fact, if she doesn't score high on her final test, Shelby won't graduate from the academy. She's distracted from her need to study when a fellow recruit is found dead. The death is announced as a suicide, but Shelby knows the recruit didn't kill herself. Maybe solving the case will not only stop a murderer but also get Shelby back in the good graces with her superiors.

The story kept my attention from start to finish. There is plenty of investigation, a good plot and some interesting twists along the way. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Very entertaining!

REVIEW: American Demon

 American Demon
Author: Daniel Stashower

Cleveland. 1934. The Depression. A famous investigator pits his wits and skills against a serial killer. 12 dismembered bodies. A panicked public. The American Ripper case....The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run.

After listening to the audio version of this book, I had two main questions. Number one -- how had I never heard of this case before?? In all my true crime reading and listening, before this book I had never once come across this case. A serial killer who dismembered 12 people over 4 years and was never caught -- even by the legendary Eliot Ness. And number two -- how have I never read a book by this author before?

This is an excellent book. It tells the story of the brutal killing of 12 people on the fringes of society in a rough time in American history. Stashower obviously did copious amounts of research into this case and presents the facts in an interesting way. The story kept my attention from start to finish. The fact this killer was never caught is chilling and disturbing.

At times, the book does seem to be more about Eliot Ness and less about the murders, but any case involving Ness is going to have that problem. He's almost a larger-than-life character. In this case, it didn't matter how famous he was or how skilled an investigator. The killer was never officially caught, although there were several suspects. The appalling conditions in Kingsbury Run, the impoverished victims targeted by the killer, and the brutal tactics used by law enforcement (including burning down Kingsbury run, a shanty town inhabited by addicts, the homeless, prostitutes and the poor) made this a rough book to listen to. It was a brutal era. And the killer may have easily moved on to another area of the country to continue his killing spree....it was easy to hop a train or just fade into a crowd back then. Many murders like this -- the Villisca Axe Murders for example -- went unsolved.

The audio book is just a bit over 12 hours long and is narrated by Will Damron. Damron does an excellent job of narration. He has a pleasant voice and reads at a nice, steady pace. Very interesting listen...although the subject and brutality of the killings makes this a rough one.

I will definitely be reading more by this author.

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Review: The Plot is Murder

 The Plot is Murder
Author: V.M. Burns

I read this book when it first came out in 2017. Then life happened and I lost track of this series. I saw this book recently in my local library, and decided to jump back into the Mystery Bookshop series. There are now 8 books! I'm glad I decided to re-read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The Basics: Samantha Washington's life has completely changed. Her husband of 13 years died, but he made her promise to fulfill her dream of opening a bookshop. She keeps her promise, selling their house, buying a building and preparing to open her mystery bookshop in North Harbor, MI. Not only is she opening her dream shop, but Samantha is also writing a murder mystery. All her dreams are about to come true. Things are moving along smoothly until she discovers the dead body of real estate agent Clayton Parker in her enclosed patio. Parker tried to sabotage her purchase of the building, forcing her to get an attorney to help her complete closing on the property. Now he's dead. Parker had come to her door the day before asking to speak with her, and she had refused to open the door, walking away instead. Feeling guilty that there might have been a way to prevent the man's death (even if he was a shyster), she vows to find out who killed him.

This first book in the Mystery Bookshop series is actually a mystery within a mystery. As Samantha tries to discover who killed Clayton Parker, she is also writing her own British-style cozy mystery novel about Lady Penelope Marsh and her sister Daphne. As she works to discover who killed Parker, she's also working on her book. I enjoyed the snippets of Samantha's novel and thought the author alternating between the two stories was really creative and fun.

I love the characters in this book! Samantha is a strong woman, realizing her dreams while still grieving for her husband. Her grandmother Jo is a tough old bird, who enlists her friends at the retirement village to help in the investigation. My favorite side character is Irma....the lovely old lady who peppers her conversation with curse words.....well, the group stops her before she finishes saying them, but still....it's the thought that counts. ha ha. :) The colorful characters and humor sprinkled in with the mystery really made this an enjoyable book. The mystery moves along at a nice pace. There are plenty of suspects and sleuthing. Nana Jo's friends are really a huge help -- nothing like a gang of old ladies to dig up gossip and info on anybody!

There is only one thing about this book I didn't really like. One character is constantly called by an insulting nickname pinned on him in school. Over and over again. I don't like that sort of thing, and I hope that doesn't carry over into the rest of the series. It might have been funny if it was mentioned once and then stopped...but it was multiple times throughout the story. Yuck. But....only a minor irritant. Loved the book otherwise!

I already have book 2 checked out from my local library -- moving on to Read Herring Hunt!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.vmburns.com/