REVIEW: A New Lease on Death

 A New Lease on Death
Author: Olivia Blacke

Ruby moves into a new apartment in Boston, not realizing the prior occupant is still there. The fact that Cordelia is dead and a ghost makes the situation even more weird. Then, these two strange roomies end up on the trail of a killer. Can they figure out who killed their neighbor without Ruby becoming a ghost, too? 

What an interesting and creative story! The chapters alternate between Ruby and Cordelia, telling the story from both of their points of view. There is quite the adjustment to being roommates as well. They have to figure out how to communicate with each other and how to work together to solve a murder when one of them is incorporeal. 

I started out reading a hardback version of this book from the library. But my book came due before I finished, so I switched to the audio book through Hoopla (love love love my local library!). The audio [Dreamscape Media, 2024, 9 hrs 30 minutes] is narrated by Stefanie Kay. She has a pleasant voice, reads at a steady pace, and does a great job of voice acting.  

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. There is a lot of amateur sleuthing, several suspects, and some interesting twists! 

Moving on to book 2 in this series!  

 

REVIEW: There'll Be Shell to Pay

 There'll Be Shell to Pay
Author: Molly MacRae

I had so much fun reading the first book in this series, that I grabbed the second from my library immediately. A Haunted Shell Shop. A pirate Ghost. And a tourist trap island with a lot of history. Yep -- totally perfect plot for me. 

This time, main character Maureen Nash returns to NC to start her life as owner of a shell shop on Ocracoke Island, only to find out an unidentified woman was found dead. The plot thickens when Maureen, her landlords next door and her ghostly pirate buddy discover there may be a case of murderous mistaken identity going on. Three tourists visiting the island join in the investigation. Can the amateur sleuths positively identify the dead woman and solve her murder?

I enjoyed this second story in the Haunted Shell Shop series. I enjoy the characters and the setting. The plot kept my attention from start to finish. There were plenty of suspects and lots of sleuthing. I found the Fig Ladies to be a bit odd (the tourists who joined in on the investigation), but their bickering and complaining gave some light moments to the story. The shell related dad-jokes and puns were cute as well. 

All in all, an entertaining read. Looking forward to the next book in this series!  

REVIEW: Silent Night, Deadly Night

 Silent Night, Deadly Night
Author: Vicki Delany

When Merry Wilkinson's mother invites several old college friends to her home in Rudolph, NY, she is hoping for a happy reunion with old friends. The visit quickly turns sour due to constant bickering and problems between the women. Things take a darker turn when one of the women dies under strange circumstances. Once again, Merry finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Can she figure out who offed a woman in her parent's house just before the holidays, or will the holiday season be a complete bust? 

This is the 4th book in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. This one happens at Thanksgiving, so I had really good timing. I read this book over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. 

I've had plenty of stressful and tense Thanksgiving weeks due to family issues and forced socialization with people I just don't mesh with. But.....I have never had someone drop dead at the dinner table. That would definitely put a damper on festivities, especially if the person's medical emergency was caused by someone else. It made me feel better about all the years in the past where the holiday was just terrible due to other people's drama. There is always a worse scenario! 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. I'm liking the characters more and more as I get further into the series. 

Moving on to the next book!!  

REVIEW: Hark the Herald Angels Slay

 Hark the Herald Angels Slay
Author: Vicki Delany

Rudolph, NY  is celebrating its annual Christmas in July festivities in this 3rd book in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. To make things even more stressful for local shop owner Merry Wilkinson, a NYC Magazine crew is in town preparing a feature on Rudolph. Santa arrives by boat and it seems the merriment will go off without a hitch.....until.....

.....Merry discovers a dead body in her shop. And, he has been strangled with a strand of festive handcrafted cranberries. 

I enjoyed this summer themed Christmas mystery. Light, entertaining reading. I'm currently fighting off a severe cold, so I was grateful to have something fun to read. 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish and there were plenty of suspects.  Amateur sleuthing was mixed in with local law enforcement doing their jobs skillfully. 

As I get further into this series, I am enjoying the stories more. The characters and setting are growing on me. It does require the ability to suspend reality a bit and just enjoy a cute story. But, really, just about every cozy mystery novel requires that talent. 

Brewing more hot tea, taking another dose of cold meds, and moving on to the next book in this series!  

 

REVIEW: We Wish You a Murderous Christmas

 We Wish You a Murderous Christmas
Author: Vicki Delany

Before I even get to my review, I have three observations to make.

One -- as with the last series I read by this author, I was not all that into the first book, but really started enjoying the characters and plots with the second book. I really enjoyed this one! 

Two - This is the first time in long while that I have actually rooted for the killer when the deed was first discovered. The victim in this story was a complete jerk, and I was not sorry to read about him getting offed. The author definitely wrote the character to be as icky as possible, and she pulled it off. Yuck! What an awful person! 

Three - Once again, halfway through the book I made my best guess about the killer's identity. And, I was completely wrong.  The world is a safer place because I did not choose a career in law enforcement....I would be horrible at figuring out who committed the crime!! 

I turned to my library for help once again as I didn't have this book in the series on my bookshelves. I listened to the audio book version [Tantor Media, 2023, 7 hrs 25 minutes], narrated by Amy Deuchler. The narrator is ok. Her voice is a bit grating / too nasally for me and the accent she does for a main-ish character is rough to listen to. But, I got through it. I'm glad that I have physical books from here through the newest book in this series. I would not choose to listen to any more performances by this particular narrator. 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. At first I was sucked in by the horrible behavior of the character that later became the murder victim. And then I wanted to know the identity of the killer. As stated above, I was again completely wrong in my guess for the killer. Next time I should just cheat and choose a character that I think couldn't possibly have done the deed as my choices for the one I think is the best choice is always wrong. :) 

I liked the characters a bit better in this second book and they stopped wildly throwing out their opinions on the proper way to celebrate the holiday. I think as the characters and setting develop as this series moves along I will like it better and better. I'm finding this is just how I feel about series by this author. I felt the same way as I read through the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries. First book was just ok....but by book 3 I was hooked and read the whole series from start to finish. Which is a good thing, as I also have part of the Tea by the Sea series by this author on my shelves! 

On to the next book in this series!  

 

REVIEW: Rest Ye, Murdered Gentlemen

 Rest Ye, Murdered Gentlemen
Author: Vicki Delany

As I write this, Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Perfect time to read a Christmas themed cozy mystery series! 

I have read this first book in the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series before. I read the first two books years ago and then life interrupted and I lost track of this series. Happy to be picking it back up again. With the help of the local library to supplement the books I don't own (the first two and the newest one), I am happy to be reading my way through this series until I catch up with the author. :) 

I borrowed this first book on Hoopla in audio format, and enjoyed listening to the story. I remembered bits and pieces of the plot, but luckily did not remember the killer's identity.

I was also reminded of something that annoyed me about this series the first time I read this book. There are two characters that constantly voice their opinion that Christmas is only for children and that family gatherings are the most important thing about the holiday.  I love giving gifts to both adults and children. And, lots of people (like me) have no family or no large family gatherings to attend. Each time these characters seemed to make it a huge point to voice those two opinions over and over and over again....it just went up my back. I wanted to jump into the book and yell "Shut up about it already!" LOL Christmas is what each individual chooses to make it according to the life they have. I don't need book characters to tell me I'm doing it wrong. Those of us with no birth family ties just really feel a bit sad sometimes at holidays where most people are hanging out with family and siblings...or at least I know I do at times. If those two characters were actually real people in my social circle.....they would annoy the heck out of me. Saying it once would have been fine....but multiple times....argh. It pulled me out of the story each time.....personal pain point. And they were dancing on top it. ha ha That being said, the rest of the story I enjoyed from start to finish! 

I would love shopping in a tiny town like Rudolph that is just totally geared towards Christmas and being joyful! Not sure I would buy much but I would certainly have a good time looking! 

The audio (Tantor Media, 2022) is just over 8 hours long and narrated by Amy Deuchler. The narrator has a pleasant voice and I enjoyed listening. However, the attempt at a southern accent used for one of the male characters was just so oddly over the top and poorly done that it was hard to listen to. 

My thoughts....

This was a cute holiday themed cozy. Nothing really exceptional about it. It was ok. 

The plot and motivation for the killer seemed a bit silly.  

I don't really care for any of the characters. I didn't feel engaged in the story because of any of them, but I felt that way at the start of the last series I read by this same author. So, I'm going to give the next book or two in the series a try before I make any decisions about just moving on to another series. 

Moving on to book 2..... 

 

REVIEW: Come Shell or High Water

 Come Shell or High Water
Author: Molly MacRae 

I've been on a cozy mystery kick for awhile mostly because my bookshelves are filled with them and I want to free up space for new books. But, I picked up Come Shell or High Water at the library because of the colorful front cover at first. And, then the book blurb on the back pulled me in the rest of the way. 

A story about a touristy shell shop haunted by the ghost of a pirate......I immediately had to take a break from my quest to read books off my own shelves and read this series! Ghost pirates get me every time!  And, at the time I'm writing this, there are only two books in the series so far. So, I was easily able to justify pausing my current project to read and donate books off my own bookshelves. Ghost pirates helping solve murders definitely takes precedent over my need for shelf space!

The basics: Maureen Nash takes a trip to Ocracoke Island off the coast of NC to figure out a mystery in her own life, but ends up almost dying and finding a dead body. That's more excitement than anyone needs on vacation! Then throw in a ghost pirate sidekick, a couple of cats, and quirky locals and you have the Haunted Shell Shop Mystery series!  

This book was a fun read. I binge read the entire thing on a cool, crisp November day in CO. I have a severe cold and just needed to escape into a fun book. This first book in the Haunted Shell Shop was perfect to make me feel better! 

I got about halfway through the book and took my best guess at the identity of the killer....and was totally wrong as usual! I'm very glad I did not go into law enforcement or detective work. My little grey cells do not gravitate towards catching the correct bad guy! 

 I'm on to the second book in this series - There'll be Shell to Pay! 

 

REVIEW: The Devil in the Details

 The Devil in the Details
Author: Vicki Delany

Gemma Doyle is looking forward to her bestie and business partner's wedding and hoping the special day will go off without a hitch. But in the days leading up to the ceremony two dead bodies threaten the happy couple's future.  Can Gemma solve the case before the wedding is ruined? 

At the time of this review, I have officially caught up with this series! I enjoyed every book, and spent a very happy afternoon reading my early review copy of this 11th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. 

I read this story in one session of happy binge reading because I just had to find out who the killer was. I put in my best guess about halfway through the book, and was totally wrong. Again. The world is incredibly lucky that I am not a detective. Luckily, Gemma Doyle is a creative and accomplished amateur sleuth and figured it all out by the end (as usual). 

Very enjoyable cozy mystery! And, I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. For now, moving on to Vicki Delany's Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. :)  

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

REVIEW: The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime

 The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime
Author: Vicki Delany

The 10th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series sends Gemma and her friends back to London for her sister's wedding. The wedding goes perfectly, but before Gemma even leaves the venue a strange meeting with someone from her past leads her into yet another murder investigation. 

This book brought Pippa (Gemma's sister) forward as a more active part of the plot. I enjoyed it! 

I still prefer Gemma, Jayne and the gang at home though. I did enjoy this London based story better than the first one earlier in the series. 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. I have to say I think I finally have a favorite character in this series.    Donald.    He is always himself and comes to the aid of his friends immediately, even if it's to clonk a bad guy over the head with his umbrella. 

Moving on to the latest book in the series (as of my writing this review), so I'm almost caught up with the author! I will read other series at that point and come back to this one when there is a new book. 

On to the next -- The Devil in the Details!  

REVIEW: The Sign of Four Spirits

 The Sign of Four Spirits
Author: Vicki Delany

There's a Psychic Fair in town. Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, gets talked into participating in a seance. She's determined to keep any one at the table from being deceived by tricksters. But, first she's kicked out of the room before the seance even begins.....and then, someone at the table ends up dead. 

Once again, Gemma and her friends are on the trail of a killer! 

The plot for this one definitely had me at the edge of my seat. Killing someone while in a room full of people....without being seen or easily identified....that takes some skill. Even if the group of 12 people is sitting around a table, in the dark, for a seance. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing, suspects and twists in the story. Loved it! 

At the time of writing this review, I have only two more books to go and I'm caught up with the author. That's good and bad.....  Love the fact I've read some great stories in this series, but bad that I will have to wait several months for a new book! But, I am not too sad....I'm taking a lateral step and moving on to read the Year-Round Christmas series by the same author! :)  

REVIEW: The Game is a Footnote

 The Game is a Footnote
Author: Vicki Delany

In this 8th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, Gemma Doyle is faced with an odd request -- Stay the night in the local historical museum because it might be haunted. 

Ghost hunting? Yep! 

Turns out there's a lot going on at the old Scarlet House. First it's just noises and odd occurrences....but then someone ends up dead. It's no longer just pranks....it's murder. The game is afoot! 

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The plot was engaging. I was wondering what the heck was going on until the very end! 

I once again tried to guess the killer's identity, and was completely wrong. Someday I will guess right! 

I love the idea of a Sherlock Holmes themed bookstore and gift shop with a Mrs. Hudson's tea room right next door. I would be a repeat customer if anything remotely like that was near where I live! I'm enjoying the character development as the series goes on. At first, I had a hard time really liking the main character, Gemma. But, she has grown on me over 8 books.  

Definitely enjoying this series! Moving on to the next book!  

REVIEW: A Three Book Problem

 A Three Book Problem
Author: Vicki Delany 

Only 4 books to go and I have caught up my reading of this series! :) I enjoyed A Three Book Problem, the 7th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. 

Gemma, her sidekick Jayne, and many of their friends gather at a huge house to celebrate a Sherlock Holmes Weekend, done English Country House style. I kept thinking as I read the first couple of chapters that such a weekend would be so much fun! Well.....fun until someone turns up dead in a most despicable and sneaky manner.... 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The guests were varied and all suspicious enough to be suspects. The setting was great -- what a perfect location for a murder! A monstrosity of a house built to resemble an old English country estate. If someone was going to bump off a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, it's definitely the perfect house for it. And, there was plenty of amateur sleuthing. 

Fun read! I'm glad I finally started reading this series. Enjoying each and every book!  

Moving on to the next in the series.....

 

REVIEW: A Curious Incident

 A Curious Incident
Author: Vicki Delany

After finishing this sixth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series, I can say that I am enjoying each book! The characters have really grown on me. I like the setting. I love the animals, even the cantankerous shopcat, Moriarty. Very enjoyable series! 

This time Gemma Doyle finds herself looking for a lost pet....and then investigating a murder....all to help a local 10-year old girl. A destroyed award-winning garden. A rather public fight. And, then a dead body. Can Gemma prevent a little girl's mother from facing murder charges? 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. There were plenty of suspects, lots of amateur sleuthing, and some very interesting character development! And as usual.....my guess about the killer's identity was totally wrong. The world is very very lucky I am not a detective! 

Moving on to the next book in this series! :)  

REVIEW: There's a Murder Afoot

 There's a Murder Afoot
Author: Vicki Delany

In this 6th Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery, Gemma Doyle and a group of her friends all travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention.Their plans go awry when Gemma's father is arrested in connection with a murder. So much for doing touristy stuff while in London -- they are on the case! 

It took me a few chapters to get sucked into the plot of this book. Not sure why....but once the murder occurred and clues started mounting up, I was hooked. Lots of amateur sleuthing, action and suspects. As usual, I guessed who I thought the killer was.....and was totally wrong. 

I think part of my problem getting into this story was the fact that everything was transported to London. I had to get used to the new setting, get introduced to Gemma's parents and sister, and the drama around the murder victim. Once all that was out of the way, I was totally into the story. 

I'm not sure I would travel all the way to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention. I'd rather do the touristy stuff! :) But then again, I don't own a Sherlock Holmes themed bookshop and tea room like Gemma and Jayne. 

Excellent addition to this series, but I'm looking forward to them being back in the usual setting. 

On to the next! I'm halfway through this series now!  

REVIEW: A Scandal in Scarlet

 A Scandal in Scarlet
Author: Vicki Delany

I'm enjoying this series! A Scandal in Scarlet is the 4th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series. If the main character's Sherlock themed book store was a real shop, I would definitely be a customer! 

This time, Gemma Doyle is out walking her dog and discovers the local history museum is on fire. The flames are put out before the entire building burns, but the damage is extensive. To help with the cost of repairs, Gemma and her business partner volunteer to host an afternoon tea and auction event. But plans go awry when a woman is murdered before the auction even begins! 

This story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing, many suspects and a couple twists that I didn't see coming. Nice addition to this series!! 

I'm working to read titles from my shelves and then donate the books. I'm on a book buying ban until I have some empty shelf space! I was missing four books in this series, so checked them out of my local library. Had to get them in large print edition. At first it took me awhile to get used to the large type face, but by the end, I actually liked it. My copy of the next book is a regular paperback from my shelves....it's going to take me awhile to get used to small print again!  

Moving on to the next book -- There's a Murder Afoot! 

 

 

REVIEW: The Cat of the Baskervilles

 The Cat of the Baskervilles
Author: Vicki Delany

An aging actor past his prime comes to West London, MA as the main draw for the annual theater festival. Gemma Doyle doesn't care that much about theater, but the play The Hound of the Baskervilles and Sir Nigel Bellingham ought to bring good business into her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Flash forward to the obligatory public appearances and an afternoon tea fundraiser and Gemma learns Sir Nigel is not only way past his prime but a drunk and then......dead. 

Uh oh. 

And then on top of it all, her best friend's mother is the prime suspect.....

I enjoyed this book. I'm finally getting into this series. It took me a couple books to start liking Gemma as a main character. She's still a bit annoying, to be honest.....but the plots and sleuthing in this series keep bringing me back.  

It's getting a bit tiresome when the author sprinkles in British English and then feels the need to explain what it means. The explanations aren't needed and I just find it annoying. It just adds to my difficulty in liking the main character in this series, as the books are from her point of view. I just concentrate on the main plot and ignore the annoying bits. :) 

Moriarty, the sometimes cantankerous shop cat, is growing on me, although he plays only a minor part in the stories. I will count him as my favorite character in this series as he's the only one that hasn't given me an eye-roll moment. Him....and Uncle Albert....who is always away and only shows up for brief conversations with Gemma. 

 Moving on to Book 4 -- A Scandal in Scarlet! 

One more book read and off my shelves in my quest to clear bookshelf space for new books! :) 

 

 

REVIEW: Body on Baker Street

 Body on Baker Street
Author: Vicki Delany

As I read my way through this series, I keep finding myself thinking that if the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium were a real shop I would definitely have to go there! Not to mention Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room right next door. :) I would definitely be able to lose myself in the book store for an extended amount of time....then next door to read and sip tea! 

Body on Baker Street is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. 

The Basics: A well-known author demands a signing event at Gemma's shop with little notice. Gemma does her best to get everything set up and the shop is packed for the event. But....before the author has signed all the books and talked to all her fans....the author drops dead. Once again, Gemma finds herself investigating a suspicious death....much to the chagrin of the local police. 

I liked this second book much more than the first. Gemma seems much more mellowed out in this story. The cast of characters is growing on me. I'm still not enjoying the-local-female-detective-doesn't-like-the-MC angle very much....and the shop cat not liking Gemma isn't really working for me either. But....I'm going to continue reading this series...mostly because the plots are really good so far! 

There are some minor hints at a possible love triangle side theme. Just hints so far. I hope this doesn't become part of the plot. I'm really burnt out on the love triangle trope in cozies after a long-running series appears to be abruptly ending without any conclusion to the issue. Very hopeful this series does not move in that direction.  

Moving on to book 3! I have several books in this series on my bookshelves, and the ones I don't own I put on hold at the library. I am now committed to reading them all! :)  

REVIEW: Elementary, She Read

 Elementary, She Read
Author: Vicki Delany

I'm reading my way through series that have been on my bookshelves for a long time, but haven't been read yet. And, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series finally made it to the top of my TBR list! 

I read this first book in the series years ago when it first came out, and then lost track of the series. So, I just picked back up at the beginning again and re-read this one. 

The basics:  Gemma Doyle has moved from England to the American upper east coast to help her Uncle Arthur run his Sherlock Holmes bookshop. Adjoining the shop is Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room run by Gemma's friend, Jayne. 

Trouble starts when a strange woman hides something of value in Gemma's shop and then is subsequently murdered. Gemma finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation where she is a suspect. Can she use her high perception skills to catch the killer, and avoid being arrested herself? 

The plot of the story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing and suspects. I just wish I liked the characters more. I found Gemma a bit annoying. From her constant remarks about Americans not being able to make tea to her hating her best friend's romantic partner, I just found her whiny and irritating. Jayne came off as a bit rude. The antagonism from the female detective character seemed without reason and overly dramatic. It got old by the end of the book.  

I'm going to continue reading and see if the characters develop a bit more and if the series grows on me as I progress. So far.....I'm not really a fan.  I think I'm realizing why I stopped reading this series. But, the concept is just too awesome for me to give up after only one book. But, I've set a limit. I'm going to read the first 3 books.If I'm not a fan by then, I have given myself permission to stop reading and move on. It might just be a great series that is just not for me....    But giving it a full chance before I make that call. 

 

REVIEW: The Quantum Revelations

 The Quantum Revelations
Author: Stuart Heinrich

I found myself really wanting to read something different...something off my usual genre path. So, I went looking for a review book to break me out of a reading rut. So glad I did. This book was a very enjoyable read and definitely got my brain thinking! 

The plot combines science, philosophy, religion and mystery. The world is being destroyed by severe climate change. As everything goes to hell around them, two scientists are working to create a quantum computer in an attempt to save humanity. They accidentally discover something that will totally change everything. 

Wow. Just wow! I really really love it when I stumble on a new-to-me author who just wows me with such a complex idea and a totally different, very intelligent, story. I really needed this book right now and I couldn't put it down once I started reading! I was getting stuck in a complete rut with my reading....and this pulled me right out of it. Nothing more enjoyable than a hard-hitting sci-fi book!  

I will definitely be reading more by this author! This story will have me thinking deep thoughts for a long time! 

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

REVIEW: The Sea Captain's Wife

 The Sea Captain's Wife
Author: Tilar J. Mazzeo

I'm always up for reading an adventurous, exciting true story. And this tale of survival on the sea definitely was exciting! 

I had never heard of Mary Ann Patten before reading this book. She was 19 years old and onboard ship with her husband and captain, Joshua, in 1856. During the voyage, her husband became sick, the crew began contemplating mutiny, and a heavy storm hit. Mary did what she had to do, and took over as captain, working with the crew to sail the ship to safety. 

What an exciting and awesome story! The first woman to captain a merchant vessel! 

I loved this book. The story kept me riveted the entire time. I read each night after work, excited to find out what was going to happen next! 

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely be reading more! 

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

REVIEW: Death on Dickens Island

 Death on Dickens Island
Author: Allison Brook 

I have Allison Brook's Haunted Library series on my bookshelves and coming up next in my series TBR list!  I read the first book years ago, and then lost track of the series. So happy to be soon picking back up again and reading her books!

When I saw this first book in a new series pop up for review, I had to grab a early copy. I remember enjoying her characters and writing style so had to jump on this new series from the start. 

The basics -- Della Dickens is in her thirties, newly divorced and trying to start over again. She comes home to Dickens Island where she grew up to help with the family business and heal some family rifts. When her Uncle and Aunt end up suspects in a murder investigation, Della finds herself in the middle of secrets, lies and danger. 

I loved the setting, the characters and the suspense. The Dickens family has more than a little family drama going on and that aspect really heightened the suspense. I liked the ghostly/supernatural edge as well. I love the cover art!

Great start to a new series, and I will definitely be reading more! Can't wait for the next book! 

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

REVIEW: Running Deep

 Running Deep
Author: Tom Clavin 

I have read several of Tom Clavin's books and learned so much! His books are always well researched and well written. 

Running Deep is the story of the USS Tang, a US World War II submarine, and its Captain, Richard Hetherington O'Kane. The Tang was an attack submarine that had the best attack record of the submarine fleet at the time, before being accidentally sunk by one of it's own torpedoes. Only 9 crewmen, including the Captain, survived the sinking. 

The surviving crewmen were captured by the Japanese and sent to a prisoner of war camp.

A year later when the camp was liberated, O'Kane, weighing only 90 pounds, was rescued. 

Wow! This story was intense! 

I had never heard of the USS Tang or Captain O'Kane before. So glad I read this story and learned the history of the ship and its crew. 

With everything going on in the world right now, I found it hard to read a story about war. Even a war that ended so long ago. But, I persevered and finished the book, because I had to know what the fate of the crew was! 

The facts are presented in a very interesting way, and I enjoyed this book despite it being a very serious topic.  

Eagerly awaiting the next Tom Clavin book! 

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

 

 

REVIEW: Progress

Progress
Author: Samuel Miller McDonald

It took me quite awhile to read this book. Not because it was uninteresting, but because I needed to read slowly and fully digest the subject material. For me, this was not a book to skim or binge read. I wanted to take my time to understand the information so I could form an educated opinion.  

Progress is written in a very academic style. This will not appeal to all readers. He presents history and facts ranging from geography and history to philosophy and religion, tracing the effects of progress on society and cultures. I enjoyed how he presented the facts and then applied them to form an interpretive picture of progress across the centuries. 

Very thought provoking. How many millions of people and how many cultures have been decimated and destroyed over the years in the name of progress formulated from greed and dominance?  So, so many. What a waste. 

I wish humanity tended more towards harmony and building knowledge, rather than dominance and destruction. 

This book will have me thinking for a very long time. I'm still going on tangents of reading and research from notes I took while reading. So interesting! It will take me awhile to build my own educated opinion on this, but the journey and learning is the main goal! 

I will keep this author on my radar and definitely read more from him! 

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

REVIEW: Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting

 Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting
Author: Barbara Breen

Knitting can be relaxing and calming, but it can also be exacting and tedious, depending on the pattern. When I want to knit to just be calm, enjoy the rhythm of my needles and just get lost in my thoughts, I don't want to be making something with numerous color changes or a complex chart. Often I knit on something that doesn't require a pattern or a memorized design....so I can just be in the moment. 

This book gathers 19 designs with simplicity in mind, designed for relaxed, meditative knitting. The instructions are mostly simple knit and purl repeats -- easily memorized -- so that the knitter can just relax and enjoy the feel of the yarn and their thoughts.

These patterns would be great for car rides, airplanes, waiting rooms, etc as well -- any place you want to bring a spot of calm and something to do, but don't want anything complicated.   

I've tried several knitting books that were meant for being calming and relaxing, but the patterns often involved circulars, double points, fussy color changes, charts for lace work....  I can't really calm it and be counting yarn overs and slips at the same time. For me, calm requires a gentle flow, a pattern that doesn't require me to be paying attention to it, and a well-known design that I already know so well I could do it (and have done) with my eyes closed. I want soft yarn, straight needles, and a constant rhythm. :) This book has some patterns and ideas that I'm going to tweak to fit my style, and try them out. A little variation in those times where I just grab up needles, some soft or pretty colored yarn and create something. 

If you like to knit, and want to try some calm time with your needles, I definitely recommend this book. It's for beginners and experienced knitters alike. 

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

REVIEW: How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder

 How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder
Author: Emily Soderberg

Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan is working as a dog walker while she tries to get her pet behaviorist business idea off the ground. She lands an appointment to help a wealthy woman's dog get over grieving for his deceased owner. Just as Nikki thinks this might just be the thing to give her pet behaviorist career a boost, the rich woman turns up dead......and Nikki is a murder suspect.  

Such a cute concept! I really enjoyed Nikki as a main character. She has a great sense of humor and is just a quirky, fun character. I liked the mix of humor and mystery. I definitely can sympathize with Nikki's thoughts that she better relates to animals than people. I've felt that way many times myself! 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. I liked the characters and the background plot of a pet behaviorist. There were plenty of suspects and lots of sleuthing. 

I'm not sure if this is a one-off or if this will be a series. If it's a series, I will definitely read more! 

Fun read! 

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

REVIEW: The Deadly Book Club

 The Deadly Book Club
Author: Lyn Liao Butler

Can you imagine being in an online chat about books only to have a member of the book club killed during the meeting? Yikes!

Since 2020, I can't even estimate the number of online meetings I've been in. But, I can safely say that nobody has died during any of the Zoom, Teams or other online gatherings I've attended. 

The basic premise of this story was intriguing, so of course I had to read the book. :)  I am easily sucked in by a good book blurb. 

The basics - a group of five well-established book influencers meet online each month to discuss books, events and their group monthly book pick.  Things turn violent when during a meeting their computer screens freeze and the screaming starts as one of them is brutally murdered.  The remaining 4 book club members find their secrets, hidden agendas and resentments suddenly brought out into the open. Can they put that all aside and work together to discover who killed their friend? 

I really had a hard time liking any of these characters. They were all completely annoying. But....I put that emotional response aside because I really wanted to find out who killed one of them and why! But the entire time I kept thinking that I wouldn't be able to stand 5 minutes in the company of any of them. Yuck. lol.  

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The characters were incredibly obnoxious and complete drama queens, but they were supposed to be. The suspense built pretty steadily up to the reveal.  

Enjoyable read! I look forward to reading more by this author! 

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

 

REVIEW: Death at the Door

 Death at the Door
Author: Olivia Blacke

I requested a review copy of this cozy mystery thinking it was the first book in a new series. Then I discovered it is actually the second book. Ooops! 

Despite not reading the first book yet, I was easily able to jump in and enjoy this book. 

Ruby relocated to Boston to start a new life. Soon after her arrival, she discovered her apartment is haunted by a ghost of a former tenant who doesn't want a room-mate. Over time, they became friends and even do a bit of amateur sleuthing together. 

This time, Ruby has started a new job and discovers a dead body at work. The two reluctant roomies have to work together again to solve the crime. 

I loved how Cordelia (the ghost) wants to protect Ruby, and how they work together to solve the case. It would be difficult enough to share an apartment with a ghost, but start adding dead bodies into the mix and it goes to a whole new level. :) I'm not sure I could interact as well as Ruby does. I think I would be too creeped out.  

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to "know" both Ruby and Cordelia. There were plenty of suspects and a good amount of amateur sleuthing. I also really liked the idea of a living person and a ghost teaming up to solve a murder. 

I'm back tracking and reading book one from my local library.  

I can't wait to find out what will happen to Ruby and Cordelia next! I will definitely be reading more of this series! 

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

REVIEW: When We Talk to the Dead

 When We Talk to the Dead
Author: Ian Chorao

I just love horror novels that are set on creepy, abandoned islands. The minute I read the blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it. 

An abandoned island. A family tragedy. A woman searching for lost memories, truth and closure. 

Definitely the sort of horror / suspense story I enjoy! 

The story was not exactly what I expected, but I still enjoyed reading. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, and that's the perfect feeling for a creepy and suspenseful story. In places, I found the story development a bit too slow. But, before I lost interest, the plot would pick back up and something would happen. 

It's best to go in to this story with no knowledge of events. So, I'm not going to reveal any spoilers. Just be patient with the slow build, and let the plot suck you in. 

I can't imagine being in this situation. I'm not sure I would go to the island. I think I would be more apt to leave it alone. Not because of fear, but more out of an unwillingness to dredge all of those emotions up all over again. Not to mention, the creepy unexpected situation that occurs. 

I guess that means I really enjoy reading about creepy islands where bad things happened....but I don't actually have the guts to really GO to a creepy island were bad things happened. 

I'm ok with that. :) 

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will happily read more! The story wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but I still very much enjoyed it! 

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

REVIEW: Book 'em, Eddie

 Book 'Em, Eddie
Author: Laurie Cass

Book 'Em, Eddie is the 13th book in the Bookmobile Cat series. I still love Eddie just as much as I did when I first started reading this series! 

Mrrrrr! :) 

 This time, Librarian Minnie and her popular sidekick, Eddie are out in the Bookmobile. Minnie decides to take a quick detour to look at some homes. Eddie has plans of his own and escapes the Bookmobile, only to discover a woman in the woods with horrific injuries. Minnie and Eddie are once again on the case. Minnie firmly believes this was foul play and not a hunting accident. 

I enjoyed this book. I totally binge read the entire book in one day. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, so I always clear my schedule and just have an afternoon with Eddie. :) 

 I can't imagine walking into the woods and finding a badly injured person like that! Yikes! The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and there was plenty of suspects and amateur sleuthing. 

As usual, I thought I had the killer figured out and was completely wrong. I'm glad I'm not a detective! 

I can't wait for the next book in this series!  

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

 

REVIEW: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow

 The Haunting of Paynes Hollow
Author: Kelley Armstrong

When Samantha Paynes' wealthy grandfather dies, she expects to receive nothing. After all, she's been gone for 14 years after her father was accused of murder and then died. She is forced to attend the reading of the will and completely shocked when she inherits the property where the family cabins are located. But there are strings....she has to remain on the property 24/7 for 30 days. If she leaves for more than 30 minutes, she forfeits her inheritance. 

Samantha and her Aunt head to the property, where she will be basically a prisoner. It doesn't take long for weird things to start happening and soon dark family secrets come out. 

This story really surprised me! I did not expect the direction it went in -- and enjoyed every word! Not going to say a word or give any spoilers. Best to go into this one with no prior knowledge. 

I started reading read an ARC copy of this upcoming book from St Martins Press and then switched to the audio book from Macmillan Audio. Who doesn't like having a horror story read to them!! The audio is narrated by EJ Lavery and runs 9 hours 24 minutes. Lavery reads at a good speed and has a pleasant voice. Great job of narrating! 

I enjoy Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series and the spinoff series, so it was enjoyable to read a horror story by her! Loved it!  

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from St Martins Press and the audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: Gemini

 Gemini
Author: Jeffrey Kluger

I was too young when astronauts first landed on the moon to really remember much about it. I do however remember meeting Buzz Aldrin when I was in grade school. He seemed like a super hero to me at the time. 

I know a bit about the early space program, but not a lot. I definitely enjoyed listening to this audio book and learning more about how mankind prepared to put the first humans into space...and eventually on the surface of the Moon. 

The author definitely did exhaustive research and presented the facts in a very interesting way. The book kept my attention from start to finish. The challenges of a space program in a era of conflict and change. All the science, training and experimenting that made the space program work. The people and technology involved. So interesting!! 

I started out reading an ARC copy of this book from St. Martin's Press, and then switched to a review copy of the audio book from Macmillan Audio (10 hrs, 27 minutes). The narrator, Robb Reider, read at a perfect pace and has a pleasant voice. I was easily able to maintain attention and enjoyed the narration.  

I definitely want to read more about the space program from the beginnings through the Space Shuttle era. And, I hope to read more by this author. It's not easy to keep non-fiction from becoming boring or bogged down, but this was a very interesting listen! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy from St. Martin's Press and listened to a review audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: The Zorg

 The Zorg
Author: Siddarth Kara

When I started reading this book, I was completely unfamiliar with the story of The Zorg and the killing of more than 120 Africans bound for Jamaica to be sold as slaves in 1780.  

As the story unfolded and the terrible truth of what a ship's crew did was revealed, I just became more and more horrified. In the later pages of the book, court records from a subsequent insurance case just gutted me even more. A man actually told the court that throwing live Africans off a ship in the middle of the ocean was no more than throwing horses over board. Even the main question in front of the court was mind-boggling. The main question: Was it a loss cover-able by insurance if a crew willfully threw the "cargo" overboard due to a perceived shortage of drinkable water?

The author definitely did a lot of detailed research to write this book. The narrative flows and kept my attention from start to finish, even though it was very, very hard to read due to the subject matter.  

I started out reading from a review copy of this book and then switched to listening to the audio book version, narrated by Dion Graham. Graham read at a steady pace and his voice is easily understandable. He did great job of narration! 

Definitely thinking very deep thoughts after finishing this book. We've come a long way since 1780, but human beings are still incredibly cruel and violent to each other. It's sad. May the victims who had no chance of survival rest in peace. There is no apology or acknowledgement that makes up for what was done to them. Evil -- that's the only word that describes it. 

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

 

 

REVIEW: Furever After

 Furever After
Author: Sofie Kelly 

Finishing a series causes such mixed feelings.....

On the one hand, when I finished this book, took my magnetic bookmark out, and closed the cover...I felt happy that I had finally read this series. But then I realized it's over....no more tales of Owen and Hercules, the magical cats. 

At least I think there won't be any more. This book ends on a perfect note to finish out this series, and I read online in a couple places that this is the final book in the series. So, I'm going to assume that's true and be pleasantly surprised if I'm wrong. 

This time, Librarian Kathleen Paulson is preparing for her wedding to her local detective fiance, Marcus. So, of course, something has to happen to liven things up a bit. There is a break-in at the library. But not just any break-in....Kathleen finds the would-be thief dead on the floor. So, as usual, Kathleen, Marcus, the cats and assorted friends are all helping investigate what happened.....and planning the wedding. 

This book is a perfect wrap-up for a wonderful series. I enjoyed every word! And I feel better about reaching the end of this series. I realized I still have this author's (under her other pen name - Sofie Ryan) Second Chance Cat series on my bookshelf to be read! I will miss hearing about Owen and Hercules....but I can still enjoy this author's style! :) 

Moving on! And, I've added Second Chance Cat to my list of series I'm reading next. Have a couple other cozy series to read first, but eagerly waiting that series! 

 

REVIEW: Paws to Remember

 Paws to Remember
Author: Sofie Kelly 

It's the holiday season. Librarian Kathleen Paulson and her fiance Marcus are planning a trip to Boston to spend Christmas with her family. And everything is going wrong....including finding the body of a teenage girl who disappeared 36 years before.  Can they solve a cold case....and still have a family Christmas?

I ended up totally binge reading this book. I couldn't put it down. Cold cases are so intriguing, and the plot just sucked me right in.  For me, this is the best book in the series so far. 

A bit of a surprise at the end made me smile. Not going to say what, but Hercules (one of Kathleen's cats) and his friend have a great moment. Loved it!  Best moment in the series as far as I am concerned. 

I now have the next book -- and potentially the final book in this series -- on my desk ready to read. It seems weird to think I may be starting the last book featuring these characters. What a ride! I've loved each book...and I enjoy all the characters, the cats, and all the amateur sleuthing. And....maybe....just maybe Furever After will turn out to not be the last book after all....

We shall see. :)  

 

REVIEW: Whiskers and Lies

 Whiskers and Lies
Author: Sofie Kelly 

Autumn is in the air and Mayville Heights residents are ready for a fun and spooky good time. Halloween decoration and party planning by the local library staff is interrupted by a rather public argument in the library. The family drama stemming from a custody battle then escalates when one party is found dead at the rocky bottom of steep embankment. Librarian Kathleen Paulson and her cats Owen and Hercules are once again on the trail of a killer.  

This story kept my attention from start to finish. The ending was rather darker than I expected - but perfect! I had to stop reading for a few minutes and let the who/why/how sink in before I could read the last few pages. Intense! 

Owen and Hercules are fabulous as usual. I love how they join their sleuthing skills with Kathleen's. There was some interesting character development in this book as well. Can't wait to read the next book! 

I can't believe I'm down to just two more books to read in this series! I have heard that book 16 is the final book in this series, but I haven't been able to verify that for sure. I will enjoy the next two books and savor them like they are the last....and will just be pleasantly surprised if there are more. 

I already have the next book -- Paws to Remember -- on my desk ready to go. 

Great cozy series! I have enjoyed every book!  

REVIEW: Cold as Hell

 Cold as Hell
Author: Kelley Armstrong

Cold as Hell is the 3rd book in the Haven's Rock series, which is a spinoff of Kelley Armstrong's Rockton books. Haven's Rock is a settlement hidden deep in the Yukon. A place where residents can come to start new lives, hide out from danger, and feel relatively safe. Their past is kept secret. They have jobs within the settlement. And, life goes on. 

Casey Duncan is the local detective and helped start the new settlement with her husband, Eric, who is the Sheriff. Casey is pregnant and dealing with that in the middle of the Yukon as best she can. Things are going ok and everyone is settling into routine finally....until....   (There is always an "Until" isn't there!)

Someone drugs a female resident and drags her into the forest. She's saved by another resident before any further violence occurs. Then a snowstorm hits, and as the snow flies and the wind blows, Casey and Eric learn another female resident of the settlement is missing. Only this time, they find her frozen dead body in the snow. 

Who attacked one woman and killed another? It's hard to know in a town where people's pasts are secret and nobody knows who anyone really is. Which one of them is a murderer? 

I loved the Rockton series....and this new spinoff in a new settlement! Always the perfect combination of wilderness survival, unexpected events and suspense! 

I listened to the audio book version of this book [Macmillan Audio, 10 hrs 6 minutes, narrated by Therese Plummer]. Therese is a skilled narrator and always gives a great performance.  

This story kept my attention from start to finish. The pacing was spot-on and there were plenty of suspects and surprises along the way. 

I do have to say that I did get a bit tired of hearing about Casey's pregnancy. It just got old by the end of a 10 hour audio book. lol 

I can't wait for the next book!!  

 

REVIEW: Hooked on a Feline

 Hooked on a Feline
Author: Sofie Kelly

This is the 13th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series. I first started reading this series years ago when the first couple of books came out. Then life intervened and I didn't have much time to read. Life is calmer now, and I've learned that it's important to find time for things that make you happy. Reading moved up on my priority list! So, this year I backtracked and started reading this series again from the start. 

I've almost caught up to the author! :) 

A couple incredibly busy weeks at work caused me to not finish my library copy of this book before the due date...so at Chapter 6 I had to switch to an audio book through Hoopla to finish up. 

I enjoyed this story. This time, a local band comes back together to put on a reunion concert, but just days later one of them is dead. Librarian Kathleen Paulson, her two slightly magical kitty cats and her detective boyfriend Marcus....plus their circle of friends....are back on the case! 

The plot kept me engaged the entire time. There was plenty of suspects and amateur sleuthing. And, the cats, Owen and Hercules, helped solve the case as usual. 

The audio book (Tantor Media, 2021, Narrator Cassandra Campbell, 7 hours 21 minutes) was a great save when I had to return my book before I was done. In fact, when I came out of the library after returning my book, I sat in the parking lot for a minute and checked the book out on Hoopla using my phone. Modern libraries for the win! But....I didn't like the narrator. For me, the way she did the voices of the characters was odd and a bit annoying. Not my favorite narrator at all. But, I was determined to find out who the killer was, so kept listening. If this wasn't  one of my favorite series, I probably would have turned the book off and moved on to the next book.  

Great addition to this series!  I'm glad I'm finally getting to read all of these books. I will be sad when I close the cover on book 16 and realize I'm waiting on the author to publish a new story before I can continue. Or, that book 16 might be the end of the series. I will just savor the next 3 books in the series and hope that there will be more! 

 

REVIEW: A Case of Cat and Mouse

 A Case of Cat and Mouse
Author: Sofie Kelly 

 

I'm working my way through this entire series. It's taken a spot on my list of favorite cozy mystery series. Two cute kitties, each with a magical power. A small town librarian whose boyfriend is a police detective. And a group of various friends that help Kathleen and her kitties solve mysteries. 

What's not to love? 

I've had most of this series on my bookshelves for a few years, started reading with book one in 2011 when it first published. But life got busy and I lost track of this cute series. Picked up book one again this year....and just finished book 13. Having a great time!! 

In A Case of Cat and Mouse, a reality cooking show is in town. One of Kathleen's friends is a contestant. Kathleen is doing research. And the whole town is just enjoying having something this exciting going on in town. Things are going perfectly....until.....one of the show's judges is found dead face-down in a bowl of whipped cream. Once again, Kathleen and her magical kitties are on the trail of a killer!  Who offed the judge? 

Great addition to this series! The plot kept my attention from start to finish. Hercules and Owen were once again real characters in the book, helping out and making solve the case. They aren't just kitties....they are kitty sleuths! There were plenty of suspects, and the perfect amount of amateur sleuthing. 

I'm on to the next book!  I'm almost caught up to the author! Only 4 books left!  

REVIEW: No Rest for the Wicked

 No Rest for the Wicked
Author: Rachel Louise Adams

Delores Hawthorne left her hometown in Wisconsin years ago, cutting all ties with family and friends. But after 20 years, she's drawn back. Her father is missing under odd circumstances. Her memories of events on a Halloween night years and years ago are vague and disjointed. Now her father is gone, her family's reaction to her homecoming is cold, and something tells her that there is much more to that night and its aftermath than she remembers......

Wow! I loved this book! The story reveals the intricacies of an odd Halloween obsessed town, the difficulties in a blended family, and the one event that tore apart Delores' life when she was a teenager. 

This is Rachel Louise Adams' debut novel. I will definitely be reading more by this author! The suspense built steadily....revelations coming out bit by but....until the ending just exploded on the page. 

I listened to the audio book version of this story, narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker (Macmillan Audio, 12 hrs 4 minutes) and had an ebook review copy as well (St Martins Press). 

Awesome book for spooky reading season! And the cover art is amazing! I can't wait to find out what this new author comes out with next! 

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

REVIEW: It Happened in Colorado

 It Happened in Colorado
Author: James A. Crutchfield

I've lived in Colorado since 2022. I love it here. I love the vibe of the large metro region I live in, the culture, the mountains and wildlife....and the history! 

 I recently went on a group trip to a history museum, and afterwards I wanted to gain more knowledge of Colorado history. I thought this book would be a good place to start. 

It Happened in Colorado is an easy read only 128 pages, plus a Bibliography and index in the back. Topics are separated into 35 short snippets, ranging from ancient times up to the 1980s. Most of the topics I was familiar with already, but some events were completely new to me. Each story is about 3-4 pages long with just enough information to give basic facts. 

At first I was disappointed that the information was so brief, but then I made a list of topics I want to research further. So, the book fulfilled the purpose I wanted.....a place to start in my efforts to study Colorado history!  

REVIEW: A Night's Tail

 A Night's Tail
Author: Sofie Kelly

 

A Night's Tail is the 11th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series. 

I have loved this series since book 1!! :) Hercules and Owen are great kitties. They help their owner, Librarian Kathleen Paulson, solve mysteries and each have a very interesting paranormal power. 

This time around, a shady businessman who has been going around town looking for supposed investments is found dead. Nobody is really sad as the man has been acting like a real jerk all around town, including kicking a service dog. When one of her little brother's friends becomes a suspect, Kathleen and her magical kitties (and her detective boyfriend) are on the case. Can they discover who offed the jerk? 

I love how Owen and Hercules help Kathleen when she's doing her amateur sleuthing. :) 

The plot moved along at a good pace with plenty of sleuthing and suspects. Kathleen's friends were awesome as usual, and it was nice to have Kathleen's little brother and his band in town. 

A great book in this series! I'm moving on to book 12! :)  

REVIEW: Murder at the Blackwood Inn

 Murder at the Blackwood Inn
Author: Penny Warner

Carissa Blackwood is having a rough time. She leaves her husband (a cheater), and moves to help her two eccentric aunts run their Bed & Breakfast in CA. But it isn't just any B&B -- it's haunted. Add in a dash of the occult and her aunts being suspects in a murder, and you get this fun, entertaining, humorous start to a cozy mystery series.  

I love the characters in this book! Carissa is trying to put her life back together and just rolls with the punches as best she can. The aunts are endearing and just a bit zany. A cute handyman and a ghost round out things perfectly. 

The mystery moves along at a good pace. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing and suspects.The book seemed to be more of a series opener, rather than a hard hitting mystery. I loved the fact that the characters were developed and allowed to entertain. And, the romance angle is hinted at but didn't play a big part in the story yet. The mystery was light, and enjoyable.  

This book was the perfect one to kick off my spooky reading season this year. The story is a great start to a new series. I can't' wait to read the next book! 

 And, if the B&B was a real place -- I would make a reservation in a heart beat!!  Yep.....crystals and seances with two crazy aunts and a ghost? Yep! I would stay there and have a great time! 

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