With a Spirit of Vengeance, by Lena Gregory

With a Spirit of Vengeance by Lena Gregory 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I ended up liking it in the end.

Number 7 in the series. Don't start the series here! While there is background in the book, I feel like you at least have to have read book 6 first, since it continues part of that story arc.

This one was just an okay read for me. While I enjoy the main characters most of the time, this one just didn't keep me interested for long. I found myself putting it down and finding something else to do for a while before I could come back to it. I did find myself pretty hooked in the last several chapters though, so I gave it three stars instead of just two.

Cass, Bee and Beast are all good reasons to keep reading, so I will be waiting impatiently for the next in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*



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Simmering with Resentment, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber 

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 11 in the series.

I usually love to visit Crystal Cove and the Book Nook, but this is my least favorite book in the series. Maybe it's the wedding theme of the book, but Jenna is rather unpleasant in this installment. And the cast of characters is starting to get a bit out of hand. It doesn't make it more suspenseful for me, it makes it harder to keep track of who is whom. I was getting some of the characters confused and would have to go back and read a bit before I got it straightened out. As a result, this was a slow read for me.

That said, I will continue to read the series as long as it continues.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Short-Circuited in Charlotte, by Amy Patricia Meade

Short-Circuited in Charlotte by Amy Patricia Meade 

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in the series. This is a re-issue under a new publisher with a new series name.

I didn't like this one as much as the first book in the series. Nick was pretty much a minor character in a too loooong list of characters. And Stella was a bit off-putting in this one. I found it to be rather slow moving at times, and ended up dropping it a few times to go read something else.

I still like the married couple concept, as it puts off so much of the relationship angst that a lot of cozies have. But for that to work, I need the couple to work together, rather than just having one there in a minor role. I'd also think that Nick, a ranger for the US Forest Service, would have a bit more of a law enforcement bent, since quite frankly, these days federal rangers are all law enforcement officers, in addition to being conservation officers, and have been for decades.

I'd still like to read the next in the series, especially if it's offered on NetGalley, or through my local library.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Well-Offed in Vermont, by Amy Patricia Meade

Well-Offed in Vermont by Amy Patricia Meade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 1 in a new, but old series. Confusing, right? Originally released in 2011, this is a re-issue from a new publisher. The author has mentioned that there will be 3 new books in the series as well.

It was good read, especially for a first book in a series, the series has real potential. Knowing that there are at least 4 more books in the series helps, because it means I won't get invested in characters that will quickly disappear, which is sadly all too common in publishing now.

One thing I really like is that the main characters are a married couple. There's no relationship drama, they were likeable and funny. The book was well paced and a fast read.

Looking forward to more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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A Fatal Feast, by Kathleen Bridge

A Fatal Feast by Kathleen Bridge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

I really like this series. Meg is always entertaining. That said, she had a few Too Stupid to Live moments in this book, which always annoys me, and resulted in me downrating the book.

Overall, the story was a good one that kept me reading. It was a fast read, I finished it in a day. I love the setting, and the bits and pieces of interior design Meg and Elle throw in, along with the descriptions of most of the food.

There were a few things that seemed a bit convoluted and out there, but I won't go in to that because I don't want any spoilers.

I am looking forward to more mysteries with Meg and Elle.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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A Spirit Seeks Asylum, by Lena Gregory

A Spirit Seeks Asylum by Lena Gregory 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

This is hands down my favorite book in the series. The others have been okay, but this one really connected with me. I always enjoy Cass and Beast, and more Bee just added to the fun. The strong friendships between the main characters and the way they support each other, just makes me smile.

I have to admit, I also want to know more about Thea, and her grandmother. Hopefully Cass can help her blossom a bit.

All in all, a fun, fast read. I truly hope there are more in the series coming.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Carried to the Grave and Other Stories, by Leslie Budewitz

Carried to the Grave and Other Stories by Leslie Budewitz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

A collection of shorter stories, with the title story being previously published on the author's website. All are tied to the author's Food Lover's Village series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each story was another glimpse into life in Jewel Bay, from the founding of the Mercantile to present day.

The title story actually combines past and present, weaving the two together quite skillfully as Erin uncovers another family's long kept secret. I'd originally read it when the author provided the link in her monthly newsletter ages ago, and enjoyed it again on re-read. This one left me a little sad, both times, and especially sad that the family continued to feel the need to hide the truth in this day and age. (sorry to be so vague, but trying not to give any spoilers!).

I especially enjoyed An Unholy Death, with its glimpse at the founding couple of the Merc. I loved Kate with her big heart and Paddy's obvious love and devotion. I am really hoping we get another story with Kate, Paddy and Grace.

The entire book was a nice, quick read, that I didn't want to end.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Organize Your Corpses, by Mary Jane Maffini

Organize Your Corpses by Mary Jane Maffini

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, DNF.

Re-release of book 1 in a 5 book series.

Ugh. I didn't find ANY of the characters likeable, not even the dogs. I got to the discovery of the body and lo and behold, the main characters favorite pen under the body, rolled my eyes hard and closed the book on my Kindle.

Life is too short to waste on books you don't enjoy.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Wining and Dying, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Wining and Dying by Daryl Wood Gerber

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay. Ish.

Book 10 in the series.

An improvement over the previous book, but not by a lot. I was at least able to finish this one. The last several books just don't quite have the charm of the previous ones, and Jenna has become the Too Stupid to Live heroine a few too many times, so that's frustrating.

I think I might be done with this series. It just really doesn't "spark joy," for me any longer.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Double or Muffin, by Victoria Hamilton

Double or Muffin by Victoria Hamilton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 7 in the series.

I've enjoyed this series, but this one really wasn't my cup of tea. Once again, a reality show is filming in the castle, but instead of ghost hunters, this time it's opera singers. I know nothing about opera, and I don't particularly care to, so I just wasn't able to really connect with the story, or really care much about what was going on.

But honestly that's all on me, and I will hope for another in the series.


*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror, by Kay Finch

 

The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror by Kay Finch

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series, and probably my favorite so far.

Hitchcock is back! I love Hitchcock, with his ability to show up where and when least expected. Sabrina feels fully fleshed out now, and likeable. And I adore Aunt Rowe, though I feel like this book kind of portrayed her as a bit naive, rather than the smart business woman she is.

The mystery was well written and I ended up reading this in one long reading session, rather than putting it down and going to bed like I should have, haha.

Looking forward to more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*


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A Design to Die For, by Kathleen Bridge

A Design to Die For by Kathleen Bridge 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 5 in the series.

This series just gets better.

The plot was fun and fast moving, though I did find the secondary plot a bit of a distraction (and the character name of the leader of the ghost hunters, could the author have been any more obvious in her choice? Mac Zagan/Zak Bagans? Haha)

The wrap up was a bit of a surprise, though I did rather suspect who the real murderer was before then.

All in all, this is probably my favorite of the series. I honestly didn't want to put it down until the end. I'm looking forward to more Montauk and Meg.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*

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Grave Consequences, by Lena Gregory

Grave Consequences by Lena Gregory

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 5 in the series.

After the previous book, I did go back and read the rest of the series, so I was happy to see this one listed on NetGalley.

Sadly, this one was kind of boring. The Whodunit was kind of obvious and the rest of the story filled with tedious details as filler. It took me several days to get my disinterest and to the last few chapters. In the end, it turned out to be an okay read, but nothing fantastic.

Less dog and people feeding, please, haha.

Still, I am looking forward to the next book.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*

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Shredding the Evidence, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Shredding the Evidence by Daryl Wood Gerber

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, this one wasn't for me.

Book 9 in the series.

I wanted to like it. I've enjoyed previous books in the series. But this one was boring. The quirky characters I liked were just blah. And it felt a little mean. Like, fat shaming mean. I finally gave up on it and put it down 2/3 of the way through.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*

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Berried in the Past, by Peg Cochran

Berried in the Past by Peg Cochran

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series.

I liked this one a lot better than the previous one. The murder mystery was interesting and intrigued me. I always like a story within the story. It was a quick read.

There was much baking of cranberry goods, and I confess, I'm not a cranberry fan. The recipes hold no draw for me, but then, I've never made a recipe from a book that turned out as good as it sounded, so oh well, haha.

Altogether, this was a much better comeback for this series and I am looking forward to the next.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*

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Desolate Shores, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Desolate Shores by Daryl Wood Gerber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book one in a new, non-cozy, series.

I love most of Daryl Wood Gerber's books, so I thought I would give this one a try. It's a good start. The plot was tight and kept me interested, in fact, I really didn't want to put it down.

This book is a little more intense than a cozy, but I didn't find it too much so. Really, it just seemed to have a fast paced plot that kind of kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next.

My only complaint is the mystery within the mystery, of Aspen's parents' murders. I am sure that will continue to pop up until eventually it becomes the focus. But for now it's mostly tucked into the background, so it wasn't too distracting.

I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Manor of Dying, by Kathleen Bridge

Manor of Dying by Kathleen Bridge

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 4 in the series.

This is another series that was saved from the Berkley purge by a new publisher. It's good to see some of these series that I thought were dead coming back.

This is actually probably my favorite so far in the series. I loved the setting, the spooky old sanitarium on an island in the middle of a snow storm. And I really love Meg. The fact that she's hard of hearing makes her all the more real to me.

The only thing that keeps this book from being perfect is the love interest. Or should I say love interests? I don't like Cole, the constantly gone boyfriend, who obviously cares more for sailing then Meg, but I really dislike the hinted at love triangle. That needs to be resolved one way or another (Although I admit, I favor Patrick over Cole). Either way, the dreaded love triangle trope results in an automatic 1 star downrate from me.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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The Black Cat Steps on a Crack, by Kay Finch

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars, I quite liked it.

Book 4 in the series. It's nice to see Sabrina and Hitchcock picked up by a new publisher.

This book started off a bit slow for me, but once the pace picked up, I didn't want to put it down. The story was well written and I love the cast of characters. Hitchcock is, of course, my favorite character and helpfully sneaks out of the house to dig up clues for Sabrina.

Looking forward to more Hitchcock and Sabrina.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Spirited Away, by Lena Gregory

Spirited Away by Lena Gregory

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Book 4 in the series.

I've read the first book in the series, but none of the others. I am thinking I need to go back and read the other two books, because I felt like I was missing a bit in this one. The plot and characters are well written, I just need a bit more background, I guess.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Sifting Through Clues, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Sifting Through Clues by Daryl Wood Gerber

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 8 in the series.

I love this series, but this wasn't my favorite. I had a hard time getting into it, and kept putting it down in favor of other books. I did finally finish it, and ultimately I liked it. The plotting is strong as usual. I have to admit, I have never really been a fan of Pepper, so maybe that's why I just couldn't really commit to this book.

And there's also this little niggling hint of reality growing in my mind that the Book Nook in real life would never be capable of supporting so many owners. That seems to be interfering a bit with my enjoyment as well. But that's purely a "me" problem, cozy mysteries are never meant to be realistic, after all.

All in all, it's a good entry in the series, maybe a bit slow to start.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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