The Stranger Vanishes, by Wndy Corsi Staub

The Stranger Vanishes by Wendy Corsi Staub 

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

This one took me a while to finish, but only because I got part way in and had to go search out the others in the series to read first! As the description says, you can start here and be fine, but once I realized it was several books in, I personally wanted to go back and read the others first. Once I got back to it, it was a fun, fast read.

I love the setting of Lily Dale and all the quirky spiritualist characters, along with the main character Bella, who doesn't seem quite sure what she believes. I absolutely know the feeling of, "But if the dead can communicate, why don't my loved ones talk to ME?!"

I hope there will be more in the series now that I have found it!

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



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A Rip Through Time, by Kelley Armstrong

A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First in the series.

I'm honestly torn on this one. I like Kelley Armstrong's books, but this one didn't hold my attention like they normally do. Maybe it was the period setting. It was an okay first book, and I'll probably read the next in the series, but historical mysteries really aren't my thing and combine that with the time travel element, and the whole thing is just off for me. It took a while to get through, just because I could only read for a few pages before some new shiny thing caught my attention.

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

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The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions, by Kerry Greenwod

The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood 

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

A collection of Phryne Fisher short stories, including 4 new stories.

I don't usually care for historical cozies, but I am slightly obsessed with the Art Deco period/Roaring 20s, so I love Phryne and have read all the books and seen all the TV shows. I hadn't read any of Ms. Greenwood's short stories before, even though all but 4 had been published previously, so it was all new to me and I loved it.

Phryne Fisher is a strong, smart, independent woman, and yet still warm-hearted and caring, surrounded by found family that I adore.

For me, there wasn't a single bad story in this collection.

I NEED even more Phryne, please!

*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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Mortal Music, by Ann Parker

Mortal Music by Ann Parker

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

Book 7 in the series.

This is the first book I've read in the series, but it absolutely is a stand alone story. It's also not really a cozy mystery, but more of a historical mystery.

I'm a huge western history buff, so this was right up my alley. Yes, it's historical fiction, but Ms. Parker has obviously done her research on the area and time period.

Her main character is interesting and likable, intelligent and strong. The plot was full of twists and turns and now I really want to go back and read the previous books in the series!

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



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The Queen's Governess

The Queen's Governess, by Karen Harper.

I highly enjoyed this book. It was an interesting peek at what life may have been like in Henry VIII's court and Elizabeth I's early reign, told from not the royal point of view, but from a servant's point of view. I liked the character that Harper developed Kat into, finding her likable, interesting and sympathetic.

I'm now reading The Last Boleyn, the story of Anne's older sister, the Boleyn who dared to break away from the court and marry for love.