Round Up the Usual Peacocks, by Donna Andrews

Round Up the Usual Peacocks by Donna Andrews 

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

Book 31 in the series! (I listened to the audio version)

This is probably one of my favorite cozy series. Ms. Andrews is always good for an engaging, humorous story, and this one was no different. This book is a nod back to where we all started in book 1, with Meg rounding up peacocks for a wedding. While only a brief portion of the book, the peacock scenes had me giggling out loud.

There was a lot going on in this book, and it was fast paced and entertaining, with much of the usual crew and some nice new characters thrown in as well. It's honestly been so much fun watching all of the usual cast grow and evolve. This book can probably be read as a stand alone, but the large cast of characters may confuse at first, and really, go read them all, they're so worth it!

Note: I rarely listen to audio books, most of the time I have voices for characters in my head, and don't care for the narrator's version. But I've quite enjoyed Bernadette Dunne in several books in this series, so when I saw the audio book was available on NetGalley I jumped at it. I'm glad I did, and I'm actually looking at getting more audio books, because it makes the time on my treadmill go awfully fast, haha.

Now I am off to read #32, this year's holiday book. Please keep them coming, Ms. Andrews!

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

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Murder Most Fowl, by Donna Andrews

Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 29 in the series and still just as fun as the first few. As always, Meg's got a lot going on in her life. Michael's actors in the play he's directing, are staying with them, all with their own issues and personality quirks. Add in Meg's extended family, and it all makes for some laugh out loud moments and a grand read.

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

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A Stranger in Town, by Kelley Armstrong

A Stranger in Town by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 6 in the series.

This one was okay, but I kept getting tangled in the threads of the numerous characters. There was just so much to deal with.

I like the series as a whole though, so I will be back for book 7.

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

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Beyond a Reaspnable Stout, by Ellie Alexander

Beyond a Reasonable Stout by Ellie Alexander

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I didn't care for it.

Book 3 in the series.

When I realized this was the 3rd book in the series, I quickly got the first two from my library. I wasn't super enthused about this series once I started reading. I think that can easily be traced to the fact that I don't like beer at all. So despite living in an area very well known for its microbreweries, I just don't know much (or care to know much) about making beer. There's A LOT of detail about the craft, and it was just too much for me.

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

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Killer in the Carriage House, by Sheila Connolly

Killer in the Carriage House by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in the series.

I liked the first book a bit better but, I'm not liking this series as much as I usually like Ms. Connolly's other work. Kate isn't super likable, and in this book, the mystery seems more like filler in the story of the town's history.

However, it took me a few books to warm up to Mara in Ms. Connolly's County Cork series, so I am willing to give the next book a chance.

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

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Murder at the Mansion, by Sheila Connolly

Murder at the Mansion by Sheila Connolly

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

Book one in the series.

I love all of Sheila Connolly's books, so when I saw that she had a new series, I was excited.

She didn't let me down. I love the setting, the small town that's seen better days, and the characters, determined to save their town. The main character, Katherine, took me a bit to warm up to. At the start she was a bit snooty, feeling so superior to her old school friend. But as she began to warm up to the town, I began to warm up to her. Now I just want to see where things go and I am totally rooting for this little town!

I can't wait until book 2 comes out!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley*

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How the Finch Stole Christmas, by Donna Andrews

How the Finch Stole Christmas! by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 22 in the series, but I think Ms. Andrews does an excellent job of making each book a stand alone story.

Every year I look forward to a new Christmas book in this series. Meg and her family never fail to make me laugh, and this one was no different. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one through NetGalley and I pretty much snuggled down and read it in one sitting. My family is used to me laughing out loud when I read a Meg book, so they left me alone, haha.

I absolutely enjoyed the story this time, though I do wish we'd seen a bit more of Meg's Mom's side of the family again. They always add a bit more kookiness.

I got this book super early, and actually ended up re-reading it again just before the pub date. It was just as much fun the second time through!

Now to be patient and wait for #23....

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

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A Darkness Absolute, by Kelley Armstrong

A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I REALLY liked it.

Book 2. I hadn't read the first book, and I knew I was missing some backstory, but it was still a completely satisfying read.

This book was a lot more thriller/mystery than I usually read, but I love Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series, so I thought I would give it a try.

It sucked me in! From the moment Casey got stranded in a freak snowstorm, I was hooked. Every little bit that unfurled after that just made me NEED to know more, RIGHT NOW! So I kept reading and stayed up far too late to finish it.

A Darkness Absolute is creepy, enthralling and fast paced. Unlike Ms. Armstrong's Otherworld series, there's no supernatural element to this book, but everyone in Rockton is still somewhat "other" in that they all have secrets, some of which are downright dangerous. And yet the main characters at least are very likeable, flawed, humans trying to make a life off the grid.

As a result of reading this book, I immediately read The Lost City as well, just to fill in the background (It was excellent as well!). Now I will wait, rather impatiently, for the next book in the series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Terror In Taffeta, by Marla Cooper

Terror in Taffeta by Marla Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fast, fun read. I grabbed this book out of its mailer and sat down to read a bit before starting dinner. Suddenly I was on the last chapter and dinner ended up delivery, haha.

During a destination wedding in Mexico, one of the bridesmaids drops dead during the ceremony and the bride's sister is arrested for murder. The Momzilla Mother of the Bride insists wedding planner Kelsey find the real killer, and Kelsey can't afford to say no.

I liked Kelsey, the suspects were plenty and varied and the plot twisty. And photographer Brody made a great sidekick for Kelsey. The location made me want to run off to Mexico.

A good start to a new series, I am looking forward to book 2.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book that I received from the author

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