Kneaded to Death, by Winnie Archer

Kneaded to Death by Winnie Archer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Winnie Archer is a pseudonym for Melissa Bourbon. I love her Magical Dressmaking series, so I wanted to love this new series. Unfortunately, I had a hard time liking Ivy. She came off as whiny and immature. There were moments where I felt like she was in high school, and she's supposed to be 31.

As a result, this book just didn't keep my attention for long, I kept putting it down and picking up something else to read. I did finally slog through it, and the ending was satisfying, even if the road there was a little too long and curvy.

I am hoping that now that the mystery of Ivy's mom's death is solved, Ivy and company can move on and develop in to more likeable characters in book 2.

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Fatality by Firelight, Lynn Cahoon

Fatality by Firelight by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 2 in the series.

I am enjoying this series. The Colorado setting, the writer's retreats, the main mystery, I loved it. The writing is tight, the characters are well developed and mostly likeable.

What I am not loving is the secondary plot-line that is dragging on and dragging more people in. I am not a fan of "To Be Continued" in anything. In the first book, it was a bit more subtle. With book 2, it's as much a part of the book as the current murder and I am not liking that so much. I would really like to see it given its own book and wrapped up so Cat can move on.

As a result, I just can't give this book more than a 3 star rating. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I am still looking forward to reading book 3 in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the publisher, via NetGalley*



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Death of a Ghost, by M.C. Beaton

Death of a Ghost by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars, did NOT finish! I would give this ZERO stars if it would let me.

I read many of the early Hamish Macbeth books and I loved them. This one, though? I hated it. Hamish has turned into a condescending pig that I do not like. I finally just skipped to the end and it made say, "WTF??"

The entire epilogue (which was way too long) storyline with Fox and Blair was just so far out there. Is Beaton even writing these books herself anymore or has she just gone barmy?

Absolutely abysmal book and I highly doubt I will ever read an MC Beaton book again.

In case I was not clear enough, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this book. Thank goodness I got it free from NetGalley.

By the way, this is the first time I have not finished a NetGalley book. Sad day.

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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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Death in Advertising, by Laura Bradford

Death in Advertising by Laura Bradford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tobi's newest slogan proves to be truth in advertising. A great start to a new series!

I will admit to starting this book with a bit of skepticism. I haven't been a fan of this author. I am glad I decided to give her another chance.

I liked Tobi quite a bit, she was a bit more realistic than previous protagonists from Ms. Bradford. The supporting "cast" were a lot of fun, and it's always nice to have a love interest who is NOT a law enforcement official.

The plot was fast and fun. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

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A Measure of Murder, by Leslie Karst

A Measure of Murder: A Sally Solari Mystery by Leslie Karst
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series.

I liked it. But there are a few things that still annoy me. I've worked in restaurants and I know the profit margin is slim to none. Most restaurant owners I know work loooong days, every day, working the front of the house, in the kitchen, doing paperwork, where ever they are needed, because payroll is tight. Yet Sally can manage TWO restaurants, go on bike rides, sing with a chorus and investigate a murder, all without passing out from exhaustion.

But I guess the average reader doesn't have that background. Once I managed to suspend my disbelief about that, the story line was interesting and fun. I like Sally, I like the other primary characters, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

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Some Kind of Magic, by Mary Ann Marlowe

Some Kind of Magic by Mary Ann Marlowe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Not very magical. After reading the book blurb and seeing all the 4 and 5 star reviews, all I can say is, I was really disappointed in this book.

It's a typical formulaic romance, but from the blurb and title I thought it would have a bit of a twist. All it really had was pure silliness. Low self esteem wanna be musician girl meets famous musician guy but has no idea who he is. Then she finds out and of course the guy couldn't possibly want to be with a girl like her if it wasn't for the crazy perfume she's wearing. Misunderstandings occur, couple splits, each is miserable without the other, blah, blah, blah. They get back together and have their HEA.

All in all, it's a fast read with some funny bits, but pretty predictable and formulaic.

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

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Murder Go Round, by Carol J. Perry

Murder Go Round by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 4 in the series, and the best yet!

After book 3, I swore I was done with this series, so I had to really think long and hard about requesting this one from NetGalley. I am so glad I did! Lee totally redeemed herself in this book. She wasn't the bland, boring character she was in the previous book, but more fleshed out and fun. Maybe part of that is that she's more open to her gift now.

The book is still filled with kooky characters, it's set in Salem, after all. But I found I didn't mind them so much this time around. They fit the story better and some of the usual characters only briefly appear, so they aren't overwhelming.

Murder Go Round was a quick, fun romp through Salem with a bit of history thrown in. I absolutely enjoyed it.

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

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Pressed to Death, by Kirsten Weiss

Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

To be published March 2017. Book 2.

There's a lot going on! I love the premise, and the paranormal museum. The present day murder mystery, combined with the mystery attached to the haunted wine press were interesting and fun. The small town has the typical kooky citizens that made me laugh.

But I felt distracted at times by the kooky cast of characters and their betting pool, Maddie's love life and the annoying police officer with a long held grudge. A few less off beat characters and a little more focus on the mystery wouldn't be a bad thing.

Pressed to Death was a fun read and I am looking forward to more.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book

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Murder Wears White, by Stephanie Blackmoore

Murder Wears White by Stephanie Blackmoore
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in the series.

What I did like: Mallory's family and the way they all worked together. I love the location and the concept.

What I didn't like: Too much going on! Instead of a relaxing read, I felt like I was running to catch up all the time. And some of it just felt forced. "Ooo, we have a ghost. Call in a paranormal team!" Because it's not just vandalism?? (By the way, vandalism that nearly kills someone is NOT a prank...) My mind would have gone straight to, "How is someone getting into my building?" not "It's a GHOST!" and I love ghost stories, but this was just too silly.

All in all, the things I liked are enough to get me to read the next in the series. It just needs a bit of tightening up, rather than running in every direction.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.

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Scheduled to Death, by Mary Feliz

Scheduled to Death by Mary Feliz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series.

I have to be up front and admit I didn't quite like this book as much as I liked the first one. The inept and frankly nasty, police detective who replaced Jason after his accident was completely unlikable and annoying. Not to mention, distracting.

I still enjoyed the story, but Detective Awful pulled me out of it more than he moved the story along and it got to the point where any time he showed up, I skipped ahead.

It was still a fun, fast moving story, with Maggie and Co. figuring out the real killer and tying up a few other interesting little side-plots.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

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Time Out, by Suzanne Trauth

Time Out by Suzanne M. Trauth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 2 in the series.

I like Dodie, and the way the restaurant she runs does a "dinner and a show" along with the local theater group. But I felt a little disappointed in this book. Dodie's "love interest," police chief Bill, is busy with a rash of burglaries, and doesn't seem too interested in a suspicious death (?! I would have thought a death would take priority, but what do I know?) or Dodie, for that matter.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, but felt there was a bit more filler than needed, which made the story drag a little at times. I still like the quirky characters and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

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Fudge and Jury, by Ellie Alexander

Fudge and Jury by Ellie Alexander

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

Book 5 in the series.

I love the setting for this series, a small Oregon town with a fondness for Shakespeare (and of course the main character is Juliet!).

The mystery and characters are all strong, and I love the Torte crew. My only complaint about the series is Juliet's on again/off again husband, Cruise Ship Casanova Carlos. I'd really like to see that relationship wrapped up, one way or the other. When they are off again, he's just a distraction. Jules seems to have decided that Ashland is where she belongs, so why is C.S.C. Carlos even still an issue? Of course, the end of the book certainly gives a reason for him still being in the picture and I am not sure I like it, but that's all I will say about that so as to not give anything away.

Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read with fun characters and an interesting plot, and oh yeah! Chocolate! ;)

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.

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Dead and Breakfast, by Kate Kingsbury

Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it's an okay book.

This is the first in a new series. And, well, it feels like it. The characters are a bit one-dimensional. This book is also quite formulaic; The hot law enforcement guy (they're always either hot or grumpy with an axe to grind, haha), the animal and of course the haunted B&B. It all left me feeling a bit let down, and as a result it took me longer to read than it really should have, just because I kept putting it down to go do something else.

That said, I do like the premise of the series and hopefully things will get fleshed out a bit more in the next book. But please, Ms. Kingsbury, if you're going to stick to a formula, please DO NOT throw in a competing male. I'm absolutely sick of that trope.

All in all, an okay start to a series with a fun premise, in need of some fleshing out.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.*

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Iced Under, by Barbara Ross

Iced Under by Barbara Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series.

I have struggled with this series, mostly because I wasn't a huge fan of the way Julia swooped in to "save the day" with her family business in the first book. I did not like her much at all in that book. But I continued to keep reading the series, because I love the location. And Julia is so much better now, and this is the best I have read so far. I am glad I stuck with the series.

It's winter in Maine, and most smart folks have gone south for the winter, but with Julia's sister mere moments away from giving birth to her second child, that's not going to happen for her. Even Julia's boyfriend has headed to Florida on a Guy Trip. So when a mysterious package carrying a family heirloom turns up, Julia jumps at something other than staring at the ever-present snow.

It was a fun, quick read that introduced some interesting new characters while obtaining some long sought answers for Julia's mother.

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Something Foul at Sweetwater, by Sandra Bretting

Something Foul at Sweetwater by Sandra Bretting

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


Book 2 in the series.

Loaded with Southern Charm. I love Missy, she is what I think of when I think of a Southern woman, a true Steel Magnolia, strong and independent, yet feminine as all get out. Sometimes however, her brain takes a back seat and she rashly rushes in to things that maybe she shouldn't, but what cozy protagonist doesn't?

I enjoyed every bit of this book, although every once in a while the stereotypical southern phrases made me cringe, instead of laugh (Butter my butt and call me a biscuit! Dag-gum-it! Urgh.), but they were scattered a through out the book, so it wasn't quite as noticeable as in Murder at Morningside.

And I absolutely love the name of book 3, Someone's Mad at the Hatter, haha, so I can't wait until it comes out!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

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Ill Met by Murder, by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Ill Met by Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 2 in the series, but don't worry if you haven't read book 1 yet. There are a few references to it, but they're barely noticeable.

I quite enjoyed this book. It was a quick and entertaining read that kept me hooked all the way through. It was the perfect read for a cold, snowy November day.

I like Charlotte and Rupert, and I love the theater aspect. I would actually like to see a bit more of that and the Cascades location in future books.

My only complaint is that there were a few little things that were a touch predictable and too easy.

I look forward to more in this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

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First Degree Mudder, by Kate E. Dyer-Seeley

First Degree Mudder by Kate E. Dyer-Seeley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

4th book in the series.

To be honest, I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones. A big part of that is because I am never going to run any sort of race, and certainly not a mud run. Blech. And no way in heck would I pay for a Boot Camp to get me in shape for a run of any kind, haha. It's not really my cup of tea, even as an armchair participant!

I do like Meg though, she's a strong female character who isn't afraid to fake it until she makes it (or she'd never have gotten a job writing about extreme sports and certainly wouldn't have kept it, haha.). The mystery itself was well plotted and kept me hooked.

I absolutely love the setting of the series, the Pacific Northwest location is definitely what keeps me coming back.

The one thing I don't really care for is the other murder mystery sub-plot that has so far run through the entire series. I would like to see the mystery of Meg's dad's murder come to a conclusion soon.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

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A Killer Location, by Sarah T. Hobart

A Killer Location: A Home Sweet Home Mystery by Sarah T. Hobart

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

Officially book 2 in the series, but there are actually 2 previous stories about Sam written under a different name.

This is better than the previous book. I didn't feel like so much was missing as I did with Death at a Fixer-Upper. I had some laugh out loud moments. Sam's neighbors are quirky and fun and Sam is still her acerbic self. She still has some Too Stupid To Live moments and the Open House might have been a touch over the top crazy.

Not a bad way to spend a few hours.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*


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Haunted Is Always in Fashion, by Rose Pressey

Haunted Is Always in Fashion by Rose Pressey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, It was ok.

Book 4 in the series.

Quick read with nice characters, though the cat angle is a little silly. This series reminds me a lot of Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series, but not nearly as good.

The endless fashion descriptions get old fast. And I have to mark it down a star, just because of the love triangle trope. When are editors and writers going to figure out that readers are over this forced stupidity?? We want strong female characters, not someone who can't make up her mind which man she wants. And why are two men stupid enough to let her keep waffling? It's a cheap plot device and I despise it.

Sadly, I think this will be the last book I read in this series because I just can't get past the love triangle and it shows no signs of letting up any time soon.

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Search for the Dead, by Sheila Connolly

Search for the Dead by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Abby and her boyfriend have the ability to see their dead relatives, though Abby's "gift" seems to be stronger than Ned's. Ned has known about his ability since childhood, Abby is quite new to her ability. In this book, Abby decides that she needs to learn more about what is happening and along with Ned's mother, goes to a psychic fair to check things out.

She also convinces Ned that it's time to look into the scientific aspect of their connection.

It was a quick and interesting read and advanced Abby and Ned's story a bit, filling in some blanks that have persisted through out the previous books.

There were a few things I didn't like, however. The scientific side was a bit too detailed and I am really getting tired of Leslie's attitude. I would like to see that storyline get some resolution.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

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Cat Got Your Diamonds, by Julie Chase

Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

First in a series.

I have to start off by saying that I really dislike the trend of dressing pets up. They're not dolls and they're not children and forcing them in to clothing seems mean.

That said, I actually did enjoy this debut mystery. It was fast paced and fun. There were a few scenes that had me laughing out loud. I liked the main character, she's smart, yet fanciful in a good way, and a strong female character. The supporting "cast" was the usual eccentric mix you tend to expect in cozies and they added to the fun feel of the story.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

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The Good, the Bad and the Guacamole, by Rebecca Adler

The Good, the Bad and the Guacamole by Rebecca Adler
My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars, I wasn't a huge fan.

Book 2 in a series.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The town is cute, the location could be brilliant, but the author never really makes use of the area of Texas the book is set in, other than to talk up Tex-Mex cooking, which just left me hungry.

I just couldn't get into this book. A book that should have taken me just hours to read took me 10 days to wade through, because it just didn't hold my interest. I kept putting it down to read something new.

The fact is, I just don't really like Josie. She's bland. And I am starting to get annoyed with books that anthropomorphize animals. I don't mind the ones where the animal has a personality, or even a special talent, but when you start dressing up your dog and treating it like your baby, I have to draw the line.

Sadly, I admit to finally just skimming the rest of the book just to get to the end. I won't be reading anything else in this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.*

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Beignets, Brides and Bodies, by J.R. Ripley

Beignets, Brides and Bodies: A Cozy Mystery Set in Smalltown Arizona by J.R. Ripley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series. I was able to jump right in without feeling like I was missing anything by not reading the first book.

A light, fun read, full of eccentric characters. Maggie and Mr. Markey had me laughing out loud. It was a fast moving romp through the wacky world of weddings and bridezillas (and Momzillas, too, haha).

The only thing I didn't particularly care for was the cover. It feels too dark for a cozy mystery to me. Luckily, this is one book I didn't judge by the cover!

If you are looking for another fun series, check out the Bird Lover's series by this author too.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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Send in the Clowns, by Julie Mulhern

Send in the Clowns by Julie Mulhern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 4 in the series.

Ellison and co. are back. After going to a haunted house with friends, Ellison's daughter Grace misses curfew. Ellison sets off to find her, but finds two scary clowns instead. One's covered in blood and dies right in front of her, after calling her name! The other is holding a knife. When Ellison comes back with help, they've both disappeared.

Now Ellison is faced with several protective men, a killer clown and a missing murder victim.

Having lived in Kansas during my teen years (80s though, not the the 70s), I have a pretty good idea what area of KC these are set in, so that's a huge plus for me. I love mysteries set in real places.

Ellison is a nice strong female character and I really enjoy the humor in this series. My only peeve about this series so far is the terrible love triangle trope as two men vie for Ellison's attention. I'm heartily sick of this plot device in everything!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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Dying for Strawberries, by Sharon Farrow

Dying for Strawberries by Sharon Farrow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

A bit darker than the usual cozy, I still enjoyed it. It's a good first in the series, with characters I mostly liked and would like to see more of. The one character I didn't really like (besides the murder victim, who was just awful), was Ryan, the main character's fiance. Something about him grated.

I'll definitely give book 2 in the series a chance.

*I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women, by Marianne Monson

Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women by Marianne Monson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

I live in the West, so stories about life on the Frontier fascinate me, especially stories about the women who braved long, hard, travels. The women in this book were all new to me, and I enjoyed learning about them and in fact may see if I can find out even more about a few of them.

What I did NOT enjoy was the author chiming in at the end of each chapter and blathering at me about why each woman was important and what she felt I should take away with me. It totally read like a high school essay, with the student trying to explain to the teacher why their essay was so good it deserved an A. After the first one, I just skipped them and moved on.

The author's style is a bit dry and academic at times, rather than that of a true storyteller, but for the most part I learned a lot about these women and enjoyed reading about them.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Cast in Flight, by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Flight by Michelle Sagara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 12 in the series.

I LOVE this series. I read this book in one go, I didn't want to put it down. The only negative is now I have to wait another year for the next book!

In this book we finally get some progress, in both Kaylin and plot. We get the promised dinner with the Emperor, and I loved it. Kaylin is growing as a character, but she still has relatively few filters and doesn't think before she speaks, which is often amusing for the reader, if not for her.

This book focused on the Aerians and Kaylin is forced to actually see them as the not perfect individuals that they are, rather than the perfect beings she's pretty much placed on a pedestal until now. I love seeing Kaylin's fierce loyalty to her friends/family.

I have to admit though, that I'd like to see an end to the Nightshade and his brother's squabbling, it's not going anywhere and it's just annoying. Frankly, I would be okay if Nightshade didn't appear for a few books.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.*

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Saddle Up For Murder, by Leigh Hearon

Saddle Up For Murder by Leigh Hearon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in a series.

This book just didn't hold my interest. I found myself putting it down and doing something else instead of reading it. The mystery was ok, it was more of Annie and her personal life that bugged me. I like strong women characters, but Annie seemed too determined to go it on her own, even to the point of getting involved in a long distance relationship. I found it sad that she really only seems to care about her animals and really only tolerate most people. By the end of the book she seems to have softened a little, which made her a little more likeable.

I would read the next book in the series, but only if I can get it from the library.

I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.


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All I Want for Christmas, by Jenny Hale

All I Want for Christmas: A feel good Christmas romance to warm your heart by Jenny Hale

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

Single mom Leah's future plans are messed up by her dead match-making grandmother when the home/business she expects to inherit must be split with a man she barely knows.

I felt bad for Leah when the plans she'd made with her grandmother to reopen a wedding venue in her childhood home fall through when David inherits half the house.

The story was a little slow moving, but still sweet, if predictable. David was a bit stiff, and even a little entitled, but the ending was satisfying.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*


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Killing Thyme, by Leslie Budewitz

Killing Thyme by Leslie Budewitz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, the best yet!

Book 3 in the series.

This is truly one of my favorite cozy series! I love visiting Pepper in Seattle and the Pike Place Market, which is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. And I don't have to deal with Seattle traffic to get there!

In Killing Thyme, always busy Pepper has even more on her plate, with a visit from her mother and a blast from the past that ends in murder. Pepper vows to stay out of it, but with her mother connected to the victim and secrets from Pepper's childhood coming to light, she feels she has to find justice for the dead woman.

I read this book in one sitting, because I did not want to put it down. One thing happens after another, keeping things moving at a satisfying pace. The mystery within the mystery was intriguing, and I loved the resolution of everything. The characters are strong and well developed, and most importantly, likeable!

As always, the recipes in the book sound delicious. I really want to make the Herbed Black Bean Pasta Salad, which sounds both yummy and EASY, haha.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review*


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Pocktbooks and Pistols, by Dorothy Howell

Pocketbooks and Pistols by Dorothy Howell
My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I did not like it.

Book 9 in a series.

Being book 9 should have been my first clue that this book wasn't going to work for me, there's too much history that I am missing here, and it was obvious.

And I really couldn't connect with the main character. Haley felt ditzy, shallow and materialistic. I am not at all about fashion, so the constant shopping and handbag babbling just got on my nerves. And working a crap retail job just to get an 80% discount at a sister store? Umm, have you ever worked retail? Crap job for sure, but you're lucky if you get any discount, and 80% off to a high dollar store (that isn't even the store you work at?)? NOPE. Never going to happen. Honestly, that point was so hard for me to get past.

That, and the blurb, which sounded ok, really had nothing to do with the storyline. "With the extra duties she’s taking on, Haley’s positioning herself to be Employee of the Month." Haley spends more time dodging work than taking on extra, and she certainly isn't willing to put in the kind of work to get to be employee of the month!

Maybe if I was more of a fashionista, or had never worked retail so I could ignore all of the inconsistencies in this book, it would have gone down better. As it was, I ended up feeling as though an interesting mystery got lost in too much trivia and annoyed by too much, "me, me, me," from the MC.

I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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The Purloined Poodle, by Kevin Hearne

The Purloined Poodle by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Novella in the Iron Druid series.

Thank Oberon! Pure praise for the Purloined Poodle's perspective! This book was all Iron Druid and sidekick. Or maybe Atticus was the sidekick this time around, but who cares! Clever Girl made only a very small appearance and Owen is only briefly spoken of.

I adored the puns, Oberon's silly dog sense of humor, Doctor Who Wibbly Wobbley Timey Wimey quotes, and even a reference to Seanan McGuire's Tybalt, King of Cats. Even the other dogs' names made me giggle.

Honestly, the last two full length Iron Druid books have been packed with so many other characters and differing points of view that it was lovely to see just the man and his dog again, solving a light mystery and not running for their lives like the majority of the series has been.

And I totally want to see more of Starbuck, haha.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Unlucky Charms, by Linda O. Johnston

Unlucky Charms by Linda O Johnston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 3 in the series and much better than the previous two. To be completely up front though, I have to say I would never have read it had I not received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.

The mystery was a bit slow to develop, but at least the characters didn't prattle on forever about superstitions this time. They were there, just not as overwhelming as the last books. Rory still tends to be repetitive at times, and certainly has her "too stupid to live moments," but it truly was a better story this time around and I am glad I read it.

One thing I still find annoying is the mayor's pronouncement that anyone who speaks of anything bad happening in the town will have bad luck. It's a small town, gossip happens, and as long as the merchants know not to talk about stuff like that in front of the tourists, who cares what they talk about? And it's not like you can force bad luck on someone, so it just comes off as silly.

I think after this book, I just might be willing to give the next book a try, since the superstitious fun is there, without being so over the top, and I do like the characters.

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Death of a Toy Soldier, by Barbara Early

Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book one in a new series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting, after surgery and it kept me well distracted from the pain. Why only 4 stars? The dreaded Love Triangle Trope raises its ugly head again. If not for the Jack-Liz-Ken triangle shaping up, it would have been just about perfect.

I truly hope we see more of sisters Irene and Lenora, because they just made me laugh out loud. I loved the whole shop crew, from Cathy's terrible cooking to Dad's terrible puns and everyone trying to one up him.

The idea of a vintage toy shop and game nights sounds like so much fun, even with games I hate, like Monopoly, haha. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the shop crew's adventures.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Apprentice in Death, by J.D. Robb

Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I freakin' loved it!

The 5 star rating is based on the fact that this got me distracted through some heavy pain from surgery in the morning, and allowed the pain pills to kick in! If it's good enough to make me forget about pain, it's good enough to rate the 5th star, haha. Seriously, the only time I put this down was during surgery. It was just that good.

This time around, Dallas and crew are up against a long distance serial killer (LDSK) who strikes seemingly random targets.

Dallas and the friends get things done, even with threats of baby birthday parties and new home office designs. And as the LDSK hits close to home, the team buckles down to track down their suspect.

I'm always amazed that Nora Roberts/JD Robb can go 40-odd books in a series and still be an into the characters as she was at the start. So many authors of long running series lose interest, or worse start writing for themselves and change their characters some the dedicated fan doesn't even recognize them anymore. But Eve Dallas is still Eve, a little softer maybe, but still kicking ass and I adore her.

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It's Your Party, Die if You Want To, by Vickie Fee

It's Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 2 in a series, though I didn't even realize it until I looked at the title on Goodreads.

As if Liv McKay didn't have enough to do planning multiple parties, now she has to help solve a murder as well.

Busy party planner Liv is a smart, capable and likeable main character. The murder victim, not so much. As a result, multiple people had reasons to want Morgan Robison dead. I enjoyed most of the characters in the book, though a few of the characters were a bit too quirky and frankly, annoying. If I had been Lucinda, I'd have called the cops on Sindhu and Nell and that would have been that.

Without giving any spoilers, I absolutely loved how Liv plotted a way to make the murderer(s) reveal themselves at the end of the book.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. The main characters were well written and the plot full of little twists and turns that kept things interesting. I am definitely going to get book one in the series, and looking forward to the next.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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The Murder of a Queen Bee, by Meera Lester

The Murder of a Queen Bee by Meera Lester
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in a series. I definitely felt at times that I was missing information that I probably would have gotten if I had read the first book.

This book just wasn't my cup of tea. I had a hard time getting into the story, and in fact kept putting it down to read something else. Lots of little things that just added up to a big, "Nope." for me.

The entire "farmette" thing. It's a freaking farm, even if it's a small farm. For some reason the word "farmette" grates on me.

And I know this is a cozy, and therefore you have to be prepared to suspend your disbelief, but I just couldn't manage it in this one. Yes, Abby is a retired police officer. But retired is the active word, and there's absolutely no way they'd have let her on a crime scene, friends of another cop or not.

The relationship between Jack, Abby and Clay bugged me too, since I am not at all a fan of the love triangle trope and even a hint of one is a huge turnoff to me.

I really struggled to get past my first impressions of this book. I can't say I would recommend it, or rush out and buy the next in the series.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Death by Pumpkin Spice, by Alex Erickson

Death By Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 3 in a series.

I started reading this book and had major deja vu. It took me a while to realize that I had read the first chapter at the end of the 2nd book in the series.

This series had a lot going for it, in theory, a bookstore/coffee shop is the perfect combination. And this one had pumpkin recipes too! Unfortunately, for me this book just never lived up to the potential. In fact, the whole series has been a bit of a dud. I gave it three books, but I doubt I will read any more in the series.

The main character just is not likable. She's so obsessed with finding a man that I just couldn't take it after a while. The only thing that saved the book from getting 1 star was the fact that almost the entire book took place at a Halloween party, and the pumpkin recipes.

Hopefully next time a book in this series comes out I will remember that I read the previous entries and give it a pass.

*I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *

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Body on the Bayou, by Ellen Byron

Body on the Bayou by Ellen Byron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 2 in the series opens with Maggie juggling helping heavily pregnant bridezilla Vanessa pull together her wedding, work, a new relationship and her art. When another B&B guest is murdered and Vanessa is the main suspect, Maggie has to add solving the murder to her to-do list.

I love the Louisiana setting, the glimpse into the old plantations and modern day life in the bayou. I like Maggie and her family (and most of her friends). I don't particularly like Vanessa. I strongly dislike Rufus. It all combines in to one great setting with fun characters and an interesting murder mystery.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Cajun Country and the Crozats.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and fair review*

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America's Most Haunted Hotels, by Jamie Davis Whitmer

America's Most Haunted Hotels: Checking in with Uninvited Guests by Jamie Davis Whitmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

I love ghost stories, and I used to live in Estes Park, CO, home of the Stanley Hotel, which is widely known for its hauntings (and one of the hotels in this book). Because of that, when I found this book, I jumped at the chance to read it.

I do tend to be a wee bit skeptical about ghost hunters. Especially when they have something happen to them every place they go, but this book didn't disappoint. Jamie Davis Whitmer flat out tells her readers that hauntings aren't like a light switch, you can't turn them on when you want to. She admits it when nothing happens.

She can be a bit heavy on the "feelings" side, but not enough to make me do much more than roll my eyes. And I'm not a huge "flashlight as communication device" fan, since I've seen how easy it is to fake. For the most part, though, Jamie and her husband Bob are pretty straight forward.

One of the things I love about ghost stories is learning some of the history about the haunted location. The author gives a brief history of each hotel, especially as it relates to the alleged hauntings, separating what people can be verified through research and what is unsubstantiated tale.

I definitely recommend this book if you want a little something a little spooky with a bit of a history lesson, rather than something that will scare your pants off.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Silk Stalkings, by Diane Vallere

Silk Stalkings by Diane Vallere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Ms. Vallere comes close to designing the perfect murder.

Polyester Monroe is certainly busy these days, between helping transform Genevieve's tea shop into a Paris nightclub for the town's Midnight in Paris party to helping the young ladies competing in the local Miss Tangorli pageant design their own dresses. Oh, and finding the dead body of the pageant's founder makes her even busier!

I really like Poly, she's a take charge kind of gal, who cares about her friends and even complete strangers. It's that caring about her best friend, Charlie, that has her sticking her nose in to this murder, as it seems to be connected to Charlie's past.

The books in this series just keep getting better. This one had a nice, solid plot and interesting action that kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed. It had twists enough that it took me almost as long as Poly to figure out who the killer was, haha.

I do have one small complaint, and that is that Charlie's "poor me" attitude is starting to get old. Hopefully, some of that is lessened with the ending of this book.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

ETA:  As of 9-30-16, it looks like this will be the last book in the series :( 

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Unraveled, by Jennifer Estep

Unraveled by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 15 in the series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I don't think I would recommend starting here. Read the previous books, they're fun anyway.

This book carries on right after Bitter Bite/Unwanted. It starts off a bit slowly, as Gin keeps an eye on her best lead to the Circle, and nearly witnesses an assassination attempt on the guy, only to find out he knows next to nothing about the Circle.

She gets a call from Finn after he inherits a Wild West themed resort and park from his mother. Gin, Owen, Finn and Gia decide to check it out for a much needed vacation and maybe a chance to get more info about Finn's mother, Gin's mother and the Circle.

What follows is a wild west romp with traps tripped, assassins thwarted and information uncovered. And all while on vacation, ha.

Once they hit the resort, I read the rest of the book straight through. There are a few moments of predictability, but plenty of action to keep things moving.

For long time readers of The Elemental Assassin series, I highly recommend it. New readers, do yourself a favor and go back to the beginning and binge read, haha.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Death of a Pumpkin Carver, by Lee Hollis

Death of a Pumpkin Carver by Lee Hollis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 8 in the series, though I didn't realize it until later. Definitely can be read as a stand alone mystery.

Hayley Powell's ex, Danny, is back in town, leaving Hayley wondering what he's up to this time. When the uncle that Danny is staying with is found murdered in the local cemetery, Danny becomes the prime suspect. Now Hayley has to prove what she knows in her heart. Danny is trouble, but he's not a murderer.

This was a fun, fast read that kept me entertained all the way to the end. Hayley and her crew are amusing.

And, there are pumpkin recipes throughout the book! Yum!

*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Death Among the Doilies, by Mollie Cox Bryan

Death Among the Doilies by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

First in the series.

New crafts, new friends, new murders...

Cora and her friend, Jane, are looking forward to starting a new life in a small town running a crafting retreat business. But just as they are gearing up for their first retreat, Jane is accused of murdering the school librarian.

With the local police certain that Jane is guilty, it's up to Cora and her crew to prove that Jane is innocent and to save their new business. Suspects abound and the story has several fun twists and turns.

I enjoyed the characters and I am looking forward to more of Cora Crafts.

*I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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The Secret Ingredient of Wishes, by Susan Bishop Crispell

The Secret Ingredient of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Fans of Sarah Addison Allen will love this book. It was a sweet story of a woman with the power to grant wishes, whether she wants to or not.

Rachel Monroe tries to run from her questionable gift, and ends up in Nowhere, North Carolina, where lost things have a habit of turning up and magic isn't really considered all that unusual.

In Nowhere, Rachel learns that maybe she can have a normal life after all, with friends, and even a possible romantic relationship with the cute guy next door.

This truly was an absolutely lovely story about second chances that I could not put down.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Pumpkin Picking with Murder, by Auralee Wallace

Pumpkin Picking with Murder by Auralee Wallace
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was just okay. This book took me a lot longer to get through than usual. I kept having to put it down because something in it just pulled me out of the story and it was frustrating.

Honestly, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I expect cozy mysteries set in small towns to have some eccentric characters. that's how it is with small towns. What I don't expect is that they will ALL be that way. Every last character seemed to be "quirky," the main character, Erica, still rebelling against her childhood, she claims to care for Grady and then keeps information from him; her rich, immature and annoying best friend, Freddie, who jumps from plan to plan with no common sense and way too much money; Erica's mother, Summer Bloom, the stereotypical hippy-dippy flower child, who at this point and time is refusing to speak because she's running a silent retreat for more hippy-dippy wannabes.

And then there's Tweety and Kit Kat. They're people by the way, not dogs or cats. Tweety and Kit Kat nearly made me mark this book as DNF, just because the names made me say to myself, "Who's trying too hard to be cutesy, then?"

I finally managed to slog through it, to a decent resolution of the murder mystery. It did have some funny moments, but for the most part, it tries too hard to be funny. Sadly, I will not be looking forward to anymore books from this author.

*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Grilling the Subject, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Grilling the Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

5th in the series. A rare 4 out of 5 stars for me, I really liked it.

Cookbook Nook store owner Jenna Hart and all of Crystal Cove, CA are celebrating with a Wild West Extravaganza this time around, complete with rope jumping, trick riding, horse racing, lots of food and of course, a murder. When Jenna's dad is named a suspect, Jenna jumps in to clear him and find out who really killed the victim.

I have really enjoyed this series. Jenna has grown a lot since the first book and has truly come into her own, running the store with her aunt, learning to cook (at least a little bit) and falling in love again. All the usual characters are well developed, likable and fun. Though it is the 5th in the series, the book stands on its own, with enough back story here and there to keep the new reader from being too in the dark.

Grilling the Subject has plenty of suspects and a twisty little plot that will keep you enthralled all the way through. I also like that Jenna is a capable, quick thinking woman (even if she can't lie worth a darn, haha) who manages to take care of herself. My only complaint is that by the time I was done with the book I was hungry for all the yummy food described in the book! Conveniently, there are multiple recipes at the end for the reader to try.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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