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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A Bad Day for Sunshine, by Darynda Jones

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

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

Book 1 in a new series.

I originally really liked Darynda Jones' previous series (it started to go a bit too off the rails for me after several books, but that's another blog post), so when I saw she had a new series coming out I decided to request it.

I'm glad I did. I liked Sunshine immediately. Her relationship with her daughter is fun, but still mostly realistic and they're both sharp, capable females. In fact, this book has numerous independent, tough, funny, sexy, smart females and I loved that.

The plot kept me entertained and laughing out loud, while waiting to see what would happen next. I can't wait for the next book (And I really want Sunny to take that *itch of a blackmailing mayor down! You know it's coming, she threatened Sunny's daughter!).

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

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The Immortal Conquistador, by Carrie Vaughn

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn

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

Book 15 in the series, but not really, since it's a completely stand alone book about Rick the vampire.

It's also not really a cohesive novel, but more chunks of stories about Rick that have appeared elsewhere and been collected in one place and then filled out. As a result, it was an okay read, but nothing special. Mostly, it was just fun to be back in Ms. Vaughn's alternate reality.

*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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Death on the Page, by Essie Lang

Death on the Page by Essie Lang

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, It's a NO from me.

Book 2 in the series.

I struggled with book 1, and I struggled with the one as well. It just didn't hold my interest. I finally gave up on it a few chapters in. I did not finish and I give up on this series.

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

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Murder in an Irish Cottage, by Carlene O'Connor

Murder in an Irish Cottage by Carlene O'Connor

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

Book 5 in the series.

I'd read the first two books, and the novella in Christmas Cocoa Murder and man, there's a huge jump in relationships from 4.5 to book 5! To the point where I was a bit baffled, because I'm obviously missing a whole heck of a lot of the story.
[I mean, in 4.5 Mac and Siobhán aren't together, with Mac lurking around watching her in an almost creepy way, and here they are, engaged and setting a wedding date! (hide spoiler)]

The story itself was fun, and I enjoyed the mystery, but I really wish there'd been another book or at least another novella in between to explain how we got here, unless something else is explained in books 3 or 4. Anyway, I'm going to go back and read them, in case I missed something.

Do yourself a favor, and don't start here! There's a lot of characters to keep straight, and some back story that left me feeling a bit lost.

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

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The Book of Candlelight, by Ellery Adams

The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I LOVED it!

Book 3 in the series.

This is my favorite of the series so far! I loved the ladies of the Secret, Book & Scone Society, but I think adding Sheldon to the mix is wonderful. I absolutely adore him and his attitude even in the face of debilitating chronic pain. Even when he's "cranky," he's likable and easy to relate to. As in the previous books, Nora and her friends, are well fleshed out and interesting. They each have secrets and emotions and aren't always likable or smart because of that, just like real people.

I loved the touch of Native American folklore, and the storyline moved quickly. I devoured the book in one night, not wanting to put it down. I hope this series continues for many more books!

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

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A View to a Kilt, by Kaitlyn Dunnett

A View to a Kilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett

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

Book 13 in the series.

This one took me some time to get into, which is weird, because it started off with a bang, and had two of my favorite characters in it (Dandy and Dondi!). But it really just had a slow pace after that. And Liss' mother is annoying as all get out.

In the end, it all wrapped up nicely and it was an okay story.

I like this series, and I will continue to read it, but this one is definitely not one of my favorites.

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

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A Field Guide to Homicide, by Lynn Cahoon

A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 6 in the series.

This one was not my favorite. I had a hard time getting in to it, and I found myself really not liking Seth for much of the book. And really, I am getting tired of Cat's ex being dragged in all the time. I thought we were finished with him.

Throw in all the food descriptions, eating and an over-use of dialog versus action, and the whole book was weak. As Elvis once said, "A little less conversation, a little more action, please."

Hopefully this book was just a fluke and the next one will be back to normal.

*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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Fatal Roots, by Sheila Connolly

Fatal Roots by Sheila Connolly

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

Book 8 in the series.

I've enjoyed this series from the beginning, but this one just felt like the weakest of the lot. On one hand, it was nice to get to meet Maura's half sister, on the other hand, the mystery was kind of boring and the victim wasn't super likable and no one really seemed to care about him other than his gang-like family.

And the college student part of the plot kind of felt like half that story had been cut out, as we never really got an explanation of why the kid disappeared, or what he was doing when he was gone.

I still like the characters, and will continue to read the series, but please, finish the kitchen already! And if Ms. Connolly could bring back some of the music again, instead of just talking about it, that'd be good too.

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

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Dead in Dublin, by Catie Murphy

Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy

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

Book 1 in a new series.

I wanted to love this book. It's by one of my favorite Urban Fantasy authors (C.E. Murphy), so when I saw it on NetGalley, I snapped it up.

For some reason, it just didn't hold my interest until about halfway in. I found myself putting it down and reading other things, a lot. In the end, it was okay. And I will definitely read the next in the series. In fact, with her Urban Shaman series, the books just got better and after the first one, so I am hoping for the same here.

The series has a lot going for it, interesting setting, a different career for the protagonist. And I liked Megan. I know some people were upset about a bit of cursing, but that doesn't bother me a bit.

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

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Verse and Vengeance, by Amanda Flower

Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower

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

Book 4 in the series.

Thankfully, this book is a big improvement from the previous one in the series and actually kept my attention all the way through.

Emerson and Faulkner are, as always, a fun addition to the story, but I have to say, enough Walt Whitman! Dialogue can be a bit cheesy, but that's part of what makes it fun, haha.

All in all, the mystery was decent, and Violet and the magical bookshop are always fun to visit.


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

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Potions are for Pushovers, by Tamara Berry

Potions Are for Pushovers by Tamara Berry

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

Book 2 in the series.

I loved this book as much as the first one in the series. The pace was quick and I read it in one sitting.

The entire cast of characters is a bit kooky. The main character, Eleanor, is not a physic at all, but previously pretended to be one to make a living and support her sister. Now, she creates herbal potions as the town witch. Despite the fact that at heart, Ellie is a con artist, she's still incredibly likable and funny.

She's also smart, independent and capable. And did I mention funny? I had several laugh out loud moments with this book.

Ellie seems to have found her place in the village in this book, settling in and making friends outside of the Hartford family.

I absolutely love this series and can't wait 'til the next one.

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

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Cobblered to Death, by Rosemarie Ross

Cobblered to Death by Rosemarie Ross

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

Book 1 in a new series.

The setting was interesting, but Courtney feels a bit one dimensional and the mystery was a bit blah, with most of the action happening at the very end. All in all, it's a decent first, but hopefully the author tightens things up a bit and develops Courtney a lot in the next book.

I'd like to read the next in the series, but it's not going to the top of my TBR pile just yet.

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


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Memories and Murder, by Lynn Cahoon

Memories and Murder by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 10 in the series.

It was good to finally get a full length story in this series again, and one that answered the questions from the previous book. The novellas published in between all took place before book 9, and just left me annoyed that I still didn't know what was going on with Aunt Jackie!

This time I enjoyed my visit to South Cove, and the mysteries Jill decides to get involved in.

More full length books, please!

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

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Hounds of the Basket Stitch, by Anne Canadeo

Hounds of the Basket Stitch by Anne Canadeo

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

Book 11 in the series.

I love the Black Sheep Knitters, the characters are all well written and for the most part, realistic. The ladies and their friendship is really what brings me back to this series again and again.

There was a lot going on in this book, but it never felt overwhelming.

I do recommend you start at the beginning of the series, just because of the number of characters involved in the series, it might be easier to get to know them all from the start.

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

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Read and Buried, by Eva Gates

Read and Buried by Eva Gates

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

Book 6 in the series.

I loved this series, but honestly, I feel like the Lucy/Louise Jane drama has been overplayed. I've always been of the opinion that Louise Jane needs to fall down a well. She's become a major distraction from the story. There's not one single thing I can find to like about her, she's just flat out nasty. It'd be one thing if she were a minor player, but she's not.

Every time I think Louise Jane has hit the ultimate low, she does something worse in the next book.
It's to the point when LJ shows up I roll my eyes and put the book down for a bit. She makes Lucy look like a doormat, and I think I am done.

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

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Late Checkout, by Carol J. Perry

Late Checkout by Carol J. Perry

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

Book 8 in the series.

It's always fun to visit Salem, Lee, O'Ryan and Aunt Ibby. This one was fun all the way to the end, though I felt like Lee's visions were kind of a waste of time this time.

I have to admit, though, I miss the pre-WICH-TV setting, when Lee was teaching reporting instead of actually doing the reporting. I will still look forward to the next book.

*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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Christmas Cocoa Murder, by Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day and Alex Erickson

Christmas Cocoa Murder by Carlene O'Connor

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

I honestly got this book for the Maddie Day story. I enjoyed it very much. It's always fun to visit South Lick, IN and Robbie's Country Store.

The Carlene O'Connor story actually made me want to go back and read some more of her series. I'd only read the first few before this short story. Now I want to know more about Siobhán and her family, though the whole Macdara thing at the end was slightly baffling.

The most surprising story was Alex Erickson's. I've not been able to really get into his series, so the fact that I really liked this literally locked room mystery was a bonus, since I almost didn't even bother to read it!

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

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Fudge Bites, by Nancy CoCo

Fudge Bites by Nancy CoCo

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

Book 7 in the series.

I was so looking forward to this book. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. I couldn't stay interested for long, and ended up putting it down for different books multiple times. Some of the plot aspects seemed a little preposterous, and Allie spent too much time feeling sorry for herself.

My biggest complaint is still about the love triangle aspect of the story. It's old, and annoys the crud out of me. Seven books in and that should have been wrapped up.

I'm not sure if I would read another in the series at this point.

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

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A Cup of Holiday Fear, by Ellie Alexander

A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander

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

Book 10 in the series.

It's always nice to visit Ashland and Torte Bakery. Jules and the bakery gang are fun and likable. There seems to be more Christmas cheer than mystery in this book, with the murder occurring in between holiday happenings. Even with that, it still started off as one of the better books in the series, but kind of lost steam towards the end.

My biggest complaint about the series is the Jules/Carlos drama. I'd like to see that settled once and for all. As a result of the long, drawn out, relationship angst, I really can't give it more than 3 stars.

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

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The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm, by Richard Estep and Robert Graves

The Horrors of Fox Hollow Farm: Unraveling the History & Hauntings of a Serial Killer's Home by Richard Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a combination of true crime book and ghost story and it's hard to say which bit was creepier, the parts that are 100% proven (the serial killer targeting gay males in Indiana) or recounting of the haunting of the home where the crimes are supposed to have occurred.

The book starts with the history of the home and the horrors of an alleged serial killer and his crimes. It then goes in to the story of the next owner of the property and finally, into the paranormal investigation of the property by Richard Estep and his team.

I found the entire book utterly fascinating and didn't want to put it down.

I received an uncorrected ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and my biggest complaint is that the version I started to read had missing letters that made it annoying/hard to read. I finally borrowed the final version from my library, which didn't have the same issue. That's the only reason it took me so long to finish. I actually read the hard copy version in one sitting.

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

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Last Pen Standing, by Vivian Conroy

Last Pen Standing by Vivian Conroy

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

First in the series.

This one just wasn't for me. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, and most of the other characters didn't really appeal to me either. I found myself putting this down often and reading other things instead. I finally skimmed to the end.


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

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All Hats on Deck, by Sandra Bretting

All Hats on Deck by Sandra Bretting

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

Book 5 in the series.

This is probably my favorite of the series. The main character is showing herself to be smart and kind-hearted. She feels a bit more grown up now, not so impetuous.

The mystery itself was interesting and the book stayed nicely paced. It kept me wanting to turn the page. So much so, that I read it in one sitting.

I enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next one.

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

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A Fatal Cajun Festival, by Ellen Byron

Fatal Cajun Festival: A Cajun Country Mystery by Ellen Byron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it, but it's not my favorite.

5th in the series.

This time around it just felt like there were too many characters in the mix to keep track of and too much going on. It didn't have the charm of the previous books and Maggie really had some stupid moments.

I still enjoy the series and look forward to the next book.

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

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Purrfect Magic, Samantha Coville

Purrfect Magic by Samantha Coville

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

Book one in the series.

This book was hard for me to read. The main character was very immature, selfish and entitled. I didn't much like her, or really any of the characters.

I have nothing against Y/A, I still love the Harry Potter series, and maybe I am judging this book too harshly by comparing the two. But I just can't get past the fact that Harper is so annoying and I kind of hate the fact that the kittens picked her to be the school's protector. By the end, she'd grown up a bit, but I still didn't like her.

The story was okay, but I don't think I will be revisiting the Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft.

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

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Mulberry Mischief, by Sharon Farrow

Mulberry Mischief by Sharon Farrow

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

Book 4 of the series.

I was glad to see this series saved. That said, this was not my favorite in the series. It was an okay read, but mostly because I could catch up with Marlee and her friends. And I could gloat a bit that the ex-fiance was out of the picture, since I never liked him, haha. But it was a slow read, and took me a while to get into. I ended up putting it down and reading something else for a bit. Things picked up about halfway through.

I am glad to see Marlee back, and would likely read the next book in the series.

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

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Pride, Prejudice and Poison, by Elizabeth Blake

Pride, Prejudice and Poison by Elizabeth Blake

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

First in a new series, it was okay.

This started off kind of slow, which is sort of the be expected in the first of a series, as the author introduces all the main characters, but even expecting it a bit, I struggled to stay interested. Eventually things picked up and I started to get in to the story. There does need to be some better character development, as they all felt a bit one dimensional and only there to fill a certain type. Erin especially seems a bit dull.

And after a bit all the Austen quotes got old. Yes, it's the Jane Austen Society, but it started to feel slightly obsessive and annoying.

Also, after the slow build up, the end seemed a bit rushed.

All in all, I find the idea of the series interesting and I am willing to give the author some time to settle in, and hopefully flesh her characters out a bit more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided 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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Claws for Action, by Linda Reilly

Claws of Action by Linda Reilly

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

Book 4 in the series.

I didn't realize this was the newest in a series until I starting reading and decided I was missing a lot of back story. I ended up getting the previous three books from the library and reading them first. Do yourself a favor if you haven't read the previous books, don't start here.

It's an okay series. I like the main characters, Lara and Aunt Fran. They're both strong, smart characters. The ghost ragdoll cat is an interesting touch and I loved the rescue cats. I didn't have a lot of sympathy for the murder victim, she kind of deserved her fate.

All in all, I enjoyed the series and look forward to more.

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

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A Bias for Murder, by Sally Goldenbaum

A Bias for Murder by Sally Goldenbaum

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

Book 3 in the series.

This book seems to have clicked for me. I liked it much more than the previous books, maybe because Po seems to have taken the lead a bit more. That said, there are soooo many characters that sometimes I have to stop and try to figure out who is who. That takes me out of the story a bit. Maybe they'll eventually all find their places in my head in future books.

The story was good and I enjoyed it, but I admit that I figured out who killed Oliver fairly early on.

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

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Peach Clobbered, by Anna Gerard

Peach Clobbered: A Georgia B&B Mystery by Anna Gerard

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

First in the series.

Thing I liked: Most of the characters, especially the nuns.
Thing I don't like: Are the nuns going to make an appearance in every book? Because at the moment I like them better than Nina. And I am not fond of Harry, and certainly not a fan of the Nina/Harry romance that's being set up.

The story is a bit light on detecting, mainly because Nina is actually busy running her B&B. Frankly, that makes a nice change, since most mystery main characters tend to abandon their businesses to snoop at the drop of a hat.

I liked this well enough that I look forward to the next book in the series to see how things develop.

*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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A Thread of Darkness, by Sally Goldenbaum

A Thread of Darkness by Sally Goldenbaum

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

Book 2 in the series.

Book 2 was more engaging than the first, but I am still having a little trouble connecting with the characters. I thought Po was going to be the "main" character, but really, it's coming off as though the whole quilting group is at the center. That's... different and a little confusing. I don't feel as invested in them as I do the group in Ms. Goldenbaum's other series.

I have book 3 in my queue, so I'm ready to give it another go, and wait until I've read it to decide if I'm going to continue on with the series.

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


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Strangled Eggs and Ham, by Maddie Day

Strangled Eggs and Ham by Maddie Day

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

Book 6 in the series.

Maddie Day's series is always a fun read, and this one didn't disappoint. It was a fun, fast read with an interesting mystery at the heart of it. And I still love the fact that Robbie actually runs her business as she solves the mysteries, rather than spending most of the book snooping elsewhere.

I enjoy spending time in South Lick, with Robbie and her friends and look forward to more.

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

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Down in Flames, by Cheyl Hollon

Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon

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

Book 6 in the series.

While the story in this book could be a stand alone, there are so many personal turning points for the main characters in this book, I'd suggest not starting here.

I was glad to be back in St. Pete's with the whole group after the previous book in the series. As usual, the glass working information in the book was interesting. For me, the mystery took a backseat to all the personal issues of the main characters, and I was okay with that. This book is about growth, and is high on emotion.

The murder itself is charged with emotion, the victim being personally known to all of them. It comes off looking like an accident at first, but eventually it becomes apparent that the victim was targeted. After that, the mystery takes off, woven smoothly throughout all the other happenings in the book.

I enjoyed this book, and look forward to more from the Webb's bunch.

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

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Murder's No Votive Confidence, by Christin Brecher

Murder's No Votive Confidence by Christin Brecher

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

First in the series.

This was a good start to the series, but I definitely think the main characters need to be developed a bit more. And it annoyed the heck out of me that this one seems to be falling down the love triangle hole of doom.That's an automatic lost star for me.

I liked the mystery, and I loved the candle making part of the story.

All in all, I enjoyed this book, and will look forward to the next book in the series. I just hope the author wraps up the love triangle pretty darned fast.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me 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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Digging Up History, by Sheila Connolly

Digging Up History by Sheila Connolly

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

Book 8 in the series.

I was so glad when I saw this book was coming out. I was afraid that the series had succumbed to the big Berkley purge.

Sheila Connolly did not disappoint. Nell and Marty are still nosy when it comes to preserving the history of Philadelphia, and this time they're handed not one, but two of Philly's history mysteries.

James is as always, a bit of a steadying influence and I enjoy his relationship with Nell. The new intern, Dylan, is sweet and obviously loves history.

The story was fast moving and fun, and full of history this time around. There's no modern day murder to solve, no real danger to Nell and her friends either, just kind of a gradual reveal. That's one of the things I really enjoyed about this book. There were no, "Wow, I can't believe she was that stupid!" moments in this book for me.

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

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A Crafter Hooks a Killer, Holly Quinn

A Crafter Hooks a Killer by Holly Quinn

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

Book 2 in the series.

First off, the description on Goodreads was so hokey with bad crafting puns I almost gave the book a miss. And then the S.H.E. thing that annoyed me so much in the first book was back, and the grown women were still acting like children. It still feels like Liam and Sam are mismatched.

All in all the pace felt slow, and I finally gave it up and left it as a DNF. This series and I are just not a good fit.

*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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A Plain Vanilla Murder, by Susan Wittig Albert

A Plain Vanilla Murder by Susan Wittig Albert

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars, I mostly liked it....

Book 27 in the series. Please, don't start here! Start at the beginning of the series.

I love this series. That said, this was not at all my favorite book. It was a lot heavy on descriptions and veered in to tedious at times because of it. Also, the switching points of view, as well as tense changes with each POV, were weird.

And could Smart Cookie just have the baby already?

I will keep reading the series, and hope that this one was just an experiment for the author.

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


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A Patchwork of Clues, by Sally Goldenbaum

A Patchwork of Clues by Sally Goldenbaum

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

Book 1 in the series.

I enjoy Ms. Goldenbaum's knitting series, so I decided to give this new series a try. As the first book in the series, she does a good job introducing all the characters, but it slowed the pace of the book down so much that I really struggled to maintain interest. I ended up putting this book down several times. before finally the characters started actually working on solving the mystery.

Once it got going, things moved fairly quickly and I enjoyed the story. I will look forward to the next book, and hope that all the long intros are out of the way.

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

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Sconed to Death, by Lynn Cahoon

Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 5 in the series.

I am absolutely loving this series. Of course, I might be a wee bit biased, since it takes place in my home state, Colorado!

This book kept me hooked from the beginning, and was a fun, fast read. I loved the retreat characters this time around, and of course the recurring characters, Cat, Shauna, Seth and Uncle Pete, are always good to see again.

My only complaint is that the whodunit was relatively easy to figure out, since the author set her up as the villain immediately.

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

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Murder by the Sea, by Kathleen Bridges

Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge

Book 3 in the series.

No stars. Did not finish.
I just couldn't get into this one at all. I struggled to get about 1/4 way in before I finally gave up. Just not my cup of tea.

*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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Field Guide to Urban Gardening, by Kevin Espiritu

Field Guide to Urban Gardening: How to Grow Plants, No Matter Where You Live: Raised Beds - Vertical Gardening - Indoor Edibles - Balconies and Rooftops - Hydroponics by Kevin Espiritu

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

I have a tiny balcony and have been trying container gardening for several years with some hits, some misses along the way. When I saw this book on NetGalley I jumped at it.

This book was filled with gorgeous photos and step by step instructions. It offered many interesting tips, and handy ideas for things like self-watering pots as well as upcycling things like plastic soda bottles and milk crates into containers.

I'm intrigued by the vertical gardening idea and may try that next year.

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

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Knit One, Die Two, by Peggy Ehrhart

Knit One, Die Two by Peggy Ehrhart

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

Book 3 in the series.

This one was almost too cozy. There was so much repetition of mundane, every day things that it got old fast. I ended up skipping parts where once again, Pamela was baking, eating, or talking about her wedding china. Don't get me started on her obsession with her neighbor's whereabouts.

The mystery took a back seat to all the boring stuff and I found myself skipping large chunks and putting it down for even larger chunks (of time).

Too bad, I liked the concept but I don't see myself reading anymore in this series.

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

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