Murder on the Toy Town Express, by Barbara Early

Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early

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

Book 2 in the series, but the author sets things up well, so each book is a stand alone story.

I love this series. I started reading this book as soon as I received it and had it finished before bed. Main character Liz and her dad have a great relationship and I love their interactions. His love of puns made the book fun, while the interesting plot kept me guessing.

The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the love triangle, which is a trope that drives me crazy! At least things seem to be settling themselves in this book.

Absolutely looking forward to more in book 3!

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

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A Deadly Éclair, by Daryl Wood Gerber

A Deadly Éclair by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Another fun new series from Daryl Wood Gerber.

This author is pretty much at the top of my, "Will read anything by her" list, so when I saw she had a new series coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it.

It didn't disappoint. Mimi has always wanted to open a French Bistro, but crippling debt after her husband's death sent her back home. There she met an entrepreneur willing to invest in her dream and now her bistro and inn are open, hosting the wedding of a famous talk show host. Things go downhill fast when Mimi's investor is found dead in the bistro and Mimi looks like the perfect suspect.

This book, like all of the author's books, has just the right amount of good food, mystery, and a dash of romance. I look forward to more in this series.

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

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The Secret, Book and Scone Society

The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First in the series.

I am a big Ellery Adams fan, so I wanted to love this book. It was a good start to a new series, and I liked it, but I didn't love it. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Nora. She was quite stand offish at first (for good reason, but still...) and yet intriguing. I wanted to know more about how she ended up in Miracle Springs. I loved the premise that Nora could help people by finding them the right books to read and a scone to eat.

I liked Nora's character growth as she hooked up with three other women, all with secrets of their own. They all had to learn to trust as they formed true friendships and solved a murder. It was very emotional and real.

After I got a few chapters in, it was a quick read and I finished it in a day.

But... I think this book tried too hard to be too many things. Is it a cozy? Chick lit? Magical, like a Sarah Addison Allen book? Romance? As a result it felt a little scattered.

That said, I am looking forward to the next book.

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


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Blackberry Burial, by Sharon Farrow

Blackberry Burial by Sharon Farrow

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

Book 2 in the series.

The first book was good, but I really enjoyed Marlee this time around, and I thought Theo was absolutely a sweetheart. Watching their friendship develop was lovely. And the Rally was flat out fun, haha.

This story moved at a pretty fast pace once the long buried body turned up and all the people who knew the victim ended up back in town for a reunion.

The one thing I do not like about this series is Marlee's fiancé (I didn't like him in the first book and he certainly hasn't gotten any better.) and the fact that we're heading for a love triangle. Dump the guy and date the cop. But please don't waffle between the two!

I'm looking forward to the next book.

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


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Knit to Kill, by Anne Canadeo

Knit to Kill by Anne Canadeo

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

Book 1 with a new publisher but actually book NINE in the series.

Characters in this series are well established and developed. The Black Sheep knitters leave their usual stomping grounds on a "Girl's Trip" before Lucy's upcoming wedding. Thanks to Suzanne's friend they're staying in an exclusive island development. But relationships in the neighborhood aren't all exactly rosy, so when an unpleasant neighbor is found dead on the beach, suspects are plentiful.

This was a fast, fun, read. I spent an enjoyable afternoon the knitters, as I like them all and I am so glad that Kensington picked the series up. I did figure out who the killer was pretty early on. One thing I would like to see is the author focus a bit more on other characters besides Lucy. She dominates the story, but I really like Maggie and would love to see more of her again.

All in all a fun read and lovely to see the ladies again.

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


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Someone's Mad at the Hatter, by Sandra Bretting

Someone's Mad at the Hatter by Sandra Bretting
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

Missy DuBois is back and ready for a happy new year with her beau, Ambrose. Unfortunately, Missy skipped the good luck Black Eyed Peas and now she's found another body, right behind her shop.

This time she'll have to clear herself and save her business by finding out who the killer is.

I love these books. Always a good dose of humor and southern charm along with a well-plotted mystery.

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

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The Quiche and the Dead, by Kirsten Weiss

The Quiche and the Dead by Kirsten Weiss

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

Book one in the series.

I really wanted to like it, because PIE! And it was ok, but honestly, I think I may have finally found a cozy that's too cozy. Charlene and her weird narcoleptic cat were a little too zany for me, Heidi is just annoying and Val was kind of overwhelmed by everyone else.

It started off quick, then kind of dragged in the middle while Val and Charlene did their Keystone Cops routine, bouncing from one crazy thing to another.

I'm hoping this is just the usual, "first in the series" hiccoughs and that book 2 will even out a bit.

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



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How the Finch Stole Christmas, by Donna Andrews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Squirrel on the Train, by Kevin Hearne

The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne

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

The second in the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries and just as much fun as the first. The plot is fun and clever. It made me laugh so much that even though I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley, I bought my own copy.

I truly hope that the end of the Iron Druid series doesn't bring an end to these little snippets of what I've always thought were the best bits of the series, just Atticus and the dogs, and lots of goofy puns. They're good dogs, Brent!

If you haven't read the series, you'll probably be ok but do yourself a favor and at least read the first few so you have an idea who Atticus and Oberon are. (And really, they're worth the read!)

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


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Death Overdue, by Allison Brook

Death Overdue by Allison Brook

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

A great start to a new series.

A haunted library? I'm there! Combine ghosts and books and you've hooked me. And Death Overdue continued to keep me reeled in. With two mysteries interwoven through the book, I didn't want to put it down.

My only complaint was that at times, main character Carrie wasn't very likeable. She comes off as rather immature for a 30 year old, still caught up in a teen-aged rebellion. But by the end of the book she seems to have finally grown up and found herself and her place in the world.

I look forward to seeing what she's up to in the next book, along with her aunt and uncle, and of course, the library ghost!

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


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Purring Around the Christmas Tree, by Liz Mugavero

Purring around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book six in the series. I haven't read a book in the series since book 2 and while I felt like I was missing a little background, it didn't stop me from enjoying this book. It just made me want to go back and read the rest to see what I missed, haha.

Kristan "Stan" Connor is opening a store front for her organic pet items and what better time for her grand opening then right after the lighting of the town's Christmas tree?

Things go immediately wrong for Stan, her boyfriend, Jake and the town when Santa's sleigh pulls in carrying a dead Santa and the person who was originally supposed to play Santa has disappeared.

This was a fun book, even if the plot was a bit convoluted. I enjoyed spending time with Stan again, and meeting Jake, as well as Stan's mom. I did have a bit of confusion, since there are just so many characters to keep track of. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and will look forward to more.

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

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A Cajun Christmas Killing, by Ellen Byron

A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron

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

Book 3 in the series.

Another wonderful visit to Cajun country with Maggie Crozat and her family. I always love the descriptions of Pelican and the townsfolk that truly bring Cajun country to life in this series. The holiday setting in this book was fun and I enjoyed learning about holiday traditions on the bayou.

I really liked that Maggie and Rufus seem to have finally put the long family feud to rest. I've been getting tired of the "antagonistic police officer who doesn't like the main character for some reason" character that has been turning up in cozies lately.

With Maggie and Ru working together to clear her family and Bo, this book was a fun, fast read. Definitely my favorite in the series so far!

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


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Spirits of the Cage. by Richard Estep and Vanessa Mitchell

Spirits of the Cage: True Accounts of Living in a Haunted Medieval Prison by Richard Estep

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

I admit to being fascinated by ghosts. I watch all the shows, read all the books, etc. I always take everything with a dose of healthy skepticism, and just want to be entertained and a little spooked.

I have read all of Mr. Estep's books on the paranormal. He's a local guy, living along the Colorado Front Range like me, which adds to the draw. It was in fact, his book on local hauntings in Longmont, CO that first caught my attention.

I'd heard of The Cage and seen it appear in a few of the ghost shows and wondered about the woman who had tried to make it her home, but TV only has so much time, so details were few. When I saw this book available on NetGalley, I jumped at it so I could learn more about the site and the people involved.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book gives the owner's history and viewpoint as she explains how she came to own The Cage and her experiences there. Meanwhile, Mr. Estep gives the viewpoint of his paranormal team as they investigate The Cage for a week.

I got goosebumps reading of all their experiences and consider it a story well told by the authors as a result.

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

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Assaulted Caramel, by Amanda Flowers

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower

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

I truly do enjoy Amanda Flower's writing and did enjoy the mystery. The main characters are all likeable, and I found myself with watering eyes at the end.

But the cynical side of me sees a lot of authors writing "Amish fiction," using that as a selling point, but never actually scratching the surface of the culture. This book barely touched on the Amish life, other than the things that most people already know, like the fact that most Amish don't use electricity.

The other thing that is starting to bug me about cozies in general is the depiction of law enforcement. They're either hot and a potential love interest, bumbling, or have an axe to grind.

That said, I am looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.

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


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Oh Fudge! by Nancy Coco

Oh, Fudge! by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series.

I love the setting for this series, Mackinac Island. Main character Allie McMurphy and her sweet dog Mal make me smile. The story was a good one, except for a few things that bugged me. One is the potential love triangle. I really just wish authors would stop with this trope. They're not realistic and are just annoying.

The other thing that annoyed me was Allie's amazingly too stupid to live moment at the end. She went from being a smart, strong female to a total idiot in two seconds flat!

All told, the setting and the characters make this series one that I will continue to read, since it is fun.

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

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Macramé Murder, by Mollie Cox Bryan

Macramé Murder by Mollie Cox Bryan

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

Book 3 in the series.

I think I am done with this series. After 3 books, I still struggle to tell Cora from Jane when it's blocks of dialogue and when they do come off as distinct, I don't really care much for Cora. One second she's in love with Adrian, the next she's doubting herself and him. And he's quite frankly boring. Throw in the Cashel story with a wanna-be love triangle and I am pretty much over it.

Overall, I felt like the personal life of the main character totally overwhelmed the mystery and left me pretty bored.

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


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Murder Wears Mittens, by Sally Goldenbaum

Murder Wears Mittens (Seaside Knitters Society, #1) by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book one with a new publisher, but really book 12 in the series.

I am so glad Kensington picked up this series. Cass and the rest of the Seaside Knitters never fail to make me wish there was a LYS (Local Yarn Store, for non-knitters) and knitting group like them nearby.

This book focuses a bit more on Cass this time, which is wonderful because she has long been one of my favorites and we get to learn a bit more about her family, including her outspoken aunt, who also happens to be a Catholic nun. However, the whole group is present and they are, as always, kind, compassionate and helpful in a crisis.

The mystery is interesting and a little sad, but the ending will delight long time fans and new readers alike.

Always looking forward to more of the Seaside Knitters!

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

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Doom with a View, by Kate Kingsbury

Doom with a View by Kate Kingsbury

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

Book 2 in the series.

The Merry Ghost Inn is finally open and receiving their first guests and solving their second murder.

Honestly, I found this one hard to get into. I put it down to read something else multiple times, and finally made myself finish it, knowing that it was about to be archived on NetGalley. There was A LOT going on with so many characters.

The best part of the whole book is Oliver, the merry ghost of the Inn. It's the amusing Oliver bits that kept me picking up the book and reading some more. I'm just not sure that's enough to get me back for book 3.

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


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Grave Errors, by Carol J. Perry

Grave Errors by Carol J. Perry

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

Book 5 in the series.

I love the setting for this series, the city of Salem. And I like that Lee's job brings her in to contact with such diverse people, and new plot-lines, haha. Aunt Ibby is always a welcome presence as well. The only thing I find at all jarring is Lee's boyfriend, Pete. There's just something about him that bores me.

The story was fun, filled with trips to old city cemeteries to research a documentary on Dia de Los Muertos. Along the way some more recently dead are discovered.

This wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it was enjoyable enough to make me put the next book in the series on my TBR list.

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


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Dead on the Bayou, by June Shaw

Dead on the Bayou by June Shaw

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

Book 2 in the series.

This was an okay story. I haven't read the previous book, and at times I felt like I was a bit lost.

My main problems came with the main characters. I had a hard time liking them. And the new spin on the love triangle (two sisters, one man) just annoyed me to no end. Sunny is determined that he has feelings for her, Eve thinks he's her soulmate and neither one seems to give a thought to the other's feelings, nor does it seem to bother them that he's playing them both. I just can't get past that. As a result, I kept putting my Kindle down and reading other things.

The mystery itself was decent, but lost in the relationship mess.

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

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