Murder in the Reading Room, by Ellery Adams

Murder in the Reading Room by Ellery Adams

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

Book 5 in the series.

I love the premise behind the series, turning an old country pile in to a book retreat. But the whole Guardian of a secret library full of unknown treasures complete with a group of bodyguards and spy gadgets galore has had me rolling my eyes all along. Throw in a group of rogue Templars willing to kidnap and kill to get their hands on their treasures and it just got to be too out there for me in the previous book. Now in this book the author adds in Jane's supposed dead husband (who has amnesia, of course!) and I almost stopped reading.

However, the characters are all mostly likable, and I still love the setting of Storyton Hall. And the ending may have saved the series for me. So while the series certainly stays on my library / NetGalley only list, I will read the next in the series.

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

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Mother's Day Mayhem, by Lynn Cahoon

Mother's Day Mayhem by Lynn Cahoon

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

Yet another novella in the Tourist Trap series.

Truthfully, I'm over them. And considering how short this is, that it failed to hold my interest long enough to finish is really a sad thing. I did finish it, but days later and I still felt "meh" about it.

We haven't had a full length story in this series since July 2017, so I guess this is the new normal for the series. Meanwhile, the author left us with a cliff hanger in the last full length book, that still has not been addressed.

As much as I once loved this series, the novellas just aren't enough to keep me reading.

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

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May Day Murder, by Jennifer David Hesse

May Day Murder by Jennifer David Hesse

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

Book 5 in the series.

I like the characters, I like that Keli has her own law practice now. The story was interesting and quick moving. But I felt like Keli acted a bit out of character with Erik.

My biggest complaint about this book was the secondary mystery that was slyly slipped in and left unsolved at the end. I feel like that's the new version of a cliffhanger, done to make sure the reader comes back to read the next book and it really annoys me. As a result, I dinged it a full star. I am curious about how things will end, but not enough to overcome my annoyance.

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


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One Potato, Two Potato, Dead, by Lynn Cahoon

One Potato, Two Potato, Dead by Lynn Cahoon

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I wasn't a fan.

Book 3 in the series.

I have struggled with this series. And this one flat out bored me enough that I put it down for quite sometime and read other things. There's too much mundane stuff described in way too much detail (I take showers, I don't need to have one described for me!).

Really though, it just boils down to the fact that I don't like the main character, Angie. She doesn't come off as a nice person. In this book she volunteers to cook at a mission, not out of any altruism, but because she wants to get a look at someone's boyfriend, and really resents actually having to leave her work and go cook. So she uses the guys at the mission as guinea pigs for a meal she wants to serve in her restaurant but her boyfriend didn't like. She comes off as selfish and jaded.

Pretty sure this will be the last in the series for me.

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

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Something Read, Something Dead, by Eva Gates

Something Read, Something Dead by Eva Gates

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

Book 5 in the series.

I've really wanted to like this series. And I was thrilled for the author when she got the rights back and was able to find a new publisher after the massive Berkley Purge. But I really just don't like the characters in the series enough to like the books. Louise Jane needs to be the next murder victim, and then maybe I will read them again. She's just too distracting and annoying.

In fact, the only thing I really liked about this book was the fact that we didn't see much of Louise Jane!

This series is for sure relegated to my library list, if I remember it.

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

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Chocolate a la Murder, by Kirsten Weiss

Chocolate a la Murder by Kirsten Weiss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 4, and possibly last book, in the series as the publisher has closed.

I've read all of the books in this series, and I had high hopes for it, I mean a Paranormal Museum sounds fun! I had a hard time getting in to this one, it felt a bit slow, despite the fact that Maddie stumbles over another body almost immediately. And Maddie is really just a nosy busy-body, snooping where she doesn't always belong, and doesn't seem to really think things through. Makes it hard to like her sometimes.

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

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Trouble on the Books, by Essie Lang

Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang

Book one in a new series.

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

I really wanted to love this book. A bookstore, in a castle? Sounds perfect, right?

But I found myself losing interest in it, it was so slow. It starts off with a murder pretty much right away, so I thought it would be fast paced. It dragged. And I really had a hard time connecting with Shelby, though I don't know quite why. It's also pretty laughable that people in a small town would tell a newcomer like Shelby anything more than they would tell the actual people in charge of the investigation.

I'd be interested in giving book 2 a chance, but it certainly goes on my library list.

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

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Murders and Metaphors, by Amanda Flower

Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I honestly did not like this book.

Book 3 in the series.

Sadly, I found this book entirely forgettable. As in, I got an ARC of it from NetGalley and read part of it, then put it down and forgot about it. Then, I requested it from my local library, started reading it and it clicked that I'd already started reading it once before. I did finally finish reading it, but it was a huge disappointment to me, as I love the Magical Bookshop. I just didn't like this one.

The killer was easy to figure out, there were multiple distracting typos/errors that remained in the final published work and things felt... off.

All in all, I just hope the next book in the series is more of a return to the author's earlier writing.

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


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The Whispered Word, by Ellery Adams

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, it was fantastic!

Book 2 in the series.

I LOVE this series and this book was possibly even better than the first one. It's got just enough different going on from other cozy mysteries to make it stand out. The main characters, bookstore owner 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 read this with a friend and co-worker that I introduced to the first book in the series, and we both spent all our breaks reading, and maybe even accidentally extended our breaks as a result, not wanting to put it down.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

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


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Corned Beef and Casualties, by Lynn Cahoon

Corned Beef and Casualties by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Another holiday novella in the Tourist Trap series and another quick visit to South Cove.

I like these quick check ins, but I will admit that the timeline bothers me. All of these novellas are set earlier in the series, and I want to know what's going on NOW. We were left with a bit of a mystery about Aunt Jackie at the end of A Killer Party, and I want an explanation.

This one seemed a bit sad to me, and I wasn't a fan of the abrupt ending. It felt rushed.

I am waiting very impatiently for more than a novella in this series.

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


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Past Due for Murder, by Victoria Gilbert

Past Due for Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 3 in the series.

Oops. I didn't realize this was the third book when I requested it. I think I would have liked it more had I read the previous two.

I have to admit, that my main reason for rating this book only two stars was the main character, Amy. She seemed really impulsive and well, not real smart.

The mystery within the mystery, based on local folklore and past events, was more interesting to me than the modern day mystery.

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

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Death by Committee, by Alexis Morgan

Death by Committee by Alexis Morgan

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

Book 1 in the series.

I like the main character, Abbey, she's resilient, smart and empathetic. And I adore Zeke, the mastiff she inherits along with a house. Not sure how I feel about her love interest, Tripp. He comes off as a bit bossy, which annoyed me. And something I am seeing lately, the mystery takes a back seat to their budding romance and all the other things/people in the story. That said, I try to give first books a bit of a break, since the author is trying to introduce us to everyone. This was enjoyable enough, and a nice, light, quick read.

I look forward to more of Abbey and Zeke in book 2.

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

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Coffeehouse Knits, by Kerry Bogert

Coffeehouse Knits: Knitting Patterns and Essays with Robust Flavor by Kerry Bogert

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars, simply because most of the patterns aren't what I like to knit.

This book has lots of lovely sweater, cowl, and scarf patterns. I was a little disappointed though, because the intro claimed that these were patterns to sip and knit at your local coffeehouse, with or without a knit group. For me, that means portable patterns. And sweaters don't fit that description for me. The most portable project is socks, and there are only two patterns in the book. Both are okay, but nothing super special.

It still gets 4.5 stars because the patterns look well written, with clear directions and charts and really, the items are gorgeous. They just don't fit my personal preference. It's still absolutely worth a look.

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

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A Literal Mess, by J.C. Kenney

A Literal Mess by J.C. Kenney

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

Book one in a new series.

This was a nice, quick read. Readers are introduced to Allie Cobb and her family, along with her best friend, Sloan, as Allie goes home for her father's funeral and to clear up loose ends in his literary agency.

The book, like most first in a series books, spends a lot of time building relationships and characterization and not so much on the murder mystery. The mystery was fairly easy to figure out. The writing was solid though, and I really like Allie and her family.

I am looking forward to book two.

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

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The Coloring Crook, by Krista Davis

The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis

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

Book 2 in the series.

I loved Krista Davis' Wagtail series, and I wanted to love this series too, but I am struggling with it.

This book is another in a string of cozy mysteries that has way too much going on/way too many characters. I kept mixing characters up in my head and having to go back and re-read bits. The multiple mysteries fell a bit flat for me as well. There were too many distractions for me to really get in to the story.

I do like Florrie, and the bookstore, though. I will read the next book, and hope that Ms. Davis scales things back a bit and returns to her tight, fun, writing.

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

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Slay in Character, by Lynn Cahoon

Slay in Character by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 4 in the series.

It's good to be back at a writer's retreat with Cat and her friends, but this wasn't my favorite of the series.

The setting for the murder is an old West town, set up as a tourist attraction. And this time, it's not just Cat involved in the mystery, but her guests that seem to get a kick out of putting themselves in danger. I think that's why I didn't like this one as much. It's bad enough when the main character has too stupid to live moments, but then you throw in a gaggle of women who seem to think the whole thing is a game, and I just kind of got annoyed.

My favorite part of the whole book was the end, when Seth's surprise project was finally revealed. That bumped it from two stars to three for me right there.

As always though, I am looking forward to more book retreats!

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley*

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Tied Up With a Bow, by Sheila Connolly

Tied Up with A Bow by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Novella in the County Cork series.

I didn't realize this was a novella when I requested it on NetGalley. I am still glad I did, though. It's nice to see Maura's softer side, since relationships/friendships seem to baffle her a bit.

I'm loving the group led by Seamus, as well and of course, The Thing across the road.

This was a nice, quick read.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley*

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A Crafter Knits a Clue, by Holly Quinn

A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

First in the series.

I found myself torn with this book. I wanted to like it, because it's a crafting book, and the local crafters that were introduced in the book were interesting, but the author may have told us a little too much about at least two of them! That was one of the few times I actually agreed with Sammy, haha.

What I liked: 1. The shop itself. I'd like to know more about the handcrafts the shop sells. 2. The town setting. The people we meet are fun and I loved that they all came together to support others on multiple occasions. 3. The plot. It was decent enough, but over shadowed by the things I didn't like.

Unfortunately, my list of things I didn't like was hard for me to get past: 1. Sammy. She's not a crafter, so I thought that was a little disappointing, when you take in the title of the book and the name of the store. And she really came off as very young and immature, both in her attitude and her relationships. 2. S.H.E. It just rubbed me the wrong way. It was a childhood game, and the grown ladies are still acting like they're kids hunting down a lost pet or something (And honestly, the name just annoyed me. It's like the State Farm commercial with the she shed. It grated on my nerves). 3. The tentative relationship between Sammy and the detective. It felt a bit forced. 4. The pacing. It dragged a bit in places, and as a result I found myself putting it down for a while.

I may try book 2 in the series, but it's definitely a library read, not a must buy.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book given to me by the author.*

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Death and Daisies, by Amanda Flower

Death and Daisies by Amanda Flower

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

Book 2 in the series.

I love Amanda Flower, but so far this series has been just OK. I like the main character, Fiona, but I am not fond of her immature sister, Isla. And the way she was sneaking around especially annoyed me.

This mystery didn't hold my attention as much as the first book did. I feel like only the second book in, there's a lot more we could learn about the garden, and so I missed that element.

All in all, Ms. Flower's writing is solid and I did enjoy the book, but I'd like to see Isla grow up a bit.

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

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Wreath Between the Lines, by Daryl Wood Gerber

Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber

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

Book 7 in the series.

It's time for a Christmas visit to Crystal Cove! And Jenna and Crystal Cove go all out for the holidays. We also get to meet more of Jenna's family, as her sister and her family are in town for a singing competition.

Between the holiday hustle and bustle, family issues and of course, a murder, there's a lot going on in this book. It's not the strongest mystery, but it was a fun book anyway and a nice quick read.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley*


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