Cruel Winter, by Sheila Connolly

Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly

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

Book 5 in the series.

I really enjoyed this book in the series, the Cold Case aspect really appealed to me, since it didn't have the "oh we're a tiny village and here's another dead body since you've arrived" aspect that sometimes makes a reader cringe at the unlikelihood of it. I think it is so far my favorite book in the series and I read it quickly and in one sitting.

I loved the character movement with Jimmy and Rose and I would love to see more of Rose's interests be featured. I would also be ok with less Jimmy, he's really a jerk and taking advantage of the pub.

The one turn off about this series is that Maura still needs some character development. I am tired of hearing about how she never meant to stay, never meant to run a pub, etc as an excuse for why she doesn't know how to do things.

She's been in Ireland long enough now that really, she should be taking the time to learn some basic things about the pub. Ordering, heating, taxes, etc, she needs to know it instead of depending on other people to do it for her, and she needs to keep on top of stuff like that. For her own sake as well as her employees. I also don't understand how she could be so unprepared for a serious snow storm, she's from Boston, which typically gets a ton of snow every winter!

All in all, this is another good cozy mystery by Sheila Connolly and I am actually a bit sad that she doesn't have anything new coming out again for a while now, haha.

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


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Death by Chocolate Lab, by Bethany Blake

Death by Chocolate Lab by Bethany Blake
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was just barely okay.

Book 1 in a series.

I loved the premise, but frankly, I didn't find the characters very likable. The main character, Daphne, came across as flighty and immature, and well, ditsy. Her sister, Piper, felt uptight and condescending and their mother was a snooty woman who obviously played favorites. Piper, of course, is the Golden Child, which gave me all the more reason to not like her.

Meanwhile, the reader is supposed to believe that Daphne has a PhD (even if it's in a "throw away" subject like philosophy) that took brains and commitment to get.

Add all that to the slooooow pace of the book and I really struggled to get through it. Towards the end things picked up, and that's the only reason it gets a second star.

Not sure I would bother reading the second book in the series.

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

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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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