Urban Enemies

Urban Enemies edited by Joseph Nassise

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I saw this book on NetGalley and eagerly requested it, since I like a lot of the authors with stories in it.

I admit to being somewhat disappointed. As others have said, the Butcher story is not new. I'd read it in another anthology, though I did like it. And while I normally love everything from Seanan McGuire, this story from the POV of a cuckoo just wasn't what I was hoping for. I'd rather have seen a story from the POV of the Covenant, but that's just me.

All in all, they were good stories, and it was interesting to see things from the other side, but I still prefer the main characters I know and love. I did get a few new to me authors to look into, and that's always great.

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


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Cat About Town, by Cate Conte

Cat About Town by Cate Conte

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

Book 1 in the series.

When the most likeable character in the book is a cat, there's a problem. The only thing I really liked about the main character, Maddie, is her love for cats and taking JJ in.

And I felt a bit cheated, since the blurb said, "When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café." No, she wasn't. She came home to bury her grandma and check up on her grandfather, she has a juice bar in California. The stray cat prompted her to make friends and take him home with her, that's all. The cat cafe idea didn't really come into play until the very end of the book. (view spoiler)[(And I would bet good money I know where the idea and the money for that came from... Cat Man.) (hide spoiler)]

And don't get me started on the stupid love triangle. That's just destined to ruin a story faster than you can say, "annoying."

I won't be anticipating book 2, though it might go on my library list, just to see how the cafe develops.

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


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The Best of Subterranean

The Best of Subterranean by William Schafer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

I like to read anthologies, because I always find new authors to try. But like most anthologies, not every story appealed to me. Some were excellent, and I will be searching out work by the author. Some, not so much.

But if you enjoy sci-fi/fantasy, you will find something in here for you. The stories are diverse, from horror to urban fantasy. Find what appeals to you and read it! As a result, some stories hit, some missed.

Almost all of these authors were new to me, with Kelley Armstrong being the only one I had read anything (everything!) by. Yes, that also means I am one of the few folks on the planet who has not read or watched Game of Thrones. I stick pretty much to urban fantasy, so some of these stories were certainly out of my comfort zone. But that's a good thing. Now I have more authors to look for and a wider range to read!

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

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Gone Gull, by Donna Andrews

Gone Gull: A Meg Langslow Mystery by Donna Andrews

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

Book 21 in the series.

Another fun outing with Meg and family, this time at the new Biscuit Mountain Craft Center. I dearly love Meg, and it is wonderful to see her back to blacksmithing, even if it is only to teach the basics to the craft retreaters.

Of course Meg ends up smack dab in the middle of a mystery. Someone seems to have it in for the center, playing nasty pranks that could lead to the end of Cordelia's new business. Meg sets out to find out who the culprit is before that happens. And then she finds the body of one of the craft teachers.

All my favorite family members have at least bit parts in this story, which just adds to the fun.

It did start off a bit slowly, but once it got moving I couldn't put it down.

I am definitely waiting impatiently for the next Meg book, Ms. Andrews' usual holiday installment!

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


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Killer Party, by Lynn Cahoon

Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 9 in the series.

I love this series. The characters are well developed, the plots are well written and tight, as well as fun and fast moving. I read this one in sitting, staying up maybe just a wee bit too late to finish it, but I just had too, haha.

My only complaint is the minor cliffhanger at the end from Aunt Jackie! With the last two books in the series out so close together, how long are we going to have to wait to go back to South Cove this time?!

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

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

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Dead Storage, by Mary Feliz

Dead Storage by Mary Feliz

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

Book 3 in the series.

I am really enjoying this series. I like the quirky characters, and I love Munchkin!

This time, one of Maggie's new friends is the prime suspect in a murder, but Maggie knows Stephen wouldn't have done it. But for some reason he's not talking, so it's up to Maggie to find out who really did it.

This story also delves into issues with drugs and looks at homelessness as well, but doesn't get all weighed down in them. It's still a light, fast, read and I am looking forward to more in the series.

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


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A Toast to Murder, by Allyson K. Abbot

A Toast to Murder by Allyson K. Abbott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 5 in the series.

This book is an improvement over books 3 and 4. The plot is interesting and the characters are well developed but I still greatly dislike the mystery-within-a-mystery nonsense that was happening. I think weaving that plot-line through multiple books was kind of a cheap way of getting the reader to hang in there and keep reading. Between that and the love triangle, I very nearly didn't read this book. For the devoted reader, we do finally get an end to that mystery, and sort of an end to the love triangle, though at the end the other guy doesn't know Mac's made her choice.

So while I like Mac and her motley crew of mystery solvers, as well as Mac's special ability, I just don't think I will bother with reading any more books in this series.

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

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High Stakes, by Fern Michaels

High Stakes by Fern Michaels

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

Book 5 in the series.

I read most of the author's Sisterhood books, until they got too far out there. The concept of getting things from the male point of view intrigued me.

Sadly, didn't get through it. This is another too far out there plot for me to enjoy. I can only suspend my disbelief so far! Add to that, a certain political figure was mentioned, and I stopped reading. I don't want real life politics in my fiction, even if it's only briefly mentioned. We get bombarded enough with it as it is.

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


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Murder at the Puppy Fest, by Laurien Berenson

Murder at the Puppy Fest by Laurien Berenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 20 in the series.

I'm not a regular reader of the series, so I can honestly say that you don't have to have read the rest of the books to follow along on this one.

Like all the Melanie Travis books I have read, this is a fun one. The story was fast-paced and a quick read, and of course, there are puppies! I love Melanie and her family, especially the Poodles, (though it still perplexes me why Poodle is capitalized....) and even Aunt Peg.

My only minor complaint is the sort of wishy-washy resolution to the murder mystery. I can't say much else without it being spoiler-y. Suffice it to say, I prefer a more definitive ending.

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

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Treble at the Jam Fest, by Leslie Budewitz

Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 4 in the series.

I am so glad Leslie Budewitz found a new home with Midnight Ink. I've enjoyed all of her books, but with this book, main character Erin finally realizes she came home to Montana because it was where she wanted to be, not just to save the family business, but because she loves the Merc and Jewel Bay. There's real personal growth for her and her family in this book, and I enjoy the people they're becoming.

I admit to being distracted by real life when I started reading this book, and as a result I put it down for a few days. When I came back to it, it pulled me all the way to Jewel Bay and wouldn't let me go until the end. The plot was fast moving, the characters fun and likable and I absolutely love spending time in Montana.

So, grab yourself a cold beverage and a snack (something with rhubarb, maybe?), and settle in for an entertaining read!

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

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Mulch Ado About Murder, by Edith Maxwell

Mulch Ado About Murder by Edith Maxwell

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

Book 5 in the series. While I have read all the books in the series, I think Ms. Maxwell writes well enough that this could be read as a stand alone book.

I loved this book. Cam once again finds a body, and this time her mother is a person of interest! I enjoyed getting to know Cam's parents, and learning a bit more about Cam through her interactions with them.

The story was fast moving, interesting and fun. I love the background of Cam's farm and her CSA. (I apparently have a black thumb when it comes to veggies, so it's nice to read about someone who can grow them, haha.).

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



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Bearly Departed, by Meg Macy

Bearly Departed by Meg Macy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book one in a new series.

As a teddy bear collector, I thought this book would be a fun read. I loved the background info provided about teddy bears, their history and what goes in to making them.

The story itself started off a bit slowly, as the author took time to introduce the cast of characters. Once things picked up though, I enjoyed it. For the most part, it was a fun, light cozy mystery read set in a unique setting.

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

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One Fete in the Grave, by Vickie Fee

One Fete in the Grave by Vickie Fee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

I am really enjoying this series, with it's southern charm, simmering secrets, and eccentric townspeople. It's a fun series, with party planner Liv up to her eyeballs in wedding plans for her newly engaged mother as well as investigating a murder where the number one suspect just happens to be the Groom to be.

I laughed out loud many times while I was reading this and it was nice to see Di have more of a role in this book. It is Liv and Di in Dixie, after all.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

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Uniformly Dead, by Greta Mckennan

Uniformly Dead by Greta Mckennan

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

A good start to a new series.

I liked the main character, Daria, and thought it was interesting that she was sewing for re-enactors. It was a fun cozy, but there was A LOT going on, which kind of detracted from the main plot, the murder and the theft.

And frankly, I wasn't a fan of either of the potential love interests for Daria. The reporter came off as a jerk right away when he knocked Daria over, took her picture, laughed and ran off, no apology at all. That colored my opinion of him throughout the whole book. He slightly redeemed himself toward the end and I will reserve final judgment for now.

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

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


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Hospitality and Homicide, by Lynn Cahoon

Hospitality and Homicide by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars. I really liked it.

Book 8 in the series. You'll be fine if you start here, but do yourself a favor and go back and read them all!

I love this series, I really do. I love Jill's shop, the perfect combination of Coffee, Books and More. The characters are all well developed and it's like going to spend a weekend with some old friends. Meanwhile, someone is dead, and the obvious suspect just doesn't feel right. Jill is a typical small business owner, with more than enough to do in any given day, yet she still manages to snoop, haha.

This was a good, fast read, that I didn't want to put down. My only complaint is that I now have a long wait 'til next year and another visit to South Cove!

ETA: I just found out that there's another Tourist Trap mystery out in JULY, Killer Party! I get to go back to South Cove in a few short months! Haha.

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

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Uncorking a Lie, by Nadine Nettman

Uncorking a Lie by Nadine Nettmann
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in a series. I haven't read the first in the series, but that didn't matter.

I liked the premise, and most of the story. I'm not entirely thrilled with the main character. I don't know diddly about wine, I just know what I like. Kate is that wine snob that bugs the crap out of me in real life, I don't really want to listen to her in a cozy. She's not always so pretentious, and at those times I sort of wanted to like her, but all in all, I can't really bring myself to care about her or her companions in this book.

I think I will give anymore books in this series a miss.

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

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The Final Vow, by Amanda Flower

The Final Vow by Amanda Flower
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

I didn't realize at the start that this was 3 books in. I felt as though I was missing a little something, because the relationships all seemed very well established. The story itself though, is absolutely a stand alone story and I enjoyed it immensely.

I love the unique setting, especially since I am a big history buff. I admit to being a little disappointed at who the murder victim was, since there were a few characters I wouldn't have minded being knocked off, haha.

The story was solid, and I loved the main character, Kelsey and her son, Hayden, along with most of the museum staff. I will certainly be seeking out the first two books.

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

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Magic & Mayhem, by Sharon Pape

Magick & Mayhem by Sharon Pape
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

A fun series debut.

Kailyn Wilde inherits her magical potion shop from her mother and grandmother, though they're not entirely gone, since they visit regularly in ghost form.

What I liked: Kailyn, her aunt and the cats. The misfiring spells were also intriguing, though I felt at though we were kind of left hanging about them. Obviously, something is causing problems with magic, and I want to know what's going on, haha.

What I wasn't so "Wilde" about: Kailyn's ghosts. The constant bickering between them got old fast. Merlin. He comes off as kind of bumbling, rather than a great magician. And his refusal to understand that he couldn't use magic in front of others bugged me. Then again, did they ever explain to him how it could be dangerous to all of them to be exposed?

All in all, it was an amusing book that I enjoyed. The characters could use some fleshing out, maybe tone down the bickering mother/daughter ghosts and bring the issues with magic a bit more to the forefront, since I am not entirely convinced Merlin fixed the issue (and frankly, it would be too easy if he had!).

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

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No Charm Intended, by Mollie Cox Bryan

No Charm Intended by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series.

I liked No Charm Intended better than book 1. I love the premise and the changing "cast" of characters each retreat is fun. The mystery was unusual and interesting, the activities fun and engaging.

But I found myself pulled out of the story by a few things:

I found the two main characters, Cora and Jane, at times totally interchangeable and got them confused, because sometimes one spoke so out of character that I'd have go back and re-read the passage to make sure I had the right person. Jane seemed to be more cynical and less trusting, and openly distrusted Paul, then suddenly she was crying because she was worried about him. Wait, what? Things like that happened several times through out the book, leaving me a little confused each time.

Jane and Cora have just started a business, money is obviously a concern, and yet they have meals catered? That doesn't seem practical. And what exactly does Cora bring to the retreats? She doesn't seem to teach anything, just spends her time blogging...

I'm also having a problem with the fact that Cora seems to have so many of the men in town attracted to her, including a married police officer. Because the love triangle isn't bad enough, Cora gets to be in a love square!

It was an enjoyable enough read that I will read book three, but I'd really like to see the main characters a bit more fleshed out and individualized in the next one.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author*

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A Killer Keepsake, by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs

A Killer Keepsake by Ellery Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

I only recently discovered this series, and I haven't read all of the books yet, but it is safe to start here. I always think you should start with book 1 in a good series, but you wouldn't be lost if you read this first.

This is my favorite book, so far, in the series. The characters are well developed and likeable. Molly just can't keep away from solving murders, especially when she finds the body. I liked that this book had two story-lines running simultaneously, one present, one past. Both story-lines were well meshed, so neither felt forced, instead each added to the other.

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

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