Grave Reservations, by Cherie Priest

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest 

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

First in the series.

I have to admit, I know Cherie Priest more for her stellar Twitter comebacks and pet posts than her books. I do own a few, but horror really isn't my thing. So when she announced this book, a paranormal cozy, I was quite excited.

It didn't disappoint. Leda the intermittent psychic and Detective Grady come off with a bit of an odd couple vibe, but actually work together really well. At times I laughed out loud, especially at Klairvoyant Karaoke. What a concept, haha.

All in all, this was a quirky, fun and fast read, and I am looking forward to more.

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



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Hypnosis is for Hacks, by Tamara Berry

Hypnosis Is for Hacks by Tamara Berry 

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

Book 4 in the series.

I love this series. Former fake psychic Eleanor Wilde amuses the heck out of me. This time she has to confront her past, when an old partner shows up while Eleanor is entertaining her visiting brother.

The plot is as usual, fast paced, funny, and well written. Eleanor is a strong character who doesn't suffer fools (though she might take advantage of them). I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I love that Eleanor went from bogus psychic to village witch, complete with two cats and real psychic talents.

I can't wait for more in the series.

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

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Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas, by Lynn Cahoon

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon 

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

This is a novella length story in the newish series.

Ms. Cahoon seems to be fond of novellas, (Three in this series so far, with only two full length books), but in most cases I find they're too short to do the characters justice. There was a lot of decorating for Christmas but not a lot of story. It was an okay blurb, but I'd like to have had more. Mia and her grandmother are fun characters in the full length stories, so I will just have to sit back and wait for the next one to come out to really show them off.

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

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Slashing Through the Snow, by Jacqueline Frost

Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost 

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

Book 3 in the series.

I'm not sure what happened to the main character after the first book, but I wanted to slap Holly multiple times. She was too stupid to live way too often in this book, and I get really tired of books where the amateur sleuth completely ignores their day job to nose around. And in this case, it's a brand new business and Holly is supposedly worried about a bad review from the person who ends up the murder victim. Honey, you need to be worrying about all your guests, because you're a terrible innkeeper!

This book just didn't sit well with me. And I don't understand why Holly's boyfriend, Sheriff Evan, puts up with her. She's turned into a nosy old biddy, and was truly insufferable.

I don't think I will read anymore in the series, if there are anymore to come.

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

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Once Upon a Seaside Murder, by Maggie Blackburn

Once Upon a Seaside Murder by Maggie Blackburn 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, Did Not Finish, I'd give it Zero stars if I could.

Book 2 in the series.

I didn't finish the first book in the series, but I thought I'd give it a second chance.

Unfortunately, the main character is still condescending, rude, and absolutely unlikable, and adding a bunch of new characters doesn't help me get past that.

It's too bad, because the idea should have been fun. But I read to have a good time, not be talked down to by the main character.

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

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Well-Offed in Vermont, by Amy Patricia Meade

Well-Offed in Vermont by Amy Patricia Meade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 1 in a new, but old series. Confusing, right? Originally released in 2011, this is a re-issue from a new publisher. The author has mentioned that there will be 3 new books in the series as well.

It was good read, especially for a first book in a series, the series has real potential. Knowing that there are at least 4 more books in the series helps, because it means I won't get invested in characters that will quickly disappear, which is sadly all too common in publishing now.

One thing I really like is that the main characters are a married couple. There's no relationship drama, they were likeable and funny. The book was well paced and a fast read.

Looking forward to more.

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

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Murder Outside the Lines, by Krista Davis

Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

I am a big fan of Krista Davis, and this series is just getting better with every book. That said, this is my favorite book in the series, because it's set at Halloween, my favorite holiday. It has a spooky feeling to it, without being over the top. The mystery is well written, with a fun plot surrounding it. I really like Florie, and the adult coloring books she draws are a novel twist on the typical cozy profession.

I look forward to book 4 in the series.

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

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Passport to the Paranormal, by Rich Newman

Passport to the Paranormal: Your Guide to Haunted Spots in America by Rich Newman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

This was a fast, fun read. I love reading about haunted places, and the history of a place. Why the place is supposed to be haunted is almost more interesting to me than the actual ghost story. Yes, I am a history nerd. It was interesting to read about what the author obviously considers the top haunted spots in each state.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the description of the TV program the author was filming when he had some of his personal experiences. The idea of putting an unwitting person in a haunted location and filming them, without telling them, just doesn't sit well with me. Seems like typical shock TV and and makes me question the author's motives.

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

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Murder by the Bookend, by Laura Gail Black

Murder by the Bookend by Laura Gail Black 

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

Book 2 in the series.

I still had a hard time liking Jenna in this book. It didn't help that she absolutely had a too stupid to live moment, and it made me want to scream. My favorite character in the book was the victim's dog! So while the story was okay, I just don't think the series is for me.

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


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A Fatal Feast, by Kathleen Bridge

A Fatal Feast by Kathleen Bridge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

I really like this series. Meg is always entertaining. That said, she had a few Too Stupid to Live moments in this book, which always annoys me, and resulted in me downrating the book.

Overall, the story was a good one that kept me reading. It was a fast read, I finished it in a day. I love the setting, and the bits and pieces of interior design Meg and Elle throw in, along with the descriptions of most of the food.

There were a few things that seemed a bit convoluted and out there, but I won't go in to that because I don't want any spoilers.

I am looking forward to more mysteries with Meg and Elle.

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


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No Grater Crime, by Maddie Day

No Grater Crime by Maddie Day 

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

Book 9 in the series.

I love this series, but I really had a hard time getting in to this one. The story line felt a bit convoluted and in the end, I just felt sorry for one of the bad guys for having such an f ed up family, haha. There was a lot going on, and Robbie really had a too stupid to live moment, which annoyed me (Hello, Ted Bundy!) It took a while to get through, since I kept switching to other books instead.

I will keep reading, because I normally enjoy the series, but I could have happily skipped this one.

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

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The Lights of Sugarberry Cove, by Heather Webber

The Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every once in a while, you pick up a book that just grabs you and sucks you in and won't let you go until the very end. The Lights of Sugarberry Cove was one of those for me. I stayed up way too late because I HAD to finish it. I loved it! It had my emotions on a roller coaster, I bawled like a baby a few times, but I also laughed out loud at times.

It's got a touch of magic, but mostly it's about relationships and family, which is the real magic of the story. There's hope, love, and above all, healing.

Honestly, this may be my favorite book of the year, and a rare 5 star read.


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Cajun Kiss of Death, by Ellen Byron

Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, it was an okay read, with a nice wrap up to the series.

Book 7 and the last of the series. As the last in the series, it's not a great starting point for new readers.

I didn't go into this book knowing it was the last one, but as I read I very much got the idea that it was the end of the road for the series. The author was tying everything up. The mystery actually felt like it was taking a back seat to all of the wrapping up.

As a series long reader, I am glad to see it, and the big occasion that the books have been leading towards, but I'd have liked a stronger mystery. The dead man wasn't very likeable, and I didn't much care who offed him.

I'm sad to see this end though, I very much enjoyed my visits to Cajun Country and Crozat, along with Maggie's slightly crazy family.

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


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The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II, by Mari K. Elder

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II by Mari K. Eder 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I enjoyed this book very much.

A very interesting history of some of the amazing but mostly unknown women who served their country in their own ways during WWII.

I'm a huge women's history fan, though I tend to stick with women of the old west. When I saw this title I thought I would branch out a bit, so to speak. And I am glad I did. These are some amazing women that no one has ever heard of, and we should know about them.

I found the writing to be well done and the stories interesting. I am glad they are finally being told.

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

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Murder Most Fowl, by Donna Andrews

Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 29 in the series and still just as fun as the first few. As always, Meg's got a lot going on in her life. Michael's actors in the play he's directing, are staying with them, all with their own issues and personality quirks. Add in Meg's extended family, and it all makes for some laugh out loud moments and a grand read.

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

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A Good Day for Chardonnay, by Darynda Jones

A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series.

I am really enjoying this series. I love Sunshine and Auri, they're both fun and have a great relationship. They're both fun, smart and sassy. Sunshine's parents could use being a little less indulgent with Auri, though, haha. Levi, at times makes me want to slap him, with his macho man act.

All in all, I found this book a fun, fast read and I am very happy that all the mysteries within the mystery have wrapped up. It will be interesting to see where things go next.

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

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Murder in Connemara, by Carlene O'Connor

Murder in Connemara by Carlene O'Connor 

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

Book two in the series.

This one was just okay. I didn't realize this wasn't book one, but I didn't feel like I missed anything. I had a hard time liking the protagonist, Tara Meehan, and the whole thing felt a bit slow. I'm not sure I would read the next one, since it wasn't anything that really stood out.

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

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A Spirit Seeks Asylum, by Lena Gregory

A Spirit Seeks Asylum by Lena Gregory 

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

Book 6 in the series.

This is hands down my favorite book in the series. The others have been okay, but this one really connected with me. I always enjoy Cass and Beast, and more Bee just added to the fun. The strong friendships between the main characters and the way they support each other, just makes me smile.

I have to admit, I also want to know more about Thea, and her grandmother. Hopefully Cass can help her blossom a bit.

All in all, a fun, fast read. I truly hope there are more in the series coming.

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

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Dogged by Death, by Laura Scott

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott 

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

Book one in a new series.

It was a decent start to a new series, but some things were a bit too unbelievable. They characters could use some more development. Allie comes off as a total dingbat, and because of it, not super likeable.

Hopefully the next book in the series will be better.

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


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Reserved For Murder, by Victoria Gilbert

Reserved for Murder by Victoria Gilbert 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, Unfinished.

Book 2 in the series.

I saw this on NetGalley, and even though I didn't care for the first book, I thought I would give it another chance.

Unfortunately, I didn't like it anymore than I liked the first, so it goes unfinished and on my NOPE list.


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


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