The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think maybe I’m finally beginning to settle into it.
Gearing up for the Lake Eden Winter Carnival, Hannah is super busy doing her part- but the town is all abuzz over the celebrity lifestyle guru, Connie Mac, stepping in to bake the Carnival cake. But Hannah thinks the woman is a fake, entitled, uncharitable and difficult. Still, it comes as a big shock when she finds Connie Mac dead in her bakery….
I’ll admit I knew almost from the beginning who the murderer probably was- but I had no clue what the motive or connection might be- so it was still a mystery and a good one at that. I am starting to warm up to Hannah now that I understand her better and enjoy her little ‘love triangle’ musings, her cat, her sister, and her annoying mother, too- all of which is quite entertaining.
Overall, this was a quick, fun cozy- and I’m starting to enjoy the series more and more as I go!
Says it's a cozy mystery-but in the first eight pages there are more non-cozy expletives than I would tolerate in an entire novel that's categorized uSays it's a cozy mystery-but in the first eight pages there are more non-cozy expletives than I would tolerate in an entire novel that's categorized under this label. As a rule cozies should only use harsh language sparingly, if at all, in my opinion- so I'm off to find a cozy that fits that description.
A Fatal Feast by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a 2009 Berkley publication.
Jessica has come down with a bad case of writer’s block and all of CaA Fatal Feast by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a 2009 Berkley publication.
Jessica has come down with a bad case of writer’s block and all of Cabot Cove is aware of it. But her attention is diverted from her WIP as she prepares to host a Thanksgiving feast at her home. The guests are certainly an eclectic group, which will include her old friend, George, from across the pond.
But a new development has Jessica worried. She has noticed a man loitering around her house, while she is receiving daily letters that contain one letter at a time- some lower case- some upper case. At first Jessica blew it off, but as the letters continued George and Mort feel it is worth investigating.
Meanwhile, Jessica’s guest list continues to grow and with that she begins to worry they won’t all get along….
This may not be the only Thanksgiving themed novel in this series, but it’s the only one that came up in a search for Thanksgiving mysteries- so, I’m presuming it is.
Every year when the dog days of summer are winding down, I start craving Christmas stories. Even through the month of October when I’m also in the mood for something spooky, I can’t help but sneak in a few Christmas novels. But, what about Thanksgiving?
A few years ago, that question popped into my mind and since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to find and read at least one Thanksgiving themed story. So, without further ado…
This story is a bit of a slow burner- but I was so enjoying my return to Cabot Cove -with George making the trip to this landscape- that I didn’t mind the slow buildup.
Once the murder takes place, I thought it was fairly easy to decipher who the killer was, but the motive was very murky. So murky, I never would have put that piece of the puzzle together no matter how many times I guessed!!
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this Thanksgiving themed mystery. The ending was slightly quirky but all’s well that ends well. If you are overwhelmed by the rush into Christmas and all those 'Black Friday' sales- take some time out to read a good cozy Thanksgiving story and remember to slow down and take time to be thankful!!
Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley is a 2013 publication.
I’m not going to tell anyone how many books I have on my Kindle- but it’s pretty bad when bPumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley is a 2013 publication.
I’m not going to tell anyone how many books I have on my Kindle- but it’s pretty bad when books have loitered around on your device for over ten years. I stumbled across this one while looking for another book- and paused- looking at the cover- covered in pumpkins. I was actually looking for a Thanksgiving themed book- not Halloween- but it is still autumn- so why not?
This is not a bad start to this series. The mystery is solid and the characters likeable- the execution, though, was a bit wobbly. There were too many loose ends to tie up after the murderer is revealed- then a flat closing chapter filled with unnecessary information which didn’t leave me eagerly anticipating the next installment.
That said, it was an enjoyable story, overall. I read this book while preparing for Thanksgiving and with my DH home from work all week. My focus was divided for sure- so this was a nice, light escape from all the chaos.
Not sure if I’ll continue with this series. Daley has several long running series out there to choose from- maybe I’ll give her books another try someday... and who knows, I may have more of her books on my Kindle already! ...more
Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2021 Kensington publication.
This second installment in this long-running series has Hannah determineStrawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2021 Kensington publication.
This second installment in this long-running series has Hannah determined to involve herself in a murder investigation when her friend Danielle becomes the prime suspect in her abusive husband’s murder.
The mystery, as with the first installment, is quite good. It was a fun guessing game, and I was engaged in the story from beginning to end.
There were a few small quibbles- Hannah is a character I’m still adjusting to. I did like her initially- but not without a few reservations. In this follow-up novel, those conerns only deepened, as her lack of a filter isn’t really an endearing quirk- though I’m sure it’s meant to be. The recipes, which appear at the beginning of the chapters were a small distraction. I think I like it better when the recipes are grouped together at the end of the book- and are easier to refer to that way, as well.
Other than that, the story is well written, evenly paced, and well-plotted- but beware if you have a sweet tooth! Unfortunately, cookies are one of my weaknesses! ...more
Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O’Connor is a 2017 Kensington cozies publication.
Siobhan is catering a wedding at Kilbane Castle. But in the leMurder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O’Connor is a 2017 Kensington cozies publication.
Siobhan is catering a wedding at Kilbane Castle. But in the lead up to the big day, the best man is found murdered, which is how Siobhan and her boyfriend, Macdara Flannery, who also happens to be a cop, become embroiled in a murder investigation…
I loved the first installment in this series, and knew I’d want to see how the series would progress. Unfortunately, this second chapter lacked the warmth and charm of the series -starter. The characterizations were a bit cartoonish and over the top- even Siobhan, whose character seemed a little different than before- too silly at times. I missed Siobhan’s siblings which were not around that much, thrusting Siobhan into the main spotlight.
As to the mystery itself, it was okay. There were a few surprises, but there were also a few hints about who the murderer was, which was a bit too obvious for seasoned mystery readers.
That said, I do understand the second chapter in a series can be a little tricky, and I see the series now has nine installments, with one on the way next year- so I’m confident the author rebounded from this shaky follow-up- which means I will give the series another chance sometime in time in the future.
Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs is a 2001 Berkley publication.
I’ve had my eye on this series for ages and am happy to finally get around to readiDeath by Darjeeling by Laura Childs is a 2001 Berkley publication.
I’ve had my eye on this series for ages and am happy to finally get around to reading this first book in the series.
Though this book is over twenty years old it stands the test of time in all the ways that really matter. Yes, there is a lack of technology, we take for granted today and the use of some older methods of communication, etc., but the dialogue, plot, characterizations, and charm, are all perfectly fine, making this a very engaging mystery.
Over the past few years, I have grown to love my afternoon tea. I have enjoyed getting to know all about the varieties and the health benefits involved. There is nothing more calming and comforting than curling up with my kitties and a nice cup of warm tea and my kindle, so naturally, I found the premise of this series right up my alley.
Not only that, I found that, as opposed to many other 'first in a series' cozies, there was nothing awkward about it because introducing the basic characters and premise felt effortless. I felt right at home with the characters right away and found the mystery interesting enough I had to force myself not to finish the book in one sitting.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this series will develop. Yes, I have started yet another long-running cozy series, but I just love being able to pull one out when the mood strikes, catching up with the characters while enjoying a good whodunit.
Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfoDeath by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfortunately, the book was too busy, with far too many characters. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, there’s very little chemistry or emotion between the cousins- and the mystery just did not grab me.
Lark! The Herald Angels Sing by Donna Andrews is a 2018 Minotaur Books publication.
Meg is stunned to discover the baby Jesus in the church’s nativityLark! The Herald Angels Sing by Donna Andrews is a 2018 Minotaur Books publication.
Meg is stunned to discover the baby Jesus in the church’s nativity play is not Robyn’s baby, but someone else’s. According to the note attached the baby could be her brother Rob’s baby! As Meg goes on the hunt to find the baby’s mother, a web of intrigue will force Meg to gather reinforcement from the women in Caerphilly…
It’s been a long while since I last touched base with Meg and the gang. I thought since this was a Christmas themed installment, I might pull it out for a ‘Christmas in July’ thing- but I knew I needed to get back into the series ASAP because I still have a mountain of installments to read through to get caught up.
The holiday books are always special, and this one was no exception. It was a fun and hilarious romp through the snow with Meg and all our favorite Caerphilly characters. The last quarter of the book was so hysterical, I had to put the book down for a minute to gather myself. I was reminded of how fun this series has been and that I need to touch base a bit more often!
The Chocolate Chip Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2000 Kensington publication.
This book is our introduction to the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. ThThe Chocolate Chip Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2000 Kensington publication.
This book is our introduction to the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. This series began over twenty years ago and is still going strong.
Hannah is busy running her cookie shop- “The Cookie Jar”, and warding off her mother’s numerous attempts at matchmaking, when her life is suddenly upended by the murder of Ron, the ‘Cozy Cow Dairy’ delivery man. His body is found behind the bakery surrounded by Hannah's chocolate chip cookies.
Hannah is naturally worried about the shop's reputation, and is trying to keep her eyes and ears open for any possible information about the murder- but her sleuthing takes her deeper and deeper into a world secrets and possible danger...
I thought this was a well-balanced ‘first in a series’ mystery. We meet Hannah, her family, and what will most likely be the recurring cast of characters. I got a good glimpse at Hannah's personality, which I liked, for the most part, and I enjoyed the Minnesota scenery, as well.
And the mystery?
Very solid! It kept me guessing and turning those pages!
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops over time.
How the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews is a 2017 Minotaur publication.
Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s that time again…
Yep! Christmas in July!!
This year inHow the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews is a 2017 Minotaur publication.
Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s that time again…
Yep! Christmas in July!!
This year in Caerphilly, there will be a full-blown production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Malcolm Havers, a quasi-big-name actor has been cast in the role of Scrooge. Unfortunately, Haver is difficult and has a bit of a drinking problem. While everyone is trying to keep Havers sober, someone keeps supplying him with booze.
Hoping to catch this ‘bootlegger’ Meg follows Haver to his possible source, only to discover an animal smuggling ring….
And a dead body…
Andrews always adds a little something extra to her holiday themed mysteries. I loved the mystery, which was well-plotted, and had a kind of dual thread, and of course, the play and the snowy Christmas atmosphere, along with a little holiday spirit, gave the story a little sweet, cozy, and heartwarming atmosphere to close things out.
This is the twenty-second installment in the series, and it is still drawing me back for more. I enjoyed touching base with all the zany characters, who are, by now, old friends, and it is especially nice when they are dispensing a little holiday cheer!
Overall, Andrews delivers again- and of course, I look forward to my next visit to Caerphilly!...more
Die Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
It’s time for summer games!
Wow! I’ve now read TWENTY books in this series!
I’ve foDie Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
It’s time for summer games!
Wow! I’ve now read TWENTY books in this series!
I’ve followed Meg through courtship, marriage, pregnancy and the birth of her twins. Now the boys are playing baseball for the Caerphilly Eagles, Michael is a coach, and the reader is invited to opening day…
Unfortunately, the festivities are marred by the discovery of a dead body in a porta-potty- so naturally, Meg once more finds herself at the center of a murder investigation…
Wow! I can’t believe I’ve just finished my 20th Meg Langslow mystery! This series is very dependable, which is why I have stuck with it for so long. The Christmas stories are always a bit more special and are worth checking out even if you don’t follow the series.
Naturally, there have been a few wobbles, too, but overall, dear Meg has remained steady, calm, organized, and hysterically funny, in the midst of absolute chaos. In short, this series is a riot.
The pacing, though, can occasionally feel a bit too brisk, and despite the fun cast of recurring characters, the pressure to inject all of them into each installment can be distracting, which is why I thought this installment was a bit more settled and was perhaps one of the stronger efforts by Andrews.
Nearly all my favorite characters make an appearance, satisfying my desire to touch base with them again, but for the most part they stayed on the periphery, popping in and out long enough to compliment the story, without disrupting Meg’s focus on the mystery.
I felt the pacing was less frenetic and this helped to keep Meg focused on the mystery and as a result the whodunit wasn’t upstaged by Meg’s zany family members.
The tradeoff, perhaps, is that the humor wasn’t quite as sharp, but Meg’s narration is still top-notch and the story didn’t not lose any of its usual charm.
Overall, this is one of the strongest chapters in the series- and as always it was great fun to check on Meg and the gang!
Rest You Merry by Charlotte Macleod is a 2012 Mysterious Press/Open Road publication. (Originally published in 1978)
I’ve been curious about this serieRest You Merry by Charlotte Macleod is a 2012 Mysterious Press/Open Road publication. (Originally published in 1978)
I’ve been curious about this series for ages, and I love reading through old cozy mystery series. The downside to that is trying to locate all the installments, since many of these older books are out of print or are priced outside my budget. Thankfully, I found a healthy number of Macleod’s Peter Shandy series in digital format on Hoopla while looking for holiday mysteries. As it turns out, this is both a Christmas themed book and the first book in the series, so it seemed the perfect time to dive in and test the waters.
For a book originally published in 1978 it held up well. There are a few remarks made that we might frown on, and some phrases popped up that were pretty funny. “When can we split for lunch?” Split? LOL! But the best one was referencing law enforcement as the ‘Fuzz’. That one made me laugh out loud. But, overall, the book is not all that dated. The mystery is solid, and I rather liked Peter Shandy. There were a few characters to keep up with, which was a little trying at times, and for a cozy mystery I was a little surprised at some of the language- no F-bombs or anything, but occasionally some words went beyond ‘mild language’, which is not typical for books in this category.
Other than that, this book got the series off to a good start. I have no idea if reading in order is required- I rather doubt it, to be honest- I’ll have to go with what books are available, though, either way. But I will most definitely read more books in the series whenever possible.
Gone Gull by Donna Andrews is a 2017 Minotaur Books publication.
This is the 21st book in the Meg Langslow series. In this installment, Meg is helping Gone Gull by Donna Andrews is a 2017 Minotaur Books publication.
This is the 21st book in the Meg Langslow series. In this installment, Meg is helping her grandmother, Cordelia, run the Biscuit Mountain Craft Center. But someone is committing acts of vandalism, and when one of the teachers is found murdered, Meg is determined to find the killer.
Any long-running series will ebb and flow over the years, with some installments standing out, while others are rather stale or forgettable. In this series, some of the stories have been hyper-focused on the mystery, while others are centered more on the cast of zany characters we’ve come to love over time. Sometimes I laugh out loud and sometimes the humor is more subdued. The last few books I've read in the series felt more down to earth than in the past- but in this installment Andrews turned the laugh track back on.
Meg is her usual self- and her inner monologue is as sharp and witty as ever. Some of the secondary characters had some moments of their own, though, that were utterly hysterical- and Spike got to play a larger role than usual, too.
The mystery was a bit weak this time around, even though I never guessed whodunit. The ending was anticlimactic on that front, and the story ended rather abruptly, I thought.
But, despite that, the story was still really fun and kept me entertained from start to finish. As always, I’m looking forward to the next installment and can’t wait to see what Andrews has in store for Meg and the gang next.
Murder on Bedford Street by Victoria Thompson is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Frank and Sarah are hired to investigate when Julia, a young mother, is iMurder on Bedford Street by Victoria Thompson is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Frank and Sarah are hired to investigate when Julia, a young mother, is institutionalized by her husband even though she appears to be perfectly sane. Later, even more disturbing information comes to light which suggests Julia's husband is a philanderer who may be responsible for several disturbances within the household, including a shocking death. But as the investigation deepens, they discover a plethora of contradictory opinions about Julia and her husband….
This was a very interesting premise and is also thought-provoking. There was a time when a husband could have an inconvenient wife committed to an insane asylum without her permission or any legal questions about his motives. Naturally, we immediately feel indignation about Julia’s situation, but is there more to the story than meets the eye? Are Frank and Sarah on the right track or have misread the situation?
Victoria Thompson always manages to create an increasingly taut story and this one was no exception. In fact, at one point I caught myself holding my Kindle in a death grip. It was even a bit disconcerting to see Frank and Sarah in such an uncomfortable situation. Thompson reminds us of a time when women were limited and vulnerable but were also underestimated…
I loved touching base with these old friends again, as always. This installment was a bit unsettling- and had a different vibe to it, I thought- but I thought it was well done, and it gave the recurring characters a chance to do a different kind of sleuthing while also facing a dilemma they’ve never encountered before.
Murder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Jessica heads to Belfast, IrelMurder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Jessica heads to Belfast, Ireland to attend a Book Festival for a colleague who is unable to attend. Her stay is extended when, Maeve, her Cabot Cove neighbor, asks Jessica to do her a favor and deliver some family heirloom paintings to her family in Bushmills.
The last thing she anticipates is having to call Maeve with the news that one of her cousins has been murdered…
The television show, on which these books are based, featured a handful of episodes set in Ireland, and I do believe that Angela Lansbury had some Irish roots in real life, so I was happy to see the author once again remained true to the series, while taking us on a trip to Bushmills, Ireland!
This is the 56th installment in the series and the fourth by Terrie Farley Moran, but it is also the first MSW novel published after the death of Angela Lansbury. (To be released in early 2023) As such, there is a bit of a bittersweet pall cast over this one, but it also made the setting all the more fitting, though my favorite installments are normally those set in Cabot Cove.
As for the mystery, it stands up nicely, and I was invested in the story right way, though the clues could have been a bit more subtle in some places and Moran, while doing an admirable job, still seems a bit too tentative.
Other than that, this was another enjoyable installment in the series- and as always it is so nice to touch base with Jessica again-especially now, when I really needed to hear her voice again. I hope this series will continue Jessica’s legacy and help keep Lansbury’s memory alive for a long time to come!
Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage by Nancy Atherton is a 2022 Viking Books publication.
Endearing as always!
This installment of the Aunt Dimity seAunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage by Nancy Atherton is a 2022 Viking Books publication.
Endearing as always!
This installment of the Aunt Dimity series is centered around a new resident in the Cotswold community of Finch. Everyone turns out to spy of the new neighbor- Mr. Windle- but find themselves frustrated that his belongings are few and he seems intent on keeping himself to himself. Unfortunately, Lori and Tommy draw an alarming conclusion about Mr. Windle and decide to forgo the usual Finch protocol and give the gentleman a call.
In the process, they discover the ruins of an old Victorian mill, once a primary source of income for Finch. Meanwhile, Bree suffers a setback and Lori continues to speculate and investigate Mr. Windle, hoping to discover the source of his sadness, giving in to preconceived notions, and straight up nosiness while she seeks advice from Aunt Dimity.
As always, the setting and the residents of Finch makes the story charming and often humorous. While all these short cozies are very gentle, there’s depth here too. In this case, a piece of forgotten history has been brought to light, which was certainly sobering and thought-provoking.
I have read this series off and on for a long while. I haven’t read every installment, but, honestly, you can pop in and out of Finch without having too much trouble catching up- and you can always go back later and catch up on previous installments for a wider picture. (Someday, I'm going to make a point of reading the installments I skipped)
The premise, which is cozy, (but, never a murder mystery), though, never deviates too far off course, and there is a certain comfort in that. I like the dependability, the quirky, but delightful characters, and of course the location is a calming, escape.
This series has a refreshing effect on me, and I’m always glad I took a little detour into Finch and look forward to my next visit there.
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