Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Reading by the Numbers 2024

 I had a good year for the Reading by the Numbers Challenge.  My original goal was 100.  I upped it to 120.  And I wound up coming in at 132.





Here are the books I read this year:

1. Partners in Crime by Steve Hockensmith
2. Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
3. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
4. Mushroom Capped by Cathy Wiley
5. Knot of This World by Mary Marks
6. The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
7. The Kill of It All by Diane Vallere
8. The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
9. Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross
10. The Case of the Canterfell Codicil by PJ Fitzsimmons
11. Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings
12. Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
13. Spy School Goes North by Stuart Gibbs
14. The Secrets We Keep by Liz Milliron
15. DM Me for Murder by Sarah E. Burr
16. Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay
17. A Scaly Tail of Murder by Jacqueline Vick
18. Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart
19. Mission Manhattan by James Ponti
20. Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
21. Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
22. Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthew
23. Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
24. Black List, White Death by Steve Hockensmith
25. Knot Ready for Murder by Mary Marks
26. In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
27. Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz
28. Stark Raving Mod by Diane Vallere
29. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer
30. The Witless Protection Program by Maria DiRico
32. Molten Death by Leslie Karst
33. Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
34. The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman
35. An Orphan of Hell's Kitchen by Liz Freeland
36. Yosemite by Sandy Dengler
37. Under the Paper Moon by Shaina Steinberg
38. A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge
39. The Ducal Detective by Sarah E. Burr
40. Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross
41. Under the Radar by Annette Dashofy
42. The Crossing by Michael Connelly
43. Death Washes Ashore by Caleb Wygal
44. The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann
45. Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg
46. Only the Good Die Young by Julie Mulhern
47. Love Me or Grieve Me by Diane Vallere
48. Kaleidoscope by Dorothy Gilman
49. The Paris Mistress by Mally Becker
50. A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian
51. The Last Thing Claire Wanted by Karin Fitz Sandord
52. White Elephant Dead by Carolyn Hart
53. Tragedy in Tahoe by Rachele Baker
54. Kill or Bee Killed by Jennie Marts
55. I Sleep Around by Sue Ann Jaffarian
56. Villains' Realm by Ridley Pearson
57. Murder in the Air by Various Authors
58. Murder on the Med by Nancy Cole Silverman
59. A Feast Most Foul by Sarah E. Burr
60. Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay
61. A Collection of Lies by Connie Berry
62. Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
63. Warped on a Moon Trek by Diane Vallere
64. Murder at an English Seance by Jessica Ellicott
65. Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James
66. Three Strikes - You're Dead by Various Authors
67. Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson
68. Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
69. Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose
70. Murder Buys a One Way Ticket by Laura Levine
71. The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
72. Encyclopedia Brown Shows the Way by Donald J. Sobol
73. Joshua Tree by Sandy Dengler
74. A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron
75. One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan
76. Dream Town by Lee Goldberg
78. Sugarplum Dead by Carolyn Hart
79. Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan
80. Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley
81. A Voyage of Vengeance by Sarah E. Burr
82. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
83. Please Don't Push Up the Daisies by Diane Vallere
84. Death in St. George's by M.A. Monnin
86. The Jig is Up by Lisa Q. Matthews
87. In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
88.  Listening Woman by Tony Hillerman
89. Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews
90. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron
91. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair
92. A Scape Goat for Murder by Jacqueline Vick
93. The Late Show by Michael Connelly
94. Until Depths Do Us Part by K. B. Jackson
95. 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse
96. A Slay Ride Together with You by Vicki Delany
99. The Glass Bottom Hoax by Diane Vallere
100. Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien
101. Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver
102. A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay
103. The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
104. Pretty Lentil Liars by Cathy Wiley
105. Send in the Clowns by Julie Mulhern
106. Comedy Can Be Deadly by Ryan Rivers
107. Til Death by Annette Dashofy
108. The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper by Sally Carpenter
109. Death Checked Out by Leah Dobrinska
110. The General's Gold by LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin
111. Saguaro by Sandy Dengler
112. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
113. Sheer Window by Diane Vallere
114. A Matter of Life and Depths by K.B. Jackson
115. The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
116. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
117. You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly
118. We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen
119. Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna
120. Wedding Bride and Doom by Mary Karnes
121. Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg
122. Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan
123. Flower Power Trip by James J. Cudney
124. A Summit in Shadow by Sarah E. Burr
125. Fondue or Die by Korina Moss
126. Shock and Paw by Cate Conte
127. Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
128. Rockin' Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews
129. Unraveled by Shannon Messenger
130. I'll Bee Home for Christmas by Cathy Wiley
131. Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, and Liz Ireland
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Netgalley and Edelweiss 2024

 I had a successful year with the Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge for 2024.  I aimed for the Silver level, which is 25 books, and I made it!







Here are the books I read for the challenge this year.

1. Partners in Crime by Steve Hockensmith
2. Mushroom Capped by Cathy Wiley
3. Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings
4. The Secrets We Keep by Liz Milliron
5. DM Me for Murder by Sarah E. Burr
6. Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay
7. Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
8. Black List, White Death by Steve Hockensmith
9. In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
11. Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
12. The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann
13. Kill or Bee Killed by Jennie Marts
14. I Sleep Around by Sue Ann Jaffarian
15. Murder in the Air by Various Authors
16. Murder on the Med by Nancy Cole Silverman
17. Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay
18. A Collection of Lies by Connie Berry
19. Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James
20. Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose
21. The Jig is Up by Lisa Q. Matthews
22. In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
23. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron
24. A Slay Ride Together with You by Vicki Delany
25. The Glass Bottom Hoax by Diane Vallere
26. A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay
27. Comedy Can Be Deadly by Ryan Rivers
28. The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
29. You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly
30. We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Mount TBR and Virtual Mount TBR 2024



I had another successful year with both the Mount TBR Challenge and Virtual Mount TBR Challenge.  I signed up for 12 books and 24 books respectively, and as you can see, I blew past both.


Mount TBR
1. Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
2. Knot of This World by Mary Marks
3. The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
4. The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
5. Spy School Goes North by Stuart Gibbs
6. A Scaly Tail of Murder by Jacqueline Vick
7. Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
8. An Orphan of Hell's Kitchen by Liz Freeland
9. Yosemite by Sandy Dengler
10. Under the Radar by Annette Dashofy
11. Death Washes Ashore by Caleb Wygal
12. Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg
13. Kaleidoscope by Dorothy Gilman
14. The Last Thing Claire Wanted by Karin Fitz Sandord
15. Tragedy in Tahoe by Rachele Baker
16. Joshua Tree by Sandy Dengler
18. Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley
19. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair
20. A Scape Goat for Murder by Jacqueline Vick
21. Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien
22. Send in the Clowns by Julie Mulhern
23. Til Death by Annette Dashofy
24. Death Checked Out by Leah Dobrinska
25. Saguaro by Sandy Dengler
26. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
27. Wedding Bride and Doom by Mary Karnes


Virtual Mount TBR
1. Partners in Crime by Steve Hockensmith
2. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
3. Mushroom Capped by Cathy Wiley
4. The Kill of It All by Diane Vallere
5. The Case of the Canterfell Codicil by PJ Fitzsimmons
6. Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
7. Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart
8. Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthew
9. Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
10. Black List, White Death by Steve Hockensmith
11. Knot Ready for Murder by Mary Marks
12. Stark Raving Mod by Diane Vallere
13. The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman
14. The Ducal Detective by Sarah E. Burr
15. The Crossing by Michael Connelly
16. Only the Good Die Young by Julie Mulhern
17. Love Me or Grieve Me by Diane Vallere
18. White Elephant Dead by Carolyn Hart
19. A Feast Most Foul by Sarah E. Burr
20. Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
21. Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
22. The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
23. One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan
24. Sugarplum Dead by Carolyn Hart
25. A Voyage of Vengeance by Sarah E. Burr
26. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
27. Please Don't Push Up the Daisies by Diane Vallere
28.  Listening Woman by Tony Hillerman
29. The Late Show by Michael Connelly
30. 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse
32. Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver
33. The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper by Sally Carpenter
34. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
35. Flower Power Trip by James J. Cudney
36. A Summit in Shadow by Sarah E. Burr
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Finishing the Series 2024

 I originally wasn't going to sign up for the Finishing the Series reading challenge in 2024.  But I kept coming up with books to read for it, so I gave in.  As you can see below, I was successful in completing the A level, which was 9 series.  The numbers in the lists below indicate which place in the series it is.








Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley
2. Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust
3. Public Anchovy #1
4. Sleep in Heavenly Pizza

Frankie Chandler Mysteries by Jacqueline Vick

Jack Prester Mysteries by Sandy Dengler

Louis Faulk Mysteries by Liz Freeland

Madame Karitska by Dorothy Gilman

Madison Night Mysteries by Diane Vallere

Peach Coast Library Mysteries by Olivia Matthews

Quilting Mysteries by Mary Marks

Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Audiobook 2024

 I had another successful year with the Audiobook Challenge hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and That's What I'm Talking About.  In 2024, I was aiming for 10-15, and I got 16 read.  






Here's what I read for the challenge.

1. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
2. Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart
3. The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman
4. The Ducal Detective by Sarah E. Burr
5. The Crossing by Michael Connelly
6. White Elephant Dead by Carolyn Hart
7. A Feast Most Foul by Sarah E. Burr
8. Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
9. The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
10. One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan
11. Sugarplum Dead by Carolyn Hart
12. A Voyage of Vengeance by Sarah E. Burr
13.  Listening Woman by Tony Hillerman
14. The Late Show by Michael Connelly
16. A Summit in Shadow by Sarah E. Burr
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: European 2024

 I did make my goal for the European Reading Challenge in 2024, but it was hard.  I didn't read as much about Europe as I did the year before.  Or, at least, I didn't read about as many different countries. 

My goal was 3 countries.  As you can see below, I made it to 4 (and through in an extra book along the way).






1. The Case of the Canterfell Codicil by PJ Fitzsimmons (England)
2. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer (Scotland)
3. A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge (France)
3.1. The Paris Mistress by Mally Becker (France again)
4. Murder on the Med by Nancy Cole Silverman (Italy) 
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Historical Fiction 2024

I was very successful with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge in 2024.  My goal was 15 books, and I finished 27.  And that's with not reading any in December.

Here's what I read for the challenge.

1. Partners in Crime by Steve Hockensmith
2. The Case of the Canterfell Codicil by PJ Fitzsimmons
3. Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings
4. Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
5. The Secrets We Keep by Liz Milliron
6. Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
7. Black List, White Death by Steve Hockensmith
8. In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
9. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer
11. An Orphan of Hell's Kitchen by Liz Freeland
12. Under the Paper Moon by Shaina Steinberg
13. A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge
14. The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann
15. Only the Good Die Young by Julie Mulhern
16. The Paris Mistress by Mally Becker
17. Murder at an English Seance by Jessica Ellicott
18. Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson
20. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
21. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair
23. Send in the Clowns by Julie Mulhern
24. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
25. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
26. We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen
27. Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Calendar of Crime 2024

I have a lot of fun with the Calendar of Crime challenge.  You are reading mystery books to fit certain categories and each month is represented by certain criteria.

In fact, I had so much fun in 2024 that I did it three times.  Here are the books I read for the year.







Round 1:

January - The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian (book set in month)
February - Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen (Original release month)
March - In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles (Original release month)
April - Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross (Easter holiday)
May - Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg (Title starts with M)
June - Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthew (set in month)
July - The Secrets We Keep by Liz Milliron (Takes place around the 4th of July)
August - Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell (book set in month)
September - DM Me for Murder by Sarah E. Burr (book set in month)
October - The Bootlegger's Daughter by Nadine Nettmann (book set in month)
November - Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings (book set in month)
December - An Orphan of Hell's Kitchen by Liz Freeland (book mostly set in December)

Round 2:

January - Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay (book set in month, blizzard)
February - Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz (original release month)
March - Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer (book set in month)
April - Molten Death by Leslie Karst (release month)
May - Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon (mother/daughter relationship)
June - Knot Ready for Murder by Mary Marks (Wedding/Cake on cover)
July - Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart (key scene takes place during 4th of July fireworks)
August - Yosemite by Sandy Dengler (book set in month)
September - Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley (Labor Day)
October - Love Me or Grieve Me by Diane Vallere (Book set in month)
November - Under the Radar by Annette Dashofy (Book set in month)
December - The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning by PJ Fitzsimmons (Christmas setting)

Round 3:

January - The Paris Mistress by Mally Becker (Release month)
February - A Feast Most Foul by Sarah E. Burr (Title begins with F)
March - Kaleidoscope by Dorothy Gilman (birthday month wild card)
April - Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly (Release month)
May - Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews (Book set in month)
June - Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross (Wedding)
July - Murder on the Med by Nancy Cole Silverman (Book set in month)
August - A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron (Summer Vacation Setting)
September - Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay (Employment football team & cupcake baker + football)
October - Pretty Lentil Liars by Cathy Wiley (Book set in month)
November - The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly (Book set in month)
December - Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's by Liz Ireland (Christmas and New Year's Eve)
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Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Cruisin' Through the Cozies and Craving for Cozies Challenges 2024

 


As you can see, I had another great year with both the Cruisin' Through the Cozies and Craving for Cozies Challenges in 2024.  I easily met both of my goals.

Here are the books I read this year:

1. Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
2. Mushroom Capped by Cathy Wiley
3. Knot of This World by Mary Marks
4. The Kill of It All by Diane Vallere
5. The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
6. Easter Basket Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Barbara Ross
7. The Case of the Canterfell Codicil by PJ Fitzsimmons
8. Of Hoaxes and Homicide by Anastasia Hastings
9. Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
10. DM Me for Murder by Sarah E. Burr
11. Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay
12. A Scaly Tail of Murder by Jacqueline Vick
13. Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart
14. Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
15. Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley
16. Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthew
17. Take the Honey and Run by Jennie Marts
18. Knot Ready for Murder by Mary Marks
19. In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
20. Stark Raving Mod by Diane Vallere
21. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer
22. The Witless Protection Program by Maria DiRico
24. Molten Death by Leslie Karst
25. Brie Careful What You Wish For by Linda Reilly
26. A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge
27. The Ducal Detective by Sarah E. Burr
28. Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross
29. Death Washes Ashore by Caleb Wygal
30. Only the Good Die Young by Julie Mulhern
31. Love Me or Grieve Me by Diane Vallere
32. Kaleidoscope by Dorothy Gilman
33. A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian
34. White Elephant Dead by Carolyn Hart
35. Tragedy in Tahoe by Rachele Baker
36. Kill or Bee Killed by Jennie Marts
37. Murder in the Air by Various Authors
38. Murder on the Med by Nancy Cole Silverman
39. A Feast Most Foul by Sarah E. Burr
40. Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay
41. A Collection of Lies by Connie Berry
42. Warped on a Moon Trek by Diane Vallere
43. Murder at an English Seance by Jessica Ellicott
44. Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James
45. Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose
46. Murder Buys a One Way Ticket by Laura Levine
47. A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron
49. Sugarplum Dead by Carolyn Hart
50. Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan
51. Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley
52. A Voyage of Vengeance by Sarah E. Burr
53. The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
54. Please Don't Push Up the Daisies by Diane Vallere
55. Death in St. George's by M.A. Monnin
56. The Jig is Up by Lisa Q. Matthews
57. In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
58. Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews
59. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron
60. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair
61. A Scape Goat for Murder by Jacqueline Vick
62. Until Depths Do Us Part by K. B. Jackson
63. A Slay Ride Together with You by Vicki Delany
65. The Glass Bottom Hoax by Diane Vallere
66. Wonton Terror by Vivien Chien
67. Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver
68. A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay
69. Pretty Lentil Liars by Cathy Wiley
70. Comedy Can Be Deadly by Ryan Rivers
71. The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper by Sally Carpenter
72. Death Checked Out by Leah Dobrinska
73. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
74. Sheer Window by Diane Vallere
75. A Matter of Life and Depths by K.B. Jackson
76. The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
77. You Feta Watch Out by Linda Reilly
78. We Three Queens by Rhys Bowen
79. Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna
80. Wedding Bride and Doom by Mary Karnes
81. Flower Power Trip by James J. Cudney
82. A Summit in Shadow by Sarah E. Burr
83. Fondue or Die by Korina Moss
84. Shock and Paw by Cate Conte
85. Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley
86. Rockin' Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews
87. I'll Bee Home for Christmas by Cathy Wiley
88. Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, and Liz Ireland
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Monday, December 30, 2024

December 2024's Reading Summary

 It's that time of the ... year.  Time for one last reading summary before we say goodbye to 2024.  So time to look at what I read and reviewed in December.

Thanks to having a great time with family for Christmas, I didn't get the index updated yet again.  I'll be sure to do that in January.  

All ratings are on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great).

 



Flower Power Trip by James J. Cudney (Braxton Campus Mysteries #3) – 4

It’s the start of summer at Braxton, but Kellan Ayrwick is finding the campus is anything but calm.  Not only is he personally teaching a course over the summer, but the Mendel Flower Show has decided to use the campus for their presentation this year.  The season is kicking off with a masquerade ball to raise money for a needed library renovation.  However, the night ends in tragedy when Kellan finds a dead body in a staff only section of the library.  With a friend’s sister the prime suspect, can Kellan figure out what is going on?

Those who are familiar with the series will know that there is a lot going on in these books, and this one is no exception.  Yes, we do get some updates to the ongoing soap operaish storylines, including another cliffhanger.  The focus is on the new mystery here, however, and it does a good job of keeping us guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings.  The ultimate solution was satisfying.  My biggest gripe is that Kellan seems to have some contentious relationships with the other series regulars.  I hope we are growing beyond some of those issues soon because I read cozies for the groups of characters I want to revisit.  Still, I enjoyed this book overall.  I definitely recommend you read these books in order because of the ongoing saga.  I’m hoping I can make it to the next one soon.

 

A Summit in Shadow by Sarah E. Burr (Court of Mystery #4) – 4

Duchess Jacqueline and her closest friends and advisors are traveling to the kingdom of Lysandeir.  A summit of other rulers is meeting to decide the fate of a region that has been lawless for as long as anyone can remember.  Jacqueline is hoping to lead the others to reach a decision that will most benefit her kingdom.  But when a young woman dies before the talks even get started, everything is thrown into chaos.  Are the rest of the attendees in danger?  Can Jacqueline figure out what is going on?

This book marks the transition in the series from novella to novel length story.  Unfortunately, there are some pacing issues in the book near the beginning.  Yes, it is setting up some things, but I do wish we had gotten to the mystery faster.  It’s hard to complain, however, since I love spending time with these characters, and I enjoyed meeting the new ones.  We also got some nice growth in several of the characters.  Once the mystery began in earnest, it was strong with some nice twists and red herrings on the way to the logical solution.  A word of warning: there are major spoilers (by necessity) in this book if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series.  Fans of the series will enjoy this entry overall.  If that isn’t you, yet, fix that today.

 

Fondue or Die by Korina Moss (Cheese Shop Mysteries #5) – 5

This Labor Day, Willa Bauer is participating in the Dairy Days festival held in the next town over.  Her employee and friend, Mrs. Schultz, is once again helping out with the Miss Dairy pageant that closes out the festival.  But when Willa finds the pageant director dead, plans turn chaotic.  The police don’t seem that certain that it was murder, but Willa is concerned about the safety of her friend, so she starts investigating.  Can she figure things out?

I’d forgotten just how much I love this series until I picked up this book, but I was soon under the spell of the characters again.  We aren’t in the usual locations as much, but that’s a minor complaint.  The characters’ relationships continue to draw me in, and I liked the new characters we met as well.  At least the ones who weren’t acting suspicious.  One relationship gets some wonderful development.  The mystery is fantastic.  I kept second guessing myself until we reached the climax.  I did have a niggle with the ending, but it was minor overall.  As usual, these books will make you crave cheese, so you’ll be happy with the three recipes at the end.  Fans new and old will find themselves savoring this entry.

 

Shock and Paw by Cate Conte (Cat Caf̩ Mysteries #8) Р4

This December, the Daybreak Island Chamber of Commerce is planning several events, hoping to draw visitors during the off season.  Maddie James is trying to focus on running her cat café for a change, but she finds herself drawn into the drama surrounding the events, especially the decorating contest.  But when a murder happens, Maddie really jumps into things, especially with her best friend one of the suspects.  Can she figure out what is going on?

I’m glad we got a second Christmas entry in this series.  As always, it was fun to visit the characters again, although I do feel like some of the minor characters are hard to keep track of.  The pacing in this book was off.  Yes, everything came into play once the murdered happened, as I figured it would, but it wandered around quite a bit on its way there.  Still, I was really caught up in the second half, and the suspects kept me guessing on the way to the logical climax.  I also enjoyed the Christmas spirit we got in addition to the murder and mayhem.  Fans of the series will find this puts them in the holiday mood.

 


Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley (Deep Dish Mysteries #4) – 5

When Delilah and the staff at her restaurant cater a combined Hanukkah and Christmas dinner, Delilah is surprised to run into some family she didn’t know were in town. But the bigger surprise comes the next day when the body of one of the guests is found in a snow pile created for the snow sculpting contest. With her family and friends as the prime suspects, Delilah jumps in to clear them. But what are they hiding?

I always enjoy reading holiday books during December, and this one gave me plenty of Christmas vibes while also including Hanukkah, which was a great touch. The mystery unfolded a little differently, but still pulled me in and kept me turning the pages until I reached the logical climax. Meanwhile, the characters shine, with some nice growth for them and their relationships. There’s plenty of talk about food, and the four recipes at the end sound good. No matter when you pick up this book, you’ll find it delicious. 

 

Rockin’ Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow #36) – 5

It’s the weekend before Christmas, but Meg isn’t basking in the season.  Instead, she’s helping her grandmother, who is putting on a conference in town.  The theme is about helping the wrongfully convicted, and many of Meg’s friends and family are presenting.  Not everyone is on board with the topic, however.  In fact, one of the attendees is known to be extremely vocal that all those convicted are guilty.  So it’s not too surprising when he turns up dead.  Can Meg help figure out what happened?

Yes, this is a Christmas entry in the series.  And we get plenty of Christmas spirit as we read the book, even if the plot doesn’t tie into the season.  But, at this point, I’m not sure what else the author could do with the season plot wise.  I do wish the choir had sung some religious carols in one of the scenes, but that’s a minor complaint.  The plot itself was well done with plenty of suspects to keep us guessing.  And Meg and the rest were great to be around as always.  In fact, I was impressed by just how many of the regulars got to play a part in what was happening.  We also got some laughs along the way.  Meg’s many fans will be happy to sit down with this book.

 

Unraveled by Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5) – 4

This book picks up where book 8.5 ended. In order to protect his friends from his new abilities, Keefe leaves the Elfin world behind to hide out among the humans. While his first attempts are rocky, he soon finds a way to survive. And then he hits on an idea to not only figure out how to control his new abilities but also to figure out some things from his past. Will he succeed at either?

Yet another half book for fans of the series, and it does contain some information I’m sure will be critical going forward. However, we got a lot of fluff as well as Keefe tries to adjust to our world. Some of it was funny, but still, it threw off the pacing. We also meet a couple of very minor gay and lesbian characters (so minor they are unnamed). I did like the development we got for Keefe and the chapters at the end that show some scenes from Stellalune from his point of view. Speaking of which, yes, there are spoilers here for the earlier books of the series. At only 400 pages, this is a fast read compared to the more recent books. But fans will be glad they have this information going forward. 

 

I’ll Bee Home for Christmas by Cathy Wiley (Fatal Food Festival Mysteries #4) – 4

It’s the second week of December, and former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood is heading to Oklahoma to be a judge at a honey festival. Her camera man’s sister, Emily, is organizing it. Jackie arrives a little early and is helping Emily tend to her bee hives when they stumble on the body of Emily’s ex-husband. While the police are quick to look at Emily as their prime suspect, Jackie uncovers plenty of others with motive. Can she figure out what really happened?

It was fun to get a Christmas themed entry in this series, and the nods to the season were fun. I did feel like the food themed got in the way of the mystery a bit, leading to some rushed elements in the book. However, there are still some interesting twists and a logical climax. We also get some great development for the characters and the arcs that we’ve been following. The fun and laughs from the earlier books are present again here. And we have lots of honey themed recipes at the end to make your moth water. Fans will enjoy this sweet entry in the series. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, and Liz Ireland – 4

Three cozy mystery authors reunite to again present St. Patrick themed novellas with their characters.  Up first, Carlene O’Connor revisits her Home to Ireland characters as Tara gets involved when her aunt’s rival dies from Irish soda bread.  Next, Peggy Ehrhart presents a story with her Knits and Nibbles characters when a judge in a contest baking dies after sampling the first loaf of bread.  Finally, Liz Ireland takes Mrs. Claus and three of the elves from Santaland to Oregon when April goes to investigate a leak in her inn only to get involved in some shady things going on with her caretaker.

All three stories are entertaining.  I read this anthology for the Mrs. Claus story, but I felt right at home with the characters from the first two as well, so if you haven’t met any of them yet, you can easily use this to sample the authors.  Given that these are novellas, I felt the authors all did a good job of bringing the characters to life, although I did feel the pacing could have been stronger.  Still, I enjoyed all the stories and the twists we did get.  I even laughed at that final story multiple times.  If you pick up this book now or wait until March to read it, you’ll find yourself enjoying it.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

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