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Friday, December 31, 2021

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: 52 Books in 52 Weeks 2021

I've made it through another year of reading 52 Books in 52 Weeks!  Okay, so when I read as much as I do, this was fairly easy, but it was always fun to pick the one book each week for this challenge.

Here are the books I read as part of this challenge.

1. City of Schemes by Victoria Thompson
2. Quicksand by Gigi Pandian
3. The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James
4. A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing
5. The Sharpest Needle by Renee Patrick
6. Bronzed Betrayals by Ritter Ames
7. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
8. Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake
9. No Way Home by Annette Dashofy
10Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland
11. Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz
12. Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews
13. Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
14. Grand Theft Retro by Diane Vallere
15. Bones to Pick by Linda Lovely
16. The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton
17. Something's Knot Kosher by Mary Marks
18. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
19. A Trail of Lies by Kylie Logan
20. Swift Run by Laura DiSilverio
21. Murder on the Beach by Various Authors
22. Evil for Evil by James R. Benn
23. The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
24. A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose
25. A Distant Grave by Sarah Stewart Taylor
26. Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis
27. Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
28. The Magic Square by John Gaspard
29. The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
30. A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
31. One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay
32. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron
33. With Vics You Get Eggroll by Diane Vallere
34. Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
35. What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James
36. Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis
37. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
39. Wreathing Havoc by Julia Henry
40. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
41. Murder Gets a Makeover by Laura Levine
42. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian
43. Murder in an English Glade by Jessica Ellicott
44. Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay
45. Tropical Depression by C. Michele Dorsey
46. Fogged Off by Wendall Thomas
47. Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan
48. A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
49. Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell
50. City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson
51. The Stories We Tell by Liz Milliron
52. Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: New Release Challenge 2021

I had another great year reading new releases for the New Release Challenge.  I signed up for the Veteran Level, which is 61-100 new releases, and, as you can see, I made it.

1. City of Schemes by Victoria Thompson
2. The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James
3. Crime of the Ancient Marinara by Stephanie Cole
4. A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing
5. The Sharpest Needle by Renee Patrick
6. Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg
7. Smothered by G. P. Gottlieb
8. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
9. Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake
10. Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross
11. A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing
12. Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz
13. Charlie Thorne and the Lost City by Stuart Gibbs
14. Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews
15. Death in the Salon by Louise R. Innes
16. Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
17. The Chosen One by James Riley
18. The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton
20. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
21. For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay
22. Death by Equine by Annette Dashofy
23. A Trail of Lies by Kylie Logan
24. Bear Bottom by Stuart Gibbs
25. Death on the Boardwalk by Caleb Wygal
26. Murder on the Beach by Various Authors
27. 21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
28. The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
29. Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
30. A Distant Grave by Sarah Stewart Taylor
31. Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis
32. Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
33. The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
34. A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
35. Much Ado About Nauticaling by Gabby Allan
36. The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole by JoAnna Carl
37. A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette
38. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron
39. Claws for Alarm by Cate Conte
40. Diet of Death by Ang Pompano
41. Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
42. Halloween Party Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross
43. What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James
44. Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis
45. Death of a Red-Hot Rancher by Mimi Granger
46. Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs
47. Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany
48. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
50. A Perfect Bind by Dorothy St. James
51. Wreathing Havoc by Julia Henry
52. Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes
53. Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing
54. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
55. Murder Gets a Makeover by Laura Levine
56. Murder in an English Glade by Jessica Ellicott
58. Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay
59. Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
60. Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake
61. It All Began with a Scream by Padraic Maroney
62. Tropical Depression by C. Michele Dorsey
63. Fogged Off by Wendall Thomas
64. Bear a Wee Grudge by Meg Macy
65. A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
66. How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
67. Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell
68. City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson
69. Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis
70. The Stories We Tell by Liz Milliron
71. The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews
72. Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Mount TBR and Virtual Mount TBR 2021

I made it through both the Mount TBR and Virtual Mount TBR challenges for 2021.  I'm not sure why, but these are the most stressful challenges I do each year.  Maybe because each level is a set number instead of a range.  Anyway, I was aiming for 12 Mount TBR books and 24 Virtual Mount TBR books, and I made both.

Here are the books I read for the challenges.

Mount TBR
1. Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
2. Quicksand by Gigi Pandian
3. A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
4. Blood Alone by James R. Benn
5. No Way Home by Annette Dashofy
6. On the Lamb by Tina Kashian
7. Wild Horses by Sandy Dengler
8. Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay
9. Grand Theft Retro by Diane Vallere
10. Right to Remain Silent by Penny Warner
11. Swift Run by Laura DiSilverio
12. A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose
13. May Day by Jess Lourey
14. Murder on Amsterdam Avenue by Victoria Thompson
15. The Plot is Murder by V. M. Burns
16. Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver
17. The Fog Ladies by Susan McCormick
18. Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue by Victoria Thompson
19. Cozy Up to Blood by Colin Conway
20. Pearls Gone Wild by Diane Vallere


Virtual Mount TBR
1. The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan
2. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
3. Bronzed Betrayals by Ritter Ames
4. Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
5Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland
6. Every Day Above Ground by Glen Erik Hamilton
7. The Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan
8. Cozy Up to Murder by Colin Conway
9. Bones to Pick by Linda Lovely
10. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
11. The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton
12. Something's Knot Kosher by Mary Marks
13. "S" is for Silence by Sue Grafton
14. Murder in Murray Hill by Victoria Thompson
15. Something Wicked by Carolyn Hart
16. 21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
17. Evil for Evil by James R. Benn
18. Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower
19. S'more Murders by Maya Corrigan
20. Mercy River by Glen Erik Hamilton
21. Pony Up by Sandy Dengler
22. The Magic Square by John Gaspard
23. One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay
24. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
25. With Vics You Get Eggroll by Diane Vallere
26. One by One by Ruth Ware
27. Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower
28. "T" is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
29. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian
30. Honeymoon with Murder by Carolyn Hart
31. Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna
32. Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan
33. A Dangerous Breed by Glen Erik Hamilton

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Audiobook Challenge 2021

I enjoyed listening to more audiobooks in 2021.  I didn't quite get as many in as I had hoped, which was 12, but I did make the level I was aiming for it the Audiobook challenge for the year, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That's What I'm Talking About.  That level was the Stenographer level, which is 10-15 audio books.

And here they are:

1. The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan
2. Every Day Above Ground by Glen Erik Hamilton
3. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
4. "S" is for Silence by Sue Grafton
5. Something Wicked by Carolyn Hart
6. Mercy River by Glen Erik Hamilton
7. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
8. One by One by Ruth Ware
9. "T" is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
10. Honeymoon with Murder by Carolyn Hart
11. A Dangerous Breed by Glen Erik Hamilton

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Foodie Reads 2021

I had fun once again this year with the Foodie Reads "challenge."  I have challenge in quotes since there are no levels.  It's just a chance to have fun reading books about food.  In my case, that's culinary cozies.  

And here are the books I read for it this year:

1. A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
2. Crime of the Ancient Marinara by Stephanie Cole
3. A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing
4. Smothered by G. P. Gottlieb
5. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
6. Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross
7. A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing
8. On the Lamb by Tina Kashian
9. The Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan
10. Bones to Pick by Linda Lovely
12. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
13. For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay
14. A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose
15. S'more Murders by Maya Corrigan
16. Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis
17. Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
18. Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver
19. The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
20. A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
21. The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole by JoAnna Carl
22. A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette
23. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron
24. Diet of Death by Ang Pompano
25. Halloween Party Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross
26. Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing
27. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian
29. Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan
30. Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Cloak and Dagger Challenge 2021

I had quite the year reading mysteries.  I read 119.  Just shy of 120.  Since my goal for the Cloak and Dagger Challenge was Sherlock Holmes, which was 56+ books, I'd say I made it!

Here are the books I read:

1. City of Schemes of Victoria Thompson
2. Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
3. Quicksand by Gigi Pandian
4. A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
5. The First to Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan
6. The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James
7. Blood Alone by James R. Benn
8. Crime of the Ancient Marinara by Stephanie Cole
9. A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing
10. The Sharpest Needle by Renee Patrick
11. Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg
12. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
13. Bronzed Betrayals by Ritter Ames
14. Smothered by G. P. Gottlieb
15. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
16. Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake
17. Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross
18. A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing
19. Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
20. No Way Home by Annette Dashofy
21Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland
22. On the Lamb by Tina Kashian
23. Every Day Above Ground by Glen Erik Hamilton
24. Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz
25. Wild Horses by Sandy Dengler
26. Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews
27. Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay
28. Death in the Salon by Louise R. Innes
29. Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
30. Grand Theft Retro by Diane Vallere
31. The Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan
32. Cozy Up to Murder by Colin Conway
33. Bones to Pick by Linda Lovely
34. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
35. The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton
37. Something's Knot Kosher by Mary Marks
38. Right to Remain Silent by Penny Warner
39. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
40. For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay
41. Death by Equine by Annette Dashofy
42. A Trail of Lies by Kylie Logan
43. "S" is for Silence by Sue Grafton
44. Murder in Murray Hill by Victoria Thompson
45. Swift Run by Laura DiSilverio
46. Something Wicked by Carolyn Hart
47. Death on the Boardwalk by Caleb Wygal
48. Murder on the Beach by Various Authors
49. 21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
50. Evil for Evil by James R. Benn
51. The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
52. Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
53. A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose
54. Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower
55. A Distant Grave by Sarah Stewart Taylor
56. S'more Murders by Maya Corrigan
57. Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis
58. May Day by Jess Lourey
59. Mercy River by Glen Erik Hamilton
60. Murder on Amsterdam Avenue by Victoria Thompson
61. Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
62. Pony Up by Sandy Dengler
63. The Plot is Murder by V. M. Burns
64. The Magic Square by John Gaspard
65. Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver
66. The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
67. A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
68. Much Ado About Nauticaling by Gabby Allan
69. The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole by JoAnna Carl
70. One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay
71. A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette
72. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron
73. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
74. Claws for Alarm by Cate Conte
75. Diet of Death by Ang Pompano
76. With Vics You Get Eggroll by Diane Vallere
77. The Fog Ladies by Susan McCormick
78. Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
79. One by One by Ruth Ware
80. Halloween Party Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross
81. What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James
82. Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower
83. Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis
84. Death of a Red-Hot Rancher by Mimi Granger
85. Spy School at Sea by Stuart Gibbs
86. Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany
87. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
89. A Perfect Bind by Dorothy St. James
90. "T" is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
91. Wreathing Havoc by Julia Henry
92. Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes
93. Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing
94. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
95. Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue by Victoria Thompson
96. Murder Gets a Makeover by Laura Levine
97. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian
98. Cozy Up to Blood by Colin Conway
99. Murder in an English Glade by Jessica Ellicott
101. Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay
102. Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
103. Honeymoon with Murder by Carolyn Hart
104. Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake
105. Tropical Depression by C. Michele Dorsey
106. Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna
107. Fogged Off by Wendall Thomas
108. Pearls Gone Wild by Diane Vallere
109. Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan
110. Bear a Wee Grudge by Meg Macy
111. A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
112. A Dangerous Breed by Glen Erik Hamilton
113. How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
114. Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell
115. City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson
116. Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis
117The Stories We Tell by Liz Milliron
118. The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews
119. Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg

Reading Challenge Wrap Up: Cruisin' Through the Cozies and Craving for Cozies Challenges 2021

Since cozy mysteries continue to be my favorite thing to read, it's no surprise that I did so well with the Cruisin' Through the Cozies and Craving for Cozies challenges again in 2021.  I almost made it to 100 books for these challenges this year, well above my levels.

Here are the cozies I read in 2021:

1. City of Schemes by Victoria Thompson
2. Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
3. Quicksand by Gigi Pandian
4. A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
5. The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James
6. Crime of the Ancient Marinara by Stephanie Cole
7. A Pairing to Die For by Kate Lansing
8. The Sharpest Needle by Renee Patrick
9. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
10. Bronzed Betrayals by Ritter Ames
11. Smothered by G. P. Gottlieb
12. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
13. Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake
14. Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross
15. A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing
16Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson
17No Way Home by Annette Dashofy
18Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland
19. On the Lamb by Tina Kashian
20. Murder on Page One by Olivia Matthews
21. Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay
22. Death in the Salon by Louise R. Innes
23. Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
24. Grand Theft Retro by Diane Vallere
25. The Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan
26. Cozy Up to Murder by Colin Conway
27. Bones to Pick by Linda Lovely
29. Something's Knot Kosher by Mary Marks
30. Right to Remain Silent by Penny Warner
31. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
32. For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay
33. Death by Equine by Annette Dashofy
34. A Trail of Lies by Kylie Logan
35. Swift Run by Laura DiSilverio
36. Something Wicked by Carolyn Hart
37. Death on the Boardwalk by Caleb Wygal
38. Murder on the Beach by Various Authors
39. The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
40. Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
41. A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose
42. Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower
43. S'more Murders by Maya Corrigan
44. Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis
45. Murder on Amsterdam Avenue by Victoria Thompson
46. Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink
47. The Plot is Murder by V. M. Burns
48. The Magic Square by John Gaspard
49. Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver
50. The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
51. A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris
52. Much Ado About Nauticaling by Gabby Allan
53. The Chocolate Raccoon Rigmarole by JoAnna Carl
54. One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay
55. A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette
56. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron
57. Claws for Alarm by Cate Conte
58. Diet of Death by Ang Pompano
59. With Vics You Get Eggroll by Diane Vallere
60. The Fog Ladies by Susan McCormick
61. Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews
62. Halloween Party Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross
63. What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James
64. Verse and Vengeance by Amanda Flower
65. Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis
66. Death of a Red-Hot Rancher by Mimi Granger
67. Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany
68. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
70. A Perfect Bind by Dorothy St. James
71. Wreathing Havoc by Julia Henry
72. Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R. Innes
73. Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing
74. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
75. Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue by Victoria Thompson
76. Murder Gets a Makeover by Laura Levine
77. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian
78. Murder in an English Glade by Jessica Ellicott
80. Killer Research by Jenn McKinlay
81. Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran
82. Honeymoon with Murder by Carolyn Hart
83. Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake
84. Tropical Depression by C. Michele Dorsey
85. Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna
86. Fogged Off by Wendall Thomas
87. Pearls Gone Wild by Diane Vallere
88. Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan
89. Bear a Wee Grudge by Meg Macy
90. A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
91. How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn
92. Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell
93. City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson
94. Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis
95. The Stories We Tell by Liz Milliron
96. The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews

Thursday, December 30, 2021

December 2021's Reading Summary

I know, I'm actually posting my December reading summary with a couple of days left to go in the month.  But, since I've posted all my reviews for the month (and year), I figured I'd go ahead and post it today.

Once again this month, I didn't get the index updated.  Something about being out of town for Christmas and having too much fun with my family to worry about blog housekeeping.  But I'll make a point of updating it before January.

All ratings are on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great).  Links take you to my full review.

 



A Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford (A Friend for Hire Mysteries #1) – 5

Emma Westlake has been talked into trying a new business as a paid companion for those who might need one.  One of her first clients is Brian Hill, a local writer and conspiracy theorist.  He wants Emma to be his cheering section at a local open mike night.  When he dies not too long after starting his poem, Emma realizes he comments about there being people in the audience who wanted to kill him weren’t jokes.  Feeling a sense of loyalty to Brian, Emma tries to figure out what happened to him.  Can she do it?

As the first in a new series, this book has to balance setting up the premise of the series with giving us a good mystery.  It does a good job of doing just that, and I was engaged the entire time.  Naturally, the plot gets stronger the further we go into the book until we reach the logical climax.  I did find one of the characters a little overbearing, but that was my only complaint.  On the whole, I am already falling in love with the characters in the book, and it made me reflect on the friendships I have in my life.  I also enjoyed the humor throughout the book.  I laughed several times along the way.  A new series from Laura Bradford is always reasons to rejoice, and this book proves why once again.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

A Dangerous Breed by Glen Erik Hamilton (Van Shaw #5) – 3

A trip with his friend Hollis to get medical help for an injured man puts reformed thief and former Army Ranger Van Shaw in the sights of a dangerous man.  Suddenly, Van is being extorted to break into a biotech firm and steal an unspecified item.  Meanwhile, Van might be on the trail of his father for the first time in his life.  If he finds him, does he want to know this man after all?

Normally, I enjoy these books and all the twists and turns they give us.  This one left me unsatisfied.  While the stories do reach logical and suspenseful conclusions, I can’t help feeling there should have been more.  Neither story was developed enough for a full novel, but took time away from each other.  Of course, the characters, new and returning, were excellent as always.  While I was expecting more language and violence than the books I normally read, there was one particularly distasteful scene.  This book is disappointing since I usually enjoy the series.  This one is for fans only.

 


How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn (Starlit Bookshop Mysteries #1) – 4

Emma Starrs is looking for ways to expand her family’s bookshop, and she is hoping she can help plan some events that will bring in much needed money.  Unfortunately, her first event is for Tabitha Baxter, and old childhood nemesis who hasn’t matured much since they last interacted.  Emma is hoping to survive the night, but then she finds a dead body.  With rumors that Emma or Emma’s aunt Nora, who was a guest at the party, are responsible for the murder circling around town, can Emma figure out what really happened?

I was pleasantly surprised at who the victim was, and it allowed some great additional conflict for Emma.  The pacing did stumble a few times, but overall, this was a fun book that kept me engaged.  It helped that some of the sub-plots had me laughing.  One did get over the top at times, but it was still fun.  There were a plethora of suspects, and they were introduced in group scenes, but as the book progressed, we got to know them better.  The main characters really stood out, and I enjoyed meeting them here.  The climax was creative and wrapped things up well.  This is a fun debut, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Emma next.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell (Craft Fair Knitters Mysteries #2) – 5

Life is beginning to settle down again for Lia Geiger, and the crowds are returning to the craft fair where she sells her knitting projects, thanks in part to Cori Littlefield and her wonderful crochet projects.  Sadly, Cori is found dead one day near the bottom of a waterfall.  While the police rule it a tragic accident, Lia thinks there might be a connection to a similar death from two decades ago – a death that Cori claimed to witness as a little girl.  But can Lia find any evidence to back up her claim?

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and this was just as much fun.  We get a puzzling mystery with several strong suspects.  Every time I thought I knew who done it, another suspect would do something to put them at the top of my list.  The ending answered all my questions, including one the characters never asked.  I do feel like the characters could be a little stronger, but maybe that’s just me, and maybe it’s because of all the background characters.  I had no trouble keeping all the characters straight, and a character that rubbed me a bit the wrong way in the first book has definitely softened here.  If you are looking for a fun cozy, this is the book you need to pick up.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson (Counterfeit Lady #5) – 5

Newlywed Elizabeth Miles Bates is enjoying her new life in 1919 New York City, but she has to call upon her conman roots when her friend Anna Vanderslice comes to her for help.  Anna’s mother has started going to a medium, spending money they don’t have in their budget to do so.  Elizabeth quickly confirms that the medium is a fake, and her husband, Gideon, figures out that there is more to the plot than Elizabeth originally thought.  Can she figure out how to stop the medium?

I enjoy this series since the caper storylines are a break from the mysteries I normally read.  This one was a bit more straightforward than some of the others, but I still enjoyed every page, and there were a few branches to the plot I didn’t expect.  Another draw to this series is the characters.  They are their usual charming selves here.  The multiple viewpoints add to the fun since some of the reactions to the events are funny.  Yet, the characters have some real depth to them and I love seeing how they are growing as the series progresses.  If you are looking for a little something different in a crime novel, this is one you’ll enjoy.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Frosted Yuletide Murder by Kim Davis (Cupcake Catering Mysteries #4) – 4

Emory Martinez and her twin sister Carrie are not happy to discover that their mystery client for a Christmas party is Blair, an old high school nemesis.  As the evening progresses, Blair continues with her abuse of Carrie, but she gets into fights with others at the party as well.  When Emory and Carrie return to the location of the party the next morning, they find Blair’s dead body.  The rumors and evidence seem to be pointing to the sisters.  Can Emory figure out what happened before either of them spends the holiday in jail?

Before we go any further, I do want to issue a warning – this book spoils some events in the lives of the characters from previous books in the series.  If you aren’t up to date, don’t start here.  As a Southern California resident, I enjoyed this book’s setting since its depiction of weather in December made me feel right at home.  The plot is filled with events that kept me engaged.  I did feel the climax was a bit weak, but overall, I still enjoyed the book.  One reason is the characters.  Yes, the suspects are strong, but I’m talking the series regulars.  I love getting to spend time with all of them, and fans of the series will be interested in seeing the latest developments in Emory’s life.  You’ll want to work this Christmas cozy into your reading schedule as soon as you can.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

The Stories We Tell by Liz Milliron (Homefront Mysteries #2) – 4

After the success of her recent case, Betty Ahern finds herself being hired by her co-workers at the Bell Airplane factory to help them solve problems for them.  However, she isn’t sure what she can do for Emmie, who is certain that her grandmother was murdered and didn’t die of natural causes as everyone else assumes.  Betty does a little digging and is about to give up when a member of the Polish government in exile, visiting Buffalo, is murdered.  When Betty begins to think there might be a connection between the two, she wonders if their deaths are connected.  If they are, can she prove it?

I was happy to return to Buffalo in December 1942 to visit with Betty again.  This book really brought the time period to life with the little details of life during World War II for those at home.  I did have to remind myself of the different time and Betty’s age during some of her interactions with others, especially her parents.  Having said that, I did like seeing how the characters are growing, especially her relationships with her parents.  I found the beginning of the book slow, I think because Betty needed time to make the connection that would drive the plot, but once she did I was hooked.  One red herring wasn’t completely wrapped up, but I was still mostly satisfied with the solution to the mystery.  I’m looking forward to visiting with Betty again soon.

 

The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow #30) – 4

It’s a few days before Christmas, and Meg Langslow is ready for the holiday and the invasion of family that it brings.  What she isn’t dealing with well is Roderick Castlemayne.  Roderick is a wildlife artist in town to paint birds for Meg’s grandfather’s newest book.  Roderick has taken over the library in Meg’s house and is acting like a jerk in every way imaginable.  Meg has finally had enough and is ready to kick him out, but someone takes care of the problem for her when they kill him.  Once again, Meg finds herself involved in the investigation.  Will she find the killer before Christmas?

It’s almost become tradition to drop in on Meg and company during Christmas, and I always enjoy these seasonal visits.  The Christmas spirit is strong in this entry, although we did miss a few of the regular traditions around town.  The plot had several fun complications, but I did figure out what was going on a little early.  A few of my favorite supporting characters weren’t in town when most of the action took place (although I think they got the same amount of page time as they normally would), but the rest of the cast more than made up for it.  Between these characters and the animal antics, I was smiling if not laughing as I read.  Fans of the series will delight in this newest Christmas visit with old friends.

 

Project Dogway by Sparkle Abbey (Pampered Pets Mysteries Short Story) – 4

Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is).  Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show.  However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish.  While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife.  Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?

As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story.  Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story.  The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime.  We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story.  The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution.  We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life.  Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine.  As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters.  If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters.  You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.

 

Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg (Eve Ronin #3) – 4

LA Sherriff’s detective Eve Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone, are undercover in a gated community hoping to set a trap for the people behind a string of home invasion robberies.  However, when the trap is sprung, Eve is left with more questions.  Under pressure from their superiors to wrap up the case, Eve and Duncan find themselves called to a stillborn death.  Only, it doesn’t turn out to be as simple as they thought at first.  Can Eve wrap up either case to her satisfaction?

I wasn’t surprised to find two cases in the pages of this book, but I was surprised at how the book was divided, with Eve focusing on one case at a time instead of them weaving in and out of each other.  They might have needed another twist or two, but overall, they were highly entertaining and I had to keep reading to find out if my theories were right.  Eve is an interesting main character.  I think her rigidness is beginning to soften, which I like.  There are many references to the events of the last book, which makes sense given how it will impact her life going forward, so know that before you pick up the book.  Since this isn’t a cozy, it has more language and violence than the books I typically read, so keep that in mind.  It’s always a pleasure to visit Eve, and I’m looking forward to visiting her again soon.