October 2023's Reading Summary

Another month is starting.  Just two weeks left in 2023, in fact.  But I'm going to start November with one last look back at what I read in October.  You'll notice one thing - lots and lots of ARCs this month.  And more Christmas than Halloween, but that's a different discussion.

The index has been updated.  As always, the link will take you to the full review.

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

 

Nine Lives and Alibis by Cate Conte (Cat Cafe Mysteries #7) – 4

This October, Daybreak Island is trying to put on a Halloween festival to extend tourist season, and Maddie James has been roped into helping with it.  The main draw is going to be celebrity psychic Balfour, who was raised on the island but hasn't been back since he made it big.  Some are hoping he can solve a pair of forty year old cases, but Maddie doesn't put much stock into psychics.  Then a murder happens.  Are there modern motives for the murder?  Or do the past crimes have to do with the modern killing?

Those looking for a quick murder will be disappointed here.  Yes, I did feel there were some pacing issues, but for the most part, I found the book did a good job of introducing suspects and motives before the murder happened.  I did figure one thing out early, but the rest was still a surprise.  I didn't appreciate the emphasis on psychics in the book, but the rest of the Halloween events in the book were fun, making it perfect for this time of year.  (And yes, I do realize that issue is all mine.)  Fans of the author's Full Moon Mysteries will enjoy seeing a couple of those characters show up here.  As a series fan, I definitely enjoyed seeing the characters again, and want to see how some new beginnings impact the next book in the series.  There's still time to add this book to your October reading list, and if you enjoy Halloween set cozies, you'll be glad you did.

 

Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay (Cupcake Bakery Mysteries #15) – 4

Angie Harper is thrilled that her friend, singer Shelby Vaughn, is in town for a couple of weeks doing Christmas concerts, and Mel DeLaura quickly warms up to Shelby as well.  The duo are providing cupcakes for the VIP concert goers, so Mel and Angie get a firsthand view of the drama swirling around Shelby.  But then Mel finds a dead body backstage after the opening night concert.  Can she figure out what is going on?

This is another fun entry in the series.  The plot did a good job of setting things up, so when the murder happens, we are off and running.  I did find a couple of minor things got dropped and the ending was a bit rushed, but neither is a big deal since things are wrapped up.  Plus, we get to spend more time with Mel, Angie, and the gang, which is always a delight.  Since the series is set in Arizona, we don't get a traditional cold, snowy Christmas, but we still get a very funny subplot for the holiday.  And we get recipes for five Christmas themed, drool worthy cupcakes.  Fans new and old will gobble this book down as quickly as they can.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Brush Up on Murder by Sybil Johnson (Aurora Anderson Mysteries #6) – 4

It’s two weeks before Valentine’s Day, and love is definitely in the air.  Not only is Rory’s relationship with Detective Martin Green going well, but Rory is a bridesmaid in the Valentine’s Day wedding of her friends Solange and Xander.  Everything seems to be going well until one of the bridesmaids is murdered and the evidence points to Xander.  Rory doesn’t believe the groom is a killer, but can she figure out what is really going on?

It’s been a few years since the last book in the series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in Aurora’s world.  If you haven’t started the series yet, you can jump in here, but fans will be thrilled to get an update on the characters.  The plot seems to wander a bit at the beginning, but by the time it ends, everything weaves into the story.  I was impressed with how the secrets kept coming out, continually making me wonder exactly what was going on.  I also love the setting – if it were real, I’d definitely want to visit.  Fans new and old will be glad to see a new entry in this series.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Hunters of the Dead by Steve Hockensmith (Holmes on the Range #7) – 5

For their first assignment as part of the A.A. Western Detective Agency, Old Red and Big Red are being sent to Wyoming to help with security at a dinosaur dig.  You wouldn’t think it would be a hot bed of crime, but as the brothers learn when they arrive, there is another group of paleontologists nearby, and the two groups do not get along at all.  Still, keeping watch in the middle of the night sounds like a boring job, until Old Red finds a dead body.  Will he figure out what happened before a killer strikes again?

It’s been several years since the previous book in this series came out, but it wasn’t long before I was back in this world.  And it was delightful to return.  As always, the plot seems to wander a bit, but at the end, we see that everything was important.  I love watching Old Red weave everything together to solve the case.  Likewise, the characters come to life as the book goes along.  I appreciate the humor we get along the way.  With the setting, it’s no surprise that we get a little more foul content than I typically read, but it feels realistic.  This book teases the next case for the brothers, and I hope we get it soon.  But for now, fans will be glad the series is back.  If you haven’t tried these books yet, I recommend you change that today.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Bruce Wayne: Not Super by Stuart Gibbs with art by Berat Pekmezci – 5

Bruce Wayne stands out at his middle school, Gotham Preparatory School for the Really, Really Gifted. No, not because of the wealth he’s inherited from him parents but because he’s the only one without any powers. But when he sees a student bullying another kid, he decides he has to do something. Will he come up with a plan?

This is a fun alternative take on Batman’s origins including cameos from other DC super heroes. The story was entertaining, and I laughed multiple times as I was reading. Be sure to look at the illustrations since some of the jokes are in there. This graphic novel is a very fun read. 

NOTE: I received a copy of this book. 

 

Mistletoe and Murder by Connie Berry (Kate Hamilton Mysteries #4.5) – 5

It’s five days before Kate Hamilton is set to marry Detective Inspector Tom Mallory on Christmas Eve, and the complications are starting to come, like travel delays for Kate’s family and friends coming from the states.  But the bigger complication comes from Sheila Parker, an acquaintance who comes looking for an appraisal of her coin collection.  That night, Sheila’s house is searched.  The next day, Sheila vanishes.  Can Kate figure out what happened to Sheila before her wedding?

I find missing person mysteries to be that much more compelling, so I was hooked on this one quickly.  I did figure a couple of things out early, but there were still plenty of surprised on the way to the climax.  Meanwhile, I loved spending time with the characters old and new.  We get some good updates on ongoing storylines, and the ending sets up the next full length book.  I am a bit surprised that the wedding came in an ebook only novella, and there isn’t a lot of time for Christmas trappings, but both of these are minor issues.  Fans will be happy to get a chance to visit the characters again.  While this might not be the best place to start if you are new to the series, I definitely recommend you start the series soon.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew (California Bookshop Mysteries #1) – 4

Scarlett Gardner is living her dream.  She’s moved to Oceanside, California, and she’s opened a bookshop right on the beach.  She’s opened in time for tourist season, and business is beginning to pick up.  Unfortunately, a pre-work walk on the beach ends when Scarlett finds a woman dead under the pier.  She recognizes the woman as her last customer the day before, but she assumes after she gives a statement to the police that her involvement is done.  The next day, she finds herself pulled back into the case in a surprising way.  Can she figure out what is really going on?

The premise of this one called to me with the beach and bookstore setting.  I felt at home right away with Scarlett and the rest of the regulars.  The plot pulled me in.  It is more event heavy rather than investigation heavy (I prefer a good mix), but there were still times the events kept me reading longer than I should have.  And yes, the setting is fun since I have spent some time in Oceanside on a regular basis.  I hope this series runs for a long time.  If you are looking for a great new cozy series, look no further.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

A Nutcracker Nightmare by Christina Romeril (Killer Chocolates #2) – 3

This Christmas, Harriston High School is hosting an all years reunion. While twin sisters Alex and Hanna didn’t attend, they are helping with the weekend’s events. That’s how they meet Kyle, the class star quarterback and the class bully. He’s taken an interest in Hanna, an interest she doesn’t return. The opening night ends when Kyle is murdered, and Hanna’s fingerprint is the only one found on the murder weapon, a nutcracker. Surely someone who knew him longer had a better motive, right?

I read the first book last year and enjoyed it enough to give the series a second try. Sadly, I found the flaws the same here. The writing kept me out of the story at first, and I had a really hard time remembering who the suspects were and all their connections. But the further I got into the book, the more I got caught up in the mystery, which had some nice twists on the way to the logical solution. The main characters are great, and the recipes for the gourmet chocolates sound delicious. There is a good story here, so be patient when you pick up this book. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

A Parfait Crime by Maya Corrigan (Five-Ingredient Mysteries #9) – 4

Val’s Grandfather has joined a local reader’s production of Agatha Christie’s classic play The Mousetrap.  The cast is just planning to read the play for the audience instead of doing a full production with a set and movement on stage.  However, a house fire kills the woman who was going to play the lead.  Even stranger, the firefighters find a dead body hidden in a freezer elsewhere in the house.  Val is drafted to fill the dead woman’s place in the play, and it gives Val and her grandfather perfect access to others who knew the victim.  What will the duo uncover?

You don’t need to have seen The Mousetrap to enjoy this book.  In fact, it goes out of its way to not spoil the play but still mentioning anything the story is mirroring.  But fans of the play will get an added kick out the way it is included.  The plot is strong as always with plenty of suspects and clues to keep us guessing.  I did feel the climax was a little weak, but the everything is still explained satisfactorily.  The characters are as good as always, and I loved seeing some of the series regulars grow.  And we get five more five-ingredient recipes at the end.  If you enjoy a well plotted mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Barbecue Can Be Deadly by Ryan Rivers (Bucket List Mysteries #2) – 4

Sho Tanaka’s sister Jenny is entering a local barbecue competition, and Sho and Levi Blue are going along to show their support. Sho immediately notices all the tension between the other professional contestants. But he isn’t prepared when he and Levi stumble over a dead body. With the evidence pointing to Jenny, Sho is quick to jump into the investigation. Who is cooking up more than barbecue?

Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Mint Julep Murder by Carolyn Hart (Death on Demand #9) – 4

Annie Darling has been talked into being the author liaison to the medallion winners at this year’s Dixie Book Festival held on nearby Hilton Head.  While the authors have been a bit demanding before things start, it’s nothing like their reaction when a publisher announces plans to publish a novel fictionalizing the scandals in their past.  However, when that publisher dies at his own party that evening, all the evidence seems to point to Annie.  Can she and her husband, Max, prove her innocence?

This is another fun mystery in the series.  I kept landing on a different suspect until Annie figures things out for us, at which point everything made perfect sense.  The characters in this book can be a little thin, but in this case there was one that was an over the top conservative cliché and wasn’t at all fun.  On the other hand, the subplot involving three of the supporting characters was hysterical and kept me laughing.  I’ve also started catching a few more of the references to other books and authors, which is fun.  Overall, this is another good entry that will keep fans entertained.

 

Cheap Trills by Wendall Thomas (Cyd Redondo #4) – 3

It’s 2007, and Eat, Pray, Love is all the rage. Cyd Redondo’s clients at her travel agency are all looking for trips to Bali, inspired by the book. However, Cyd is shocked when she discovers her mother is on such a trip, a trip she won from Cyd’s rival travel agent. An incompetent travel agent. So Cyd races to Bali to help her mother. What will she find when she gets there?

I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.