February 2026's Monthly Reading Summary

 I'm kicking off March with my reading summary for February.  Yep, we are another month into the year already.

I got the index updated this month!  Been too long since I could say that.

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

 

Too Much Stuff by Don Bruns (Stuff Series #5) – 4

Skip More and James Lessor are about to get their second client for their PI business thanks to Skip’s girlfriend, Em. The client claims to be the great granddaughter of a man who was in possession of a shipment of gold in 1935 right before a hurricane slammed into the Florida Keys. In the resulting chaos, the gold was lost. Even if the client is telling the truth, can the duo find it? Oh, and there’s the small matter that the last PIs hired to find the gold vanished six months ago. 

I’ve been determined to finish this series since it’s been on my radar for a while. Turns out, I really enjoyed this one. The plot isn’t a traditional mystery. While a couple of side stories could have been better developed, it all holds together well. I also appreciated that Skip and James weren’t as dumb and immature as the previous book. That’s still part of their characters, but it was more balanced with their deductions on this case. And I also liked Em’s dynamic with the two. Finally, the language was toned downs. If this holds true going forward, I’ll enjoy the rest of the series. 

 

The Girl with the Dragonfruit Tattoo by Carrie Doyle (Trouble in Paradise! #3) – 4

Plum Lockhart gets a surprise reunion with a friend she hasn’t seen in years. The friend is traveling with a group on an expensive yacht, and Plum finds herself on board one night catching up. But a couple of days later, one of the servants from the yacht is dead and the police are making an unusual request. Will Plum use her new connections to go on the yacht and investigate the death? Plum agrees just as the yacht takes off for their next destination. But with everyone seeming to have a motive, can she find the killer?

I’d struggled with the first in this series since I didn’t find Plum likable. I’m happy to say that island living has been good for her, and I enjoyed her and the returning characters here. The suspects were also distinct and helped draw me in despite some uneven pacing early on. I get why it happened, however. The ending was a bit less than I like, but I did find my questions answered. Sadly, this appears to be the final book in the series. I’m glad I stuck with it. If you need a tropical getaway, I suggest you give this series a chance.

 

Something Whiskered by Miranda James (Cat is the Stacks Mysteries #17) – 3

Charlie and Helen Louise are on their honeymoon to Ireland, with Disel along for the trip. They’ve timed their arrival at the castle Helen Louise’s family own to coincide with her uncle’s 100th birthday. However, as they arrive, her uncle, a baron, plunges to his death. Naturally, the family is devastated. There are also questions, like what was the baron doing up there since he hated heights. When the family asks Charlie to do a little poking around, he reluctantly agrees. But his investigation leads to secrets that could hurt the family. Will Charlie find out what lead to the baron’s death?

I’ve struggled a bit with the last couple of books, so I got this one from the library. Sadly, this wasn’t a return to form. Since the book takes place in Ireland, I missed the regular characters who weren’t here. But I did find the new characters fun and good suspects. The mystery starts out on the dark side for a cozy, but I was soon caught up in the puzzle. Sadly, the ending was anti-climactic, even for this series, and one plot point was left unaddressed. Fans will still be glad they picked up this book. Hopefully, the series will get stronger again soon. 

 

Burdened Bloodline by Sarah E. Burr (Court of Mystery #7) – 4

Jax, her husband Perry, and their closest friends are looking for a way to get home safely before the fallout from the last book really hits. Their best option is to go to Perry’s home duchy, where his father is the duke. But their arrival finds them feeling less than settled. Perry’s father is behaving strangely. And Perry’s oldest brother, the next in line, is less than welcoming to the reforms that Jax wants to institute across the realm. The party can’t help but wonder if they are truly safe. And that’s before they find themselves embroiled in yet another shocking murder. 

If you aren’t already a fan of this series and are up to date, don’t pick up this book. It starts just after the last one ended, and as such, it has some major spoilers. That also means it starts a little slowly wrapping up some things that we didn’t really need wrapped up here. But once it gets going, I was fully invested. Political intrigue plays a heavy part of the plot, and I loved it. I saw a couple of things coming early, but others took me completely by surprise. It all works because I love Jax and the rest of the core cast so much. I’m already plotting when I can revisit these characters again to find out what happens next. 

 

Murder by Invitation Only by Colleen Cambridge (Phyllida Bright Mysteries #3) – 5

Agatha Christie and her husband, Max, are in London, not in their country home, so when a weird invitation to a murder arrives at Mallowan Hall, Phyllida goes in the place of her famous employer. As expected, it turns out the new neighbors have created a murder game they are using to get to know the locals. Their host is playing the victim. Phyllida isn’t that interested and is about to leave when another guest discovers that the victim is actually dead. Suddenly, Phyllida finds herself thrust into a real case, and she is more than ready to figure out what is going on. Can she identify the daring killer is?

Normally, I advise people to read a series in order. In this case, the focus is on the new mystery with only vague references to past cases. And the character arcs are pretty self-contained as well. Not that I’m complaining since I found Phyllida charming as always and the rest of the characters engaging. The book spends as little time as needed setting things up. From there, we are off on a puzzling mystery that surprised up to the page turning climax. I also enjoyed the scenes about the new invention Phyllida brings to the house – a vacuum cleaner. Whether you are a fan of Christie’s works or not, you’ll enjoy this book. 

 

The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood (Marlow Murder Club #3) – 4

This new case starts when Suzie Harris goes to a planning meeting. She just wants to get the lay of the land since she has a new side hustle she is going to need the board’s approval for before she can start. But, to everyone’s horror, the mayor keels over dead just as the meeting is starting. Suzie quickly calls her friends Judith Potts and Becks Starling. With the newly promoted Tanika Malik’s grudging approval, the trio start trying to figure out just how the killer managed to poison the mayor. But everyone they talk to say he was a great guy. Who would want him dead?

There are a few things that don’t quite work with how the police would normally behave or how long test results take, but I don’t mind. That’s because I’m having fun along the way. The three leads are fun, and I’m smiling or laughing through much of the book. The plot is another good puzzle with credible suspects. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but I was impressed with how the clues had been layered in. The climax was a bit over the top, but it answered most of our questions. I’m hoping to get to the next soon. 

 

The Big Boat to Bye-Bye by Ellis Weiner (Pete Ingalls, PI #2) – 4

Pete Ingalls has a new client - the producers of a puppet TV show for kids. Someone has gotten a hold of the very adult gag reel and is blackmailing them. As Pete investigates, he finds a dead body. Can he solve both crimes?

This is a different series since Pete is not who he thinks he is. All that is set up in the first book, and we don’t get the background here. It does play into the philosophizing we get in the book, but that should have been cut back. The main plot is good with some great twists. The ending is a bit convoluted, but it does work. The book has a lot of humor, which made me laugh at times and made me cringe at others. Overall, I’m glad I finally pulled this off my shelves and read it. 

 

Buried in Shamrocks by Lisa Q. Mathews (Irish Bed and Breakfast Mysteries #2) – 4

Kate Buckley and her daughters are back in Shamrock for the summer. They’ve arrived just in time for the Great Shamrock Fair.  But then Kate finds out her ex-husband is in town with his band to perform at the event.  And his new fiancée is in town, too.  But when she winds up dead, the pressure is on to find the killer before it dampens the fair.  Can Kate keep her ex-husband out of jail?

I was glad we got a return visit.  Once again, the town and characters are charming.  And I enjoyed getting to see some of the characters and their relationships grow.  The mystery does have some pacing issues, but it does reach a logical climax that I really enjoyed.  A couple of the subplots felt like they could have given us a bit more here while still leaving things open for the next book.  But the characters made the pages fly by all too quickly.  You’ll find them charming as well.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver (Electra McDonnell #4) – 4

It’s been three months since Ellie McDonnell’s last mission with the Major Ramsey, a mission that turned dark.  It’s now January of 1941, and Ellie sees an article in the paper about a robbery that feels wrong to her.  Something is off, especially when none of her contacts have heard anything about it.  Ramsey takes her concern seriously enough to uncover two other odd robberies.  The connection?  The victims were on a recent flight from Lisbon.  What or who was on that plane?  Can Ellie and Ramsey get the prize first?

This series has some strong ongoing storylines, so you’ll want to be up to date before you pick up this book.  Especially since the early part of the novel spends time on those storylines.  That part was a little contemplative for my taste, but things do pick up as the new adventure kicks into high gear.  I’m still not a fan of the romantic triangle, but I did enjoy the new story and a character we met along the way.  The regulars were charming, too.  This book sets up the final book with a couple of cliffhangers, and I really can’t wait to find out what is going to happen next.  Fans will enjoy this next chapter in Ellie’s life.

 

The Unkept Woman by Allison Montclair (Sparks & Bainbridge #4) – 5

When Iris Sparks returns to her apartment one night after work, she is shocked to find an unexpected visitor.  It’s someone she is less than happy to see, especially since she thought the person was out of her life for good.  After quickly going to the Bainbridge’s for the night, she thinks things are behind her again – until a body is discovered in her living room.  Who was the victim?  And who committed the murder?

If you have yet to meet the ladies of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau, I don’t suggest you start here.  Despite the prologue, which has a scene two days before the story really starts (yep, still hate that literary technique), the book takes some time getting into the mystery.  Instead, we get some updates in the ongoing soap opera infused storylines.  But, as a fan, I was there for it.  Things only pick up once the murder happens.  Despite my focus on Iris in the teaser, Gwen gets plenty of her own moments to shine, and the plot couldn’t have been solved without both of them.  And they continue to be two compelling leads I can’t wait to spend more time with soon.  Fans looking to catch up will be as hooked on this entry as I was.

January 2026's Reading Summary

We are already a month into 2026!  Time's flying again as always.  But that means it is time for a reading summary.  Sadly, I didn't get the index updated again this month.  I'll have to make sure I do that next month.

As always, the links will take you to my full review.  All ratings are on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great).

 

Whine and Dine by Marc Jedel (Redwood Country Mysteries #2) – 3

It’s been a few months since Andy Shirley solved a murder in his new community of Monte Rio. Now, it’s October, and Andy has settled into his new life a little. He’s still trying to avoid making friends, so when the owner of a souvenir shop in town is found dead in her shop, he doesn’t intend to get involved. That is until the young woman who handles his plumbing, someone he’s become friendly with, begs him to get involved. It seems the police think her friend, who works at the store, is guilty. Can Andy figure out what happened?

I found the first just okay, and I was hoping some of those issues were just set up and the second would be smoother. Sadly, that didn’t happen. There is just a bit too much going on, which meant the mystery was choked out. The suspects could have been stronger. The climax, while answering all our questions, wasn’t enjoyable. Unfortunately, Andy still hasn’t thawed at all either. I do love the setting, since I grew up near there. And the puns are always welcome. I’m not sure that these will be enough to compel me to read any further in the series. 

 

A Spy in Saigon by Nancy Cole Silverman (Kat Lawson #4) – 5

It’s August of 2000, and Kat is heading to Vietnam.  Given her age and the time, this is filled with mixed emotions for her since the Vietnam War impacted her personal life.  But now, the country is once again opening up to foreigners, and Kat is there to cover what the country is like now.  At least that’s the cover.  She’s actually there to make a drop off and pick up with a jeweler in Ho Chi Minh City.  However, while she’s in the store, the contact is murdered in front of her.  Now, Kat has no idea what to do.  In a country where she is constantly watched, can she still get the information she came for?

This series has always been a cross between a traditional mystery and a light spy story.  This entry really leans into the spy part of the series, and it is wonderful.  We jumped into the story very quickly, and I always had a hard time putting the book down until I reached the satisfying ending.  While this is the fourth in the series, it reads like a standalone.  Still, we get some nice character development for Kat, and the rest of the characters come to life wonderfully.  The book is definitely of the specific time and place as Kat deals with the results of the Vietnam War and what that means to her 25 years later.  This is a fantastic entry in this series.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Lime and Punishment by Cathy Wiley (Fatal Food Festival Mysteries #5) – 5

Jackie Norwood and her friends have landed in Maverick Key, one of the smaller of the Florida Keys, for their key lime festival. Everyone is happy to be there since it is February. But Jackie is disturbed to find out that two bar owners have been killed in the last few weeks. She was hoping for a more relaxed festival this time, however, it looks like murder has followed her once again. But it’s only after she runs into her high school band teacher and learns he’s the prime suspect that Jackie decides she must investigate. Can she clear her friend of the crime?

This book sets up the story as quickly as possible and then delivers a mystery filled with plenty of twists, great suspects, and red herrings along the way to the logical climax. All of Jackie’s friends are present, and they continue to provide the cozy core of these travel stories. I love how some relationships continue to evolved. We also get a nice dose of puns and other humor. There are plenty of key lime based recipes, and not all of them dessert. I was thrilled to be back for Jackie’s latest adventure. Fans new and old will find plenty to enjoy here. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Heaven Has No Rage by Liz Milliron (Laurel Highlands Mysteries #2) – 4

It’s been a few months since we last checked in on State Trooper Jim Duncan and Assistant Public Defender Sally Castle. In that time, things have been awkward between them. But first Jim is called to the scene of a fire. Was the dead body inside an accidental victim? Who even was he? Then Sally starts getting creepy notes. Does she have a stalker?

This book does a good job of building on the first book but without any spoilers. It’s nice to watch Jim and Sally continue to build their relationship. I love them and the other characters we are getting to know. One of the storylines was stronger than the other, but both kept me engaged with plenty happening, good suspects, and a climax that kept me turning pages. While this isn’t a cozy, the violence and language is kept to a minimum. I’m hoping I can get to the next book soon. 

 

Death of the Party by Carolyn Hart (Death on Demand #16) – 4

Annie Darling is taking a break to head to the smaller, private island of Golden Silk when her husband, Max, is hired to help find a killer. A year ago, media mogul Jeremiah Addison died when he fell down the stairs of his mansion. At the time, only his sister-in -law knew it was something more than an accident. But now, she’s inviting the guests from the weekend back, and she’s hoping that Max will be able to help her find the killer despite his insisting that this is a job for the police. With Annie tagging along, can they determine which guest turned it into a killer party?

When a series moves the setting, it’s always risky. In this case, the risk paid off. Yes, I missed the other regulars, but Annie and Max really got to shine, and the suspects got more time to develop. The mystery was a little slow getting going, but once it did, I was along for every twist. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did answer my questions. I did miss the references to other mystery novels, but I loved that we didn’t see more of Annie being furious with the police. Any other fans who haven’t gotten to this book yet will be happy with this entry. 

 

Skinwalkers by Tony Hillerman (Leaphorn and Chee #7) – 5

Lt. Joe Leaphorn is baffled by three seemingly unconnected murders on the Navajo reservation. He has no evidence that they are connected, but something makes him think they are. Then Officer Jim Chee’s trailer is shot up, and he barely escapes. As the two start working together, they must find a connection. Can they?

I’ve been waiting for these characters to team up, and this book was worth the wait. Author Tony Hillerman likes this kind of plot, and he’s a master at it. Leaphorn and Chee are different enough that they will play off each other well going forward. They split time as the viewpoint characters well. The rest of the characters aren’t quite as well developed as the leads, but they work for their part in the story. I’m anxious to see what case these two characters take on next.

 

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (Fablehaven #1) – 4

When Kendra and Seth’s parents need to take a trip, they arrange for the pair to stay with their grandparents. You might think that sounds ideal, but Kendra and Seth barely know their grandparents, who live in the middle of nowhere in Connecticut. But slowly, the siblings begin to discover there is more to their grandparents’ property. What does the revelation mean?

My nephew loves this series, and when he gave me this book for Christmas, I had to give it a try. As I expected going in, the set up felt a little slow to me, although I’m not sure how it could have been accomplished any faster. But the second half? I couldn’t read it fast enough. I appreciated that the story mostly wrapped up here while still leaving things opened for the next in the series. I like the characters, although I did find Seth annoying at times. Still, I liked where he and Kendra ended up. I’d be opened to a return visit to see what happens next to the characters. 

 

Michelangelo’s Ghost by Gigi Pandian (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries #4) – 5

Jaya Jones has gotten a tantalizing email from an old mentor. Dr. Lilith Vine has found an obscure Renaissance artist she thinks was not only a protege of Michelangelo, but someone who traveled to India, incorporating that culture into his work. His name and work have been lost to history, but Jaya can’t help but be intrigued at the possibility. After a death under suspicious – at least to Jaya – circumstances, she travels to Italy in hopes of finding the man’s long-lost work. But can she find a centuries old trail?

I let too long go between reading books in this series, but it was nice to be back in Jaya’s presence.  The story grabbed me quickly and I was hooked the entire way through.  This is different from a typical murder mystery, and I was on board for it.  I loved how it all came together at the end and how some clues had been woven in early.  The characters were interesting, and I need to read more soon to find out about what happens next to them.  Fans of the author’s new Secret Staircase series will enjoy some references to those characters thanks to a crossover character.  This is a fun book that will keep the pages turning.

December 2025's Reading Summary

And just like that another year is in the books.  Before we turn the page to 2026, Let's take a look back at what I read in December, shall we?

With everything else going on (in addition to the holidays), I didn't have time to update the index this month.

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

 

The Body in the Hayloft by Catherine Dilts (Rose Creek Mysteries #3) – 5

Callie’s ranch has been invaded by guests when the Equi X event loses their location at the last minute and Callie’s husband offers the Double C for their use.  Equi X is supposed to celebrate the best of the equestrian community, both the novice and the expert, and some of Callie’s friends and their loved ones are participating.  But when one of the presenter’s cats goes missing, Callie finds herself among those trying to locate the pampered pet.  When Callie finds the pet, she also finds a dead body.  Is it an accident?  Or has the book club found themselves involved in another murder?

It’s been two years since we last got to visit the ladies of the Rose Creek Book Club, but it was worth the wait.  Yes, all the characters we love are front and center here, and I enjoyed getting updates on them and their lives.  They each have their own storyline, which allows them to shine.  It also slows down the mystery a bit, but for the most part, everything is balanced well.  And the mystery has plenty going on to keep us guessing.  I did figure things out just before the characters did, but barely.  And the climax answered any lingering questions I had.  If you want a cozy mystery with a strong community, be sure to check this series out.  Fans will be delighted to return to see how these characters are doing.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

A Grave Deception by Connie Berry (Kate Hamilton #6) – 4

Kate Hamilton has found a murder from centuries ago.  An archeological group from a college is working in an area nearby, and they’ve found a very well-preserved body.  Kate and Ivor are brought in to investigate the items found with the body.  The owner of the property where the find was made is very curious and asks Kate to try to find out who this woman was.  But that is complicated when a modern-day murder also takes place.  Kate is well positioned to figure out what is happening.  Can she piece together clues to solve the modern mystery as well?

The characters are the draw for me with this series, and I enjoyed getting to see Kate and Tom’s relationship continue to evolve.  Several of the other regulars were also present, which was nice.  The plot did get derailed briefly a time or two for me, but those who enjoy British history and antiques will enjoy those detours more than I did.  Overall, the plot kept me engaged and lead to a logical climax.  And I learned something about history and antiques along the way.  Fans of the series will be delighted with this new entry.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern (Freddie Archer #1) – 3

Freddie Archer is a columnist for Gotham Magazine focusing on fashion and gossip, but when she mentions someone in her column that turns up murdered, the police ask for her help in identifying the victim’s companion.  Not content to just observe and report back, Freddie soon finds herself getting in over her head, especially as the body count starts to rise.  Can she identify the culprit?

I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s other books, but this one was very uneven.  While Freddie’s world of 1925 New York City came alive early on, it really slowed down the plot to the point I was getting annoyed by Freddie and the name dropping of famous people in the book.  Once the story really took off, it got better.  I grew to like Freddie, and I enjoyed seeing her famous friends.  Still, there was a thread that just got dropped on the way to an otherwise logical climax.  There’s a sheen of humor to the story that balances out the more serious moments.  I’ll give this series another try, but hopefully, the next is overall stronger.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

No Stone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy (Detective Honeywell Mysteries #4) – 5

When Detective Honeywell is called to the scene of a robbery turned shooting at a veterinary clinic, the case immediately becomes personal since he knows the man the robbers shot.  But he can’t help but question what happened.  It doesn’t feel like a true robbery but something personal.  Meanwhile, Emma is on hand getting shots from outside the clinic.  Given the connection Honeywell has to the case, Emma starts to dig into the background of the victim to try to see if she can uncover any leads to help.  Will they be able to find the perpetrator before he strikes again?

As with the previous book, this one focuses a bit more on Matthias, although Emma still gets plenty of page time and adds to the mystery.  I enjoyed getting to learn more about the supporting players who populate Matthias’s world.  The suspects may not get too much page time, but that doesn’t hamper the plot at all, which is filled with clues, red herrings, and enough twists to keep the pages turning.  I always had a hard time putting the book down.  I enjoyed watching the characters and their relationships grow out of what happened in the last book, although you don’t need to read the books in order.  Still, with how excellent these books are, you’ll want to read them anyway, so you might as well start with the first.  This book left me anxious for the next in the series.  Annette Dashofy is one of the best mystery writers we have today.  If you aren’t already a fan, fix that today.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

The Night Fire by Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch #22, Rene Ballard #3) – 5

When Harry Bosch gets a decades old murder book his late mentor had taken when he retired, Bosch goes to Renee Ballard to help him try to solve the case.  But their first look through the old reports leaves them with more questions than answers.  Meanwhile, Bosch is looking at the case of a murdered judge that the police got wrong.  And Ballard is worming her way into the investigation to a homeless man who died in a fire.

Obviously, there is plenty here to keep the reader engaged.  We bounced between the two characters, which helps us get to know them and get updates on the people in their lives.  All the characters are great.  This one does introduce a storyline I’m not going to enjoy in future books.  The plot balances both characters well, and brings things to a satisfactory climax.  It does rely on convenient things happening a time or two, but I had so much fun I didn’t really mind.  These are police procedurals, and the content reflects that, so keep that in mind before you pick up a book in the series.  But if you are looking for a book that will be impossible to put down, you’ll be glad you chose anything from this author.

 

At Death’s Dough by Mindy Quigley (Deep Dish Mysteries #5) – 4

It’s the beginning of February, and Delilah O’Leary is finding the quiet season is quieter than she planned on. She’s hoping for a full restaurant on Valentine’s Day to help carry her through to tourist season again. On one of the restaurant’s days closed, Delilah and her great aunt go out ice fishing, and they make an unexpected discovery - a dead body under the ice. The victim was dressed for scuba diving, but who would dive in the lake in the middle of the winter?

The premise definitely caught my attention, although I found the pacing was uneven. Yes, I could tell the story was being set up, but it felt a bit random to me for a while. Once things really got going, I was hooked, with plenty of excitement, especially in the final quarter. And we did reach a logical conclusion. The characters continue to shine, and I especially appreciated seeing Delilah growing while building her relationship with her boyfriend. And we get another four recipes to enjoy at the end. If you enjoy culinary cozies, you’ll find yourself grabbing all the slices in this series.

 

Home for the Homicides by Rosalie Spielman (Hometown Mysteries #4) – 4

It’s the middle of December, and New Oslo has been subjected to some pranks in the last few days, but things are about to escalate.  First, Tessa Treslow and her aunt Edna find a man who was car jacked and left on the side of the road.  Then, various businesses in town are being vandalized.  But when a murder victim is found at the sight of a fire, Tessa really steps up her sleuthing.  Can she figure out who is responsible before things take a second deadly turn?

It was great to visit the characters during the Christmas season.  I loved how the season was incorporated into the plot.  Due to the nature of the crimes, it takes a while to zero in on definite suspects or motives, but the book always feels like it is moving forward.  Having said that, the ending isn’t as definitive as I normally like, but it worked in this case.  I struggled with some character ages (feel like we should have had an additional generation in there).  On the other hand, we got to meet more of Tessa’s family, and I really loved spending time with them.  They all felt real.  And I enjoyed catching up with our friends in town as well.  Fans will enjoy this holiday offering.  And if you haven’t found this fun series yet, I recommend you fix that today.

Five Golden Wings by Donna Andrews (Meg Langslow #38) – 4

Meg and her mother are helping to organize two weddings for two of Meg’s younger cousins set to take place the Saturday before Christmas. Unfortunately, these young women are constantly feuding, so the weddings are taking place back-to-back, even though they are sharing the venues. The two brides bring nothing but drama in the days leading up to their events, and that’s before Meg finds the wedding photographer dead. Unfortunately, the suspect list is long, including members of the bridal party. Can Meg figure out what happened?

Reading the Christmas set entries in this series has become a Christmas tradition for me. Even when the plot doesn’t involve Christmas explicitly, there is still more than enough holiday cheer to make it feel festive. The mystery itself was a little weak, but things made sense in the end. And the weddings provided plenty to keep me engage, including many laughs. It’s always wonderful to spend time with these characters. If you are looking for a fun Christmas cozy, you’ll be glad you picked this one up. 

And then, I finished the year with three rereads.  I didn't do new reviews so enjoy these briefer thoughts.  The linked reviews are definitely fuller. 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare – 5

Kit Tyler has arrived in colonial Connecticut to live with a family she doesn't know. Her only friend in the village seems to be the local outcast, accused of being a witch. Will Kit ever adjust to her new life?

This is an engrossing novel that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. Even after multiple rereads, I still can never put it down. The characters are great, too.

 

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare – 5

The story of Daniel, a teen at the time of Christ who is consumed by his hatred of the Romans. But as he cares for his sister and encounters Jesus, will his life change? I loved this book when I read it in 8th grade, and every time I read it, I'm pulled in all over again. Amazing and powerful.

 

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare – 5

Not as intricate as Elizabeth George Speare's better known books, but this tale of Matt's coming of age in the frontier days of Maine is still a great read. Not to be missed by kids and adults alike.

November 2025's Reading Summary

As December dawns, let's take a look back at what I read in November.  I had some time after getting back from Thanksgiving, so I got the index updated.

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

 

Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries #4) – 5

Ricki James-Diaz is thrilled her parents are in town for Christmas.  She’s hoping that she and her mom and use the time to track down more of Ricki’s birth family.  But when one of her mom’s former co-workers is killed right after Ricki meets her, murder takes center stage.  As more of Ricki’s family and friends come under suspicious, she can’t help but jump in.  Will she find the killer?

It was great to be back with Ricki and her family and friends.  They are a fun bunch, and we met some new characters I hope we see again.  There are some spoilers for previous books’ ongoing storylines, but they are minor.  There are several subplots in addition to the main mystery, so I was never bored.  Yet everything was balanced well and we reached a satisfying climax.  I did find a couple of small things that should have been caught by an edit, but they are minor.  I loved the Christmas setting of the book for both the humor and the coziness it brought.  And we get some appropriate recipes at the end of the book.  Whether you read this book now or save it for December, you’ll be glad you read it.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

The Devil Comes Calling by Annette Dashofy (Detective Honeywell Mysteries #3) – 5

Detective Matthias Honeywell is called to the scene of a double homicide. The victims were found in a home being renovated and were shot execution style. One of them was Emma Anderson’s predecessor as a crime beat photographer for ErieLIVE. While Honeywell conducts his investigation, Emma begins to wonder if a co-worker is involved. But with a complication from Honeywell’s past in town, will that distract him from the case?

While it’s been two years for us since the previous book, it’s only been a few weeks for the characters. I recommend you read the previous book because this one picks up a storyline from that book; I wish I’d had time to reread it myself. Also, keep in mind this is a police procedural, not one of the cozies I often read and you’ll be fine. As always, this book started strongly and kept getting better. I was hooked long before I reached the logical yet surprising climax. Honeywell gets some very nice backstory here, and Emma continues to be a strong second viewpoint characters. The switches between the two are always easy to follow. The suspects are strong, and I’m happy to see the supporting characters continue to grow. This book was worth the wait. Dive into this series today. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Player Elimination by Shelly Jones (Wren Winters Mysteries #1) – 3

Wren Winters is running the game story she and her late husband started in a small college town. Her biggest issue is her landlord, who is talking about doing something new with her building despite the fact that he uses the game store to try out new solo games himself. But one morning she arrives at the store to find the police there. Someone has murdered her landlord. But who?

I’ve gotten back into games the last couple of years, so I was hoping this would be a good cozy mystery with that theme. Sadly, it needed just a bit more. There is one character who uses they/them pronouns that I found distracting, but that’s probably mostly on me. Overall, the characters were a little flat. The mystery was uneven, although the ending was good. Even the games Wren and her friends played didn’t give us the details I was hoping to enjoy. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll continue this series. 

 

This Way to Murder by Shelley Shearer (Board Game Cafe Mysteries #1) – 3

Remi McKenna is hosting a letterboxing event with some friends in the town where she is planning to move. Along for the ride is her best friend, Trace Cooper. However, Trace has brought a problem with her. She’s been getting some weird texts and phone calls recently, and it appears her potential stalker has followed her. Can Remi juggle the event she is running with trying to figure out if her best friend is truly in danger?

This debut had some promise to it. I really did enjoy the main characters, for example. The supporting characters tended to blend together for me. While the letterboxing event was fun, I was expecting a bit more about the board game cafe instead of it being a subplot. The pacing for the mystery is a bit off, but things made sense when we reached the end. I’d consider giving a second in the series a chance, but I’d hope some of these kinks would be worked out. 

 

Framed! by James Ponti (Framed! #1) – 4

Florian Bates and his family have just moved to Washington DC, where his parents have landed jobs at the National Gallery.  Florian is building a friendship with his neighbor, Margaret, before they both start middle school.  But when the National Gallery is robbed, they realize they might have some vital information.  Can they use their observations to figure out the crime.

This book starts with an exciting scene near the climax before flashing us back to the beginning, a storytelling style I don’t like.  And the book took a bit longer with the set up than I normally enjoy.  Here, I did find watching Florian and Margaret build their friendship fun.  The mystery itself is good with some nice developments before we reach the climax.  I also enjoyed the homage to Sherlock Holmes in Florian’s ability to observe the small things.  Readers of all ages will find the pages turning all too quickly.  I’m hoping I can read the next two soon.

 

Catering to the Dead by Kim Davis (Cupcake Catering Mysteries #8) – 4

Emory Martinez is providing the cupcakes for a Dia de los Muertos party. She’s also helping out her sister, who is providing the rest of the food. But as Emory is cleaning up after the event, she finds a member of the Mariachi band under the dessert table. She doesn’t consider this a case she needs to get involved in until the hosts keep trying to point the finger at her. Can she find another killer?

When I saw we were getting a new entry in this series, I jumped at a chance to read it. While the setting may not be traditionally cozy, I really enjoy it. And the characters help pull us in. I enjoyed spending time with Emory and her family and friends as always. The pacing was a little off early, and the end left me with a minor question, but overall, the mystery was enjoyable. Plus we get nine recipes and two craft ideas. Whether new to the series or a longtime fan, you’ll be glad you picked up this book. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna (Stella and Lyndy Mysteries #7) – 4

Stella and Lyndy are in Montana visiting Stella’s mother and the dig site where Lyndy’s father is spending the summer of 1906 looking for fossils.  Not too long after the couple arrives, the night watchman for the dig dies.  While the local coroner is quick to rule it an accident, Stella thinks there might be more to it.  If she is right, how can Lyndy and Stella prove it?

It was natural that Stella and Lyndy would wind up in the US at some point instead of England, where the earlier books were set. This different setting allowed us to see a different side of Lyndy.  Between that and the continuation of character arcs from earlier in the series, I liked the character growth we got.  Sadly, many of the regulars didn’t make the trip, and I did miss them.  The new characters, while good suspects, weren’t the same.  The mystery is a bit uneven, partially because it tries to do a bit too much.  I did have one issue that I didn’t feel was resolved, but overall, I was satisfied with the ending.  While this may not be the best book to jump into the series with, it is one that fans will still enjoy.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Paradise Plagued by Sarah E. Burr (Court of Mystery #6) – 4

Jax, her new husband, and her closest friends are escaping to the Ogdam Oasis for a much-deserved vacation. She is going under an assumed name in a hope to truly be able to relax. However, Jax finds a dead body their first night there. When some things at the scene don’t add up, Jax determines that it was murder. Can she find a way to bring about justice without giving away who she really is?

It was longer than I intended before I returned to this series, but it was good to visit Jax again.  All my favorite characters made the trip with her, and some of the others did get mentioned.  Updates on the politics of the realm in the months since we last visited Jax slowed down the beginning, but I got caught up in the mystery once it really got going.  I did figure one thing out early, but I was hooked all the way until the logical solution.  A few of the characters didn’t come fully alive for me, but that was due to their limited page time.  This story does move the series into a new direction, and I’m anxious to see what comes next.  Fans will be glad they read this book and be ready for the next when they set this one down.

 

Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg (Eve Ronin #6) – 4

LA County Sheriff Detective Eve Ronin and her partner are called to the scene of a body found in the Malibu Lagoon. Of course, it couldn’t be a body floating in the water. That would be too easy. In this case, the body was found floating in a fifty-five-gallon drum. What’s even more shocking is that Eve recognizing the victim. With his ties to some of the most powerful people in the county, can she find the killer without getting impacted by the politics of the case?

This book does contain some heavy spoilers for earlier stories in the series by necessity, but there is enough background you could jump in here. And what a wild ride it is. The plot spins in some unexpected directions, but I believed it all on the way to the logical climax. The characters are a little thin, but I do care about them. And I appreciate the depth we did get for Eve. The banter between the characters was fun, and the locker room humor was kept to a minimum. The violence was a little more than in the books I typically read. I’m ready for the next already, and fans of the series will be glad they picked this one up. 

October 2025's Reading Summary

Spooky how it's time for another reading summary, isn't it?  Yeah, I had to go there.  But it is the end of October, so here's what I read.  A bit more uneven than most months, but I did end with some good books.  And November is shaping up to be enjoyable as well.

I've updated the index.

The links will take you to my full reviews.  All ratings are on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (great).

 

Murder Comes Home by Rosalie Spielman (Hometown Mysteries #3) – 5

Tessa Treslow and her aunt have agreed to be featured on the TV show Picks with Ricks, hoping that the hosts will find some treasure in the old garage they need to clear out.  But one of the hosts has his eye on the car that Tessa has almost finished restoring.  That is until the car becomes a crime scene with the dead body of the show’s camera man inside.  Who killed him?  And why was the car involved?

While a TV crew being the subject of a murder isn’t new, the set up for this one still caught my attention.  The more I read, the more I got hooked, with a mystery from the past also drawing me in.  Everything made sense by the time we hit the climax.  Meanwhile, the characters get better with each book.  I’m loving the series regulars, and the suspects kept me guessing.  I’m finding each book in the series gets stronger, and I’m looking forward to reading the next soon.

 

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (Shady Hollow #1) – 3

Welcome to the village of Shady Hollow, a place where woodland creatures live in peace and harmony. That is, until someone kills Otto, a toad. Vera Vixen, a fox and reporter for the local paper, is on the case. But can she figure out who committed the crime?

When I heard about this series, I had to give the book a chance since it sounded creative and fun. The book’s omniscient narration took a little for me to adjust to, but once I did, it worked okay. It did give the book a slower start than I would have liked, but the mystery was decent once it got going. And I liked the characters. While I found the idea of these characters living side by side and interacting fun, it does take some buying into this world, something I was ready to do. I did feel the authors could have done a more creative job of creating their world, or at least that’s what I was expecting. My biggest hang up was the idea of interspecies romance. I realize that’s a me thing, but it is enough that I won’t be returning to the series. Others love it, so if this intrigues you, by all means, give the series a chance.

 

O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany (Year-Round Christmas Mysteries #8) – 3

It may be busy season, aka December, but Merry’s landlord at home is distracted by the new neighbors who have moved in. Mrs. D’Angelo hasn’t been able to meet them, and as the center of the town’s gossip mill, that doesn’t sit right. And, she keeps noticing weird things going on at the house. Merry’s too busy to give it too much attention. That is, until Mrs. D’Angelo disappears. Was she right about something strange going on across the street?

Being the Christmas lover I am, I’ve generally enjoy this series. And, once again, I did find the setting charming and the characters fun to spend time with. However, there were repetitive passages that should have been edited out or condensed. The pacing was off in general, not helped by Merry’s passive attitude toward the mystery, and Merry was pretty stupid at the end, even though she did figure things out. If the descriptions of food make your mouth water, you’ll be happy to find there are a couple of recipes at the end. Sadly, for me, this was a mixed bag. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer by Colleen Gleason (Lady Darling Mysteries #1) – 3

While Lady Darling, a rich widow of a certain age, enjoys her life in the country, she agrees to spend the season in London to be chaperone for a friend’s daughter. But when their host turns up dead at the first dinner party they attend, Lady Darling decides to investigate. Can she find the killer?

Having enjoyed some other books this author has written, I was looking forward to this one. I felt the book was over written, which is often the case with the author, but it was a bit more than some of her others. The story took a little time to get going, but once it did, I enjoyed it and was along until we reached the logical end, although it did feel like there was a leap or two. Lady Darling is lots of fun and I did enjoy getting to know the rest of the cast. My biggest issue was something in Lady Darling’s backstory. I can understand the justification for it, but it still didn’t sit right with me. Plenty of people are enjoying this book, so if the time and place appeal, give it a chance and see what you think for yourself. 

 

Murder Walks the Plank by Carolyn Hart (Death on Demand #15) – 4

Annie Darling has been plotting a harbor cruise to raise funds for a local charity. But the mystery themed event turns real life mystery when someone falls overboard. While everyone thinks it was an accident, Annie is sure it was murder. But can she figure out what happened before another tragedy strikes?

I’ve been looking forward to this book since the title is so fun. I’m glad to say it lived up to my expectations. Yes, I’m tired of law enforcement not taking Annie seriously, but on the whole, I enjoyed seeing the characters again. The mystery is very well done with plenty of good suspects, twists, and red herrings. Yet things made sense at the end. Since we are now in the era when I was reading mysteries, I enjoy seeing some of those books pop up in the references to real mysteries this series is famous for. If you are a fan of this series, you’ll be glad you picked this one up. 

 

Murder in the Graveyard by Various Authors (Destination Murders Short Story Collection #5) – 5

Just in time for Halloween, we get this fun collection of murders set in and around graveyards.  In addition to the unexpected dead body or two, we also get involved in revenge, teenage parties, amnesia, family feuds, and an escaped convict.  Many of these stories are set around Halloween, although a few take place at other times of the year.  And yes, a couple lean into the spooky, but it always fits the story, so I didn’t mind.

Many of these authors featured their series stars.  I’ve read many of those novels, so it was fun to spend time with them.  For those who I haven’t met outside of these short story collections, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything with the stories we got here.  Each story was fun, taking me about half an hour to read.  With nine stories, we get plenty of content.  I was smiling through most of them, even laughing some.  And the stories kept me engaged from start to finish.

Whether you read this book now or open it in a different season of the year, you’ll enjoy these stories.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Murder Most Scenic by Liz Milliron (Laurel Highlands Mysteries #0.5) – 5

This volume collects the six short stories that Liz Milliron wrote with her Laurel Highlands characters before the first novel came out.  This is where we first meet Trooper Jim Duncan and assistant district Attorney Sally Castle.  And this is where they first meet as well, so we get to watch as their relationship slowly develops.  Along the way, they find the killer of a politician’s wife, figure out who killed a baseball player, and solve the case of a brewery contestant murdered the day before the contest.  There’s also one story that focuses on Deputy Coroner Tom Bruns, a supporting player in the series.

I don’t read short stories often enough, so it was nice to do so with this collection.  A couple of them were a little obvious, but several of them fooled me with the final twist as well.  I was glad to finally get the backstory to Jim and Sally and watch the early stages of their relationship.  Do keep in mind these aren’t the cozies I often read.  Fans of the novels who want to see how the characters first met will be glad they picked up this book.  And if you haven’t met the characters yet, don’t wait.  Now’s the time to jump in.

 

Haunted House Ghost by James J. Cudney (Braxton Campus Mysteries #5) – 2

It’s been a few months since we last checked in on Kellan Ayrwick, single father and new professor at Braxton University, where his family has been involved for decades. In that time, he’s been overseeing the contractor working on his new house, and it’s almost ready for move in. That is, until someone comes along and sabotages it, leaving behind a threatening message. Who could be doing it? Does it have anything to do with the former inhabitants? How does the old skeleton uncovered on campus tie in?

Knowing that the story driving so much of the first half of this series was mostly completed, I was curious to see where things would go. Sadly, this was disappointing. The book tried to take on too much. Even though the pacing was good and the book is long for a cozy, we still got data dumps and exposition with summarized dialogue in the final quarter. It also kept me from really connecting with the characters. Given the October setting, the book does have fun with the seasonal vibes. But I am going to need a break before I move on to the next book, if I decide to. 

 

Contesting the Wool by Diane Vallere (Material Witness Mysteries #6) – 5

Poly Monroe is surprised to find herself invited to the reading of Reginald Villamere’s will. She only knew the name from the Villamere Theater, the historic movie theater in town. It turns out her inheritance is fabric - specifically the fabrics the theater had purchased for a renovation decades ago. When Poly goes to look at her inheritance the next day, she finds Villamere’s lawyer in the room, dead. Who wanted to kill this particular lawyer?

This series was my introduction to Diane Vallere’s books, so it’s always nice to revisit the characters. They are as sharp as always, and I enjoyed seeing the next chapter in their lives. The mystery was great with several surprises along the way. I had no clue where things were going, but everything made perfect sense when it was all stitched together. There’s a nice, humorous tone and fun Easter Eggs for fans of Diane’s Costume Shop Mysteries. If you are looking for a strong mystery with entertaining characters and a light tone, this is the book for you. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

The Case of the Carnaby Castle Curse by P.J. Fitzsimmons (Anty Boisjoly Mysteries #4) – 4

When Anty’s favorite steward, Carnaby, doesn’t return to London from his vacation, Anty sets out to find out what is happening.  He is surprised to learn that Carnaby’s family owns a castle.  But it comes with a curse that has just carried off the patriarch’s new wife.  Or was it murder?  Anty is determined to find out and clear Carnaby of suspicion.

This book doesn’t play too much into spooky, but it does have some elements that made it fun to read during October.  The mystery is strong with several elements that kept me guessing until the end.  As always, I appreciated how the mystery was laid out.  The suspects could have been a little stronger, but I did still care about the outcome.  The writing took me a chapter to get used to, but once I did, I was easily caught up in the story and laughing at the very dry British humor. No matter what time of the year you read this book, you’ll be glad you picked it up.

 

The Ghostway by Tony Hillerman (Leaphorn and Chee #6) – 4

It all starts with a confrontation in the parking lot of a laundromat. By the time it is over, one of the men is dead, and the other flees further into the reservation injured. While Chee is tasked with helping find the injured man, he isn’t the lead on the case. The FBI is handling it since they say it ties into a case back in Los Angeles. But then a teenager goes missing, and Chee follows a lead to L.A. hoping to find her. Can he figure out what is happening?

This is another complex mystery. I figured a couple of things out, but I was still mostly in the dark when we reached the satisfying climax. We also got to know Chee a bit better, especially thanks to a sub-plot that ties back to the fourth book. The book came out in the 1980’s, and it’s amazing to realize just how much things have changed since then. I did find a missed the reservation when the action moved to Los Angeles, but it wasn’t too bad. My biggest complaint is an issue that would get into spoiler territory, but even that is minor overall. This is an entertaining final solo entry for Jim Chee. 

 

The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman – 5

The story revolves around Amelia Jones, a woman in her early 20’s just trying to launch herself into adulthood after a difficult childhood. When she buys an antique shop, she is finding joy in all the things she finds there including an old instrument. But when the instrument stops playing one day, Amelia investigates to find a note inside. The letter was written by someone named Hannah who says someone is about to kill her. Amelia begins her quest to follow the trail of the instrument’s owners to see if she can figure out what happened to Hannah. What will she find?

The title comes from a metaphor the book tries to make, and it feels a bit of a stretch. But that’s a minor issue. The story is part murder mystery and part coming of age story. I might have found the beginning slow in other books, but that duality kept me engaged. The second half fixes any potential pacing issues from the first half, and I was caught up in the story. I was satisfied with the climax and loved seeing how Amelia grew of the course of the book. If you’ve missed this stand alone, I recommend you fix that today. 

September 2025's Reading Summary

Welcome to the last day of September.  Time to check in with my reading summary for the month.  I didn't get a chance to update the index this month.

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

 

Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover (Mixology Lounge Mysteries #1) – 5

Reece Parker has opened Subplot, a literary themed cocktail lounge, in his hometown. He’s trying to build his clientele, so he’s thrilled when a whiskey club wants to use the space for their monthly meetings. But the first night goes wrong when one new member seems to want to go out of his way to irritate everyone. After the meeting, Reece finds that member dead in the alley behind his lounge. Fearing the hit this might do to his business, he starts investigating. Can he find the killer?

I met the author this spring, so I’ve been looking forward to this book since then. And I really enjoyed it. It captures the cozy vibes well with the setting and the characters. I’d be interested in visiting, between murders, of course. I could really feel the love the characters have for each other. The mystery starts well, and doesn’t waiver on the way to the logical climax. I might have a niggle or two with it, but I’m being nitpicky here. Reece has recently come out to himself, and I appreciated how that subplot was handled as well. If you are looking for a new cozy series, you won’t go wrong picking this one up. Me? I’m waiting for the sequel. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

A Murder Most Fowl by Carmela Dutra (Food Truck Mysteries #1) – 3

Twins Beth and Seth Lloyd have inherited a food truck from their aunt, and Beth decides to increase their exposure by entering a reality competition. However, after the first day of filming, a fellow competitor, one that Beth has a history with, is found dead in his food truck. In order to clear her name, Beth starts poking around. Can she find the truth?

I was looking forward to this debut since it sounded fun. And the book started out well, with me laughing and the set up moving along well. But as the book kept going, I found events took the place of actual investigation. Many of the suspects were thin, and the main characters started to wear on me with their antics. The book wasn’t all bad, but it needed a little more time to become more polished. Hopefully, a second book will be better. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

The Tell-Tale Homicide by Daphne Silver (Rare Books Cozy Mysteries #2) – 2

Juniper Blume has moved to Rose Mallow to work from the Calverton Family and their personal library. However, on her second day, she finds a dead man inside clutching a rare early edition of Edgar Allan Poe – one that was missing from the library. Can Juniper figure out what is going on?

I enjoyed the first, but this one was a real let down. The book needed a serious edit. Most obnoxious to me with the multiple blatant timeline issues. They, along with some other things, left me wondering if the suspicious behavior I was observing was poor editing or something I was supposed to pick up on. The pacing was uneven, and a storyline involving the future of the town was wrapped up too easily. There was an element of the climax that was never explained. And some politics of the day pop up, making me roll my eyes. I did still enjoy my time with the returning characters. Well, most of them. (And don’t get me started on how that character behaved.) I see others have really enjoyed this book, so maybe it’s me, but I can’t recommend it. 

 

Watching the Detectives by Julie Mulhern (Country Club Murders #5) – 4

When this book opens, it’s been four days. Only four days since Ellison Russell was chased by a killer clown. Ellison has decided it is time to redecorate her husband’s study, and she’s brought in Khaki White, one of her potential boyfriend’s ex-wives. But Khaki is the go-to decorator among the country club set, so Ellison is getting a quote. That is until her housekeeper calls with car trouble, and Ellison runs out to get her. The two women return to find Mrs. White dead in the study, shot by a revolver. Can Ellison navigate the latest dead body in her life?

It has been too long since I read the previous book, but I was quickly back in Ellison’s world. I enjoyed seeing what was going on with the characters, and I’m hopeful the love triangle has been put to rest. Her mother wasn’t quite as overbearing in this book, which was appreciated. The 70’s are brought to life with plenty of great details, and some of the politics of the day. Fortunately, the content the series has had that keeps it just outside of cozy for me was toned down in this book. The mystery gets a little sidetracked, and the ending is weaker than I like, but it still kept me going. Ellison’s dry wit narration is a delight and keeps me smiling if not laughing. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I revisit the characters. 

 

Claws Out by Cate Conte (Cat Cafe Mysteries #9) – 4

Maddie James and her family and friends are taking their cat cafe on the road thanks for a giant food truck donation. They are heading off island to Provincetown to a literary festival that focuses on cats in fiction. But Maddie keeps hearing things that show not all is well behind the scenes. On the second morning, one of the headlining authors is found murdered. Who killed her?

I love how the author came up with such a creative way to take the cat cafe on the road. The murder took a bit of time to happen, but there was enough set up I didn’t find my interest waning. Maddie seemed to abandon her responsibilities a bit more than normal to investigate, but we got some good twists along the way to a logical if rushed climax. I was bothered by a couple needless misandrist comments that were irrelevant to the story. There were also a couple of glitches that I couldn’t tell if were poor editing or unclear writing. I appreciated how many series regulars we got, although one subplot with them wasn’t developed as well as it felt like it should have been. While there were lots of small things that annoyed, overall, I did enjoy this entry in the series. 

 

Death on the Causeway by Caleb Wygal (Myrtle Beach Mysteries #4) – 3

Clark Thomas is stuck in Memorial Day weekend traffic when he sees a woman obviously upset on the side of the road. When he goes to help her, he finds her fiancé abandoned her a few hours earlier. As the two set out to find him, will they figure out why he took off? And how does the dead body they find along the way complicate things?

While the premise intrigued me, I found the pacing way off. Early on it was repetitive. And I figured out what was going on early. Still, I do like Clark and the rest of the gang, although I wasn’t happy with how his love life developed here. The setting makes me want to go visit in real life. And we get a new clue on the death of Clark’s wife. Those looking for a light read will enjoy this series, but don’t start here. 

 

Essentials of Death by Kim Davis (Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries #2) – 4

Carissa Carmichael is frustrated to learn that the booth next to hers at a community event is being staffed by Lacie, her nemesis since the two were growing up in the town of Oak Creek Valley. True to form, Lacie makes the day miserable for everyone. But that night, Carissa stumbles on Lacie’s dead body. With the evidence pointing to herself, Carissa can’t help but jump in again. Can she find the killer?

It’s been a while since I read book one, but I didn’t have any trouble slipping back into Carissa’s world. I enjoyed the bonds the characters have, and the subplots that helped us get to know them better were great. The mystery itself started out a bit unevenly, with events driving things more than Carissa did. But as she began to take more of an active role, I got hooked, not wanting to put the book down. The ending was satisfying. And we get an essential oil recipe and an intriguing sounding cookie recipe. Here’s hoping we get to visit again soon. 

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book. 

 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland (Mrs. Claus #6) – 5

It’s a few days before Valentine’s Day, and April Claus is getting ready for her best friend’s wedding.  Claire, a friend from Oregon, is marrying Jake Frost.  But as the bridal party is at a dress fitting, someone leaves them a note with a threatening Valentine in it.  April isn’t quite sure how seriously to take it.  That is, until someone dies the next day at the next dress fitting.  Can April figure out who the killer is?  Or will the mayhem destroy Claire and Jake’s special day?

This series is a favorite of mine, and this book is no exception.  There is so much going on here that I was never bored, even though I figured things out a little early.  It was great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new characters fit right into this world.  And what a world it is.  There is a fantasy element to it, but the mystery is still center stage.  The author has done such a great job of world building.  It is very sweet and clever and each new detail makes me think “How else would things be?”  And yes, I am still laughing and chuckling as I read with a grin on my face the entire way.  Don’t miss this series.  If you are already a fan, you’ll love this entry.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

 

Hurricane Heist by James Ponti (Sherlock Society #2) – 4

This book finds the Sherlock Society about to head back to school after a fantastic summer. But their return to school gets delayed by a few days when a hurricane hits the city. In the aftermath, a body is found at a nearby hotel. When it is identified as a man who disappeared in another hurricane 60 years before, Alex and Zoe’s grandpa is intrigued. He knew the man back then, and he never bought the story from the time that the man was involved in a jewelry heist. Can the Sherlock Society figure out what happened all those years ago?

After an exciting opening chapter from the climax, this book flashes back, a technique I don’t like. In this case, it was worse since the book took longer than it should have to set up the main mystery. Once it did, I was hooked on the story. The ending was a bit rushed, but that was a minor complaint. I loved the characters and the character moments felt like they grew out of what we learned about them in the first book. Plus, we met some new characters I hope pop up again. Despite the slow start, I enjoyed this book overall.