Reviews

From the publisher of Murder in the Family

The past comes back seeking vengeance. To save her family and friends, Novice PI Eve Appel, pregnant with her second child, must outwit the bad guys in a final act of desperation, risking her life and that of the man she’s asked to help her, her mob boss friend, Nappi.

My review

No neighs about it, for those who love reading equestrian-centric mysteries, Murder in the Family is a winner. There’s lots going on in the horse world and Eve is having to juggle those needs with those of finding her old mob boss friend. I found this to be an entertaining read overall. Unfortunately, I found the dialogue to get a bit repetitive and Eve to be a abrasive at times, but other than that the plotting was good, which kept the pace moving. 

While this felt like less of a mystery and more of a soft thriller, it follows the cozy mystery conventions about language, sex, and violence. there are complications in Eve’s life that provide a secondary story in addition to the mystery itself. The story tension builds through to the end, and I wanted Eve to succeed in her personal life as well as in her PI business. I enjoyed the read and it kept me guessing throughout. 

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

Learn more about Lesley Diehl at www.lesleyadiehl.com. Want more author news? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.

From the publisher of Four Cuts Too Many

Sarah Blair gets an education in slicing and dicing when someone in culinary school serves up a main corpse in Wheaton, Alabama . . .

Between working as a law firm receptionist, reluctantly pitching in as co-owner of her twin sister’s restaurant, and caretaking for her regal Siamese RahRah and rescue dog Fluffy, Sarah has no time to enjoy life’s finer things. Divorced and sort-of dating, she’s considering going back to school. But as a somewhat competent sleuth, Sarah’s more suited for criminal justice than learning how many ways she can burn a meal.

Although she wouldn’t mind learning some knife skills from her sous chef, Grace Winston. An adjunct instructor who teaches cutlery expertise in cooking college, Grace is considering accepting an executive chef’s position offered by Jane Clark, Sarah’s business rival—and her late ex-husband’s lover. But Grace’s future lands in hot water when the school’s director is found dead with one of her knives in his back. To clear her friend’s name, Sarah must sharpen her own skills at uncovering an elusive killer . . .

My review

The rivalry between Southwind and Jane’s Place continues in this fourth Sarah Blair Mystery. The old nautical saying of ‘steady as she goes’ distinctly applies to Four Cuts Too Many. Cozy fans who like their cozies to include plenty of small town ambience and activity will enjoy the politics and rivalries omnipresent in this book. 

The writing style is complex and there’s a lot of introspection, which has a tendency to moderate the pace. This one’s definitely not a thrill ride, and you’ll need to be paying attention to get the most out of it. However, if you’re a fan of culinary mysteries, but don’t like to cook, welcome home. You’re going to love Sarah Blair.

Learn more about Debra H. Goldstein at www.DebraHGoldstein.com. Did you like this interview? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.

From the publisher of The Bad Hair Day Mysteries

PERMED TO DEATH – Book 1

Sassy salon owner Marla Shore is giving grumpy Mrs. Kravitz a perm when her client dies in the shampoo chair. If that isn’t enough to give her a bad hair day, handsome Detective Vail suspects Marla of poisoning the woman’s coffee creamer. Figuring she’d better expose the real killer before the next victim frizzes out, Marla sets on the trail of a wave of wacky suspects. Her theory regarding whodunit gels only after she looks for the culprit closer to home.

“A terrific mystery debut for Nancy Cohen. Marla the beautician is a delight!” Tamar Myers, author of the Pennsylvania Dutch Mysteries and the Den of Antiquity Mystery Series.

HAIR RAISER – Book 2

When South Florida hairstylist Marla Shore takes charge of a fundraiser for a coastal preservation society, she has to comb through a knot of suspects to determine who’s sabotaging their gala event. Participating chefs are dropping off the roster like hot rollers, and it’s only through a series of hair-raising exploits that she can tease the truth from a tangle of suspects. Too late to stop a murder, Marla must salvage the grand affair before she’s moussed into oblivion.

“Curl up with Nancy Cohen’s stylishly witty and chillingly suspenseful tale of murder on the Florida coast–Hair Raiser is a cut above.” Joanne Pence, author of the Angie Amalfi mystery series

MURDER BY MANICURE – Book 3

Hairstylist Marla Shore joins a fitness club to get in shape but discovers a dead body instead of an exercise routine. Jolene Myers–a client at Marla’s salon–has drowned beneath the frothing waters of the whirlpool. When Homicide Detective Dalton Vail determines Jolene’s death was no accident, Marla decides to give her deductive skills a workout and help solve the case.

“Marla Shore is a beguiling, very clever sleuth who teases out every clue. Absolutely delightful!” Jill Churchill, author of the Jane Jeffry & Grace and Favor mystery series.

My review

Marla Shore is a delightful protagonist. She’s got a dark secret that pulls her into the first mystery and that’s when she discovers she’s got a knack for sleuthing. The dialogue is well written and believable, as are the relationships between the characters. There’s not much downtime in this fast-paced mystery.

With solid writing and clever twists, the Bad Hair Day Mysteries are a delightful cozy with no split ends to trim. If you’re looking for a cozy series that teases you with plenty of fun, the Bad Hair Day Mysteries are sure to satisfy!

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

Find The Bad Hair Day Mysteries Box Set Books 1-3 on Amazon. Want more author news? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.

From the publisher of Peaches and Schemes

Nina Fleet might be new to the innkeeping business, but she’s savvy enough to know that Cymbeline’s tourists aren’t enough to keep her fledgling bed and breakfast going. And so, Nina decides to tap into the destination wedding market by taking a booth at the Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo. The twice-yearly event is sponsored by the town’s two wedding pros: Virgie Hamilton, the sixty-something owner of Virgie’s Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner and Nina’s new friend. But everything goes wrong during the expo’s fashion show, when Roxanna comes tumbling out of an oversized prop wedding cake, strangled to death by her own scarf.

Virgie is arrested for the crime, thanks to Nina’s statement to the police about having overheard the woman accusing her partner of embezzlement. Meanwhile, the situation grows tense with her sometimes nemesis and current tenant, the dashing out-of-work actor Harry Westcott. Harry is concentrating on plugging his most recent side hustle …but he’s not too busy to break the news to Nina that her ex-husband is engaged to be married again.

Certain that Virgie’s only offense is a bad temper, Nina decides to do her own investigating. First, however, she and Harry retrieve Roxanna’s now ownerless dog, planning to foster him until a new home can be found. But local gossip soon convinces Nina that others beside Virgie might have had reason to murder Roxanna. As Nina gets close to the truth, she’s putting her own life at danger. And when Virgie vanishes after being bailed out of jail by an unknown benefactor, Nina fears that if she can’t find the dress shop owner in time, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning for them both. 

My review

This was the first book in this series that I’ve read, and it came as a bit of a surprise that there were no guests staying at the B&B. The reason makes sense, Nina needed the week off to attend a bridal expo. Once I wrapped my head around the marketing decision Nina had made, I found this to be a fun and fast read. 

Delightfully focused on the mystery, this cozy offers up plenty of suspects to keep armchair sleuths entertained. I also found that the relationship between Nina and her sidekick Harry kept the mystery light and fun. With suspects galore, this one will keep you guessing until the end, especially once the twists start kicking in. And speaking of twists, not everyone is who they seem to be in this clever cozy. Watch for hidden agendas and an ending that will leave you guessing about the next book.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

Learn more about the Anna Gerard at www.dianestuckart.com. Want more author news? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.

From the publisher of Shrimply Dead

When veterinarian and amateur naturalist Jasmine Garr is shot in her yard, residents of Shell Island press caterer River Holloway into investigating the homicide. River dons her amateur sleuth cap and sets out to discover who killed her former catering customer. Between Jasmine’s estranged cousin, a rival veterinarian, a wild animal trapper, the chicken lady, and a real estate broker, River has plenty of suspects to consider. As she peels back the layers of Jasmine’s life, dangerous secrets come to light.

Jasmine’s orphaned kitty, Iris, along with River’s cat Major, and her husband Pete help River sift through the evidence. At the same time, River recently expanded her catering business. She must service her regular catering clients, plus provide fresh baked goods for Pete’s ice cream shop.

The killer follows River’s every move relishing the thought of another victim. Time is running out. Will River solve the murder before she becomes a cold dish?

My review

I had a wonderful time reading Shrimply Dead and following amateur sleuth River Holloway on her rounds. It’s hard to imagine anybody with that much energy! Between baking, catering, and sleuthing, it’s a wonder River had time to get herself into the trouble she did! And let me tell you, this one’s a bit of a nail-biter at the end.

With twists and turns and quirky characters, Maggie Toussaint has cooked up a cozy with culinary class. Don’t miss out as River tackles her latest case with her usual flair and friendliness.

Learn more about Maggie Toussaint at maggietoussaint.com.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.

From the publisher of Haunted Hibiscus

It is the week before Halloween and Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are ghosting through the dusk of a cool Charleston evening on their way to the old Bouchard Mansion. Known as the Gray Ghost, this dilapidated place was recently bequeathed to the Heritage Society, and tonight heralds the grand opening of their literary and historical themed haunted house.

Though Timothy Neville, the patriarch of the Heritage Society, is not thrilled with the fund-raising idea, it is the perfect venue for his grandniece, Willow French, to sign copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes & Creepers.

But amid a parade of characters dressed as Edgar Allan Poe, Lady Macbeth, and the Headless Horseman, Willow’s body is suddenly tossed from the third-floor tower room and left to dangle at the end of a rope. Police come screaming in and Theodosia’s boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is sent to Willow’s apartment to investigate. But minutes later, he is shot and wounded by a shadowy intruder.

Timothy begs Theodosia to investigate, and shaken by Riley’s assault, she readily agrees. Now, she questions members of the Heritage Society and a man who claims the mansion is rightfully his, as well as Willow’s book publisher and her fiancé, all while hosting a Sherlock Holmes tea and catering several others.

But the Gray Ghost holds many secrets, as do several other key suspects, while this murder mystery plays out on the eve of Halloween.

My review

Halloween is front and center in the latest Tea Shop Mystery. The holiday adds an opportunity to enjoy the fun of costumes and Halloween-themed events. All the gang is back in Haunted Hibiscus and Theodosia is, as usual, quite driven to solve the murder. Sadly, I felt she was a little too driven and gave off an attitude of entitlement—how dare anyone not answer her question? With that said, fans of the series will revel in Theodosia’s enthusiastic investigation as she and Drayton visit suspect after suspect, making sure to stir the pot with each visit.

Once again, the menu at the tea shop plays a strong role. There are lots of delicacies served along with exotic varieties of teas. For foodie fans, this is, of course, a major attraction of the series. With a complex plot and the Charleston setting, it’s another winner in the series.

Want more book news? If so, click here to read more Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.