Reviews

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.

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

From the Publisher of Spring Upon a Crime

Wilderness guide Crystal Rainey leads a group of college students to a private campground amidst the awe-inspiring Olympic Rain Forest. The excursion is ruined when the charming hostess Roxie is discovered standing over the land owner’s body, murder weapon in hand.

Enlisted to investigate the crime to absolve her friend, Crystal descends on the quiet city of Forks to find loggers, developers, and eco-protesters circling the property, intent on either exploiting or protecting the bastion of old-growth forest. The list of suspects is intimidating. Can Crystal find answers in a community determined to keep her in the dark?

My review

Spring Upon a Crime is very much a product of our times. It exemplifies the fight over what to do with natural resources such as old growth forests. Kudos to the author for tackling this difficult subject.

The protagonist, Crystal, is likable and easy to follow on her adventure. Other characters are also appropriate for their roles…up to a point. In particular, there were two plot twists in which characters that had been foes suddenly became allies. In both cases, I felt the transitions weren’t believable and found myself going, “Whaaat?” Eventually, the character turnabouts made sense, but at the moment they occurred, I felt disoriented.

Setting is handled well. I could see the forest, the clear-cut, and even the camp for a band of staunch environmentalists. The plot is well-planned and has the requisite twists and turns. For me, though, the writing style itself got in the way of these elements. At times, it felt somewhat stilted and methodical.

Overall, a good read for those with an interest in the wilderness and followers of the series. And despite being in the cozy genre, it hits the spot for dealing with some difficult issues.

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From the publisher of Death by Intermission

Abby McCree spends a summer showing family films under the stars—only to end the season with an unexpected slasher flick …

Ushered once again onto another committee by the mayor of Snowberry Creek, Washington, Abby is tasked with keeping the box office receipts of the town’s Movies in the Park nights. Cut to the director’s chair from where she’s suddenly organizing the summer’s last feature. From the opening scene through the final credits, Abby feels she’s earned nominations for best volunteer, best movie date with her tenant Tripp Blackston—and best daughter for ignoring her mother Phoebe’s own movie date with Owen Quinn.

Unfortunately, Abby and the others are treated to a post-credits scene: the body of local insurance agent Mitchell Anders. This discovery is followed by a plot twist revealing that the murder weapon comes from Owen’s food truck. With her mother’s boyfriend suspected of murder, Abby starts her own investigation determined to shine a spotlight on the real killer …

My review

This is the first book in this series that I’ve read and, while I had no difficulty getting up to speed on the series, I found myself asking what I’d gotten myself into. With the exception of the constant bickering between Abby and her mother, this was an enjoyable cozy. The problem was the amount of tension between Abby and her mother. Quite honestly, it felt way over-the-top for a cozy and sadly realistic. This was truly a case where less would have been much better.

Overall, I liked the protagonist and her approach to the crime. Dialogue felt realistic. Her motivation for investigating was also believable. I did find the writing style to be a little too explanatory for my taste because it slowed the plot. Overall, I’d have enjoyed this one more with less angst in Abby’s personal life and a little more mystery in the plot, but for fans of the series, it’s a good read.

FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher. Want more book news? If so, click here to read my Behind the Story interviews from your favorite authors.