Icebound

I had read a preview about this book in a literary magazine.  It had intrigued me and thus I was quite happy when my book club chose to read this book in July.  I had started it much later than several members and they had indicated it was a dry read, kind of like reading a text book.  Needless to say, expectations were not high when I started it.  Turns out I liked it better than most.

I just focused on the story and didn't worry about keeping track of characters or the overall history of expeditions to the pole that the author frequently referred to.  This was one of the issues as the book was written from the captain's logs and would be telling a narrative when suddenly the author would switch to talk about other explorers at other periods of time.  Which while interesting facts, lead to a less flowing narrative.  

All in all I enjoyed the book and could find myself visualizing the landscape and the ocean as they were described in the book.  It wasn't written quite in the voice that reads like a novel such as when I read Bad Blood.  But if you enjoy history or travel this is a fascinating non fiction read about William Barents and his polar expeditions.     

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting non fiction work

While there were times this NF work read like a research paper and took a bit to get into, I did like it. I read it like a story and didn’t try to keep all the names straight. It is a factual account of a historical event and as such there is not a lot of emotions expressed by people in the book. It is still possible to envision their possible emotions during their struggles but they are not explicitly written as the account is sourced from a captains log. If you like reading about risk takers and areas of the world that you haven’t visited this book will appeal to those interests


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #91
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #20 genre you never/rarely read
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #98
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #112
6. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #6. Oceanography
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #16 Set Before The 17th Century
8. Pick your Poison #16-4 A book with a map on the cover
9. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2021 July – Book Set On An Island
10. 52 books in 52 weeks  #26 mushing

Wine Tastings are Murder

 This is the 5th Poppy McAllister book by Libby Klein.  This cozy is full of recipes, particularly gluten free baking and in this book it also includes some wine info since the book is centered around a wine tasting tour.  The bed and breakfast Poppy is opening with Aunt Ginny has opened and the reservations are low due to some internet trolling in the previous book.  The B&B is the central location in the story and it often feels like an episode of Upstairs Downstairs with plenty of awkward moments of walking in on people and conversations.  

The B&B is also a source of humor with the new chambermaid they have hired after Aunt Ginny drove the previous one away.  The cozy wouldn't be complete without the love triangle and in this case there are 2 different triangles going with the 2 men in Poppy's life.  Gia has a new young barista who is flirting non stop with the sexy Italian.   Tim is spotted with his ex Sous Chef of the trolling incident.  Poppy is put on high alert in both situations and is trying to speed up her choice of which relationship to pursue.  The ending seems to give hints as to her choice but it remains to be seen.  

All this action is mixed in with a well written mystery with plenty of suspects and a reveal at the end that is quite clever.  

Wine Tastings Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was probably my favorite book in the series so far. I really enjoyed the characters in the wine tour. I enjoyed how the mystery was crafted and how the guilty party wasn't revealed until the very end. Klein did a wonderful job of showing how making judgements about people can lead you to make false assumptions. This story had some depth for a cozy. I also like how the romantic relationships with Gia and Tim were developed and we start to see how Poppy is torn to make a choice between the 2. There is a glimpse of her decision at the end but only time will tell.
If you like wines then this is a good book that includes some wines and recipes

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #90
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Poppy McAllister #5
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #97
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #111
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #63
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #95
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #81
9. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 3
• Bar, store, restaurant-  Winery
• Weapons
• Row 5
• Medicine or drugs
• Detectives- Poppy McAllister
• Victims- Roland/ Michelle
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #21  Shot #5

There There

 This debut novel by Tommy Orange has been on my TBR list since 2020.  I am glad I finally read this book and really enjoyed the story told in the work.  My biggest problem was in style and my difficulty  following the storyline as it switched between the different characters narrating the story.  I think some of this struggle was due to the fact I was listening to the book rather than reading.  If I had been reading a written edition, I could have switched back and forth to keep the characters straight in my head.

The other reason I only gave it a 2 1/2 star review was the ending.  I finished the book feeling like I had been dropped off a cliff.  There were so many unanswered questions regarding the fates of the characters.  Maybe this is a reflection of me as a reader and a need to feel like things are resolved and complete.  I left the book feeling like there was parts of the story missing.   I do think this does indicate I had a real interest in the characters and their lives.  I just want to know what happened to them.  

There There by Tommy Orange
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book and would really have given it a 2 1/2 stars if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their stories and emotions. I liked the entire premise of the different people of Native American descent coming to the PowWow in Oakland each with their own motivations. The characters definitely interested me and drew me into their worlds and I found myself wanting to learn more about them. I just had a hard time with the erratic nature of the story line at times and struggled to keep the characters straight especially their relationships and their histories. I do think the fact I was listening to the book probably exaggerated this confusion. Perhaps in a written copy there is a character chart with their relationships to each other that helps keep the reader on track.
The other aspect of the book I found troubling was the ending. I felt like I was left without any resolution and a lack of knowledge of what became of the characters. I definitely think this feeling of frustration does attest to the degree to which I became invested in the characters and their stories. If I had not been engaged I probably wouldn't care so much about feeling like I was left hanging to know what became of the characters and their lives.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #89
2. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  "O"
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #50 includes a 2nd person point of view
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #96
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #110
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #16. A book by an indigenous author
7. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #27. SAME FIRST INITIAL AS YOU
8. Pick your Poison #17-4 A book by an author whose name is a color
9. Diversify your reading #DYRC21  yes contemporary fiction
10. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021  Indigenous author/characters
11. Audiobook  #2021AudiobookChallenge  book #10

Death Among the Doilies

 This is a spinoff series from Mollie Cox Bryan's Cumberland Creek books.  It is not at all necessary to have read the other series to enjoy this one.  In fact, I didn't get the correlation until very late in the story when Cora's Uncle Jon comes to visit.  

The characters of Cora, Jane and Ruby work well together and it is believable to experience their adjustments and concerns over opening a craft retreat.  The information about the crafts are well mixed into the storyline of the mystery.  I found myself entertained by the descriptions of the broom making classes as well as the candle making.  Anyone interested in crafts will enjoy reading the book.  I found it especially interesting as I actually attended a craft retreat in NC myself.  It wasn't quite the same as it was hosted at a hotel but we did visit the hostess' workshop during the weekend.  This book brought back many memories of my crafting/scrapbooking weekends I have taken over the years.  It makes me want to reestablish this tradition.  

As for the mystery, it is well written and has some subplots that fit well with the story.  They all made sense together and complemented each other rather than be a distraction.  I will say I predicted the outcome a little over halfway through the book but this did not detract from my reading enjoyment at all.  I look forward to reading more in this series.

Death Among the Doilies by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this cozy since it combined my love for mysteries and crafts. I found the characters to be relatable and a good mix of likeable and annoying. They seemed to experience real life emotions. The descriptions of the different crafts were interesting but not so overwhelming as to take over the book. There were plenty of twists and turns and hidden agendas. I look forward to finding more in this series.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #88
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #95
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #109
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Craft cozy #2
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #94
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #80
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Free square living room

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Rope
• Falling object
• Poison, poisoned food
• Motor vehicle (wreck)
• Fire
• Row 2 
• Knife
• Detectives- 
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #56  Shot #2

Yule be Dead

As the name implies this next book from the Victoria Square series is set at Christmas time.  With the increased number of shoppers at Artesian Alley there comes increased crimes not limited to vandalism and shoplifting.  Meanwhile Katie finds herself with a surprise visitor, her former Mother in Law, Margot.  This just adds to the stress of the holiday season even before she finds herself mixed up in another criminal investigation.  As if that isn't enough she has the opportunity to expand her business holdings and has an offer that makes it easier but has possible strings attached.   All these decisions and a business to run and vendors to keep happy.   

In addition to the business stressors there are plenty of personal anxieties as well.  Katie isn't sure how she's going to do it all and keep here relationship afloat with Andy.  The atmosphere of the small town at the holiday season is well written but at times the book feels like it has too much going on with a few too many subplots.  They do help to show more of the characters' personalities but it does feel a bit overwhelming at times. 

Hopefully the next installment will settle the story down a slight bit.  

 

Yule Be Dead by Lorraine Bartlett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although I found this story to be an engaging read in the Victorian Square series for some reason this felt a bit forced. I think the story just didn't flow as well as it had in some of the previous books. I will say the characters were definitely honest in their representations of emotions people experience. The jealousy and anger that Katie and Andy experience in this book seemed realistic. The struggle with parental relationships between Vonne and Francine as well as Katie and Margot felt real. It is easy to visualize the square and its charming Dickensian events. All in all the series continues to hold my attention

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #87
2. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  Y
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Victoria Square #5
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #94
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #108
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #62
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #93
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #79
10. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 3
• Bar, store, restaurant
• Weapons
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Katie
• Victims- Vonne
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67a  Shot #2

One Hot Murder

 This installment in the Victoria Square cozies finds Katie having a less antagonistic relationship with Detective Davenport as he is reaching his retirement from the sheriff's department.  This book also had multiple plot lines and the possibility of more than one criminal amongst the tenants of Victoria Square shops.  In addition to the crimes there are several other secrets being kept among Katie and her friends.  The story is well structured and it is easy to feel a bond with the characters.

One Hot Murder by Lorraine Bartlett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This next book involved multiple crimes and possible criminals. In fact this one even had a mystery as to the identity of the victim. Katie finds herself working cooperatively with Det Davenport after having an adversarial relationship previously. She finds this a bit unnerving. The mystery is well written and the solution a bit shocking. The subplot of Katie’s dilemma about her stored possessions and her dream to open a B&B vs doing improvements on her Artisan Alley business was believable and a logical one. It was easy to see how torn she was in her decisions. It will be interesting to see how the story evolves in the future books

View all my reviews

  

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #86
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Victoria Square #3
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #93
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #107
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #61
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #92
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #78
9. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Library or bookstore
• Row 2
• Basement
• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Katie/Ray
• Victims- Jerry/Dennis
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67a  Shot #1

All by Myself Alone

I selected this book for the challenge to read a book published by an author 65 years or older.  I forgot I had previously read the book but I still enjoyed reading it. Anyone who loves to take a cruise will enjoy reading this book.   MHC does a wonderful job of creating characters that are weak and others that are annoying.  It is always a pleasure to read stories involving Alvirah and Willy Meehan.  They just feel like a couple you would want to meet and get to know.

Although I had previously read the book I did not remember all the details and was still surprised by much of the story and the crimes.   I will miss reading MHC's books now that she has passed away but hopefully rereading others will be as enjoyable as this one. 

All By Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alvirah and Willy so it again

This time the Meehans are on an inaugural cruise that seems as I’ll fated as the Titanic. The new ship was appointed on many of the ways of the famous ship. It also had many glamorous and famous passengers. But not all who traveled were as they appeared and some had very malicious intents. The book is full of descriptions of the glamorous ship as well as the lectures aboard. The main focus was the gemologist and the curse of the Cleopatra necklace. There were several potential candidates for the criminal and I appreciated how the story was wrapped up concluding all the sun stories.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #85
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #92
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #106
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #91
6. Around the Year in 52 Books #11. A book to celebrate The Grand Egyptian Museum
7. Pick your Poison #12-1 A book by your favorite author
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #10  Shot #3

The Walled Flower

 I had started this series a few years ago and enjoyed the premise of the small square full of shops where the shopkeepers looked out for one another.   I picked up on the series again this year when I decided to read this book from my TBR pile.   I have enjoyed reading this book and the next few in the series featuring Katie Bonner.  I don't always like her as a character but the storylines are interesting and the ensemble cast is well written and endearing.  The emotional reactions given to the characters and the situations do feel authentic.  All in all the series is a good one.

The Walled Flower by Lorraine Bartlett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Victoria Square series. I read the first a while ago so I had forgotten the plot details. There are many references to the previous mystery without details which made it fine to skip. Unfortunately I found it a bit annoying to be unable to recall the details but then have the repeated reminder of the murder. This is one of the reasons I only gave it a 3 star rating. The other factors are I find Katie a bit annoying at times. I don’t feel as though her relationship with Andy is sincere and it feels like she’s using him sometimes especially when it comes to her living arrangements.
The mystery itself is good and I appreciated the complexity and the multi layers of the crime and the guilty party. I do plan to continue to read the series and hopefully Katie will grow on me

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Victoria Square #2
2. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2021  Book #14
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #105
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #60
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #90
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #77
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 3
• Cliff, roof, high place

Row 4

Street or sidewalk
Row 5

Bedroom

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• Row 4
• Push or fall
• Pillow, smother, asphyxiation
• Detectives- Katie
• Victims-Barbie/Angie/Jeremy
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #6

The End of Her

I selected this Shari Lapena book in order to meet a criteria of reading a book from an author that was one of my best reads in 2020.   I continue to thoroughly enjoy her thrillers and find the stories twisting and turning til the end.  Additionally Lapena writes characters that are strongly received either in the positive or the negative.  In this particular book it is hard to tell whether you want to love or hate some of the characters at times.  

I highly recommend this book and the author if you enjoy twisting psychological thrillers.

The End of Her by Shari Lapena
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is as intense and suspenseful as Lapenas others I have read. She writes characters that you cannot stand as well as those you want to be happy and carefree. This book felt different in that she had good people turned bad by choices they make to protect their family. Also even after all the twists and turns you don’t know who Dunn it. And at the end you cannot help but wonder does the end justify the means and was justice served

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #84
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #91
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #104
4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #89

Murder Plain and Simple

 

Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first in the series about an Amish Quilt shop in a small Amish town. The mystery is well written and quite a surprise. What I think I enjoyed most was the representation of tension between some of the Amish in town and the English. Rather than representing it as a totally amicable situation Alan does a wonder job of highlighting some of the reluctance to have English come into their traditional Amish community. She does a great job of pointing out how it is difficult to have your lifestyle turned into a Disney World like tourist attraction. It can be a catch 22 since tourism helps revenue for Amish shops The characters are a good representation of the different opinions and attitudes. The reader is able to grasp the tension and other emotions. I look forward to reading more in the series

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #83
2. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  "I"
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #90
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #103
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #59
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #87
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #75
9. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Pointy object
• Detectives- 
• Victims- 
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #69  Shot #1

Skin Game

 

Skin Game by Stuart Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good old fashion spy story

This book focuses on Teddy Fay with appearances by Stone Barrington and Dino Bacchetti. This is a good stand alone read as there a there are no real bits of previous stories playing a role in this story
This one was more enjoyable than many of the Stone Barrington books because it focuses on the strategy of the spy work and deception. There are some good twists md turns but much of the intriguing parts are the execution of the espionage and the thwarting of the bad guys.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #82
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Teddy Fay #3
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #89
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #102
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #86
6. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
7. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant
Row 4

Hotel room
Street or sidewalk

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• Knife
• Detectives- Teddy Fay
• Victims- 
8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #5a  Shot #5

The Shady Chateau

 

The Shady Chateau: a Provence Cozy Mystery by Ana T. Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this next book in the Julie Cavallo series. This series is set in the South of France and focuses on baker, Julie, and her friends and family. Together FERJ investigates murders and their ability to solve them is assisted by Julie’s visions. In this book we learn more about Julie and her family. The role play weekend she attends at a Chateau opens many questions and reveals secrets both of the suspects and Julie’s family. The real dilemma beyond who did it is why and whether the end justified the means. You will have to read to find out. If you like cozy mysteries with a bit of quirkiness and supernatural then you will enjoy this book

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Julie Cavallo #4
2. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
3. Cruisin thru Cozies  #2 series set outside US #2
4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #88
5. Craving for Cozies  Book #76
6. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
7. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 2
• Lawn
• Row 5
• Garden, park, gazebo
• Weapons
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Rifle or shotgun 
• Detectives- Julie/Rose/Adinian
• Victims- 

Handbook for Homicide

 

Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great cozy in Booktown. Tricia and Angelica find themselves learning about homeless veterans and their do good genes kick in. In this book it felt like to murder was a jump start to developing the characters and their philanthropy. The mystery was still there and solved but it was a side plot in many ways. It was not a bad thing but if you’re looking for a mystery full of clues and solutions this book isn’t necessarily the book for you. If you want a series where the characters grow and the reader is exposed to more and more of their personalities and character then I highly recommend this series.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #81
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Booktown #14
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #88
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #101
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #58
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #85
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #74
9. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 2
• Alley or mews
• Weapons
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Tricia/Angie
• Victims- Susan Morris
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #5

A Killer Edition

 

A Killer Edition by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another intriguing mystery in the Booktown series. This one is full of pet rescue and cupcakes. A bake-off comes to town and brings lots of drama. Tricia finds herself embroiled yin plenty of personal and professional drama in this book. The mystery is well written as are the characters. It does help to have read the other books in the series to fully appreciate the characters be their relationships

There is just the right balance of descriptions and action. There is quite a shocking ending as to who and why the murder occurred

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #80
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Booktown #13
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #87
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #100
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #57
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #84
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #73
9. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Household object
• Detectives- Tricia/Angie
• Victims- Vera Olson
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #4

Where'd You Go Bernadette

 

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Complex and entertaining

This book was bit different than I expected. I enjoyed the story and the complexities of the characters. I felt the author captured the quirkiness of an artistic soul quite well in Bernadette. The book illustrated the different takes on the same situations by different people quite well.
The reason I didn’t find it a 5 star is I found the storyline a little too erratic at times even when you realize who the narrator is it still felt a bit disjointed. Additionally there were a bit too many exaggerated stereotypes going on at times. While I do appreciate the factual descriptions of Antarctica, Seattle and Microsoft there were instances where it felt like every stereotype about techies and artists and private schools was a bit over the top. This did not keep me from enjoying the book at all, just from making it a 4 or 5 star read.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #79
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  WA
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #38 from your 2020 backlist
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #86
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #99
6. Humor  Book #6

A Just Clause

 

A Just Clause by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this 11th installment we learn more about Tricia and Angelica’s parents. Like many real families their’s is quite dysfunctional to put it mildly. The representation of the relationship is well written and believable. Meanwhile there is another body that the sisters found. Again Tricia gets caught up in trying to solve the mystery of Carol whom no one really seems to like In the process many secrets are uncovered and eventually the murder is solved. The book is well written and an enjoyable read. Cannot wait to read more about the sisters and Booktown

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #78
2. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  J
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Booktown #12
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #85
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #98
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #56
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #83
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #72
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 4

Street or sidewalk

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Tricia/Angie
• Victims-
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #3

Poisoned Pages

 

Poisoned Pages by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful addition to the series. This installment has Tricia and Angelica facing some unfortunate nastiness from fellow Stoneham residents. This book introduces a new male into Tricia’s life that definitely fits the adage about not judging book by its cover. Old relationships spurn on nastiness during a Chamber of Commerce election. Not to mention Tricia’s run as town jinx continues. The guilty party came as quite a shock but all the pieces made sense. A great cozy once again

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #77
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Booktown #11
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #84
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #97
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #55
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #82
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #71
9. Pick your Poison #4-1 A book with "poison" in the title
10. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 3
• Free square  Living room
• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Detectives- Tricia/Angie
• Victims- 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #2

Title Wave

 

Title Wave by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a nice continuation on the Booktown series. Rather than being set in NH this one is set aboard a cruise to Bermuda. Of course Tricia finds a way to get mixed up in a mystery. The development of the characters and their relationships is well done. I would not recommend reading this book before reading previous installments as their are details of relationships that were revealed in previous books that are transparent in this one.
The mystery was intriguing and the motive was well created. I didn’t expect the outcome that ended the book but it did reach. Resolution

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #76
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Bermuda
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Booktown #10 
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #83
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #96
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #54
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #81
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #70
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Bathtub, shower, bathroom

• Weapons
• Row 4
• Pillow, smother, asphyxiation
• Detectives- Tricia and Angie
• Victims- 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #1

The Malt in Our Stars

 

The Malt in Our Stars by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Exciting cozy set in a charming town in Vermont. Sadie is such a like able character with a nosy streak. She cannot help but investigate. When the assistant to the romance suspense author who came to speak at her literary themed pub falls to her death from a window at the Shady Creek Manor. The story is full of hidden passes and lots of suspects. The guilty party was a bit of a surprise
I look forward to reading more about Sadie and her friends

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #75
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Literary Pub #3
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #82
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #95
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #53
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #80
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #69
9. What's in a Name   #3 Reference to outer space
10. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2021  June – Book With A Beverage In The Title
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 4

Hotel room

• Weapons
• Row 4
• Push or fall
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #37  Shot #3

The Kiss Quotient

I selected this as my Own Voices selection with really  know idea what it was like.  It was a bit different than expected but I did enjoy it.  I feel it resonated with me as we have a family member on the spectrum and it provided some insight into the internal struggles he faces.  

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Steamy and insightful

This is not your mothers rom com. Beware there are some details that might make you blush. It is definitely a steamy romance.

This book provides insight into the socialization struggles a woman on the spectrum can face. Stella is an endearing and complex character. You cannot help but root for her to find love. I admire that she realizes being herself is most important and you hope that others realize that too. Loved this book!

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #74
2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #47  brings out the geek in you
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #81
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #94
5. Humor  Book #5
6. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #7. The Spiral: by an ND person/with an ND MC
7. Diversify your reading #DYRC21  Romance
8. Beyond the Bookends  own voices book

The Cruise to Nowhere

 

The Cruise To Nowhere: Book Five: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries by Lizzie Josephson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Virtual travel with a bit of intrigue

This cruise based mystery series is a joy to read. The books are a nice length to read I. One or two sittings. The focus of the stories tends to be on the people- particularly the interactions between Adrianne and her family and friends. It’s fun to read about charming tropical destinations And cruise life. These mysteries focus on no murder based mysteries so they are good for younger readers as well

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

Possible prompts

I will decide as the year goes along which prompts I use it for on several challenges since it meets multiple criteria within the challenge.

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Cozy Cruises #5
2. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
3. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #51
4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #78
5. Craving for Cozies  Book #67
6. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #43  Shot #6

Cruel Candy

 

Cruel Candy by Mildred Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cozy in Colorado

This is the first in A new series set in Estes Park, CO. The story is full of lock references to landscape md other local culture. The story centers around Fred and her adorable Corgi, Watson. They have recently moved from Kansas City to open a bookstore Unfortunately she finds the body of the cantankerous bakery owner from the store next door. She gets embroiled in the murder when her stepfather is suspect number one. The mystery was well formed with lots of twists. The characters are endearing and have many dimensions to them. It is interesting to see the family dynamics and the growth of new friendships. I look forward to reading more in the series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
2. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #52
3. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #79
4. Craving for Cozies  Book #68
5. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
6. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• 
  
• Kitchen or bakery

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- 
• Victims- 
7. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #68  Shot #1

The Valentine Voyage

 

The Valentine Voyage: Book Six: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries by Lizzie Josephson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Singles cruise with a mystery

This next installment in the series was all about love and romance. As with all the series the mystery is intriguing with some interesting side stories. I look forward to ready more about the ship visit to South Pacific

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge V
2. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge   V
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Cozy Cruises #6
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #50
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #77
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #66
8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #43  Shot #5