Not So Different

 When I selected this book from my library I wasn't aware it was a children's book.   I picked it because I had previously read Laughing at My Nightmare (Blog review) by Shane and enjoyed it.  He definitely knows how to write frankly about his experiences in a way to help people understand his perspective.  This is a great book for sharing with children or to get a feeling for the type of books Shane Burcaw writes.  

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great perspective to share with kids

This is the second book by Shane I’ve read and his attitude is so inspiring. His struggles remind me to put difficult things in my life in perspective. They are ant hills compared to the things he deals with daily

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   99
2. 2022TBR  #2022ReadingChallenge  # 
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #121
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #90
5. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal   Book #9. Linked to a podcast
6. Humor  Book #2
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #40 A book with photographs inside
8. OWLS #22 Cheering Charm: A funny or happy book
9. Pick your Poison #52 a book wider than it is tall
10. Diversify your reading #DYRC22  non fiction
11. 52 books in 52 weeks  #10 Humor Me
12. Unruly Reader Bingo  #25 biography

Christmas, Criminals and Campers

 Christmas, Criminals and Campers is the 4th book in the Camper and Criminals series by Tonya Kappes.  If you are looking for a series with quirky and somewhat humourous undertones this is a great series to pick up.  The mysteries are well-constructed and not too obvious to solve.   Mae West is a hoot and it's fun watching her try to settle into her new lifestyle in KY.   The campground aspect appeals to me as my parents have had an RV for the last dozen or so years so I have seen some of the aspects of that life that pop up in the story.  There are definitely relationship progressions captured in the stories and I appreciate they aren't all rainbows and sunshine but rather more like real life with mixed emotions between parties.  I plan to read much more of this series next year which is readily doable since it is in Kindle Unlimited.  

Christmas, Criminals, and Campers by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great characters and mystery

Mae West is an authentic woman who expresses herself without thinking. This book finds her dealing with a new relationship as well as dealing with family members from her past. All while trying to clear her friend of murder. The conflicts and emotions feel authentic and believable. If you are looking for a series with fun female characters and a few laughs this series is for you

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  KY 
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 52 Book #1
3. What an Animal Book #55
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #119
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #89
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #86
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #114
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #104
9. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- library
• Weapon- poison
• Detectives- Mae West
• Victims- Nadine White
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #23  Shot #4
12. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  N America

The Night Portrait

 The Night Portrait is an engaging and thought-provoking work of historical fiction.  It combines scenes from DaVinci's 1540s in Milan with WWII time plot.   Each timeframe has 2 story narrators within the era.  Laura Morelli does a wonderful job of merging the 2 narrators' stories without losing their individuality.  There are many subtle connections in the storyline that join the timelines and several times she uses the same final sentence from one narrator as the first sentence to the next narrator's chapter.  

I always appreciate reading WWII books that address the horrors of the war without overwhelming the reader.  In this case, Morelli definitely describes the US soldiers' reactions to the discovery of the trains at Dachau and there is no mistaking the horror as she describes the scene quite graphically across a variety of senses.  Edith's story and how she is torn between survival and being aghast as to the horrors around her is also depicted well and you cannot help but empathize with her.  

The other story arc is in the 1490s and focuses on Da Vinci and his painting of the Lady and the Ermine in Milan.  One of the narrators is the female subject of the portrait.  There are historical explanations of the progressive approach to the painting compared to predecessors of the time.  The story includes references to many of Da Vinci's inventions and works of art.  

Morelli does a wonderful job of presenting facts in a narrative.  Be sure to read the author's note at the conclusion to understand the accuracy of the real characters in the novel.  Additionally, Edith and Dominic, although fictitious, are based upon real people involved in the Nazi art theft and retrieval efforts by the Monuments Men.   I am definitely intrigued to learn more about this group and will watch the movies referenced in her notes soon.  

Any history or art lover will enjoy this book.  I look forward to reading other works by Morelli.  

The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci's Italy by Laura Morelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

wonderful historical novel

A fantastic multi timeline story centered around daVinci’s the Lady and the Ermine Morellos does a wonderful job of interweaving the stories of Edith, and Dominic in WWII Poland/Germany and their quest to protect and preserve artwork during the ravages of war. In parallel we learn about the creation of the piece they are trying to save and the painter and subject- Cecilia. There are some very clever ways on interconnecting the storylines and the overall affect is amazing. I highly recommend this book for readers who like historical fiction and a well written story

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   98
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Poland
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #120
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #89
5. Historic Fiction  #histficreadingchallenge   Book #12
6. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2022  #11. Discussion-Worthy Book Club Book
7. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO # 38 Dual timeline book
8. OWLS 22  # 25 Time Turner: A book with dual timelines
9. Pick your Poison #4 a "comprehensive" book
10. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #33. A social-horror book

An Early Wake

 An Early Wake is the 3rd County Cork book by Sheila Connolly.   One of my favorite things about reading her cozy mysteries is I feel like I learn about some topic.  She is very thorough in her use of a theme and provides lots of detail when writing her mysteries.   In this particular book, the topic was Irish Music.  It was interesting to read about the instruments as well as some lesser-known musicians from the 80s/90s in Ireland.   Of course, lots of people know of U2 and Sinead O'Connor but many don't know about the Cranberries or the other smaller acts she writes of in this story.  It is especially enjoyable to read how music brings people together in this book and the role it plays in day-to-day society in Irish pubs.  The influence of historic Irish music was also represented in this story as well.   Oh yeah and Connolly writes a pretty good mystery too :)

An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

an engaging installment in the series set in Cork. I really enjoy the way Connolly weaves history and in depth information about different topics in her stories. This is across all her series from what I have seen. In this particular book, the focus is on Irish music and the influence of the history of Irish music on the more modern selections. The mystery is well structured and even though it becomes obvious who has committed the murder, it is revealed in a logical and satisfying manner.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 97  
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 58 Book #1
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #118
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #87
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #85
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #113
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #103
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- pub
• Weapon- heart attack
• Detectives- 
• Victims- Aidan crowley
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #15  Shot #3
11. Pick your Poison #28 a book about a singer or musician

Final Fondue

 This is the 3rd book in the 5 ingredient mystery series by Maya Corrigan.  This series is heavy on character relationships and that really adds to the appeal.   The main and recurring relationship is between Val Deniston and her grandfather.   This is a realistic representation of a relationship between a grown woman and her grandfather.  Particularly the aspects where he is still trying to tell her how to live her life even if he means well.   The book is rife with misunderstandings and people jumping to conclusions; particularly when past events are clouding their judgments.  

Final Fondue by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cleverly written cozy with several red herrings that keep the reader guessing until the end about the guilty party. I liked the references to Hitchcock movies that are interwoven into the storyline. The characters in the story are all dealing with things in their pasts that are well conceived and the characters' reactions feel very appropriate and authentic.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:51  Book #1
2. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2022  Book # 111
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #86
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #84
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #112
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #102
7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
8. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- garden
• Weapon- rope
• Detectives- Val Deniston
• Victims- Fawn Finchley
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #54  Shot #2
10. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2022  # 19. Bottom of Your To-Read List
11. Nancy Drew #2 read a book that has been hidden on your TBR list
12. Pick your Poison #45 a book with a  picture of a cliff or ocean on the cover
13. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO
14. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  N America
15. Lifetime of Reading  80s grandpa

Butter Off Dead

 

Butter Off Dead is the 3rd book in the Food Lover's Village Series by Leslie Budewitz.  This series set in Montana is full of descriptions of the nature surrounding the area.  This narrative, as well as the variety of characters contained within the plot, make for a very engaging read.   The author's writing creates a movie in the readers' minds that allows them to experience the Jewel Bay stores and residents just as if they were there in real life.  I look forward to exploring the town more as the series continues.

Butter Off Dead by Leslie Budewitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good book but is a bit outlandish in some of the plot lines and I did predict the outcomes quite early. I still liked the characters and enjoyed hearing all about the delicacies sold at the Merc. The descriptions of the film and food festival were very well written and made it easy to visualize. Along with the descriptions of Montana wilderness. I liked the aspect of supporting new businesses and their development. As well the explanations about the reintroduction of wolves into the wilderness and the controversy. The book definitely incorporates a lot of topics and information

View all my reviews

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 96  
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes   MT
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 43 Book #1
4. What an Animal Book #54
5. Audiobook  #2022AudiobookChallenge 9
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #117
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #85
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #83
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #111
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #101
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- studio; road
• Weapon- shot; car 
• Detectives- Erin Murphy
• Victims- Christine Vandeberg;  Mr Murphy
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #14  Shot #4
14. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  N America
15. Pick your Poison #24 a book to pass the time while your favorite author finishes their next book

If Books Could Kill

This month found me reading several mysteries that had rather extreme plot points but were still enjoyable.  This 2nd book in the Bibliophile series was set in Edinburgh.  Kate Carlisle does a wonderful job of describing the scenery in such a way the reader can imagine being there with the characters.  This is the 3rd book I have read this year set in Scotland involving the royal family.  This adds an interesting dynamic to my reading as I find myself really feeling as though I "know" the royals.  Obviously this is not the case but the repetitive descriptions definitely creates a familiarity but also makes it interesting to see how the different authors treat the characters.  This series should be developing characters as I have previously read a book from later in the series.  There are well developed relationships in that book so I have high expectations for the series progression.  

If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy set in Edinburgh. Still getting used to the characters but definitely some fun and endearing relationships. The actual mystery was well constructed and led to the suspicion of several people. There were a bit of rather outlandish plot points but they did provide some necessary lighter points to the story. I’m curious to see how the relationships progress as the series continues

View all my reviews

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  95 
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 46 Book #1
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #116
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #84
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #82
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #110
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #100
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- alley; conf room
• Weapon- stab; stab
• Detectives- Brooklyn Wainwright
• Victims- Kyle McVee; Perry McDougal
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #18  Shot #4

A Deadly Deletion

This is the 15th book in the series and while I did enjoy this book the motive behind the killing was a bit outlandish in many ways.  I also found the behaviors of Angelica and her son to be very immature and shallow but they are feasible responses to family disagreements when emotions flare.  If the intention was to annoy the reader then the role was well done in this case.  I suspect this series may be finding itself coming to a natural end soon as there are not many more regulars or suitors left between victims and criminals.  

A Deadly Deletion by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A well-constructed mystery that has many recurring characters. There are several suspects in multiple crimes affecting Tricia Miles and her family. The characters and their relationships are a central part of the story dynamics. Be aware you don’t want to read this book if you have not read the previous books in the series as there are spoilers in the story. I look forward to seeing how Booktown continues to progress hopefully not quite as far-fetched in motive as this one

View all my reviews 

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 94  
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  NH
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 42 Book #1
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #115
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #81
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #109
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #99
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 5 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- road; woods; woods; road
• Weapon- car; hit; beat; motorcycle acc
• Detectives- Tricia Miles
• Victims- Marshall Cambridge; Mark Jameson; Tyler Holden; Ashley Emery
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 62 Shot #4
11. OWLS #58 Switching Spell: A book whose cover and dust jacket are different colors
12. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge N America

Swimming with the Fishes

 I really am enjoying the Ozark Lakes series it is such a unique approach to the cozy genre. There's a male author for one but Marc Jedel writes from a dual narrator approach.   This means there is a female and a male sleuth who are newlyweds.   I appreciate that the MC doesn't have a divided love interest or unrequited attention.   The setting on a farm makes for some interesting scenes and locales.  I truly hope the author continues with the series and I am definitely inclined to try his Silicon Valley series as well.  If Swimming with the Fishes is any indication they will be well-written mysteries with great inter dynamics between characters.  

Swimming with the Fishes by Marc Jedel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

fun cozy with a male detective

This series has a different take on narration than most cozies. It alternates between Jonas and Elizabeth. This book had a great development of more characters in the town as Elizabeth is reconnecting with HS friends at her 10 year reunion. I like the format of the book but I found I don’t care for some of Elizabeth’s traits in this book. She seemed a bit immature and whiny in this book. I hope it’s just a temporary thing as I don’t remember her being like this in the first book. The mystery is well constructed and the guilty party is quite well concealed until the reveal

View all my reviews

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  AR
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 47 Book #1
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #114
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #80
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #108
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #98d5
7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
8. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- lake
• Weapon- explosion
• Detectives- Elizabeth and Jonas
• Victims- Courtney Stanton
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 69 Shot #2
10. Pick your Poison #45 a book with a picture of a cliff or ocean on the cover
11. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge N America

Black Dog

 Black Dog is Stone Barrington #62 and has introduced a new dynamic to the series that will be interesting to see as the series moves forward.  I enjoyed the storyline and appreciated that there was less of Stone's normal bed-hopping.  I cannot wait for the next book to see where the cliff hanger from this book leads to in the storyline.  

Black Dog by Stuart Woods
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A good plot with intricacies that vary from a normal Stone Barrington book. A bit of the bedroom romps but there are less than norm. There is an interesting cliffhanger that makes me want the new book to arrive ASAP.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 93
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:11  Book #3
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #113
4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #107
5. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
6. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- apt
• Weapon- shot
• Detectives- Stone
• Victims- 
7. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 5 Shot #5
8. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  N America

Booked for Trouble

 Booked for Trouble is the 2nd book in the lighthouse library series.  It is set in a charming locale in Nags Head, NC, and is full of descriptions of library activities.  Anyone who has spent any real time at libraries and experienced the different types of programming will relate to many of the subplot arcs.  Any female readers who have a somewhat tenuous relationship with their mother can relate to the characters in this story as well.   The mystery was quite a surprise to me and I was thoroughly happy with the outcome.    

Booked for Trouble by Eva Gates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great mother daughter dynamics

This next Lighthouse mystery book was well written and the mystery quite shocking when it was revealed. Even more intriguing though are the characters and their relationships. There are some quirky personalities in the book and it is enjoyable to read about their interactions and behaviors. Makes for a delightful book


View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 48  Book #1
2. What an Animal Book #53
3. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2022  Book #10
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #83
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #79
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #106
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #97
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- lighthouse
• Weapon- hit
• Detectives- Lucy Richardson
• Victims- Karen Kivas
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #58 Shot #2
11. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #30. A book with the name of a board game in the title 
12. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  N America

Royal Flush

 Similar to the Windsor Knot book I read earlier in the month, this book centers around a member of the royal family.  In contrast to that book, this is a much lesser and poorer relation to the family but still a very charming young woman who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation.  Coincidentally, both books are set in Scotland and Balmoral plays a pivotal role in both stories.   The timeframes are very different though.  In this book, we do interact with a young Lilibet who is already very into her horses and riding.  It is a fun contrast to reading about her as she celebrates her 90th birthday in the other book.  

 I also find similarities between this series and the Gilded Newport series by Alyssa Maxwell.  Both are less well-off members of very affluent and famous families.  One could say the Vanderbilts of the Newport series are the American Royalty.  It is a fun contrast to read the different series and see the similarities and differences between each.  They all do a wonderful job of developing intricate plots with plenty of clues and misleading directions.  I look forward to reading all 3 of these series.  

Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great historical cozy. If you are at all intrigued by Royal family then you will find this series entertaining. Georgie is a poor cousin of the king who repeatedly finds herself investigating mysteries around the Royal Family. She is well positioned to be taken into confidence of the upper crust. She is a strong and determined character. This story involves many near misses involving heirs and a potential conspiracy to harm them. The clues are well constructed and the guilty party very successful in hiding their guilt. Enjoyable series which will especially appeal to readers who enjoy the Gilded Newport series

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 92
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 45 Book #1
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #112
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #82
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #78
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #105
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #96
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 3 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene- road; woods; lake
• Weapon- car; shot; hit
• Detectives- Lady Georgiana
• Victims- Mavis pugh; Hugo Beasley; Godfrey Beverly
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 29 Shot #3

Virtual Travel 2023

 Once again I am going to try to visit all 50 states plus various countries through challenges this year.   The main state-based one is hosted by Lori on her blog EscapewithDollyCas  in her Literary Escapes Challenge.  Use the #LiteraryEscapes when reading books for this challenge.  

On Goodreads there is the Around the World in 80 books which has both US Roadtrip and Global challenges.   The idea is to diversify where your books are set.   There is a perpetual Global one that goes by Circumnavigation.  My global tracker for 2023 is Tourist Travels which meant I could read any books in any order after starting with a US-based book.  There are harder and easier challenges within this global option as well. They also host some prompt-based challenges called Magic Squares.  Many of these prompts are different from most of the other challenges.  

My Circumnavigation tracker   At this point I have traveled to all 9 regions and 46 different countries since 2020.

These are the links to my 2023 travels 

Tourist Travels 2023

Here is my US Roadtrip for 2023  

 For a full list of challenges, I am participating in for 2023 see this blog entry.

My book passport in 2023

States Visited so Far: 32/51

Additional Countries:13

√ Alabama  Read and Buried (Ashton Corners Book Club #2) by Erika Chase Blog/Goodreads 1/12/23

√ Alaska The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/24/23

Arizona   IDEA: Scottsdale Heat (Laura Black Mysteries, #1)

√ Arkansas  Hook, Line and Sinker (Ozark Lakes #3) by Marc Jedel Blog Post  Goodreads Review 8/2/23

√ California Claws for Alarm (Nick and Nora, #2) by T.C. LoTiempo Blog / Goodreads 1/9/23

 Colorado    IDEA:  Bickering Birds (Cozy Corgi Mysteries, #3)

√ Connecticut   The Plot and the Pendulum by Jenn McKinlay Blog Post and Goodreads 8/13/23

Delaware IDEA: the unbearable book club for unsinkable girls by Julie Schumacher / Hope Never Dies

√  District of Columbia  The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/17/23

√ Florida  The Key Lime Crime  by Lucy Burdette Blog/ Goodreads 1/9/23

√ Georgia  Better Off Read (Bookmobile Mystery, #1) by Nora Page Blog /and Goodreads  5/17/23

√ Hawaii   Mai Tai One On (Tiki Goddess #1) by Jill Marie Landis Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/15/23

√ Idaho Two Wicked Desserts (Kitchen Witch, #2) by Lynn Cahoon Blog  / Goodreads 1/21/23

√ Illinois A Proposal They Can't Refuse by Natalie Cana Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/4/23

√  Indiana  Death Over Easy (Country Store #5 ) by Maddie Day Blog Post and Goodreads 3/28/23

√ Iowa Double Trouble in Iowa (Izzy Lewis #2) by Wendy Byrne Blog Post and Goodreads Review 10/3/23

Kansas IDEA:  Gluten for Punishment (A Baker's Treat, #1)

Kentucky IDEA: Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

Louisiana  IDEA: The Physicists’ Daughter

√ Maine   Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Blog Post and Goodreads Review 1/10 /23

 Maryland  IDEA:  A Cookie Before Dying

√  Massachusetts  Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng   Blog Post and Goodreads Review 1/1/23

√ Michigan  Put Out to Pasture (Farm to Table #2) by Amanda Flower Blog Post/ Goodreads Review 5/4/23

√ Minnesota The Sentence by Louise Erdrich Blog Post and Goodreads Review 2/4/23

√  Mississippi A Murder Like No Author by Amy Lillard Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/12/23

Missouri   IDEA: Glue, Baby, Gone (Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery, #12)

√  Montana  Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz Blog /Goodreads 1/24/23

Nebraska IDEA: Death by Dissertation

√ Nevada Masking for Trouble  by Diane Vallere Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/11/23

New Hampshire  IDEA:  Mad Honey

√ New Jersey Ms Marvel Vol 4 Last Days by G. Willow Wilson Blog Post /Goodreads  3/31/23

√ New Mexico Dead Before Dinner by Kat Bellemore  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/7/23

√ New York  Distant Thunder (Stone Barrington, #63) by Stuart Woods Blog Post and Goodreads 1/24/23

√ North Carolina  A Pizza to Die For  Pizza Lovers #3 by Chris Cavender Blog Post and Goodreads  3/3/23

North Dakota IDEA: The Night Watchman; See Also Murder; The Children's Blizzard

√ Ohio  Éclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford Blog Post and Goodreads Review 5/6/23

 Oklahoma   IDEA: For a Few Dumplings More

√   Oregon  Beagles Love Steak Secrets by C A Phipps Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/9/23

√   Pennsylvania  Christmas Candy Corpse  by Rosemarie Ross Blog Post / Goodreads 5/17/23

Rhode Island  IDEA:  Murder at Rough Point (Gilded Newport Mysteries, #4)

 S Carolina  IDEA:    Chamomile Mourning (A Tea Shop Mystery, #6)

South Dakota  IDEA: Nearly Departed in Deadwood

 √ Tennessee  Death in Bloom (Flower House #1)by Jess Dylan Blog Post and Goodreads Review 5/30/23

√ Texas  West Side Love Story (Queens of Mariachi #1) by Priscilla Oliveras Blog Post and Goodreads 2/7/23

 Utah  IDEA:  The Final Arrangement (Flower Shop Mystery, #1)

√ Vermont  Through the Liquor Glass (Literary Pub #5)  by Sarah Fox Blog Post /Goodreads 2/13/23

√  Virginia  A Murder for the Books (Blue Ridge Library #1) by Victoria Gilbert Blog /Goodreads 2/23/23

√ Washington  Winter Takes All (Seattle Wilderness #1) by ML Erdahl Blog Post and Goodreads 1/30/23

West Virginia  IDEA:  No Filter (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #1)

Wisconsin IDEA: Jealousy Filled Donuts (Deputy Donut Mystery, #3)

 Wyoming  IDEA: Sign Off

Additional Countries Visited:

Australia:  

1. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson Blog /Goodreads 5/5/23
2. The Mother in Law by Sally Hepworth Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/21/23

Bahamas: Murder Takes a Bow (Olivia Morgan #1) by Wendy Neugent Blog/Goodreads 7/2/23

Botswana:  Don't Look Behind You! A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos  by Peter Allison  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 5/18/23

China:  Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/12/23

England:  

1. Dead Heat by Dick Francis and Felix Francis Blog Post and Goodreads Review 2/14/23
2.  Larceny in Liverpool by Kal Smagh Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/7/23
3. The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/18/23

France: The Bloodthirsty Bee: a Provence Cozy Mystery by Ana T Drew Blog Post/ Goodreads 1/27/23

 

Ireland: Murder in an Irish Village   by Carlene O'Connor Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/3/23

Italy:   

1. Aged For Murder Tuscan Vineyard #1 by Fiona Grace Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/1/23
2. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/19/23

Mexico: 

1.  Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/8/23
2. Death on Cozumel Island  by Cindy Quayle  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/25/23

Morroco:  Less by Andrew Sean Greer  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 5/24/23

Scotland:  

1. A Scone of Contention (Key West Food Critic Mystery, #11) by Lucy Burdette Blog / Goodreads 1/19/23
2. The Cracked Spine (Scottish Bookshop #1) by Paige Shelton Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/30/23

Sicily: Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder (Cats & Dogs #1) by Fiona Grace Blog /Goodreads 7/25/23

Singapore: 

1.  Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho Blog Post and Goodreads Review 2/16/23
2.  Meddling and Murder (Singapore Mystery #4) Ovidia Yu Blog Post and Goodreads 10/9/23