Killer, Paper, Cut

 Kiki Lowenstein #9 by Joann Campbell Slan is the next book in the series.  A Halloween fundraising crop, straightforward if not a lot of work.  That is until Kiki's employee gets stabbed during the event.   The case brings out lots of secrets and underlying bigotry.  The book is great at highlighting not everything is as it seems with people and often we think they have it easier than they do.  In general, Kiki is a trusting individual so she is shocked by the way others have kept secrets and how mean they are to people.  She finds herself trying to solve the mystery of the attack on her friend all while trying to prepare for a move and help her son adjust to his new surroundings, oh yeah and deal with morning sickness at 7 months pregnant.  If it sounds a bit overwhelming, it is.  

Kiki's fiancee, Chad Dettweiler, tells her she has a hobby besides scrapbooking and that's worrying.  I definitely found myself relating to this side of her personality in addition to her love for scrapbooking.  I really liked that the store and hobby played a bigger role in this book than they had in the past 2 books.  I also found myself rooting for Kiki to finally find some quiet and easiness in her life.  Just in case you thought things would go better, drama ensues. We are left with a cliffhanger for the next book which left me ready to start the next one even though I have plenty on my list I need to finish first.  

Killer, Paper, Cut by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

another enjoyable book that shows Kiki and her family growing literally and figuratively. It seems like Kiki just cannot catch a break as this time she and her family are facing an imminent move and she finds herself searching for answers to the attack on her employee, Lauren. In this book new relationships develop and old ones come under scrutiny. The ending leaves the reader hanging and wanting to read the next book in the series.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Kiki Lowenstein #8
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #148
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #163
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #101
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #138
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #119
8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge50. A free book from your TBR list (gifted, borrowed, library) 
9. Pick your Poison #3-4 A book about a haunted house 
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #7  Shot #4

Group Photo Grave

 This is the next installment in the Kiki Lowenstein series by Joann Cambell Slan.  This one does get back to the roots of including the paper crafting and personnel of Time in a Bottle.  Kiki once again is trying to assist family members in clearing their names for a murder they didn't commit.  This story highlights more of Sheila's, Kiki's ex mother in law, past and relationships. Sheila and Kiki have an interesting relationship that has developed and expanded through the series.   In this book we see more of Sheila's relationship with Robbie and some of his past as well.  His professional life is brought up more in this book especially the political side of being Chief of Police.  There is plenty of drama to go around in addition to the solving of a murder.  All in all another good installment in the series.

Group, Photo, Grave by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wedding does not turn out the way Kiki's mother in law, Sheila, intended it to. Despite a rough scene in the middle of the day, the reception finishes and she expects to leave on her dream cruise for her honeymoon with Robbie. Instead, they find themselves caught up in a politically motivated investigation that drags Sheila into the middle of the drama. This book develops Sheila and her history into the story more as we learn more about her HS days. She and her bridesmaids all went to CALA the same school Kiki's daughter, Anya, now attends. It seems that HS drama was not left in the past and someone seems to want to frame Kiki's family for the murder of a Plastic Surgeon. Kiki and Dettweiler attempt to help solve the murder while being forbidden to get involved publicly. As always Kiki gets drawn in and helps uncover the murderer. Another great installment in the series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 yes book 8 in Kiki Lowenstein series
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #147
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #162
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #100
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #137
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #118
8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #47 A book from your TBR list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing
9. Pick your Poison #7-1 A book with a kilt on the cover - character wears a kilt all the time in book
10. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #7  Shot #3
12. 52 books in 52 weeks  #

A Deadly Eclair

 This is another new series by an author I have previously read- this must be my theme of the week.  I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery and gave it a 4 star rating.   

Daryl Wood Gerber has set the French Bistro series in the Napa Valley area.  The book contains references to the wineries and famous eateries but centers around a fictitious small town.  The main character is Mimi, who is the owner of the new Bistro and Inn that is hosting a the wedding of a famous talk show host.  She is hoping this event will generate lots of positive feedback and help her grow the business.  

 Well even though the talk show host isn't Jerry Springer, there is plenty of drama surrounding the event.  The least of which is a murder victim discovered the morning of the nuptials.  Mimi finds herself drawn into the investigation even though Sheriff Tyson, her HS friend, tells her to butt out.  

Sound familiar?  Of course it does because that is the formula of all cozies.  This one does a great job of blending descriptions of the restaurant business, including disgruntled patrons and critics and family drama with the solving of the mystery.  My only complaint was the degree to which strange coincidences occur in terms of new friendships forming that seem a little too unrealistic.  Other than that I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more of the series.

A Deadly Éclair by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

very enjoyable cozy set in the wine country around Yountville, CA. There is plenty of when talk show host, Angelica comes to town to get married. Mimi as the new owner of a bistro and Inn is excited to host her and hopefully gain some positive press for her new establishments. She did not count on a murder and all the drama that comes with one. She takes on the role of amateur detective and fills her day doing that while the reader also gets a view into her life as a businesswoman and her budding romance. There are definitely some cliche aspects to the story and maybe a few too many coincidental connections between characters but all in all it is a wonderful start to a new series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #130
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #141
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #156
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #96
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #133
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #114
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Rock, brick, blunt object
• Detectives- Mimi/Tyson
• Victims- Bryan
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #66  Shot #3

Murder on Cape Cod

 This is the first book in the Cozy Capers Book Group series by Maddie Day.  I have read some of her Country Store series and really enjoyed them so I thought I would try this series as well.

This book as the name implies is set in Cape Cod.  It was fun to learn about the region that I have not visited.  Day explains the geography of the area and gives vivid descriptions of the landscape that make it easy to visualize the town and scenery.  

The story itself is very well written, with Mac, the female MC trying to determine who killed the local handyman that she inadvertently stumbled over in the fog.   The unique characteristic of this book is how Mac and her fellow detectives, from her Cozy mystery group,  continually reference how things would be done in the books they read.  The mystery feels almost like a biography of the genre.  There are also lots of references to cozy series and writers in the book which makes for fun connections to the characters.   

The mystery is well written with clues and red herrings mixed into the story.  There is no true indication of the guilty party until the conclusion of the story.  The author does a wonderful job of creating several plausible guilty parties.  This includes making the reader unsure if the party Mac is looking to clear of wrongdoing is, in fact actually guilty.  

I intend to continue reading this series along with the other Day has written.  

Murder on Cape Cod by Maddie Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable mystery. I liked how the story basically mimicked a typical cozy while having the characters compare their activities to cozy mysteries. It was enjoyable to read about the Cape. mac’s relationship with her parrot Belle adds a bright spot and humor. It was fun to have a mystery that wasn’t about cats or dogs.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #129
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #140
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #155 
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #95
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #132
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #113
7. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
8. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Pathway or forest
• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Knife
• Detectives- Mac
• Victims- Josh
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #57  Shot #4

Feng Shui Detective

 I selected this cozy to fulfill a prompt about reading book about feng shui.  This is the first in a series by Nury Vittachi.  I enjoyed the book but am not sure I would continue to read the series.  The plot didn't move quickly enough for me a lot of the time.  I also wanted to get to the solution more than I wanted to read the philosophical writings of CW.   The good parts were the interaction between Mr. Wong and his intern-   their exchanges and efforts to understand each other's different language and age dialects were often quite funny.  The story itself was interesting and allows the reader to learn about feng shui and more detailed aspects of Eastern belief systems. This story is mainly set in Singapore but does have a portion of the plot occurring in Sydney.  It was interesting to read about areas and streets I am familiar with from travels to both those cities. If you are looking for a cozy set in a foreign location other than the UK and you like a variety of protagonists- not just single women, this is a good choice.  

The Feng Shui Detective by Nury Vittachi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While an enjoyable book with a creative plot, it just did not grab me. I did like the humor in the communication between CW and his young intern. The generational and cultural differences are for some delightful exchanges. The feng shu information was fascinating as I learned much more about the belief system. If you are looking for a cozy set in a foreign country with different cultural aspects this is a good choice

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #128
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #139
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #154
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #94
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #131
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #112
8. Pick your Poison #9-1 A book about hygge, feng shui, or home harmony 
9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  yes mystery
10. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge multiple continents
11. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021  yes new culture
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags

The Honeymoon from Hell

 This is the 7th book in the cruise series by Lizzie Josephson.  I appreciated this one focusing on Keith and Adriana and their relationship.  It is enjoyable to see the recurring characters that appear in the books.  It makes the series feel like a weekly tv show where you know who the good guys and the bad guys are each time.  This book focused on a Caribbean itinerary with visits to St. Marten, Curacao, Guadelope and Grenada.  There is a nice level of detail on the things to see and do in those different locales.  Always enjoyable to read these series' entries. 

 I look forward to reading the spin off series about fun cruises aboard a less formal set of ships.  This spin off was introduced in this book and will seem to focus on the singles cruises that Cosmo cruise sales director likes to propose. 

I only gave this book a 3 star because the editing was a bit lacking in this book.  There were some redundant conversations and story segments that detracted from the flow  of the book a bit.  

The Honeymoon From Hell: Book Nine: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries by Lizzie Josephson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fun adventures in the Caribbean for Keith and Adrianne. This book explains the spin off series I had seen this year by Lizzie Josephson. I look forward to reading that series to see how she portrays the less formal fun cruises in those adventures. This book had a nice adventure and visits to Caribbean islands. There were a few editing errors so that's why I gave it a 3 instead of a 4

View all my reviews

  

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Grenada
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Series 9 #8
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #138
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #153
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #93
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #130
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #111
9. BooklistQueen   #24 a summer read
10. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  yes 
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #43a  Shot #3

Patterns in the Sand

 This is the second book in the Seaside Knitters Mysteries by Sally Goldenbaum.  I am really enjoying this cozy series.  It reads a little more like a literary fiction story than a typical cozy in my opinion.  The character development and their introspection make it a more substantial read than many of the fun lighter cozy series.  Nell, Izzy, Birdie and Cass need to work to clear their new friend of a murder accusation.  Small town gossip makes Willow a prime suspect when she arrives in town just before Aidan is murdered.  The secrets she is keeping add to the appearance of guilt.  

But she is not the only one keeping secrets it seems.  As the story unfolds there are many characters acting suspiciously and casting guilt on themselves.  It turns out there are more things going on in the artist haven than most realize.  But are these secrets worth killing for?  

Goldnebaum does a wonderful job of laying out a mystery with suspects to spare.  The nice thing is she clears up all the loose ends and they all make sense.  I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.

Patterns in the Sand by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many are keeping secrets in this small town and particularly in the artist's haven. But what secret is worth killing for and why now?
This is an intriguing book with characters of a variety of ages and personalities. The mystery itself is well written where the reader is led to suspect several different individuals and the true guilty party is quite unexpected. If you are looking for a series with a well developed cadre of main characters and strong female leads this is definitely one to pick up and give a read.

View all my reviews

  

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #118
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 yes
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #125
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #139
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #82
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #119
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #100
9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  In the Library with theCandlestick
10. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 2
• Lake or ocean
• Lawn
• Weapons
• Row 3
• Drowning, water, ice
• Row 5
• Medicine or drugs
• Detectives- Nell/Izzy/Birdie/Ben
• Victims- Adian Peabody/Billy 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #18  Shot #2

Fish Out of Water

 This was a fun new cozy mystery by Marc Jedel.  I came across this book in Kindle Unlimited and decided to give it a go.  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the mystery.   In a genre filled with single women as the central amateur detectives, this book veers on a different course.  Jedel, created a married couple as the center of the story.  He takes it one step further by alternating voices as the narrator; switching between the husband and wife. This made for a very enjoyable book since the 2 characters are very different personalities so the different perspectives where generally very obvious.  Occasionally, I would forget who the "I" was in the storyline and have to check for the heading at the beginning of the chapter but usually it was unnecessary.   

The mystery itself was well developed and the criminal was not revealed until the end as the story intended.  I look forward to reading more in the series as well as trying the Silicon Valley based series by the author as well.  

Fish Out of Water by Marc Jedel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this cozy. The mystery structure was well written and complex with multiple layers. Plenty of disagreeable characters that lead to many suspects. I think the thing I liked most though was the characters. Instead of a single woman recovering from some relationship tragedy this book is about Elizabeth and Josh, a married couple. The point of view alternates between the two and makes a unique take on the cozy mystery genre. I really look forward to reading more in the series

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  AR
2. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #
3. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
4. Cozy Mysteries   #3 male author
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #77
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #113
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #95
8. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 4

Street or sidewalk

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Rock, brick, blunt object
• Detectives- Elizabeth/Josh
• Victims- Duncan
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #74  Shot #1

Death on the Green

 This second Dublin Driver mystery by Catie Murphy is set mainly on the golf courses of Bull Island while Megan Malone is driving the pro golfer, Martin Walsh, and his wife.  The sport of golf is central to the story as the victim is Martin's old friend and co-competitor Lou MacDonald.  The plot has plenty of twists and turns and the motive is quite well concealed til the end.  The story mixes some glamourous living in with a bit of romance but all in all it is a well written cozy mystery.  The Irish colloquialisms are well presented and quite amusing to see Megan, an American transplant, stumble over word choices at times.  All in all this is a lighthearted cozy series that is entertaining and easy to read.  

 

Death on the Green by Catie Murphy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second installment of the Dublin Driver series. Megan finds herself caught up in another murder while driving for a professional golfer. This cozy has a great mix of foreign intrigue and a well written mystery. The characters are both charming and abhorrent. The ones you are to like are quite appealing and tug at your heartstrings the ones who are antagonistic are easy to dislike. The outcome of the story is quite surprising and keeps the reader on edge til the very end

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #104
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Ireland
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Dublin Driver #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #112
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #126
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #72
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #106
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #90
10. Diversify your reading #DYRC21  Crime
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Beach or shoreline

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Rock, brick, blunt object
• 
  
• Row 5t
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Megan Malone
• Victims- Lou MacDonald/ Nick Collins
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #73  Shot #2

Farm to Trouble

 This is a new series by Amanda Flower.  Unlike her other series set in Amish country, this is a farming community in northern Michigan.  (if you are a Kid Rock fan and now have that "All Summer Long" line stuck in your head- my apologies )   

In this series Shiloh Bellamy has returned how from LA after 15 years.  She intended to come home to help revitalize and convert her family farm to an organic farm.  Unfortunately for her, financial troubles are the least of her concerns when she comes home. 

She discovers she is an outsider in the town she grew up in and has a lot of past demons to contend with upon her return.  The characters are well written and complex- they are certainly not all tea and roses but rather have some real issues with real disagreements.  As the story progresses we learn more of Shiloh's past and she discovers secrets about her neighbors and family.  

The mystery is well written and has multiple layers to the storyline.  The clues are well constructed and the guilty party is not at all the expected individual nor is the motive what the reader would expect. 

 All in all this is a great start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.

Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this debut in the new series by Amanda Flower. While still set in a rural Midwest farming community this is different from her others which are set in Amish country. This book still has the outsider who is thrown into the role of the detective while trying to help someone she cares about. Unlike the Amish cozies this features Shiloh Bellamy who has returned to help her father resurrect the family farm. Unfortunately things are worse than she expected, not just with the farm but also with her choice of investors. Shiloh quickly learns that Althusser grew up in this northern Michigan town, the locals view her as no soggy from a fudgie and trust her the same. The story is a good mix of plots, drama- family and small town history varieties, and characters. The relationships are layered and full of simmering tensions similar to real life. The mystery keeps the reader guessing and has a great twist or two at the end. Cannot wait to read more in the series

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #101
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #109
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #123
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #70
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #104
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #88
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Rifle or shotgun
• Detectives- Shiloh Bellamy
• Victims-Jefferson Crocker
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #6  Shot #5

Death Gone A Rye

 The 6th book in the Bread Shop mysteries did not disappoint.  I actually think this might be the best one so far.  The dynamics of the investigation and the character developments and relationships were very well done.  I can highly recommend this book but would advise caution if you are trying to eat low carb as Winnie Archer includes many yummy descriptions of breads that may make your mouth water.  

Death Gone A-Rye by Winnie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this latest book in the series. Ivy was a strong detective and this book has her working with Miguel Baptista to determine what happened to school board member Nessa Renchrick. This mystery brings up people from both their past. The book introduces real life relationship and trust issues that felt realistic and unstaged. The animosity with the detective in charge was well written and a change for this series; giving it a more urgent and tension filled tone.
I look forward to reading more and building a greater sense of depth of the characters that recur in the series

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #99
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Bread Shop #6
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book # 107
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 121
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice # 69
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #102
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #87
9. Pick your Poison #2-3 A book with a pun in the title
10. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO  "Gone"
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Home or business office

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Household object
• Detectives- Ivy Culpepper
• Victims- Nessa Renchrick
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #36  Shot #3

Pulp Friction

 This second book in the Cider Shop mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey is an enjoyable read.  I discovered that the 3 cozies I was reading at the same time were all based around weddings which I found to be a funny coincidence.  This one is a rural barn setting for a country wedding while the previous book I finished was the Beach setting.  The cake in the beach one sounded absolutely beautiful but in this book it was easy to envision the twinkling lights hanging from the barn rafters.  The old fashioned truck as the just married vehicle sounds charming as well.

As for the actual mystery it is well written and we find the main character getting into lots of trouble- both from the investigation and her ex.  The characters are well developed and the reader can readily relate to their good and bad characteristics.  There are some stereotypical nefarious activities that cause a bit of an eye roll when they come up in the story as a possible explanation for the murder, but not so outrageous to be unbelievable or detract from the story.

The cider recipes that are included sound wonderful and I am tempted to try the champagne cider used at the wedding reception- it sounds elegant and yummy.   The book definitely makes me hope for crisp fall weather and possible trips to the apple orchard/pumpkin farm.

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this next book in the cider shop series. I appreciate how it depicts the struggles with owning a small business and the creativity and decisions that are needed to run it. Often times stories just portray running a business as an easy task outside of the long hours. They don't tend to talk about the financial struggles and the ever demanding need to evolve and stay current. This series feels realistic about that.
The mystery in the book is well written as well and a good balance of creativity and an honest reflection of small town The setting in the orchard makes me look forward to the fall and hopefully some apple picking or pumpkin patch activities.

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 West Virginia
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Cider Shop #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #106
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #120
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #68
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #101
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #86
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Pathway or forest

Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• 
  
• Row 3
• Motor vehicle (struck by)
• Detectives- Winnie
• Victims- Jack Warren & Chad Denton
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #70  Shot #2

Fishing for Trouble

 This second book set in Elkview, Alaska centers around Charlie and her cafe.  I didn't care for this book quite as much as the first in the series.  I think I just didn't like the characters as much.   I did enjoy reading more of Charlie's backstory and meeting people from her past life before the series had started.   This development of her character and the added descriptions of Alaska are well written.

Unfortunately I found some aspects of the mystery a bit lacking.  At one point one of the characters makes a reference about knowing another character, who supposedly had just arrived in AK.  The mystery of why he had been there longer than he indicated was never cleared up and would have been a relevant piece of the solution since he was a realistic suspect in the murder.   For some reason that issue stuck with me.  

This frustration will not keep me from trying the next book in the series though and I recommend the books to anyone interested in small town diners and particularly if you like outdoor life and Alaska in particular.  

Fishing for Trouble by Elizabeth Logan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I really enjoy the main character, Charlie and her core group of friends/detectives I just found myself not getting invested in this story for some reason. I think I just didn’t like the suspects/friends of the deceased that Charlie was trying to help. This made me not really root for finding the truth and felt like Charlie was wasting her energy. Even the parents of Josh were irritating and cold characters. I just couldn’t “bond” with them. That being said this felt like the author’s intention so in that sense it was well written. I just think I am not a big fan of stories where the protagonists aren’t appealing.
I did like reading about Alaska and the diner including it’s fare. I will look forward to reading more in the series

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  √

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #93
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Alaska
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Alaska Diner #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #100
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #114
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #65
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #97
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #83
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Detectives- Charlie
• Victims- Josh
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #71  Shot #2

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

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

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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

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

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

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

View all my reviews

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 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