Death of a Country Fried Red Neck

 

Another interesting installment from the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails series.  The book is full of recipes both for meals and cocktails.   There is a bit of a weakness in some of the feasibility of the plot line but overall it is entertaining

Death of a Country Fried Redneck by Lee Hollis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

entertaining cozy

Hayley Powell is quite a unique narrator. Her actions in normal circumstances seem pretty typical despite finding herself mixed up in a murder investigation however her columns for the paper are quite a different story. She’s funny and quirky in those. This makes for a fun personality in the story. While I did find the outcome of the story a bit extreme I’m not sure it is impossible to imagine this being a reaction to one’s lifestyle being threatened. Be sure to read to find out what I mean

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  107
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #89   
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
5. What an Animal Book #41
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #98
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #73
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #54
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #83
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #71
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 50 Shot #3
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
13. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  October: True Crime/Mystery
14. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO  OF
15. Read Your Bookshelf  October: The book will start with the first letter of the author’s last name from your September book.
16. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge October 18 - Danger Zone

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder

 I must agree with many of the online reviews that point out the weaknesses in this latest installment of the Hannah Swensen series.  After 29 books you'd expect the books to have some formulation to them but this one just felt forced.   There are many aspects of the story that feel as though they have just been dropped into the plot with no real reason.  Stella is introduced as though we should know who she is and I don't recall her in any previous stories.  Hannah and her sisters are still involved in solving mysteries and baking which is fine.  I do wish Hannah would just hurry up and decide to marry instead of just continuing to lead him along.  I am hoping this is the outcome of the twist at the end of the story and the introduction of Stella as a character.  Hopefully the next book won't be too trite and will provide a conclusion to the series.  

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this latest Hannah Swenson novel. It felt a bit fresher than several of the more recent ones I only gave it 3 stars though because there were times the story line felt a bit erratic. The whole side plot of Mikes desire to retire was a bit odd at times. Stella is introduced into the story as though she’d been part of a previous story but I dont remember her. Also that plot line felt contrived at times. Almost like. Tv show where they are trying to write off a character and bring in new ones. The mystery is well constructed and there’s definitely a cliff hanger that makes readers anxious for the next Installment. Hopefully it wont be too long though since the teaser chapter is from a whole different series from this one

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  106
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  88 
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series:18  Book #1
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 29
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
6. What an Animal Book #40
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #97
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #53
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #82
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #70
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
12. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #32 A book that comes out in the second half of 2023
13. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  October: True Crime/Mystery
14. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  October 18 - Danger Zone

Fatal Fudge Swirl

 Fatal Fudge Swirl is set in Penniman, CT, and is based around an ice cream shop.  This particular one is based upon a socialite wedding at Halloween.  Of course, there is a murder and a list of suspects a mile long.  Instead of focusing on ice cream making the crew of the shop ends up investigating the murder.  As a backdrop to the story, there is a movie being filmed that is loosely modeled on the Hallmark channel movies.  Lots of references to repeat appearances by actors and actresses and the rom-com-type approach to the stories depicted in the movies.   This aspect of the story involves Sprinkles in a major role allowing the outcast cat show feline to strut her stuff.  Allen captures the personality of a cat in a very lifelike manner in this book.   I realized as I was reading this book I had forgotten to read book 2 in the series so I am going back and catching up on that one now.  I can say there isn't much in the way of spoilers in this book so if a reader wanted to have a seasonal read they can jump in with this book.  

Fatal Fudge Swirl by Meri Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fine book that will appeal especially to Halloween and fall lovers. The ice cream flavors will make your mouth water if you’re not careful. The mystery is quite well laid out and not super obvious. I like how there is some historic significance included in the book since it is set in Connecticut. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  105
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  87 
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series:17  Book #1
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
6. What an Animal Book #39
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #96
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #52
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #81
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #69
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
12. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  October: True Crime/Mystery
13. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  OCTOBER- Spellbinding or Spooktacular
14. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  October 18 - Danger Zone

Meddling and Murder

 Meddling and Murder is the 4th Aunty Lee book by Ovidia Yu.  This installment felt a little different from the others in the series.   For some reason it just felt a bit forced and as though the characters were not in sync with their usual rhythms.   I also discovered after reading it that there don't seem to be any more books in this series so I don't know if the author abandoned this series for her other colonial Singapore-based series.  I am interested in trying that series to see how I like it since I do enjoy reading about Singapore and its culture.   Hopefully, there will be more written about Aunty Lee in the future to see what happens with the characters.  

Meddling and Murder by Ovidia Yu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoy this series very much. Aunty Lee is quite a character and her relationships with Nina, her stepson and her friends are quite amusing at times. She makes new friends in this book as she looks to expand her independence during this story. I didn’t give this a higher rating because I felt this story didn’t flow as smoothly as the previous books. I think it was because the stairs kept changing focus of characters and the sub plots. The mystery was wrapped up at the end but still felt like a bit of the details could be expanded upon more thoroughly. I do hope the series continues so readers see how Nina’s story progresses

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  104
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 86  
3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge   Y
4. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 16  Book #1
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 4
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 5
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #95
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #72
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #51
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #80
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #68
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #94  Shot #4
13. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
14. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #39 The Final Book in a Series
15. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  July: Books Set in Southern Asia
16. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  October: True Crime/Mystery
17. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  October 18 - Danger Zone

Double Trouble in Iowa

 Double Trouble in Iowa is the second Izzie Lewis book by Wendy Byrne.   I started this series when I was looking for a book set in Iowa for the literary escapes challenge last year.  Izzie has become less shallow since we first met her in book one which made the story a bit more enjoyable.  The grannies are still a crazy crew and definitely provide comedic relief for the books.  I am looking forward to reading the next mystery to see what antics the ladies all find to get into.  

Double Trouble in Iowa by Wendy Byrne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read with lots of quirky characters. There are two storylines in this book and I enjoyed that. I did find the one a bit abrupt of a conclusion but did appreciate how all the different events were connected to this investigation vs the one of the murder. I think because I read the book over a period of time I did have trouble following who all the characters were especially the suspects. Overall it is a fun series so far

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  103
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   85
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  IA
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #94
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #71
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #50
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #77
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #67
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 3 Toe Tags
12. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  October: True Crime/Mystery
13. Read Your Bookshelf October: The book will start with the first letter of the author’s last name from your September book.
14. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge October 18 - Danger Zone

While My Pretty One Knits

While My Pretty One Knits by Anne Canadeo, is the first book in a new series to me.   The book is based around a knitting group in Massachusetts.   A former student experiencing success decides to pay a visit to the Black Sheep Shop and do a presentation.   Unfortunately, a rival shop owner's death casts a pall over the event.  The knitting group gets involved in the investigation when their friend becomes a person of interest.   The story is well composed and if you are interested in learning about knitting this is a great source for you as a reader.   I look forward to reading more in the series in the future.

While My Pretty One Knits by Anne Canadeo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. The ensemble characters are well mixed with different personalities that makes it engaging. I will say I suspected who did it very early on but didn’t know the why until the story unfolded. The mystery has lots of red herrings and circumstantial evidence pointing at multiple culprits. There are plenty of knitting techniques and patterns discussed that I’m sure will greatly appeal to knitters. Looking forward to more of the series


View all my reviews

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  102
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  84 
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
5. What an Animal Book #38
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #93
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #70
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #49
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #78
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #66
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #109  Shot #1
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
13. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge October 18 - Danger Zone

The Plot and the Pendulum

 

The Plot and the Pendulum is the 13th installment in Jenn McKinlay's  Library Lovers mystery series.  It has been fun to watch the characters and their relationships grow with the series.   It is like visiting old friends when reading it.   I appreciate that there are fresh storylines and they don't all feel like a formulaic read.   

This particular book has some atmospheric vibes as it is set around Halloween and there is the question of whether the house they are visiting is haunted.   This book felt very much like an adult version of a Nancy Drew book;  that is not an insult in my opinion.

I hope to keep reading about Lindsay and Sully for a good while.  

The Plot and the Pendulum by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read with some spooky seasonal elements. This is a case of an old mystery being solved today. There are quite a few twists and turns and attempts to cast suspicion on others. I enjoy reading about the daily activities as well as the mystery solving aspects in these books


View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  76 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  CT
4. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 13  Book #1
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 13
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
7. What an Animal Book #34
8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #85
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #42
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #70
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #59
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 69 Shot #3
13. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
14. Read Your Bookshelf   August: A book that is the same genre as your July book.

Murder, Simple Stitched

 Murder, Simply Stitched is the 2nd installment in the Amish Quilt Shop series by Isabella Alan.  This book is a good perspective on how the Amish and Englisch interact in parts of the country.   If you have any interest in quilting or reading about different cultures while enjoying a cozy mystery you will enjoy this series.  The mystery has lots of twists and turns will following the trope of clearing a friends name from a crime.   I enjoy the simplicity of the lifestyles represented in this book.  I look forward to reading more of this series.  

Murder, Simply Stitched by Isabella Alan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angie is a bit of a busybody but aren’t most amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries. This mystery is well written and reaches a good conclusion. There are definitely charming settings and good relationships included in the story line. I appreciate that Angie tries to find the best n people despite initial impressions to the contrary. There is quite a cliff hanger at the end of the story. I will have to read the next book to see what happens

View all my reviews

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  91
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  74 
3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  I 
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #83
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #64
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #41
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #69
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #58
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 3 Shot #4
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
13. Pick your Poison  # 36 A book published in a year that includes a 4
14. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge August 16 - Tropetastic!

  

Hook, Line and Sinker

 Hook, Line and Sinker is the 3rd Lake of the Ozarks book by Marc Jedel.   I enjoy the aspect of this book that there are 2 narrators who are husband and wife.   It makes for an interesting perspective on the storyline.   This book has an interesting mystery related to the background of 

Hook, Line and Sinker by Marc Jedel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

enjoyable cozy from 2 pov

I like how Marc Jewel writes the series from both the husband and wife’s perspective. It’s also nice to not have the simmering sexual tension hanging over the main character like it is in so many books The mystery is interesting if not a bit loose on its solution. I do enjoy the series

View all my reviews

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  90
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  AR 
3. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge   H
4. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 12  Book #1
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #82
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #40
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #68
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #57
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #53  Shot #3
12. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #4 Title starting with letter "H"
14. Read Around the US   Jul Arkansas

Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder

 Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder  is the first book in the Cats and Dogs Murder series by Fiona Grace.  I read my first book by her earlier this year when I tried Aged For Murder Tuscan Vineyard #1 in March.  ( my Blog Post )  I enjoyed this book as well.  I appreciate how the murder mystery is almost an afterthought in the stories vs the foremost plot feature.   Ms. Grace does a wonderful job of describing the countries and villages where she sets these mysteries.  You can really visualize the locations as you read them and feel as though you are there experiencing the culture as well as the protagonists.  I also like how the character relationships and experiences take a prominent role in the storylines rather than being sidenotes as they often are in cozy mysteries.  Neither is a bad approach, I just enjoy the variety these books by Fiona Grace provide.  

If you are looking for cozy mysteries with strong character development and relationships set in foreign locations be sure to give her Cats and Dogs and Tuscan Vineyard series a try.  

 

A Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder by Fiona Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable mystery that’s really more about the adventures of Audrey Smart on her ex pat journey in Sicily. The situations she finds herself in are often comical. The decisions she must make regarding her 1 euro home renovations are at the center of her missteps. Her move and establishing a vet practice are engaging storylines. Grace makes the reader feel Audreys dilemma between starting a new life and returning to the comfort of life in Boston. The series should prove to be an adventure in home renovations and establishing a vet practice in her new hometown.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  88
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   72
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Sicily
4. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  V
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 =-1
7. What an Animal Book #32
8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #80
9. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #62
10. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #39
11. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #66
12. Craving for Cozies  Book #56
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 97 Shot #2
14. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
15. Bookworm #41 Read a book with a title that starts with the letter V
16. Beyond the Bookends  July- Read a book set in Italy
17. Read Your Bookshelf July  different country than June's book 

Near Miss

 In the 64th Stone Barrington novel I am not sure why I would expect it to be anything different from the others but I guess I was hoping the new co-author would make it feel a bit fresh and different.  In this book, Stone finds himself in the crosshairs of some nasty people yet again.  And surprise, he finds his way to having multiple bedmates during the story.  His recurring relationship with Holly Barker made an appearance but I am not really sure why it had any relevance to the story at all.  At least the 2nd female acquaintance set the stage for why someone was after him.  His last companion is at least a strong female character and maybe a spinoff series candidate for sure.  I am not sure why I would expect Stone to be anything other than the lothario he has been for 63 other books and I bet I'm a sucker who will check out his next adventure from my library when it is published.   Hard habit to break 

Near Miss by Stuart Woods
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While entertaining these books are definitely formulaic. Not sure when I will give up my determination to read them :). It’s more Stone bedroom antics albeit with less detailed description and less bed hopping. Only 3 ladies this book. It is once again his roving eye and charm that gets him muddled up with people who want him dead that’s for sure. Body count racked up in this book for sure. Lots of old friends appear in this book so maybe we will be seeing more of them in future books
If looking for a distraction read similar to a mission impossible movie then you will enjoy this book

View all my reviews

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  86
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   70
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 1 Book #2
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 64
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #78
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #64
8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 93b  Shot #1
9. Medical Examiner Challenge 10 Toe Tags

2 Parts Sugar, 1 Part Murder

 Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is a new series by Valerie Burns.  I have previously read her Mystery Bookshop series and really enjoyed it.  When I spotted this book in my library digital collection, I was excited to try another series by her.  The characters were engaging and realistic just like in her other series.  There are prominent canine characters in this series as well.  In fact, I would say Baby has a starring role in this book.  I enjoyed watching Madison slowly adjust to the midwest small town of New Bison.  She definitely experienced a change from Southern Ca and her Jimmy Choos to a midwestern beach town.  

Those from the Chicago area/SW Michigan will recognize New Bison as a fictitious town based off New Buffalo.  The strife over development for tourism would certainly have been a relevant issue in that town as the development into a beach community of summer homes and vacation rentals for the city residents of nearby Chicago and Detroit.  I recognized the names of some of the roads even and there is a casino located there as well.  All in all, it makes for a fun read to be familiar with the setting as I have mentioned in previous posts.  Additionally, it makes for a separate personal quest to see how many locations I can recognize.  

I enjoyed the mystery and the twists that were incorporated into the plot.  I did find the ending a bit abrupt and felt like there was a death that wasn't accurately solved.  I am not sure if that is an accident or intentional for setting up future stories.   I will be sure to read the next book in the Baker Street Mysteries, Murder is a Piece of Cake, to see what evolves.  

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this first book in this series. I enjoy Ms Burns books being set in MI. I find the locales to be something I can relate to as I live in Chicago. The personal growth of Madison was an nice aspect of the story and it’s hard not to smile at the antics of Baby the mastiff. My only reason I didn’t give this a 4 star was I felt like the mystery wasn’t 100 percent solved. I’m be if the deaths was not resolved in my opinion. I’m not sure if it’s intentional to have. A carry over into future plots or just a desire to quickly finish the story. Time will tell when I read the next book

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 85 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 69  
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
5. What an Animal Book #31
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #77
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #38
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #63
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #55
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #108  Shot #1
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  4 Toe Tags
12. Cozy Mysteries   #21 Three cozies, same author

Moon Spinners

 

This is the 3rd Seaside Knitters mystery by Sally Goldenbaum.  I am glad it wasn't the first because I might have given up on the series.  Moon Spinners started out a bit slowly and I found many of the characters were easy to confuse.  Both names and relationships were a bit indistinguishable at times.  For those who are interested in knitting, there are plenty of references to the craft.  I also appreciate how there is a relationship formed over the craft and it is utilized as means for healing.   The characters are relatable and it is easy to root for them as the story progressed.  The mystery was well thought out and developed.   The clues and structure are well done.  

Moon Spinners by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book but for some reason had trouble getting engaged. i also felt a bit lost at times because the character names kept getting muddled in my attempts to follow the story. I enjoyed the motive and twists of the mystery it was just a bit less fluid of a read for me than the others I have read so far

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 84 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  68 
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #76
6. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 61
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #37
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #62
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #54
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 46 Shot #3
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
12. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #46 Script Font on the Spine
13. Around the Year in 52 Books #38. A book with the sun, moon, or stars on the cover
14. Cozy Mysteries   #6 Sun, Moon, or Stars on the cover

A Souffle of Suspicion

 A Souffle of Suspicion is the 2nd book in the French Bistro series by Daryl Wood Gerber.   It is set in Napa with Mimi Rousseau as the main character.   She is the young woman who owns a bistro as well as the Inn next door.   The 2 businesses keep her busy enough prior to the inn playing host to a Sweets Festival.  The addition of a dead body into the picture just further complicates the matter.  The subsequent investigation into the death leads Mimi to question the motives and alibis of many local residents.  The mystery is well-structured and the crime ends up being resolved in a manner that makes sense and believable.  Unfortunately, I do not think this series will be continued as there hasn't been another published in this series since this one in 2018.   This is too bad as there are definitely some cliffhangers in the storyline regarding the personal lives of the characters.  Hopefully, the author returns to this series after focusing on other series she is currently writing.  

 

A Soufflé of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read set on the Napa Valley area. Foodies will love the delicious meals described and the recipes included on the book. The mystery is well written with Mimi going back and forth on suspecting the different possible guilty parties. Her reasons and queries are laid out in a way the reader can readily follow. Not sure if there will be more in the series but I hope so

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  82
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   66
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series:11  Book #1
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 = 3
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #74
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #59
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #36
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #61
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #53
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 44 Shot #6
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
13. HP Quidditch 23 #16 Beater: Includes a competition

Murder Takes a Bow

 Murder Takes a Bow is the first book in a series set aboard a cruise ship.   It is based around a magician, Olivia Morgan, and her friends aboard a ship traveling in the Caribbean.  There is also a wonderful parrot sidekick who adds to the plot and is the comedic relief.  I look forward to reading more of Olivia and Coco's adventures at sea.

 

Murder Takes a Bow by Wendy Neugent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this cozy. Olivia is a strong female character who overcomes some significant setbacks in her life during this book. I really liked the cruise ship setting and found the entertainment career aspect quite interesting. The mystery was constructed pretty well Ali though I will say I suspected the guilty party pretty early on in the story. I hope the series continues and highlights some of the ports they visit

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  81
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Bahamas
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
5. What an Animal Book #30
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #73
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #35
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #60
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #52
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #107  Shot #1
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags

The Tourist Attraction

 I enjoyed The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler.  It is a light-hearted romance set in Alaska.  There are a few deeper concepts intertwined into the storyline.  Specifically it gets the readers to think about the downside to living in a tourist area.   It points out the difficulties of having a very transient base of clientele for the businesses.  Additionally, the disparity in economics between the locals and the tourists who visit this particular lodge is very significant.  The book made me think about Hawaii and how it must be like for many of the locals there.  The tourism,  along with the locale, drives prices in the islands up and then the locals are faced with those high prices.  Fortunately for those residents there are often kamaaina rates which are available for locals, similar to resident rates at WDW for tickets and hotels.  

The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable chick lit with a mix of outdoor adventure thrown in for an interesting mix. Anyone who has had a vacation fling will enjoy this. Strong female characters with character you can’t help but root for

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  78
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  65  
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Alaska
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
6. What an Animal Book #28
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #70
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #58
9. Bookworm #57 Read a book that takes place in Alaska
10. Pick your Poison  # 118 A book set someplace that has a "long night" during winter
11. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge   June  - Love is Love 

A Sprinkling of Murder

 This cozy is definitely not in my normal repertoire.  I have read other cozies by Daryl Wood Gerber and I know I like her style so I decided to give the Fairy mystery a try.   I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed A Sprinkling of Murder.   The added bonus was the setting in Carmel, CA.   A town I spent time in during my childhood and one that is closely associated with my love of books.  Near Carmel is a shopping center that is set up like it's in the trees.  there was a fabulous bookstore there that my mother took me to for author signings and such.  I met Beverly Cleary and Hank Ketchum among others at this store.  

A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A refreshing cozy that inspires one’s creative side and encourages opening one’s imagination to accept that which is generally not considered real. I have enjoyed other mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber but generally would not have gravitated toward a mystical one such as this. I tried it in order to meet a challenge prompt about fairies. I’m glad I did it’s a clever mystery made that much more enjoyable as it’s set in Carmel, CA. I spent time near there when I was young so that adds to the charm and appeal of the book for me. Anyone looking for a mystery that has some mystical qualities that make you smile should try this book

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  75
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #63   
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
5. What an Animal Book #27
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #68
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #56
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Craft #2
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #57
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #50
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #44  Shot #5
12. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
13. Cozy Mysteries   #4 Paranormal or Magical Cozy
14. Pick your Poison  # 87 Midsummer Night's Dream: A book about fairies 
15. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  JUNE- Take the Plunge set around water