Category: Amateurs Sleuths

Book Review

A Beautiful Corpse by Christi Daugherty [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
A Beautiful Corpse by Christi Daugherty

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BOOK INFO

Title: A Beautiful Corpse

Author: Christi Daugherty

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publish Date: March 12, 2019

Genre: Amateur Investigator

Series: Harper McClain #2

My Rating: 5/5

A Beautiful Corpse by Christi Daugherty

BOOK BLURB

From Christi Daugherty, author of The Echo Killing, comes another pulse-pounding suspenseful thriller featuring crime reporter Harper McClain.

For a woman, being killed by someone who claims to love her is the most ordinary murder of all.

With its antebellum houses and ancient oak trees draped in a veil of Spanish moss, Savannah’s graceful downtown is famous around the world. When a woman is killed in the heart of that affluent district, the shock is felt throughout the city. But for crime reporter Harper McClain, this story is personal. The corpse has a familiar face.

Only twenty-four years old, Naomi Scott was just getting started. A law student, tending bar to make ends meet, she wanted to change the world. Instead, her life ended in the dead of night at the hands of an unseen gunman. There are no witnesses to the crime. The police have three suspects: Scott’s boyfriend, who has a criminal past he claims he’s put behind him, her boss, who stalked another young bartender two years ago, and the district attorney’s son, who Naomi dated until their relationship ended in acrimony. All three men claim to love her. Could one of them be her killer?

With the whole city demanding answers, Harper unravels a tangled story of obsession and jealousy. But the pressures on her go beyond the murder. The newspaper is facing more layoffs. Her boss fears both their jobs are on the line. And Harper begins to realize that someone is watching her every move. Someone familiar and very dangerous.

Someone who told her to run before it’s too late…

A Beautiful Corpse by Christi Daugherty

MY REVIEW

Crime reporter Harper McClain is back in the second book in this suspenseful series. A local woman is killed late at night in Savannah’s tourist district. There are no witnesses to the crime, but the police have three suspects. Harper digs deep to discover who is behind the murder.

Harper is back in A Beautiful Corpse, and after the events in the first book, her relationship with the Savannah police department is suffering. Since she is a crime reporter, this makes her job a little more challenging. Using the few connections she still has, along with her smarts and determination, Harper works to discover the killer in a local murder. This death has hit a little close to home since Harper knew the victim. Being close to the crime both helps and hinders her work as a crime reporter.

The local murder isn’t the only mystery in Harper’s life. It seems someone is watching her. This storyline started in the previous book, but it goes much further in this one. Add in work place drama and a little romance, and this makes for a gripping read.

I loved the first book in this series, The Echo Killing, so I was looking forward to reading this one. I’m happy to say, this continues to be an engaging and thrilling series. I recommend picking up the first book in this series before reading this one.

Compelling characters. Complex and entertaining story. Atmospheric setting. A perfect choice for fans of mystery thrillers.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Harper McClain series:
  1. The Echo Killing
  2. A Beautiful Corpse
  3. Revolver Road
Book Review

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne

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BOOK INFO

Title: Chocolate Cream Pie Murder

Author: Joanne Fluke

Publisher: Kensington

Publish Date: February 26, 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Hannah Swensen #24

My Rating: 3/5

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

BOOK BLURB

Not even Lake Eden’s nosiest residents suspected Hannah Swensen would go from idealistic newlywed to betrayed wife in a matter of weeks. But as a deadly mystery unfolds in town, the proof is in the pudding…

When The Cookie Jar becomes the setting of a star-studded TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes to shine the spotlight on her bakery—not the unsavory scandal swirling around her personal life. But that’s practically impossible with a disturbing visit from the shifty character she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, swapping the crime scene in her condo for her mother Delores’s penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case that’s messier than an upended chocolate cream pie. As suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must serve a hefty helping of justice to an unnamed killer prowling around Lake Eden… before someone takes a slice out of her!

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

MY REVIEW

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder is the 24th book in the Hannah Swensen series by Joanna Fluke. I haven’t read all of the books in this series. I’ve read six or seven books, and hopped around in the order. I do plan to go back and read the entire series. Anyway, this book is best read after reading the others in the series.

Hannah’s personal life is front and center as the truth about her marriage to Ross is revealed. As her scoundrel of a (fake) husband makes a reappearance, Hannah is trying to get on with her life.

These books usually start with Hannah finding a dead body within the first couple of chapters, then going on to play amateur sleuth to solve the murder mystery. In this book, the murder doesn’t happen to really late in the book. So late, I was beginning to think one would never happen. I know these books are mostly formulaic, but I like them and was disappointed in how this book was going. So, this one is more focused on Hannah’s personal life, than a murder mystery.

While I didn’t find this one as enjoyable as others in the series, it was nice to see Hannah getting back on track. Since this is a series, these books sometimes end on a cliffhanger, and this one is a doozy. Hopefully, the next one goes in a good direction.

This is a good series for fans of cozy mysteries and food. The main character own a bakery, and recipes are included throughout the book. Honestly, I skip over the recipes because I’m not much of a cook, but this one seemed to include more dinner recipes than dessert recipes.

A quick, light read for cozy mystery fans. Delightful and entertaining.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series:

  1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
  2. Strawberry Shortcake Murder
  3. Blueberry Muffin Murder
  4. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
  5. Fudge Cupcake Murder
  6. Sugar Cookie Murder
  7. Peach Cobbler Murder
  8. Cherry Cheesecake Murder
  9. Key Lime Pie Murder
  10. Carrot Cake Murder
  11. Cream Puff Murder
  12. Plum Pudding Murder
  13. Apple Turnover Murder
  14. Devil’s Food Cake Murder
  15. Cinnamon Roll Murder
  16. Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
  17. Blackberry Pie Murder
  18. Double Fudge Brownie Murder
  19. Wedding Cake Murder
  20. Christmas Caramel Murder
  21. Banana Cream Pie Murder
  22. Raspberry Danish Murder
  23. Christmas Cake Murder
  24. Chocolate Cream Pie Murder
  25. Coconut Layer Cake Murder
  26. Christmas Cupcake Murder
  27. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder
  28. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder
  29. Pink Lemonade Cake Murder
  30. Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Murder
Book Review

A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Cold Brew Killing

Author: Lena Gregory

Publisher: Lyrical Underground

Publish Date: November 6, 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery #3

My Rating: 4/5

A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory

BOOK BLURB

When an ice cream vendor discovers a frozen stiff, Florida diner owner Gia Morelli has to serve up some just desserts…

Gia has become good friends with Trevor, a fun, flirtatious bachelor who owns the ice cream parlor down the street from her popular All-Day Breakfast Café. Trevor has the scoop on all sorts of local attractions and activities. But when he bursts into her diner, trembling and paler than a pint of French Vanilla, she can tell something’s very wrong. Trevor points her toward his shop then passes out cold. When Gia runs down to his shop, she discovers a chilling sight—a dead body in the open freezer. But the ice cream man’s troubles are just beginning. The police suspect him of this murder a la mode, especially when details of his questionable past surface. Gia believes in her friend and is determined to clear his name and find the real cold-blooded killer before someone else gets put on ice…

A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory

MY REVIEW

Trevor shows up at Gia’s diner in a state of shock after discovering a dead body in his ice cream parlor’s freezer. Trevor soon becomes suspect number one in the case, and Gia sets out to prove her friend is innocent.

A Cold Brew Killing is the third book in the All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series by Lena Gregory. This is the first book in the series that I have read, but it was easily read as a standalone. Gia runs the local diner in a small Florida town. A light and fun cozy mystery series.

This book opens with the discovery of a dead body, and the mystery gets started. Gia, amateur sleuth, wants to clear her friend’s name and find the real bad guy. Things aren’t as clear as they may seem, making this a fun read. The setting is quaint. The characters are likable. The mystery is entertaining.

A typical cozy mystery with a small town setting, quirky characters, and a murder mystery for the local amateur sleuth. I enjoy these types of books, so this one was right up my alley. A good read for fans of cozies.

I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Books in the All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery Series:
  1. Scone Cold Killer
  2. Murder Made to Order
  3. A Cold Brew Killing
  4. A Waffle Lot of Murder
  5. Whole Latte Murder
  6. Mistletoe Cake Murder
Book Review

Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Murder at the Mill

Author: M.B. Shaw

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publish Date: December 4, 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: An Iris Grey Mystery #1

My Rating: 4/5

Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw

BOOK BLURB

A picture hides a thousand lies… And only Iris Grey can uncover the truth.

Iris Grey rents a quaint cottage in a picture-perfect Hampshire village, looking to escape from her crumbling marriage. She is drawn to the neighboring Wetherby family, and is commissioned to paint a portrait of Dominic Wetherby, a celebrated crime writer.

At the Wetherby’s Christmas Eve party, the mulled wine is in full flow – but so are tensions and rivalries among the guests. On Christmas Day, the youngest member of the Wetherby family, Lorcan, finds a body in the water. A tragic accident? Or a deadly crime?

With the snow falling, Iris enters a world of village gossip, romantic intrigue, buried secrets, and murder.

Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw

MY REVIEW

Murder at the Mill is classic crime mystery. The story has a great start with describing the setting and characters. Then a crime occurs. A murder. There is no shortage of suspects, and village newcomer Iris gets involved with discovering the killer’s identity.

Murder at the Mill is the first book in a new mystery series by M.B. Shaw. I look forward to seeing what mysteries are in Iris’s future.

Lovely setting in an idyllic village. Interesting characters. Solid mystery with twists to keep the reader guessing. A great start to a new series.

Books in the Iris Grey Mystery series:
  1. Murder at the Mill
  2. Murder at the Castle
Book Review

Dead as a Door Knocker by Diane Kelly [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Dead as a Door Knocker by Diane Kelly

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Dead as a Door Knocker

Author: Diane Kelly

Publisher: St. Martin

Publish Date: January 29, 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: House-Flipper Mystery #1

My Rating: 4/5

Dead as a Door Knocker by Diane Kelly

BOOK BLURB

The first in a brand-new cozy series from Diane Kelly set in Nashville—where the real estate market is to die for.

WILL THIS KILLER DEAL LEAD TO A DEAD END?
Meet Whitney Whitaker. A hopeless romantic when it comes to real estate, she knows what it takes to find—and flip—the home of one’s dreams. A fixer-upper is like catnip to Whitney: she can’t resist the challenge of turning an eyesore into a priceless work of art. So when one of her clients decides to liquidate a crumbling property, Whitney seizes the opportunity to purchase it for a song. But soon a curious incident of the cat in the night-time leads to a change in tune. . .

Sawdust is the name of Whitney’s cat—of course. Whitney’s passion for gut-renovation may be a mystery to him but one thing Sawdust knows for sure is this: Dead bodies don’t belong in flower beds. So why is there one in this new, albeit old, house? Now it’s up to Whitney, along with the help of hot-and-cold Nashville Police Detective Collin Flynn, to find the truth about what happened before the mortgage property forecloses and Whitney loses her investment. . .and maybe her own life.

Dead as a Door Knocker by Diane Kelly

MY REVIEW

Whitney Whitaker is a property manager with dreams of making it big in real estate. When she gets the chance to buy a property to flip it, she thinks it might be too good to be true. And it is. Especially when a dead body is found buried in the flower bed.

Dead as a Door Knocker is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. Whitney is a likable character. She is single, living in her parent’s guest house, and working all the time. She’s a hard-worker with good relationships with her family and friends. In addition to her family and friends, Whitney has a cat, Sawdust. The reader gets insights to their relationship, since a few chapters are from Sawdust’s point of view.

A cute and entertaining cozy mystery. With this being the first book in a series, a lot of the story is spent getting to know the characters. The murder mystery doesn’t get started right away, but when it does, it’s clear Whitney needs to investigate on her own to find the killer.

A fantastic start to the House-Flipper mystery series. I look forward to reading more about Whitney in future books.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the House-Flipper Mystery Series:
  1. Dead as a Doorknocker
  2. Dead in the Doorway
  3. Murder With a View
  4. Batten Down the Belfry
  5. Primer and Punishment
Book Review

The Suspect by Fiona Barton [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Suspect

Author: Fiona Barton

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: January 22, 2019

Genre: Amateur Investigator

Series: Kate Waters #3

My Rating: 4/5

The Suspect by Fiona Barton

BOOK BLURB

When two eighteen-year-old girls go missing in Thailand, their families are thrust into the international spotlight: desperate, bereft, and frantic with worry. What were the girls up to before they disappeared?

Journalist Kate Waters always does everything she can to be first to the story, first with the exclusive, first to discover the truth—and this time is no exception. But she can’t help but think of her own son, whom she hasn’t seen in two years, since he left home to go travelling. 

As the case of the missing girls unfolds, they will all find that even this far away, danger can lie closer to home than you might think…

The Suspect by Fiona Barton

MY REVIEW

Two eighteen-year-old girls, Alex and Rosie, go missing in Bangkok, Thailand. Kate Waters, a reporter, is working on the story of the missing girls. While Kate makes connections to stay ahead of the story, she is reminded of her son, Jake. He left home and went to Phuket two years earlier, and Kate rarely hears from him.

Told from alternating points of view – the reporter, the detective, one of the girls, and one of the missing girls’ mothers. The missing girl, the mother, and the detective all have quite a few chapters, but most of the book is from Kate’s POV.

Alex and Rosie are young and looking for adventure on their gap year. Unfortunately for Alex, Rosie has no desire to follow Alex’s well thought-out itinerary. Rosie would rather party than visit the places Alex had in mind for the trip. This causes conflict between the girls. Alex and Rosie also have very different relationships with their parents, as is shown after the girls go missing. The characters are from the UK, so the parents are in the international spotlight when the story breaks.

The reporter, Kate, and the detective, Bob Sparkes, were in the previous books in this series. The Suspect is the third book in the Kate Waters series by Fiona Barton. Kate Waters is a journalist who works hard to stay on top of headline stories. Bob Sparkes is a detective who works the cases Kate reports on. I’ve read the previous two books, The Widow and The Child, and enjoyed them. The books can all be read as standalone novels.

The Suspect is a slow-moving mystery with intriguing characters and a compelling story. This reads more as a police procedural rather than a thriller. I enjoy Barton’s writing style, and found this be an interesting and entertaining read. This one is good for fans of Fiona Barton’s other books and British police procedurals.

I received a digital copy of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Kate Waters series:
  1. The Widow
  2. The Child
  3. The Suspect
Book Review

Lie Like a Rug by Donna Huston Murray [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Lie Like a Rug by Donna Huston Murray

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Lie Like a Rug

Author: Donna Huston Murray

Publisher: Donna Huston Murray

Publish Date: January 18, 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: A Ginger Barnes Mystery #7

My Rating: 4/5

Lie Like a Rug by Donna Huston Murray

BOOK BLURB

While escorting Bryn Derwyn Academy’s most infamous student downtown to be scared straight by a Federal judge, Ginger Barnes is shocked to find her childhood babysitter, textile professor Charlie Finnemeyer, on trial for fraudulently aging an Oriental rug. Even more alarming, Gin learns that two witnesses against her beloved “Uncle Wunk” suffered suspiciously convenient heart attacks.
Eager to assist the professor’s attorney, the veteran amateur sleuth pries secret information from a university president and uncovers past transgressions of a TV craft show host—all while acquiring an overnight education in early American textiles from experts at Winterthur and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Others guilty of questionable behavior: two antique dealers, and Charlie’s overprotective wife.
Still, damning evidence can’t be swept under a rug. Before Gin can persuade anyone else that Charlie is innocent, she must first convince herself.

Lie Like a Rug by Donna Huston Murray

MY REVIEW

Lie Like a Rug is the seventh book in the Ginger Barnes mystery series by Donna Huston Murray. Ginger Barnes is a wife and mother, who occasionally acts as amateur sleuth to solve mysteries. Her husband is headmaster at a private school, and she often helps out at the school. This novel opens with Gin escorting a troublemaker student to the courthouse, and ends up spotting a familiar face in a courtroom.

Gin discovers an old family friend is on trial for antiquities fraud. She doesn’t believe him to be guilty of the charges, so Gin uses her amateur sleuthing skills to help. Unfortunately, the evidence seems to be against her friend, and the dead key witnesses are not helping his case.

This book is in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. I have read book 1 of the series, The Main Line is Murder, but not the other books. This book was originally published years ago (2001), but has been updated by the author.

An entertaining cozy mystery with some humor. Likable characters in an enjoyable, light mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Ginger Barnes Mystery series:
  1. The Main Line is Murder
  2. Final Arrangements
  3. School of Hard Knocks
  4. No Bones About It
  5. A Score to Settle
  6. Farewell Performance
  7. Lie Like a Rug
  8. For Better or Worse
Book Review

Death at Whitewater Church by Andrea Carter [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Death at Whitewater Church by Andrea Carter

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Death at Whitewater Church

Author: Andrea Carter

Publisher: Oceanview Publishing

Publish Date: September 4, 2018

Genre: Amateur Investigator

Series: Inishowen Mysteries #1

My Rating: 4/5

Death at Whitewater Church by Andrea Carter

BOOK BLURB

When a skeleton is discovered in the hidden crypt of a deconsecrated church, everyone is convinced the bones must be those of Conor Devitt, a local man who went missing on his wedding day six years previously. But the postmortem reveals otherwise.

Solicitor Benedicta “Ben” O’Keeffe is acting for the owners of the church, and although an unwelcome face from her past makes her reluctant to get involved, when Conor’s brother dies in strange circumstances shortly after coming to see her, she finds herself drawn in to the mystery. Whose is the skeleton in the crypt and how did it get there? Is Conor Devitt still alive, and if so, is there a link? What happened on the morning of his wedding to make him disappear?

Negotiating between the official investigation—headed up by the handsome but surly Sergeant Tom Molloy—and obstructive locals with secrets of their own, Ben unravels layers of personal and political history to get to the truth of what happened six years before.

MY REVIEW

Ben O’Keeffe has the only law practice in town, and is working as the attorney for the land owners who are trying to sell an old church. While inspecting the church, a skeleton is discovered. The townspeople all assume it to be the body of Conor, a local man who went missing on his wedding day six years earlier. When the bones are determined to not belong to Conor, a real mystery begins. Whose remains were found in the church? And what happened to Conor?

Ben, short for Benedicta, has the most northerly law practice in Ireland. She moved to town several years earlier and opened her law office. With the recent developments of the skeletal remains, plus other happenings going on around town, Ben helps the police sergeant slowly uncover secrets from the past.

Death at Whitewater Church is the first book in the Inishowen Mysteries series. This was an entertaining mystery. Very atmospheric. Interesting characters. Great start to a series. I’m looking forward to reading more of the Inishowen mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Inishowen Mysteries series:
  1. Death at Whitewater Church
  2. Treacherous Strand
  3. The Well of Ice
  4. Murder at Greysbridge
  5. The Body Falls
  6. Death Writes
Book Review

A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Wrench in the Works

Author: Kate Carlisle

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: November 16, 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Fixer-Upper Mystery #6

My Rating: 4/5

A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle

BOOK BLURB

Shannon Hammer’s younger sister Chloe left Lighthouse Cove after high school to make it big in Hollywood. And she did it! For several years now, Chloe has been the co-host of a popular home repair show on the Do-It-Yourself Network. Now, after ten years, Chloe returns to Lighthouse Cove with her crew and co-host to film several shows featuring her sister Shannon, along with some special mini-segments on Victorian style and design.

But Shannon realizes quickly that things are not exactly blissful in TV land. Her sister’s handsome co-host is being stalked by someone who turns out to be his estranged wife, Erica–who also happens to be the executive producer of the show. Erica’s got a knack for stirring up sticky situations and when she’s found dead, Chloe and the entire crew are under suspicion.

Shannon soon discovers the real reason why Chloe was so eager to move away from Lighthouse Cove all those years ago. Can Shannon figure out if that ten-year-old secret is connected to Erica’s death? And can she track down the real killer before her beloved sister becomes the next victim?

MY REVIEW

In A Wrench in the Works, Shannon Hammer’s sister Chloe is back in town, and they’re getting to work together. The sisters both work in home improvement. Shannon’s specialty is Victorian houses and Chloe works on a home makeover show. Chloe’s show is scheduled to renovate a house in her hometown of Lighthouse Cove, and Shannon is excited to help her sister work on a local Victorian house. Shannon is proud of her sister for doing so well with her show, but soon realizes not all is great in the entertainment business. For one thing, the executive producer is a bit of a nightmare to work with. When the executive producer of the show is found dead, the crew, including Chloe, are all under suspicion. While in town, Chloe also reveals part of the reason she left town right after high school, and why she rarely visits

A wonderful light read. The characters are entertaining, though sometimes a little immature. Shannon and Chloe are both likable. It is refreshing to read a story where the sisters get along and there is not a lot of family drama. The mystery is well plotted. Good for fans of cozies. I have some of Kate Carlisle’s books on my TBR, and I plan to read some of the earlier books in this series.

A Wrench in the Works is the sixth book in the Fixer-Upper mystery series by Kate Carlisle. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but this one was easily read as a standalone. I don’t think Chloe was in the previous books, so she was introduced in this one.

A fun cozy mystery that combines home improvement and a television show. Delightful and charming.

I received a digital copy of this book from Penguin’s First to Read in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Fixer-Upper Mystery Series:
  1. A High-End Finish
  2. This Old Homicide
  3. Crowned and Moldering
  4. Deck the Hallways
  5. Eaves of Destruction
  6. A Wrench in the Works
  7. Shot Through the Hearth
  8. Premeditated Mortar
  9. Absence of Mallets
  10. Dressed to Drill
Book Review

Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Glitter Bomb

Author: Laura Childs

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: October 2, 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery #15

My Rating: 4/5

Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs

BOOK BLURB

It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans and scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is excited to be attending the Pluvius Parade along with her best friend Ava. Carmela’s ex-husband Shamus rides by the duo on his float at the head of the parade, when suddenly the revelry turns to disaster. Shamus’ float crashes and explodes, and although Shamus escapes unhurt, a member of his krewe is killed.

Carmela and Ava plunge into an investigation of the krewe-member’s death, but as they dig deeper it starts to look less like an accident and more like a murder….and Shamus seems less like a victim, and more like a suspect.

MY REVIEW

A deadly explosion occurs during a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. Carmela, a scrapbook shop owner, and Ava, her best friend, are at the parade and witness the disaster. Carmela and Ava use their sleuthing skills to investigate and find out if the explosion was an accident or murder.

Glitter Bomb is the 15th book in A Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs. I have not read the previous books in this series, but this one was easily read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, and plan on reading some of the earlier books in this series.

Glitter Bomb starts with a bang, and keeps a fast and fun pace throughout the book. Carmela and Ava are a lively duo that go on quite the adventure to solve this mystery. Since it is set during Mardi Gras, the city is bustling and Carmela and Ava stay busy enjoying the festivities.

After the story, a few extras are included:
– Scrapbook, stamping, and craft tips from Laura Childs
– Favorite New Orleans recipes
– Excerpt from Eggs on Ice

A fun mystery in a dazzling setting. A great read for fans of cozy mysteries. Humorous, delightful, and sparkling.

I received a digital copy of this book from First to Read in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Scrapbooking Mystery series:
  1. Keepsake Crimes
  2. Photo Finished
  3. Bound for Murder
  4. Motif for Murder
  5. Frill Kill
  6. Death Swatch
  7. Tragic Magic
  8. Fiber and Brimstone
  9. Skeleton Letters
  10. Postcards from the Dead
  11. Gilt Trip
  12. Gossamer Ghost
  13. Parchment and Old Lace
  14. Crepe Factor
  15. Glitter Bomb
  16. Mumbo Gumbo Murder
Book Review

Winter Gets Hot by David M. Hamlin [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Winter Gets Hot

Author: David M. Hamlin

Publisher: Open Books

Publish Date: December 6, 2017

Genre: Amateur Investigator

Series: Emily Winter #2

My Rating: 4/5

Winter Gets Hot by David M. Hamlin

BOOK BLURB

Winter in Chicago journalist Emily Winter is the first reporter on the scene of a gruesome murder in the offices of CARD, a civic organization that investigates corruption in City Hall. Although she has proven herself to be a skilled reporter with at least one headline making story to her credit, her new TV boss assigns her to a more “ladylike” beat—lifestyle and feature stories.

Determined to overcome the sexism that inhibits her career, Emily works her way into hard news coverage, including the story of the murder at CARD, but she faces major obstacles on all fronts as she pursues the killer.

As the case twists and turns, Emily navigates the city she loves, relishing Chicago’s architecture, neighborhood restaurants, culture and her beloved, if hapless, Chicago Cubs.

Will she uncover the murderer and bring justice for those who depend on hard-working journalists to write the stories that define their lives? Find out in Winter Gets Hot!

Winter Gets Hot by David M. Hamlin

MY REVIEW

Emily is a journalist in Chicago. She does the lighter, fluffier pieces for the news station she works for, but she yearns to work on more hard hitting news. When she is the first reporter at a crime scene, she thinks she finally has a chance at a real news story. Unfortunately for Emily, the current crime news reporter is putting up a fight and doesn’t want her working on the story. Emily is not easily discouraged, so she works on not only reporting the crime, but solving it too.

This is the second book with the character Emily Winter. I have not read the first book, Winter in Chicago, but Winter Gets Hot is easily read as a standalone.

This story takes place in the late 1970s, and Emily deals with a lot of sexism in the work place. With her high standards for work ethic and career goals, she is ready to show the men that there is room for a woman in the news room. A smart, resourceful, and determined female protagonist.

Emily is an enjoyable character to root for. A solid crime mystery, with mostly realistic interactions. My only complaint was the conversations with her husband. He used odd phrasing that seemed dated, even for the 70s. Though it was sometimes humorous, it broke the flow of the story.

An enjoyable, quick read. Good for fans of lighter crime fiction with a female sleuth.

I received a digital copy of this book from Book Glow in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Winter series:

  1. Winter in Chicago
  2. Winter Gets Hot
Book Review

Berries and Birthdays by Leena Clover [Book Review]

Posted on by Darinda
Berries and Birthdays by Leena Clover

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BOOK INFO

Title: Berries and Birthdays

Author: Leena Clover

Publisher: Independently published

Publish Date: May 21, 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Pelican Cove #3

My Rating: 4/5

Berries and Birthdays by Leena Clover

BOOK BLURB

July 4th parade ends in 100 year old’s gruesome murder.
He never cut the birthday cake Jenny baked for him!
The Pelican Cove police are clueless about why anyone would murder a 100 year old man on his birthday. With most of the victim’s large family admitting they hated him, Jenny decides the obvious suspects are innocent. She will pursue the most unlikely string of clues to uncover a mystery that spans generations. Her startling discovery will shock the entire community. Can she apprehend the murderer in time?
The busy tourist season spurs Jenny to dish out treats like iced coffees and crab cakes. She’s happy being wooed by two hot and eligible men while her friend Heather tries her hand at online dating.
Book 3 in the Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series promises a mystery you never saw coming. If you like beach settings, mouth watering food and mysteries that keep you guessing till the end, you will like Berries and Birthdays.

Berries and Birthdays by Leena Clover

MY REVIEW

Jenny moved to the small town of Pelican Cove after her divorce. She has settled in the community, making friends and working at a local cafe. In her short time in Pelican Cove, she has helped solve two murders – Strawberries and Strangers and Cupcakes and Celebrities. With Berries and Birthdays, a local man is killed on his 100th birthday, and Jenny is once again ready to help solve the mystery.

Berries and Birthdays is the third book in the Pelican Cove cozy mystery series. This book can be read as a standalone, though I do suggest reading the previous books to be more familiar with the characters.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one more than the previous book. This mystery hits all the high points for an enjoyable cozy read – amateur sleuth, charming setting, a little romance, and interesting characters.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Pelican Cove Series:
  1. Strawberries and Strangers
  2. Cupcakes and Celebrities
  3. Berries and Birthdays
  4. Sprinkles and Skeletons
  5. Waffles and Weekends
  6. Muffins and Mobsters
  7. Parfaits and Paramours
  8. Truffles and Troubadours
  9. Sundaes and Sinners
  10. Croissants and Cruises
  11. Pancakes and Parrots
  12. Cookies and Christmas
  13. Popsicles and Poisons
  14. Biscuits and Butlers