Weekend Book Reviews

 Nacho Average Murder by Maddie Day is the seventh book  in the County Store Mystery series.  Robbie has left Indiana for a class reunion in California.  While there someone shares some startling news about her mother's death.  The book was okay, but I found myself missing the country store setting.  The characters seemed a bit disjointed in this one.  The story itself jumped from one thing to the next with no flow.  While I love this series, this book is not at the top of my list.

The eleventh book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon is Murder in Waiting.  Jill, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, is upset to learn that the historical society has rejected her request for historical site approval.  However, things may be turning to her favor when one of the society's experts, Frank, runs into outside her store.  Sadly Frank is run down, and this starts a snowball of problems for Jill.  The mystery was a bit too predictable and seemed to be sidelined by all of the wedding stuff.  I prefer my cozy mysteries to be heavier on the mystery.  

Death on Windmill Way is the first book in the Hamptons Murder Mystery series by Carrie Doyle.  Antonia has started a new life on the East coast as the owner of a restaurant and bed and breakfast.  She bought and renovated the property without any real business plan or even a thorough check of the property's background.  She discovers that the previous owners all died under suspicious circumstances.  Antonia is not very likable.  She is extremely judgmental of everyone and is surprised to learn she is nearly broke even though she imported furnishings from overseas.  The author's writing style was a bit long-winded.  I found myself skimming entire sections as the descriptions went on and on (and on).  Antonia's best friend was a pointless addition who flitted in and out in a self-absorbed cloud.  I will be passing on future installments.

disclosure:  I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews.  All opinions are my own!

Weekend Book Reviews

 A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker is the fourth book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series.  Everly has her hands full with her seaside cafe but makes time for her great-aunts' beekeeping documentary.  A famous actress, Mitzi, is in town to help with the promotion.  When she is found murdered apparently by bees, the town is overrun by her distraught fans.  Everly begins to investigate and finds herself the killer's next target.  The book has several things going on aside from the murder, and readers will find it helpful not to start with this book without reading any of the previous ones.  I love the setting and am always glad to escape to the island town with each new book.

The first book in the Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series by Ruth J Hartman is Hairballs and Homicide.  While reading this I almost felt like this was further in the series as the assumed I knew everything about the characters before reading this book.  I was missing the introductions of each character.  I liked the cat cafe setting although Ellie, the owner, is lacking depth which goes back to the first point.  Ellie's cats are also more accommodating about wearing cute costumes.  I value my life too much to ever try dressing up any of my cats.  Overall I am on the fence about this book, it had both good and bad points making me at least plan to give the second book a try. 

Dog-Gone Dead by Jackie Layton is the second book in the Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series.  Dog walker Andi Grace and her friend Juliet are going to pick up mulch from Andi Grace's brother, Nate,  at a job site.  They find a body and Andi Grace's injured brother.  Even with his injuries, Nate is the police's main suspect.  Andi Grace and her friends are determined to solve the mystery.  I liked the combination of a B&B (run by Juliet) and a dog business (run by Andi Grace).  The southern setting is wonderful, and the mystery kept me waffling back and forth between suspects.  I look forward to the next installment.

disclosure:  I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews.  All opinions are my own!

Weekend Book Reviews

Killing Time by Suzanne Trauth is the sixth book in the Dodie O'Dell mystery series.  Halloween is fast approaching and to set the mood the Eatonville Little Theater is showcasing Dracula.  Dodie plays along with a garlic themed menu for the Windjammer restaurant.  When someone is found dead with a stake to the heart, it becomes an instance of life imitating art.  I do like this series and the characters.  The mystery on this one was a bit on the weak side, and by book six I would hope that Dodie will start being a bit smarter.  It was still a fun seasonal cozy mystery.

Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody by Barbara Ross is the first book in the Jane Darrowfield series.  Jane has barely started retirement and is already out of things to do.  She soon finds herself with the job of helping others with sticky situations including a friend with a pint sized pee-er in the garden.  When the director of a senior living center approaches Jane for help, she turns into a professional busybody.  A murder on the property soon has Jane wondering if she is in over her head.  I love, love, love this series.  Jane is the perfect cozy heroine.  I would give this more than five stars if I could and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

The sixth book in the Maggie McDonald series by Mary Feliz is Snowed Under.  Maggie has gone with her friend, Tess, to Tess' family cabin to help organize it before Tess puts it on the market.  When Maggie finds the frozen body of Tess' missing neighbor, their organizing plans go out the window.  The story focused as much on the snow storm and other neighbors as it did on the mystery.  The book is a nice addition to the series and can be read on its own.  It did make me realize I have no interest in living anywhere that it snows more than once ever 10 years or so!

disclosure:  I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews.  All opinions are my own!

Weekend Book Reviews

Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower is the fifth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.  Juliet and the reverend are getting married so of course Bailey is pulled into the nuptials.  She is serving as maid of honor as well as preparing the cake along with her grandmother.  Summer heat and marshmallow frosting are not a good mix.  Even that mess does not compare to the shocking events during and the morning after the wedding.  Bailey and her friend Cass find themselves in the middle of a mystery.  I adore this series, and it is easily one of my favorites.  The author tackles religious differences as well as alcoholism in this book.  The subjects are handled with tact and well woven into the mystery.  I look forward to the next installment!

The second book in the Vintage Sweets Mystery series by Kaye George is Deadly Sweet Tooth. I had a few issues with the main character Tally in the first book, but I decided to give the second one a try.  Tally is hosting a party for her parents and hires three new employees.  When a guest at the party is murdered, Tally's dad becomes the main suspect.  Unfortunately the murderer was quite obvious the first time the character was introduced.  Aside from the weak mystery, I had several issues with the book. First Tally is completely incompetent.  Two of the people she hires are candidates for the worst employees in the world, yet she continues to let them work.  Second Tally does not even listen when people talk and instead makes up her own "clues".  Third in the South "y'all" is only used when referring to more than two people.  When one person walks up to you, do not ask if "y'all want to sit down?".  Finally either I was missing a chapter near the end or the author gave up.  Sadly I am giving up on this series after two strikes.

Death by Auction by Alexis Morgan is the third book in the Abby McCree Mystery series.  Abby is helping her tenant and friend, Tripp, with a bachelor auction for his veteran's group.  The emcee for the evening turns out to be a very unlikable person, and no one is very sad when he is found murdered.  That is not the only shocking event of the night.  Tripp's ex-wife also returns to town.  I love the characters in this series although Abby was much nicer than I could ever hope to be.  I look forward to more from this series. 

disclosure:  I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews.  All opinions are my own!