Weekend Book Reviews

Picked Off by Linda Lovely is the second book in the Brie Hooker Mystery series.  It is nearly Halloween at Udderly Kidding Dairy.  Brie and her aunt are hosting a political event at the farm.  When the candidate's son is brutally attacked in the haunted barn, Brie finds herself investigating once again.  I enjoyed the setting and the mystery.  The characters have promise, but most act like silly teenagers.  The sexual innuendos grew tiring quickly and seemed out of place with the age of the characters.  I was slightly put off by the casual use of a Ouija board, but that was a small part that I could overlook.  I do hope the characters "grow up" in book three.

Leslie Budewitz's fifth book in the Food Lovers' Village Mystery series is As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles.  Erin is getting reading for both her wedding and the Christmas holiday at the Merc.  She still has time to make a new friend, Merrily, who is shunned by her family due to her past.  When the past rears its ugly head and Merrily is found murdered, Erin sets out to solve the murder and maybe clear Merrily's name.  This book had several things going on at once, but everything was woven together by the end.  I enjoyed the setting, and the mystery was strong as well.  The characters work together well and make the book more delightful. 

Cherry Pies and Deadly Lies by Darci Hannah is the first book in the Very Cherry Mystery series.  Whitney has started a baking business after a disastrous end to her advertising career.   That is interrupted when a late night call from her mom informs Whitney that her dad is suspected of murder.  Whitney returns home to Cherry Cove to clear her dad and save the family's inn.  The book was full of action, and the mystery was strong.  The characters have promise for development, and I enjoyed the cherry themed setting.  I hope to read more from this series.

Cornelia Kidd's first book in the Maine Murder Mystery series is Death and a Pot of Chowder.  Anna lives with her teenage son and husband on Quarry Island.  She discovers that the father she never knew has died, and she has a half-sister named Izzie.  Anna heads out to pick up Izzie for a first time meeting and visit to Quarry Island.  Anna's plans are turned upside down when her brother-in-law Carl goes missing and is later found murdered.  Izzie and Anna decide to investigate after suspicion turns to Anna's husband.  This was a nice start to a new series.  Izzie is definitely my favorite character.  The book was quite serious for a cozy mystery.  My main issue was the actions of Anna's teenage son and her lack of reaction.  I have a hard time with any teenager acting out so without the slightest reprimand.  The mystery was strong enough for me to read a second book in the series. 

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