Weekend Book Reviews

Halloween Murder by Leslie Meier is a collection of two Halloween themed short stories.  Lucy Stone is the star of both mysteries although they take place many years apart.  In the first Lucy's children are young and the focus is a town Halloween party.  The town is on edge after a rash of arson that destroys many of the towns oldest buildings.  This is a fun Halloween centered story.  I did not care for the second of the mysteries which was focused completely on witchcraft.  I understand that witches are a big part of Halloween, but the story line was too far fetched for me to believe.  Lucy seems to have no problem with her daughters playing witchcraft and having a "witch" cure her serious poison ivy outbreak with a spell is more science fiction than mystery.

Betty Rowland's first book in the Melissa Craig Mystery series is Murder at Hawthorn Cottage.  Melissa has moved from the city to a small country cottage.  She lives beside one neighbor Iris and her cat Binkie.  Melissa is hoping the quiet country life will help her work on her next mystery novel.  Melissa finds herself in a real life mystery when first Iris and then Melissa herself discover dead bodies and a complicated web suspicious events.  It proves that country life is not always so quiet.  This book has more depth than the usual cozy mystery, but it is still fun and enjoyable to read.

The Trouble with Truth by Kathy Krevat is the second book in the Gourmet Cat Mystery series.  Single mom Colbie and son Elliot have settled into life in Colbie's hometown.  Elliot is starting school and Colbie is set to launch her gourmet cat food into stores.  When one of her part-time chefs is confronted by her former foster family, Colbie steps in to offer support.  After the foster dad is found murdered, the teen chef is at the top of the suspect list.  I adore the characters in this book.  I particularly like the Polish chicken that visits from a nearby farm.  The mystery is strong and has several twists and turns that kept me guessing.  This book tackles social issues without being overly serious.

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