Posted in 4 paws, Cozy, mystery, Review on October 2, 2019

 

The Glass House: A PIP Inc. Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Good Read Mysteries (July 23, 2019)
Paperback: 271 pages

Synopsis

Law Librarian Pat Pirard got an unexpected thirty-fifth birthday present: a pink slip. Now she has nine weeks to reinvent herself before she runs out of money. Her best friend Syda gives her a glass forming class as a birthday present and distraction where Pat again gets a surprise: a murder.

 

 

 

 

Review

Watch out, Pat in her funky yellow Mercedes is on the case!

This series has the potential to be a winning series. Pat is downsized from her job at a law library due to lack of funds, but she doesn’t let that stop her. She decides she is going to be a PI when an art instructor dies at one of her classes. As much research that Pat has done over the years and during this book, I’m surprised she doesn’t realize you have to take classes or have so many hours to be an official PI. This could be interesting for her should law enforcement find out she isn’t quite up to that level…but her love interest is a police detective so perhaps he will smooth the way.

The mystery kept me on my toes as I couldn’t figure out who was the killer. There are several key suspects but I couldn’t put my finger on any of them to be the killer or for what reason. There is misdirection and red herrings but it all comes together nicely in the end.

There is even a love interest for Pat with Tim and I chuckled as they avoided her friend Syda and her husband Greg, who happened to be Tim’s police partner for awhile. Syda has a good heart but wanted to fix Pat up with any man she came across. I grinned when Tim and Pat are “introduced” at a dinner near the end and what Tim does to Pat. I’ll leave you hanging, you’ll have to read the book to get your own chuckle from this scene.

We give this 4 paws up

 

 

About the Author

Nancy Lynn Jarvis was a Santa Cruz, California, Realtor® for more than twenty years before she fell in love with writing and let her license lapse.

After earning a BA in behavioral science from San Jose State University, she worked in the advertising department of the San Jose Mercury News. A move to Santa Cruz meant a new job as a librarian and later a stint as the business manager for Shakespeare/Santa Cruz at UCSC.

Nancy’s work history reflects her philosophy: people should try something radically different every few years, a philosophy she applies to her writing, as well. She has written seven Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries; a stand-alone novel “Mags and the AARP Gang” about a group of octogenarian bank robbers; edited “Cozy Food: 128 Cozy Mystery Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes” and a short story anthology, “Santa Cruz Weird;” and even done a little insider’s book, “The Truth About Hosting Airbnb” about her first year as a host.

“The Glass House” is the first book in a planned series of PIP Inc. Mysteries. Now she’s trying to figure out when to work on another series she’d love to do called “Geezers with Tools” about two older handymen who will solve mysteries in the course of doing their work, and setting up writer retreats at her house.

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Review on September 29, 2019

 

 

 

The Garden Club Murder (A Tish Tarragon Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Severn House Publishers (September 1, 2019)
Hardcover: 208 pages

Synopsis

Literary caterer Letitia ‘Tish’ Tarragon is preparing her English Secret Garden-themed luncheon for Coleton Creek’s annual garden club awards, but when she is taken on a tour of some of the top contenders with the garden club’s president, Jim Ainsley, Tish is surprised at how seriously the residents take the awards – and how desperate they are to win. Wealthy, retired businessman Sloane Shackleford has won the coveted best garden category five years in a row, but he and his Bichon Frise, Biscuit, are universally despised. When Sloane’s bludgeoned body is discovered in his pristine garden, Tish soon learns that he was disliked for reasons that go beyond his green fingers. Have the hotly contested awards brought out a competitive and murderous streak in one of the residents?

 

Review

I just love this series from the literary cafe and its dishes to the characters and the mystery that is never quite what it seems.

I enjoyed so many things about this book/series.  Tish is a reluctant sleuth.  She can’t help it if people just open up to her and she knows what questions to ask.  At least she shares all of the information with Sheriff Reade so that he can do his job and catch the criminals.  The banter between Tish and Jules (Julian) is witty and had me chuckling throughout the book…especially when Jules is talking about moving into a retirement center with an older woman!  Granted he would be renting a room, but the whole situation is comical.  There is the dog of the deceased, Biscuit, who appears to be quite charming despite the rumors about some of Biscuits deeds around the community.

The mystery is well written and I was surprised at some of the twists and turns before the conclusion of the story.  Who thought gardening could be murder, but once you learn more about the deceased you won’t be surprised at his death.  I felt bad for some of the characters as their stories were revealed but I think it made them stronger in the end.

Tish does have a love interest, but I think there is someone else that could be interested in her as well.  I can’t wait to see how this turns out.

Overall we give this 5 paws up!

 

About the Author

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries and the Stella and Nick VT Mystery Series, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown.

After stints as an Operations Manager for a document imaging company and a freelance technical writer, Amy left the bright lights of New York City and headed north to pursue her creative writing career amidst the idyllic beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Now residing in Bristol, England Amy spends her time writing mysteries with a humorous or historical bent. When not writing – which is rare these days – Amy enjoys traveling, testing out new recipes, classic films, and exploring her new home.

Amy is a member of Sisters in Crime and The Crime Writers Association.

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery on September 27, 2019

 

 

Have Yourself a Beary Little Murder (A Teddy Bear Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Kensington (September 24, 2019)
Paperback: 288 pages

Synopsis

This holiday season, teddy bear shop manager Sasha Silverman must solve the slaying of Santa Bear . . .

Sasha and her sister Maddie are thrilled that the Silver Bear Shop and Factory has won the Teddy Bear Keepsake Contest, which means they get to produce a holiday specialty toy, a wizard bear named “Beary Potter.” Promising to be just as magical is Silver Hollow’s annual tree-lighting ceremony and village parade. Only one hitch: the parade’s mascot, Santa Bear—played by Mayor Cal Bloom—is missing.

After a frantic search among the floats, Bloom is found dead. When the outfit is removed, it’s clear the mayor’s been electrocuted. Who zapped hizzoner and then stuffed him into his Santa Bear suit? While the police investigate the grisly crime, Sasha attempts to track down the murderer herself, with some help from the Guilty Pleasures Gossip Club. Can they wrap up this case in time for Christmas—or will Sasha meet her own shocking end?

Amazon * B&N * Kobo

 

About the Author

Meg Macy is an award-winning author and artist and lives in Southeastern Michigan, the setting of her Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear cozy mysteries for Kensington. Her first published book, Double Crossing, won the 2012 Spur Award for Best First Novel from Western Writers of America. Meg is also one-half of the writing team of D.E. Ireland, authors of the Eliza and Henry Higgins Mystery series—of which two titles have been Agatha Award finalists. Meg love gardening, watercolor painting, and reading books of various genres.

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Posted in Book Release, Cozy, excerpt, mystery on September 19, 2019

 

Title: Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction
Author: Amy Metz
Genre: Cozy mystery
Series: Goose Pimple Junction Mysteries, book 5
Publisher: Southern Ink Press
September 1, 2019 (paperback)
September 19, 2019 (Kindle)

 

Synopsis

It’s election season, and there’s a new candidate in town. Virgil Pepper is determined to take the job from Goose Pimple Junction’s long-time mayor. Virgil is a charming and charismatic candidate but someone who will say anything (and mean none of it) to get what he wants. Three things top his list: to become mayor, to acquire Jackson Wright’s land, and to make Caledonia Culpepper one of his many conquests.

Wynona Baxter is back, and she’s a new woman. Now Daisy has a new identity, new life, and new business-ironically named Killer Cupcakes. But the town soon finds out that isn’t the only kind of killer in town. Book five of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series combines political hijinks, delicious cupcakes, Goose Juice moonshine, the ups and downs of finding true love, and, of course, murder.

It is said that “It’s a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what.” Lying in politics, lying for personal and professional gain, lying about an identity . . . What are the folks of Goose Pimple Junction willing to lie for . . . and what are they willing to die for?

 

Excerpt

Prologue

He entered the territory of lies without a passport for return.

 –Graham Greene

 

Caledonia was resplendent in a hot pink sweater and black slacks as she walked into Slick & Junebug’s Diner after getting her boys, Pickle—a high school senior—off to work and Peanut—a sixth grader—off to a friend’s house. It was her habit to stop in every morning before she went to open up the dress shop she owned. Her day didn’t really get started until she’d had her morning gossip and cup of coffee. This morning, the place was buzzing. With a smile and a wave, she scooted past the regulars­—two old men, Clive and Earl—at their usual place at the counter and joined her best friend, Paprika Parker, in a window booth. They liked that spot so they could see what was going on in the town square while they drank their coffee and talked about town happenings.

Paprika could read Caledonia like a book. “What’s wrong?”

“No good morning? You’re just gonna jump right in?” Caledonia uprighted her coffee cup on its saucer.

“Might as well. I can see something’s up.”

“Is it that obvious?” Caledonia’s brow furrowed.

“Stop frowning. You’ll form wrinkles. And yes, to me it’s that obvious. Now for the last time, out with it.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake. All right.” She let out a heavy sigh. “Virgil made another play for me last night.”

“After all you’ve done to make it clear there will never be anything between you again? Why doesn’t the man ever give up?”

Caledonia’s hand went up to stop her friend. “It’s a power play. He wants to be the dump-er instead of the dump-ee. Don’t worry. I didn’t give in. What I did give him was what for. You woulda been proud of me, Spice Girl.” Caledonia had long ago given the nickname to her friend, even though she was always tempted to call her Pippi because she resembled an adult Pippi Longstocking. Caledonia hunched her shoulders and leaned in, slightly sheepish but a touch defiant. She cupped her hand to the side of her mouth and whispered, “I hauled off and whacked him over the head with a tennis racket.”

Paprika sat up straight, her eyes bugging out behind her glasses. “You did not.”

“I most certainly did. Admittedly, it was a reflexive action, but upon reflection I’m glad I did it. Say, it didn’t by any chance rain last night, did it?” Caledonia wound some of her long blonde hair around a finger.

“Not that I’m aware. What do you mean a reflexive action?”

“I’d told him to take a hike and walked away from him. When he came up behind me and grabbed my left arm, my right arm reacted. I tell you what, he dropped like a bag of flour.”

Paprika broke out in a huge grin. “I wish I’d been there to see that.”

The women were laughing when owner, waitress, and half namesake of the diner, Junebug Calloway, came to the table. She had a crease in her septuagenarian forehead.

“Junebug, don’t do that. It’ll make your forehead permanently wrinkled.” Caledonia held out her coffee cup.

“I just thought you’d be a might subdued this morning, Caledonia, what with the news and all. I know that man did you wrong, but laughing at a time like this? I’m a might surprised is all.” She finished filling the cup and set the pot on the table, hands on her hips.

The two women exchanged bewildered looks before directing their confusion toward Junebug. “What news?” they asked simultaneously.

Junebug’s mouth dropped open, and she got a gleam in her eye. She loved to be the first one to pass on a bit of gossip. “You mean you haven’t heard?”

Again, both women were in sync. “Heard what?”

“‘Bout Virgil.”

The women stared at her blankly.

“He got stamped ‘return to sender.’”

Return to sender?” Caledonia’s hand went to her throat. “You don’t mean . . . ”

Junebug nodded. “I do mean. He’s picking turnips with a stepladder now.”

Caledonia’s head bobbed from side to side. “That’s ridiculous. I just saw him yesterday afternoon.”

“You didn’t conk him over the head, did you?” Junebug chuckled but stopped when she saw the look that passed between the women.

“What do you mean, Junebug?” Caledonia’s mouth had gone dry.

“Well, somebody did. Bopped him on that thick noggin of his. Now they’re basting that turkey in formaldehyde.” As an afterthought, she added, “May he rest in peace.”

Junebug’s eyes went from woman to woman. “Listen, I hate to deliver bad news and run, but I’m in the weeds. Look at this crowd. Nothing like a good murder to bring out the townsfolk.” She held up a finger to a man two booths away. “Be right there, Chet.” Returning her eyes to Caledonia, she said, “Anything besides coffee today, ladies?”

Caledonia shook her head with a vacant expression on her face.

“Bring us two chocolate iced donuts, Junebug,” Paprika said.

Junebug nodded. “It looks like y’all could use a pick-me-up. Two life preservers, coming up.”

When Junebug left, the women stared at each other, both instinctively closing their mouths when they saw the other’s wide open. Caledonia swallowed hard. Paprika covered her mouth with her hand.

Finally, Caledonia leaned in and whispered, “You don’t think I killed him, do you?” Sitting back, she answered her own question, “I killed him. I sent the man to be with Jesus.”

“Now, Caledonia, don’t go getting ahead of yourself. And I doubt it’s Jesus he’s keeping company with if you ask me.”

“You heard her. Someone conked him over the head. That someone was me.” Caledonia poked her chest with a finger. “I offed a man. I’m a stone-cold killer. What will happen to the children?”

Paprika grabbed her friend’s hand. “Hush it. Not another word until we find out more. And talk to a lawyer.”

“I don’t know if a lawyer will talk to me. After all, I just killed my last one.”

“Caledonia Culpepper, get ahold of yourself.”

Caledonia stared blankly and muttered, “You take care of the boys until Mother can get here.”

“Take care of the boys? What are you talking about?”

Caledonia slid out of the booth.

“Where are you going?”

“I reckon to jail.” She walked to the counter where Johnny Butterfield, the chief of police, sat. Offering him her wrists, she said, “Lock me up, Chief. I’m a murderer.”

 

About the Author

Amy Metz is the author of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two grown sons. When not writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Pinterest and Facebook, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy loves unique Southern phrases, cupcakes, and a good mystery. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Review on September 19, 2019

 

 

The House on Hallowed Ground (A Misty Dawn Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Henery Press (September 10, 2019)

Synopsis

When Misty Dawn, a former Hollywood Psychic to the Stars, moves into an old craftsman house, she encounters the former owner, the recently deceased Hollywood set designer, Wilson Thorne.

Wilson is unaware of his circumstances, and when Misty explains the particulars of his limbo state, and how he might help himself if he helps her, he’s not at all happy. That is until young actress Zoey Chamberlain comes to Misty’s door for help.

Zoey has recently purchased The Pink Mansion, a historic Hollywood Hills home, and believes it’s haunted. But when Misty arrives to search the house, it’s not a ghost she finds, but a dead body.

The police are quick to suspect Zoey of murdering her best friend. Zoey maintains her innocence and fears her friend’s death may have been a result of the ghost…and a long-time family curse.

Together Misty and Wilson must untangle the secrets of The Pink Mansion or submit to the powers of the family curse.

Amazon – B&N – Kobo

 

Review

This new series knocks it out of the ballpark for this reader!

I have enjoyed all of Nancy’s books so far and I was intrigued by this new series.  I’m iffy on the stories that focus on more paranormal angles but am very glad that I gave this story a whirl.

Misty Dawn may be down but don’t count her out quite yet.  Misty is living in a VW van, which is not an ideal situation for anyone even if you live in California with nice weather most of the year.  One of her clients has a solution, for Misty to live in the house where her brother, William, died while she figures out what to do with his house and possessions.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  What Denise (the client) doesn’t know is that her brother’s spirit is still there and he does not like Denise and isn’t thrilled with Misty’s presence in his house.  Let’s just say he doesn’t make it easy on Misty in the beginning but they end up forging a sort of friendship and alliance when it comes to ghosts.  William even becomes enamored with a four year old ghost that is part of the mystery.

I really enjoyed everything about this book and the mystery is well written and even I didn’t figure out the killer until it was all revealed.  There are several suspects but nothing to really pin it to anyone.  I wondered about the killer because of some answers to questions didn’t always jive, but I didn’t suspect anyone.

This story has humor, a mystery, friendships were broken, new friendships made, and even some touching moments in the end when it comes to the child ghost.  You do have to stretch your imagination when it comes to William driving his cars.  He is a ghost and not something I would have expected a ghost to be able to do, but it made for an interesting twist in the story.

We give this book 5 paws up and anticipate that the rest of the series will be outstanding.

 

About the Author

Nancy Cole Silverman’s realization that she and Edgar Allen Poe shared the same birthday sparked her lifelong interest in mystery fiction. After a very successful career in the radio industry, she turned to writing and her crime-focused novels and short stories have attracted readers throughout America. Her Carol Childs Mysteries series (Henery Press) features a single-mom whose “day job” as a reporter at a busy Los Angeles radio station often leads to long nights as a crime-solver. Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a thoroughly pampered standard poodle.

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Review on September 17, 2019

 

 

A Curio Killing (A Keepsake Cove Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Maryland
Midnight Ink (September 8, 2019)
Paperback: 264 pages

Synopsis

Callie finds treble in Keepsake Cove when her ex-boyfriend is framed for murder . . . 

Callie Reed is looking forward to her first Keepsake Cove spring festival. But her excitement dims considerably when she learns that her ex-boyfriend, Hank, will be performing with one of the hired country-western bands. Callie vows to keep her distance, but that changes when the band’s manager, Bobby Linville, is found dead, killed with the music box Hank bought at Callie’s shop.

Hank is soon singing a sad tune in a detention center with Callie his only lifeline. Though thoroughly aware of his many faults, she knows violence and murder aren’t in his blood. But that means one of her fellow Keepsake Cove residents must be hiding a dark secret—something Callie desperately needs to uncover.

 

 Amazon * B&NMidnight Ink * Mystery Love Company Booksellers * BAM * IndieBound

 

Review

This is my 3rd journey back to this town and it kept me guessing until the very end.  I can’t even begin to image a town that has such a variety of collectible stores, but it seems to work for Keepsake Cove!

Callie is a smart woman and is enjoying her new life running her grandmother’s music box store.  She has settled into the town nicely, met a new guy that runs the cafe, and she has solved a murder or two.  The festival in town brings back her ex, Hank, who seems pretty clueless.  Why he thinks she would let him stay with her when they aren’t together is quite a mystery.  The band manager turns up dead and Hank is accused of the murder.  Callie knows Hank and can’t believe he would kill anyone so of course, she sets off to find the real killer.

I have to say this mystery is well written and I did not suspect the killer.  I was focused on one character, but I should have known it wouldn’t be that simple.  More and more characters were revealed to have ties to the deceased and I couldn’t figure out who killed the manager.  The author does a great job with red herrings and leading you down many wrong paths!  When the mystery comes to a head and Callie finds herself in trouble, well you could have pushed me over with a feather because this character was nowhere on my radar.

I enjoyed the continued love story between Callie and Brian.  I am thrilled to see them taking it slow and that he didn’t go off the deep end when Hank showed up in town and Callie was trying to help clear his name.  He’s definitely a keeper.

Overall we really enjoyed this book and feel like the series is continuing to improve and become stronger books.  I can’t wait to see what is in store for book 4.  We give this book 5 paws up.

 

About the Author

Mary Ellen Hughes is the bestselling author of the Pickled and Preserved Mysteries, the Craft Corner Mysteries, and the Maggie Olenski Mysteries, along with several short stories. The Keepsake Cove series begins with A Fatal Collection and continues with A VINTAGE DEATH and A CURIO KILLING.

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on September 16, 2019

 

 

Ring-A-Ding Dead! (The Myriad Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently Published (May 29, 2019)
Print Length: 244 pages

Synopsis

Just married! It’s time for a … murder?

When checking into the posh Myriad Hotel on their honeymoon, Hector and Pamela Jackson discover a dead body! All the couple wants to do, though, is keep out of the commotion and enjoy some well-earned rest.

But another person dies, and they happen to appear at the crime scene. When a third person falls right in front of them, the police begin to wonder why.

Who’s responsible for the murders? Why are they happening? Are the couple under suspicion? Where does the little stray dog hanging around the hotel entrance come from? And when are Hector and Pamela finally going to have a proper honeymoon?

 

About the Author

I’ve loved reading since I can remember! I love puzzles and mysteries and intrigue, and of all the cities I’ve been to, Chicago is my favorite. My four years of living in Chicago during grad school were wonderful. Plus I love history. And wasn’t the 1920’s wild? I’ve always wanted to write a series set in Chicago and now here’s my chance.

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Posted in 4 paws, Cozy, mystery, Review on September 8, 2019

 

 

Who Shot the Serif? (Hand Lettering Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Independently Published (July 7, 2019)
Paperback: 218 pages

Synopsis

When Jamie Lang finds one of her hand lettered quotes on the window of her shop, Flourish, with a hole shot through a serif, she knows someone’s trying to drive her business into red ink. Jamie confronts Earleen Culp, the ruthless owner of the local stationery shop, in front of the most popular breakfast spot in the small town of Cedar Valley. Of course, Earleen professes shock and innocence, so when she’s found dead in front of Jamie’s home the next morning, Jamie becomes the prime suspect.

Jamie’s one cross-stroke short of acquittal, and even her best friend has her doubts. But Jamie’s not the only one in town with a motive for wanting Earleen silenced for good. To clear her name, Jamie’s going to need every last drop of ink in her quill.

With the hot police chief Ridge, and her makeup artist friend Nora on her side, she’s prepared to go out with a flourish if that’s what it takes to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to save her hand lettering business, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare?

 

Review

This new series has plenty of suspects but only one killer, but who could it be?

I quite enjoyed the first book in this new series, from the clever writing to the killer hiding in plain sight.  Then there is Jamie’s business, hand lettering, something I admire but cannot do myself.  I think I should have paid more attention to my cursive in grade school!

Jamie is falsely accused of murdering her arch nemesis, Earleen.  Earleen is someone everyone loved to hate and there were plenty of people that would not have minded a bit if something happened to her or she went away somewhere.  Unfortunately, her death on Jamie’s door puts Jamie smack dab in the middle of the case trying to clear her name and save her business.  She is very methodical with her research into other possibilities but does not unearth the correct person until it is almost too late.

There is even a potential love interest, Ridge, but there is a mention of his twin brother, Rut, and that something tragic happened to him because he is dead, but no real details.  I am assuming that will come in future books.  At least I hope so!

We give this new series 4 paws up and can’t wait to learn more hand lettering techniques.

 

Click on the image to download a free mini mystery eBook from Amazon

 

 

About the Author

Jessa Archer writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries because she loves a good puzzle and can’t stand the sight of blood. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. You’ll find her sleuths hand lettering inspirational quotes, trying to lower golf handicaps, enjoying a scone at a favorite teashop, knitting a sweater, or showing off a dramatic side in local theater.

Jessa’s done many things in her long career, including a stint as a journalist and practicing law. But her favorite job is spinning mysteries. She loves playing small town sleuth and transporting readers to a world where the scones are delicious, wine pairs with hand lettering, and justice always prevails.

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on September 5, 2019

 

 

Bark If It’s Murder (A Dog Club Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Lyrical Underground (August 27, 2019)
Paperback: 162 pages

Synopsis

Lilly Echosby just witnessed a murder on a pet cam. Or did she?

When a last-minute opportunity arises to accompany her boss to an art auction in Atlanta, Lilly throws some money at the problem of where to board her toy poodle Aggie (short for Agatha Christie). Posh Pet Haven offers the most luxurious canine accommodations in all of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The place even provides pet cams so anxious owners can check in on their pampered pooches.

But when Lilly tries to take a peek at her poodle, she gets a terrible shock—she witnesses what she’s sure is a murder. She thinks the victim may be the wealthy co-owner of Pet Haven. The police follow her lead but find no body, no evidence of a crime, and no video record. Starting to feel like the dog owner who cried wolf, Lilly decides to go undercover to catch a killer who may be hiding in plain sight …

Amazon –  Barnes & Noble  – Kobo

 

About the Author

V.M. Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs, British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the Midwest, she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime.

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Cozy, mystery, Review on September 1, 2019

 

Synopsis

Literary caterer Letitia ‘Tish’ Tarragon is preparing her English Secret Garden-themed luncheon for Coleton Creek’s annual garden club awards, but when she is taken on a tour of some of the top contenders with the garden club’s president, Jim Ainsley, Tish is surprised at how seriously the residents take the awards – and how desperate they are to win. Wealthy, retired businessman Sloane Shackleford has won the coveted best garden category five years in a row, but he and his Bichon Frise, Biscuit, are universally despised. When Sloane’s bludgeoned body is discovered in his pristine garden, Tish soon learns that he was disliked for reasons that go beyond his green fingers. Have the hotly contested awards brought out a competitive and murderous streak in one of the residents?

 

Review

I just love this series from the literary cafe and its dishes, to the characters, and the mystery that is never quite what it seems.

I enjoyed so many things about this book/series.  Tish is a reluctant sleuth.  She can’t help it if people just open up to her and she knows what questions to ask.  At least she shares all of the information with Sheriff Reade so that he can do his job and catch the criminals.  The banter between Tish and Jules (Julian) is witty and had me chuckling throughout the book…especially when Jules is talking about moving into a retirement center with an older woman!  Granted he would be renting a room, but the whole situation is comical.  There is the dog of the deceased, Biscuit, who appears to be quite charming despite the rumors about some of Biscuits deeds around the community.

The mystery is well written and I was surprised at some of the twists and turns before the conclusion of the story.  Who thought gardening could be murder, but once you learn more about the deceased you won’t be surprised at his death.  I felt bad for some of the characters as their stories were revealed but I think it made them stronger in the end.

Tish does have a love interest, but I think there is someone else that could be interested in her as well.  I can’t wait to see how this turns out.

Overall we give this 5 paws up!

 

About the Author

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries and the Stella and Nick VT Mystery Series, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown.

After stints as an Operations Manager for a document imaging company and a freelance technical writer, Amy left the bright lights of New York City and headed north to pursue her creative writing career amidst the idyllic beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Now residing in Bristol, England Amy spends her time writing mysteries with a humorous or historical bent. When not writing – which is rare these days – Amy enjoys traveling, testing out new recipes, classic films, and exploring her new home.

Amy is a member of Sisters in Crime and The Crime Writers Association.

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