Review & #Giveaway – Happy Homicides 2: Crimes of the Heart #anthology @joannaslan @minichino @AnnieAdamsAuthr #5paws
Stories included in the book:
Stupid Cupid: A Cara Mia Delgatto Novella by Joanna Campbell Slan—Cara Mia’s search for love gets her involved in a star-crossed, homicidal romance.
A Heart for Murder by Teresa Trent—An expensive family heirloom is stolen from a local jewelry store, and Betsy Livingston Fitzpatrick would love to figure out who’s responsible.
For the Love of Dog by Neil Plakcy—A young woman’s death causes a man to consider the many aspects of love. Is it ever a justification for murder?
Wedding Knife by Elaine Viets—A groom learns to take his vow–Till death do we part—very, very seriously.
Death and a Dozen Roses by Annie Adams—Plucky florist Rosie McKay is reunited with an old love, thanks to complications that happen when she tries to deliver a dozen roses.
The Sodium Arrow by Camille Minichino—The love of a student for a favorite teacher drives a freelance embalmer to seek out justice.
Sweets, Treats, and Murder by Nancy Jill Thames—Jillian Bradley is a widow with no children, but she still has a keen sense of family. Her love of a good mystery sets her and her canine companion, Teddy, on a quest for justice.
Dying for Valentine’s Tea: A Beach Tea Shop Novella by Linda Gordon Hengerer—The three Powell sisters want their friend Thelma to find true love, but they’re having trouble believing her fiancé has her best interests at heart.
The New Normal by Kathi Daley—Although her own dreams have been shattered, Ellie Davis finds it impossible to quit loving an old friend, even after he’s accused of murder.
Bones and Arrows by Carolyn Haines—Intrepid Sarah Booth Delaney would rather face a gun than a party on Valentine’s Day. Not surprisingly, she’s decided that Cupid is a big phony. But is he a jewel thief, too?
Murder at Catmmando Mountain: Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 1 by Anna Celeste Burke—Georgina Shaw loves her cat, chocolate, and cooking. When she’s framed for a crime, she’s forced to reconsider her priorities.
The Missing Jacket by Randy Rawls—A golfing buddy offers Jonathan Boykin big money to retrieve a stolen jacket, but Jonathan suspects something else is going on. Jonathan is smart enough to discern the difference between love and lust. But can he also figure out the scam?
Really, Truly Dead by Maggie Toussaint—Lindsey McKay has no desire to return to small town life. But her love for her father brings her back home when he’s accused of murder.
~ Bonus Story~
Impediments: A Kiki Lowenstein Short Story by Joanna Campbell Slan—Family problems and priestly politics threaten to derail a love match, until Kiki Lowenstein suggests a surprising solution.
Review
I can’t go into each of the 13 books in this anthology, but suffice it to say that I enjoyed each story. There were a few new authors/characters that I had not read before that I will be seeking out to read the rest of the series.
There were a few stories, that while I have not read the full series I have read the first Happy Homicides, so it was nice to catch up with some familiar characters.
While I enjoyed them all, I think the most interesting one was by Camille Minichino and featured a funeral home worker (embalmer) as the crime solver. Probably because it is a career that I have not come across in the past. I don’t know if this might become a new series for Camille, but here’s hoping!
I also liked that all revolved around Valentine’s Day – there was love (and crime) centered around this day. There was even one of the stories where the female lead found a receipt and could not wait to find out what her husband had gotten her, so she goes on the hunt to find out ahead of time (which was kind of annoying – I wanted to shout to her “don’t ruin the surprise!”).
Great book with lots of short stories by some of your favorite authors, definitely one to check out!
We give it 5 paws up
Giveaway
Maggie Toussaint
I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories in the Happy Homicides 2 Anthology. There’s always danger when Crimes of the Heart are involved! So nice to receive 5 paws. Good luck to all who enter the Roses contest! Happy reading, everyone! Maggie Toussaint
Randy Rawls
Thanks. Hope you enjoyed the ride.
StoreyBook Reviews
it’s because April and Gracie help me read/review the books…ok they mostly sniff or lick the books but I guess a lick is a sign of approval?!
Nancy Jill Thamed
It’s nice to find a kindred spirit who and writes “dog.” 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾paws is a great review for “Happy Homicides – Crimes of the Heart.”
Thanks for having us over today!
StoreyBook Reviews
I enjoyed your story and was quite surprised at the twist!
Elaine Viets
Thanks for taking the time to review “Happy Homicides: Crimes of the Heart.” Hope your readers will discover new writers and form lasting relationships.
StoreyBook Reviews
Hooray!
CAMILLE MINICHINO
THANKS so much for having us! I’m thrilled to join these great authors, and a double dose of Kiki Lowenstein makes the set that much more special!
I’m happy to say that “my embalmer” Anastasia Brent is involved in another investigation right now!
Camille
StoreyBook Reviews
she was, I hope that Camille’s heroine gets her own series!
Anna Celeste Burke
Thanks for the kind words about our anthology and for helping to get the word out about it to cozy mystery fans. Thanks too for the FIVE PAWS UP! Cheers! Celeste
Joanna Campbell Slan
Wasn’t Camille’s heroine fascinating? I thought so. And I loved how Teresa’s protagonist responded to her unusual gift from her husband. Thanks for having us!
StoreyBook Reviews
Yes, her gift was rather interesting!
Teresa Trent
Yes, I know the receipt investigation was annoying, and personally, I would never do that, but that is why she was rewarded with the word’s worst Valentine gift 🙂 Thanks for your review and being a part of our tour!
Annie Adams
Thank you so much, Dollycas!