The Bad Twin by Avery Scott

The Bad Twin

by 

Avery Scott 

Being the good twin isn't all it's cracked up to be. Abby Levesque knows that better than anyone. While her sister drifts through life carefree, Abby's left to clean up her messes. The latest mess? Hudson Quinn— the hot, angry billionaire on her doorstep demanding she accompany him to Paris. He's obviously mistaken her for her twin, Gabby, who happens to be his assistant. Too bad Gabby is nowhere to be found. If Abby wants to fix her sister's latest blunder, she'll have to pretend to be someone else for two weeks—preferably someone who isn't wildly attracted to her mercurial boss…

As far as Hudson's concerned, his sexy-but-flaky new personal assistant is just another in a long line of terrible decisions and failures in his life. But he's working on the deal of a lifetime—a deal that could change everything for him—and he needs her help to close it. The last thing he ever expected was to connect with her on a soul-deep level.

Falling in love wasn't part of the job, and when Hudson finds out who she really is, Abby's terrified he'll never forgive her. With a billion dollar deal—and both their hearts—on the line, can Abby convince Hudson she's the right twin for him? (less)

ebook, First, 254 pages

Published August 29th 2019 by Starlight Publishing, LLC

---

5 Stars

This is my first book by this author. I was captivated from page one.

Abby made a wonderful main character. She was so tortured and vulnerable. She was the responsible twin who wanted to make sure their lives were safe and secure. So, when Hudson Quinn shows up on her doorstep calling her Gabrielle and threatening to fire her sister if she didn't get on the plane to Paris, how could she say no? 

I can't imagine being in such a situation but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would have made the same decision as she. She didn't have a job. Her sister did. Her sister was 10 hours away in a car speeding toward Mexico. If Abby wanted to save her house from being sold out from under her, this was the only decision she could make. Gabby reminds me of a lot of people these days. She wasn't invested in doing the job. She just wanted to have fun. Abby wasn't wired that way. Funny how some twins can be so different yet look exactly the same.

I was crying at the end when Abby had fallen for Hudson and the ruse was over. The author really knows how to pull at our heartstrings. Avery Scott is definitely an author to watch and I will be picking up a few of her older titles when I need those feel good romances that threaten to break your heart. 

This was just what the doctor ordered. Romance, angst and sincere gratification. Such a sweet combination. Definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC from NetGally from the publisher for an honest review. I thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me to read this title.

Just His Luck (Sterling's Montana #3) by B.J. Daniels

Just His Luck

(Sterling's Montana #3)

by B.J. Daniels 

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Published August 27th 2019 by HQN

Goodreads synopsis:

He thought the past was finally behind him

Shade Sterling has carried a torch for Lizzy Conners since senior year of high school. But the timing never felt right for them, especially since his ex-girlfriend, Ariel, disappeared without a trace years ago. Now, with their ten-year class reunion approaching, Shade is tired of waiting. Determined to move on with his life and take a chance with Lizzy, he’s all in…until a car is dredged up from a local pond and Ariel’s remains are found inside.

As the newly appointed sheriff, Lizzy must investigate every single lead—including the ones that point right to Shade. She knows she can’t let her heart get in the way of an investigation, but she can’t accept that Shade is guilty. Now if she can only prove it—both to the town out for justice and to herself.

***

5 Stars

This is the third book in the Sterling’s Montana series by B.J.Daniels.

Daniels is an author I am very familiar with considering my obsession with all things Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. My library at home is jam-packed with a metric ton of these titles alone. So, when I requested this title, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed and I was right in my assumption.

I find it humorous that Slade Sterling is on the cover of this book. I wouldn’t exactly consider him the main character. He is indeed among one of the most important secondary characters, yes. Lead, to me, goes to Sheriff Lizzy Connors. It would have been nice to have her and Slade on the cover together. But who doesn’t like a handsome cowboy on the cover of their novel, right?

I didn’t realize this until I was almost at the end, but this book had a taste of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Similar, but different. In the Christie book nearly everyone dies, even the killer at one point. (Of course, that person wasn’t really dead and came back to life to off all the guests.) Not everyone gets killed in Daniel’s book, but they make a significant dent in the population of this Montana town.

I have to admit that I had no clue whodunit. Everyone seemed to hate Ariel and had a similar motivation to kill her. I am surprised she wasn’t done in much earlier in her life considering how she treated everyone. And her mother seemed almost clueless to the witch she had become. We all know someone who can smile their sweetest smile while twisting the knife in your back. That was Ariel. Not a nice gal. And she was blackmailing everyone. I am not sure why exactly. She had it all. She was rich, popular and could get any guy she wanted.

In a normal investigation by the Sheriff’s office, Lizzie would not have been able to investigate considering she was the previous best friend of the victim and stole away the victim’s boyfriend on the night of her death. They tried to justify it by saying their office was small and they didn’t have the manpower or money to outsource this investigation. But still, I am baffled. She should have been at least assigned another person to assist her who wasn’t involved. Lizzy’s sounding board was Slade, who had an equal motivation to kill Ariel considering she broke up with him on the night of her death and loudly proclaimed he was the father of her baby. Neither fact was true but that girl had the gift of manipulation.

Once you dive into this novel, you will not want to put it down. So set aside an entire day and soak it all up. You won’t be disappointed. Great book. The romance wasn’t as prevalent as the mystery but that is okay with me when the mystery is so good.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, & Allyson Charles

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice

by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, & Allyson Charles

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Published August 27th 2019 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis:

Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment. 

Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …

Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

***

4.75 Stars

Hardcover version.

SWEET MAGIC by Donna Kauffman - 5 Stars!

This story is just wow, EVERYTHING I ever wanted in a love story. It doesn’t even feel like a short story at all.  Bree O’Neill and her family own the Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice lanes called Bellaluna’s. This family has its own brand of magic… foodie magic. They make cookies and these cookie nudge couples together, couples that might never have met otherwise. Bella was working on her first batch of love spell iced cookies and was unhappy with the results. Then in walked Caleb Dimitriou to the bakeshop. He took one of Bella’s cookies and it was just… magic! Bella’s nonna Sofia knew it would be. They all had the gift. She knew it would come through Bella eventually. 

Everything seems like it is perfect for them. Then they realize that each have similar family connections and a love of baking. She here and he in Philly. But Caleb is only in Moonbright due to his Aunt and Uncle’s after the fact honeymoon. He will only be in town for 6 weeks. Bree knows that she would never leave Moonbright and she could never ask Caleb to give up everything for her.

Fate has other ideas. Her magical connection to Caleb prompts her to visit him when she believes him to be in danger. The connection they have is just a mind-blowing thing to read. I could literally feel all the tingles and yes, magic happening with the couple. It comes through on the page in a flurry of fascinating circumstances. I just loved this one so much!!

LOVE SPELLS DISASTER by Allyson Charles - 4.75 Stars

Cassandra Hie has decided who she wants for her beau and she is setting up a strategy to get him. Her target is her boss Samuel. He is buttoned up and straight-laced. He is a guy who would provide her security in her life. But handyman Chip Gneiss eats the magical cookie Cassie had bought for Samuel not realizings her intentions for its use. I don’t even think Samuel knew Cassie even worked for him much less was pining away for him. But fate keeps pushing Chip and Cassie together, much to her dismay. She knows what she wants and has decided it is not Chip.

Then Chip comes and builds the Halloween Haunted House she had always dreamed of in her driveway. He initially gets frustrated at her constantly pushing him away and then comes to the conclusion that Cassie is someone he wants to fight for.

Super sweet story but I felt like this one almost ended too soon. I think I needed a bit more of the story after Cassie realized that she would surrender to fate and finally accept Chip. This is one of those stories you just want to knock the main character on the back of the head and tell her to “wake up.” Her best friend, Franka (cool name btw) did the best she could during the story but it is Chip’s persistence that wins him the day and Cassie’s heart.

SWEET ON YOU by Kate Angell - 4.75 stars!

Lara Shaw is not having a good day. First her boyfriend dumps her for the town’s sluttiest resident, her rent goes up higher than she can handle and her 30 hour a week job will be gone by Christmas. Sofia from Bellaluna’s Bakeshop gives her and Mayor Jack Hanson some of their special iced cookies. Lara had always felt like an outcast compared to Jack’s popularity. They knew each other in school, but what she never realized was that he was sweet on her… even back then. The cookies only nudge the two together. 

While Lara is on her job hunt, she doesn’t find what she is looking for. Jack decides to hire her to coordinate the Halloween festivities, parade and the choose the Queen. There is a fire cracker of a woman, Edna Milner, in this story who gives all the residents she secretly likes special names like Pumpkin Head for Lara and Jack-o-lantern for Jack.

This is a story not only about finding love again even when you don’t think it is possible but a story about community and how being a good neighbor can be its own blessing.

Super sweet story. You won’t want to miss it.

Excerpt of LAVENDER & MISTLETOE from Donna Kauffman is tagged at the end of this book. It is definitely a book you might want to buy after getting this short glimpse into the story. It is part of a multiple book series. It might be a series to do a marathon read with too.

I put this book off until the end of the month and after reading my plethora of cozy mysteries that came out on August 27. I am not sure why I waited. This book might look unassuming but you can feel the magic inside its pages. Pick it up and check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Flour in the Attic (A Bread Shop Mystery #4) by Winnie Archer

Flour in the Attic

(A Bread Shop Mystery #4)

by Winnie Archer

Paperback, 304 pages

Published August 27th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis:

Ivy Culpepper keeps the ovens hot at Yeast of Eden, a Northern California bakery that specializes in traditional breads. But now she has to deal with a stone-cold killer . . .

Just as Ivy's brother Billy is about to get engaged to his beloved, a tragedy interrupts the happy moment. The body of longtime Santa Sofia resident Marisol Ruiz washes up on the beach--and it's even more heartbreaking since Marisol's father also recently died. But Marisol was a strong competitive swimmer. It seems unlikely there's even a grain of truth to the theory that she accidentally drowned.

As Ivy gets to work helping her mentor, Olaya Solis, with the catering for Marisol's funeral, she also teams up with her partners in detection--because if they want to prevent someone from getting away with murder, there's no time for loafing . . .

***

4 Stars

This is the fourth book in the A Bread Shop Mystery series by Winnie Archer. I am still curious as to why they titled this book the way they did. I know flour goes with the whole bread making aspect of the book but I didn’t think that totally resonated with the story within the pages of this book. I can see where concrete dust which is sort of like flour and the same basic color could by the why to it all, but I guess I just don’t get it.

This story is kind of depressing. I know murder generally is depressing but this entire story is centered around a funeral home. It is not a place I long to visit or stay for very long. I struggled through the beginning of the novel even though the murder happened pretty early on. Once the setting changed to the funeral home and they were gathering for the visitation, the story just flew. I couldn’t read it fast enough. I wish they would have shortened the first half of the book and expanded the back half. That second half made the entire book worth the read. I really enjoyed Ivy and Miguel working together. That was exciting stuff.

I didn’t understand why the ex-husband of Ivy showed up in the middle of the story. It felt like a big red herring making us wonder about him yet not having him really involved in anything. When I got to the end, I realized the author’s intent. His influence and his own ex-wife was going to figure prominently in the next Winnie Archer Bread Shop book.

If you get started on this book and find it a bit on the slow side, don’t give up on it! Keep reading. This book has a slow start, yes, but it builds up to great action and the characters really grow on you, even the crazy ones.

This book was a treat and my first foray into the world of Yeast of Eden. I will definitely be coming back to this Northern California town for a visit. Check it out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Flashed by Zoey Castile - Happy Endings #3

Flashed

(Happy Endings #3)

by Zoey Castile

Paperback, 272 pages

Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis:

When a man makes his living by his looks, he can forget that love--and lust--are more than skin deep. But the right woman can remind him . . . 

A former soccer player, stripper, and model, legendary party boy Patrick Halloran finally gets his big break starring in thesummer blockbuster. But when an accident leaves him changed forever, he hides away in his secluded Montana ranch. Only his new housekeeper is allowed inside--with one rule: she's not allowed to see him. But Pat sees her, and she's the most stunning woman he's ever laid eyes on. Even her voice is beautiful. Still, Pat can't allow himself to get close to anyone. Not without a fight at least . . .

Magdalena "Lena" Martel is a long way from Queens, New York. After a rough patch, the aspiring artist is working her way through college--even if it means keeping house for a man whose gruff voice she can only hear through a closed door. Still, Lena senses Pat's got a good heart, maybe even a lovable one. She's intrigued--until his anger sends her running into the freezing woods. Now Pat will have to find her--and when he does he may have found the one woman who can thaw his heart--not to mention the rest of him. But can their new bond survive the paparazzi--and their personal 

demons? . . . 

***

4.5 Stars

This is the fourth book in the Happy Endings series by Zoey Castile.

This book made me aggravated, but not in a bad way. Maybe frustrated is a better word for it. The tension between Patrick and Lena went on and on and on. Granted, the guy has a problem. He had it all. Didn’t appreciate any of it. Then when an accident nearly takes his life and the life of his brother, Jack he loses it. He can no longer venture outside. Panic sets in and he feels trapped in his Montana house. His best friend, Scarlett West, a popular romance author, hires a housekeeper for him. But Lena isn’t allowed to see Patrick. She cleans, makes food and such but isn’t allowed in certain parts of the house. The two speak a lot through shouting from room to room or text messages.

It is probably the anguish of these two never meeting that is what makes this book so good. I am sure it is what made them want each other more over time. They wanted each other but couldn’t have each other. That made me want a happy ending for them. I knew I was going to get one because the series is called Happy Endings. Duh! But author sure made me question whether it would happen or not.

Lena was the giver. Always doing for others. I liked the reverse dynamic at the end where all her friends turned the emotional tables on her and she ended up being the one who was put up on a pedestal for a change. 

This book was both wonderful and heartbreaking. Plus it had some of the most memorable secondary characters I’ve seen/read in a long time. Speaking of that… I really want to see a book featuring the story of Hutch and River and Scarlett and Ricky Rocket. That would be awesome. I checked the main characters of the previous books in this series and neither couple was the main feature of those books. I may not get what I want, but it is good to dream sometimes. Hint. Hint. Wink. Wink.

If you love a good romance, definitely check this one out. I guess you could put this into the hate to love category. That seems to be a popular theme these days in contemporary romance. Whatever you call it, I call it good stuff. Definitely an author to watch and put on your must read list.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

My TBR stack for the rest of August.

It's pretty exciting to get to the end of August and I am nearly finished with all the August 27th cozy mystery releases. I feel like everyone and their brother had a cozy coming out in August. September isn't much better. There is a flood of great books coming out on September 24th.

I thought I would take a second to show you what I am reading currently, and what I plan to read for the remainder of August.

WHAT I AM CURRENTLY READING:

Flashed by Zoey Castile.

Patrick Halloran was the IT Guy. He graced the covers of his friend Scarlett West's romance novel covers and that threw him into tv and movies. He was pretty much a schmuck back then. Party boy extraordinary. He made a living by his looks. Then an accident leaves him scarred by physically and emotionally. He hides away from the world. His best friend Scarlett hires a live-in housekeeper to take care of his needs. Her name is Lena Martel. She is from New York, a far stretch from the Montana ranch where she finds herself. She isn't allowed to see Patrick. She is only there to clean and cook. But you know how these things go. Lena pulls Pat out of his shell little by little until he is able to face the harsh cruel world again. And maybe the two will find love as well. 

Truth Keeper by C. T. Knight

Frtiz Braun longs to honor the memory of his dead parents and be the best Aryan possible, but his grandfather spouting old-world religion, a crime in Nazi Germany, thwarts his path to success. His grandfather is murdered by SS Officers for refusing to surrender his copy of a special book, catapulting Fritz into a biblical world and anointing him as God’s Truth Keeper. He is charged with protecting The Book he once resented and sharing God’s word with his people in a difficult time. A job he feels unworthy to accept. Protecting God’s word proves to be an insurmountable task when the Gestapo discover The Book, and Fritz is forced to choose between saving the only family and friends he has left or saving The Book from Nazi fire.

BOOKS ON MY AUGUST TBR PILE:

Flour in the Attic by Winnie Archer

Ivy Culpepper keeps the ovens hot at Yeast of Eden, a Northern California bakery that specializes in traditional breads. But now she has to deal with a stone-cold killer . . .

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Allyson Charles.


Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment. 
 
Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …
 
Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …




The Bad Twin by Avery Scott

Being the good twin isn't all it's cracked up to be. Abby Levesque knows that better than anyone. While her sister drifts through life carefree, Abby's left to clean up her messes. The latest mess? Hudson Quinn— the hot, angry billionaire on her doorstep demanding she accompany him to Paris. He's obviously mistaken her for her twin, Gabby, who happens to be his assistant. Too bad Gabby is nowhere to be found. If Abby wants to fix her sister's latest blunder, she'll have to pretend to be someone else for two weeks—preferably someone who isn't wildly attracted to her mercurial boss…

As far as Hudson's concerned, his sexy-but-flaky new personal assistant is just another in a long line of terrible decisions and failures in his life. But he's working on the deal of a lifetime—a deal that could change everything for him—and he needs her help to close it. The last thing he ever expected was to connect with her on a soul-deep level.

Falling in love wasn't part of the job, and when Hudson finds out who she really is, Abby's terrified he'll never forgive her. With a billion-dollar deal—and both their hearts—on the line, can Abby convince Hudson she's the right twin for him? 

No Death For The Wicked by Drea Damara 

Does revenge have an expiration date?

Broken hearted and bullet-ridden, agent Caria Milosc returns to work after the attack that nearly toppled the Trinity intelligence organization. As she digs deeper into her new mission, she uncovers secrets about her boss, leaving her with a moral dilemma—show mercy or taste revenge.

How long can one man cheat fate?

After a favor that nearly cost him his life, mercenary Ivan Skavinsk reunites with an underworld group he had infiltrated. Deep in the jungles of Bolivia he finds he may have pushed his vigilantism to the brink.

A gritty story of modern espionage and the complexities of the human spirit.

Wonton Terror (A Noodle Shop Mystery #4) by Vivien Chien

Wonton Terror

(A Noodle Shop Mystery #4)

by Vivien Chien 

Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

Goodreads synopsis:

Amateur sleuth Lana Lee returns for another charming cozy Noodle Shop Mystery in Vivien Chien's Wonton Terror...

The Asian community is kicking off summer with the return of its popular Cleveland Night Market festivities, and Lana Lee is excited to represent the Ho-Lee Noodle House booth with her favorite chef, Peter Huang. Lana is confident that the evening marks the beginning of a great season to come. Not only is she looking forward to the warm temperatures, but her birthday is only weeks away, her handsome boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is planning a romantic get-away. Life couldn't be better.

But before she can get too accustomed to the idea of a carefree summer, an explosion involving a nearby food truck, Wonton on Wheels, kills one of the proprietors and injures several others in the nearby vicinity.

When the authorities discover that this was no accident, the family members of the dead man become the number-one suspects in a front-page murder story. Lana and her best friend, Megan Riley, fall back into detective mode. But as they uncover family secrets of abuse and angry costumers, Lana's own family drama raises its head. Will Lana be able to juggle everything the universe is throwing at her, or has she jumped from the frying pan to the fire?

***

4.5 Stars

This is the fourth book in the Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien.

I am not sure why I was hesitating getting into this series. I have DIM SUM OF ALL FEARS in paperback and have yet to dig into it. Since I enjoyed this one so much, I am glad to have another Vivian Chien to read once I get through the mountains of ARCs for books coming out in August and September. It is like Cozy Mystery Summer around here. So many great books being released right now.

Lana Lee works for her parents and runs the Ho-Lee Noodle House restaurant. She is attending an Asian night market where other vendors with similar themed foods are present. The Wonton on Wheels food truck is targeted and explodes killing a man and leaving a lot of the vendors standing nearby with multiple injuries.

I loved the interactions between Lana and her family. The tension between her mom, the steadfast mother who was always there for them and the care-free Aunt was palatable. I was a bit confused as to why Darren O’Neill was the detective in charge of the investigation instead of Val’s boyfriend Adam Trudeau. Makes me wonder if there might be a bit of a love triangle in the future. One can only dream, right? I felt like those two character’s parts in the story could have been merged together and no one would have been the wiser to it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this and glad to have yet another must read author to add to my growing list. Definitely check this one out if you love cozy mysteries. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Crypt Suzette (A Five-Ingredient Mystery #6) by Maya Corrigan

Crypt Suzette

(A Five-Ingredient Mystery #6)

by Maya Corrigan

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: August 27th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis:

Val Deniston is catering the debut of Bayport's newest bookstore--but the death of a customer is about to draw her into a real-life murder mystery ...

Suzette Cripps has been occupying a spare bedroom at Val's granddad's house while she takes classes in this Maryland Eastern Shore town--but she's always seemed a little secretive and fearful, and any talk about her past is a closed book.

After winning the costume contest at the Halloween-themed bookstore party, Suzette is mowed down by a hit-and-run driver--and Val and her grandfather start to wonder whether it was really an accident or if someone was after Suzette. Granddad is a little distracted by his new enterprise as a ghost-buster, but as Val talks to Suzette's coworkers and fellow creative writing students, she grows more convinced that the dead woman's demons weren't imaginary--and that she needs to rip the mask off a killer ...

Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!

***

4.5 Stars

This is the sixth book in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series by Maya Corrigan.

Val Denston and her grandfather live together in Bayport and have a lady (Suzette) staying with them who is down on her luck. That is my own speculation. Suzette is a writer and spends time with a writing group called the “Fictionistas.” Val’s grandfather was a bit lost after the death of his wife and came out of his stupor by writing a recipe column for the local newspaper using edited versions of Val’s recipes. Suzette kept to herself and seemed to be hiding from the world. She had recently changed jobs and when she goes out running one morning she is mowed down by a hit and run driver.

This story is centered a lot around the bookstore run by Bram and his mother where the Fictionistas meet. Suzette’s mystery story has a strange similarity to her death. Bram is a tad involved in the story since he seems to like Val. At first it felt like he might be a recurring character but I feel like he will be a mainstay in future books. I wish there had been a bit more of him in the story. I was fascinated by his non-relationship with Val.

The grandfather, Don Myer is a hoot and a half. He meets a bunch of people on a haunted house walking tour where they think his house has a resident ghost. He sets them all straight saying what a ghostbuster he is and the tour guide gets a bit grumbly. Too funny.

The mystery is pretty complex and enjoyable to follow. But the star of the book is all the characters and the warm and inviting town. That alone will make you want to check out the previous five books in this series. I am excited to dive into those but I, personally, am most looking forward to more Bram and Val interactions.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.