Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder (Hannah Swensen #27) by Joanne Fluke

 

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

(Hannah Swensen #27)

by Joanne Fluke 

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published February 23rd 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Spring has sprung in Lake Eden, Minnesota, but Hannah Swensen doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not with hot cross buns to make, treats to bake, and a sister to exonerate!

Hannah’s up to her ears with Easter orders rushing in at The Cookie Jar, plus a festive meal to prepare for a dinner party at her mother’s penthouse. But everything comes crashing to a halt when Hannah receives a panicked call from her sister Andrea—Mayor Richard Bascomb has been murdered . . . and Andrea is the prime suspect.

Even with his reputation for being a bully, Mayor Bascomb—or “Ricky Ticky,” as Hannah’s mother likes to call him—had been unusually testy in the days leading up to his death, leaving Hannah to wonder if he knew he was in danger. Meanwhile, folks with a motive for mayoral murder are popping up in Lake Eden. Was it a beleaguered colleague? A political rival? A jealous wife? Or a scorned mistress?

As orders pile up at The Cookie Jar—and children line up for Easter egg hunts—Hannah must spring into investigation mode and identify the real killer . . . before another murder happens!

***

4.5 stars This is the twenty-seventh book in  the Hannah Swensen mystery series by Joanne Fluke. I am a big fan of this series and read every book I can get my hands on. That being said, I was a little disappointed with the murder of Mayor Bascomb. It wasn’t front burner like most of the mysteries are. I did like seeing  more of his backstory and getting to know him better. Most of this story was focused on the food and what they were making. This is the first story I can think of where Hannah was catering an event.  That was’t the only new thing. Andrea wasn’t the normal Andrea and she was trying to channel Hannah’s baking abilities during the story. Lisa was just a backdrop, Bill didn’t even make an appearance and Mike showed up but not to the extent he normally does. This story mostly had Norman front and center and Hannah couldn’t fathom going back to her condo where Ross died. So she was staying with Norman at his newly built house. I wanted to see more of the community in this one but I think the story kept that from coming to fruition. I loved the storyline and the setting but it is the people that keep me coming back. I wish there were less recipes and more story. The author likes to put the recipes inbetween chapters but that always seems to block the flow when reading. I would like to see them all at the end in a little appendix or something. Loved so much about it. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

A Brush With Death (The Nosey Parker Mysteries #2) by Fiona Leitch

 

A Brush With Death

(The Nosey Parker Mysteries #2)

by Fiona Leitch

Kindle Edition, 306 pages

Published February 12th 2021 by One More Chapter

Goodreads synopsis: 

Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is back!

When a body turned up at her last catering gig it certainly put people off the hor d'oeuvres. So with a reputation to salvage, Jodie’s determined that her next job for the village’s festival will go without a hitch.

But when chaos breaks out, Jodie Parker somehow always finds herself in the picture.

The body of a writer from the festival is discovered at the bottom of a cliff, and the prime suspect is the guest of honour, the esteemed painter Duncan Stovall. With her background in the Met police, Jodie has got solving cases down to a fine art and she knows things are rarely as they seem.

Can she find the killer before the village faces another brush with death?

The second book in the Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker cosy mystery series. Can be read as a standalone. A humorous cosy mystery with a British female sleuth in a small village. Includes one of Jodie's Tried and Tested Recipes! Written in British English. Mild profanity and peril.

***

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Nosey Parker series by Fiona Leitch.

Jodie has met who she thinks is “the one”. Problem is… he is married! Duncan is everything she wants in a man. Then someone falls off a nearby cliff and it looks like Duncan might have been involved. So Nosey Parker gets involved.

There is a bit of relationship angst in this book. She can’t decide between Nathan the cop, Duncan the artist or Tony the best friend. She is a lot wishy washy in that regard. Glad she is better at mysteries than boyfriends.

I am really enjoying this series. It is interesting and it really keeps your attention. I was captivated by her budding relationship with Duncan wondering all the while would he be a new recurring character. The mystery was nice but it was the people that kept me reading. Loving Leitch’s character set here. So me!

Loved so much about it. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

Ink and Shadows (Secret, Book, & Scone Society #4) by Ellery Adams

 

Ink and Shadows

(Secret, Book, & Scone Society #4)

by Ellery Adams

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published January 26th 2021 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis: 

Controversy erupts in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, when the owner of the local bookstore tries to play peacekeeper—but winds up playing detective instead...

Nora Pennington is known for her window displays, and as Halloween approaches, she decides to showcase fictional heroines like Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Madeline Miller’s Circe. A family-values group disapproves of the magical themes, though, and wastes no time launching a modern-day witch hunt. Suddenly, former friends and customers are targeting not only Nora and Miracle Books, but a new shopkeeper, Celeste, who’s been selling CBD oil products.

Nora and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are doing their best to put an end to the strife—but then someone puts an end to a life. Though the death is declared an accident, the ruling can’t explain the old book page covered with strange symbols and disturbing drawings left under Nora’s doormat, a postcard from an anonymous stalker, or multiple cases of vandalism.

The only hope is that Nora can be a heroine herself and lead the Secret, Book, and Scone Society in a successful investigation—before more bodies turn up and the secrets from Celeste’s past come back to haunt them all . . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Kendra Michaels series by Iris & Roy Johansen.

Nora and her fellow shop cronies have seriously ticked off some vocal church people and are getting their shops banned for local foot traffic as a result. Then one of her customers ends up dead and it is up to Nora and her friends to figure out whodunit.

I couldn’t decide who the love interest was. First it was Jed, then the Sheriff and then back again. It was like watching a relationship ping pong match. I couldn’t connect with Jed and having a sheriff as a boyfriend could only assist in her sleuthing abilities, so that is my pick. Team Sheriff.

I liked the mix of bookstore and murder mystery. It really goes together well.

I am really enjoying Ellery Adam’s books and this one has hooked me for sure! I definitely need to read this from the beginning! Looking forward to another marathon in the near future!

Loved so much about it. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

Blink of an Eye (Kendra Michaels #8) by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen

 Blink of an Eye

(Kendra Michaels #8)

by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen

Hardcover, 343 pages

Published February 2nd 2021 by Grand Central Publishing

Goodreads synopsis: 

A #1 New York Times bestselling author and an Edgar Award winner team up to deliver this gripping new novel featuring investigator Kendra Michaels—whose observational skills are worthy of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.

Delilah Winter is one of the hottest pop stars on the planet, so how in the world was she kidnapped right in the middle of a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl? If anyone can figure it out, it's Dr. Kendra Michaels, who works with local and federal authorities on only the most impossible cases. Blind for the first twenty years of her life until a revolutionary surgical procedure allowed her to regain her sight, Kendra uses her powers of observation—honed during her years in the dark—to detect what other investigators don't. She agrees to lead the race to rescue the young singer before time runs out.

Joined by Jessie Mercado, the singer's former bodyguard and a military hero, Kendra closes in on the hideout location but not before casualties mount up. Desperate for leads, Kendra must set aside her personal feelings when agent-for-hire Adam Lynch also volunteers his special skills to aid in the search.

But as the abductor's true purpose becomes clear, the trio uncover a plot they never could have imagined—leading to a showdown they won't soon forget.

***

4.5 stars

This is the eighth book in the Kendra Michaels series by Iris & Roy Johansen.

This was a real exciting read. It keeps you on your toes the entire way through. Kendra is looking into the disappearance of a popular pop star. She is a lot lot Sherlock Holmes. She started out life blind and she pays attention to things most people miss.

Quite an unputdownable book, for sure! I did figure out who was behind it all and did a little fist pump when that was revealed at the end. Yay me!

I am really enjoying the characters in this series. I have a lot of this series in hardback and plan to do a marathon very soon. 

Loved so much about it. If you like thriller, suspense mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

A Tourist's Guide to Murder (Mystery Bookshop #6) by V.M. Burns

A Tourist's Guide to Murder

(Mystery Bookshop #6)

by V.M. Burns

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published January 26th 2021 by Kensington Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

While visiting the land of Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes, bookstore owner and amateur sleuth Samantha Washington finds herself on a tragical mystery tour . . .

Sam joins Nana Jo and her Shady Acres Retirement Village friends Irma, Dorothy, and Ruby Mae on a weeklong trip to London, England, to experience the Peabody Mystery Lovers Tour. The chance to see the sights and walk the streets that inspired Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle is a dream come true for Sam—and a perfect way to celebrate her new publishing contract as a mystery author.

But between visits to Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel district and 221B Baker Street, Major Horace Peabody is found dead, supposedly of natural causes. Despite his employer’s unfortunate demise, the tour guide insists on keeping calm and carrying on—until another tourist on their trip also dies under mysterious circumstances. Now it’s up to Sam and the Shady Acres ladies to mix and mingle among their fellow mystery lovers, find a motive, and turn up a murderer . . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the sixth book in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns.

This story was a bit different than her others. The setting was in Europe. They were going on a mystery tour in London to help Sam with her writing.

I have to admit that my least favorite part of this is the story inside the story. It is cool, written well and a good shtick, but I am more interested in the current mystery than the one going on in Sam’s historical cozy.

I enjoyed the mystery but thought the entire book could have been fleshed out a bit since the story inside the story was taking up so much valuable space where more current plot points could be placed.

I do enjoy the series overall and recommend it highly.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

Irish Parade Murder (Lucy Stone #27) by Leslie Meier

Irish Parade Murder

(Lucy Stone #27)

by Leslie Meier

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published January 26th 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Lucy Stone's late-winter blues usually vanish by the time Tinker's Cove goes green for its annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. There's just one wee problem that not even the luck of the Irish can fix--murder!

After returning from her father-in-law's funeral in Florida, Lucy can almost hear the death knell of her part-time reporter job the instant she meets new hire Rob Callahan. He's young, ambitious, and positioning himself to become the Pennysaver's next star reporter. Adding insult to injury, Lucy only gets assigned the local St. Patrick's Day parade once Rob passes on the story. But before beer flows and bagpipes sound, Rob becomes suspected of destroying more than other people's careers...

It's a shock when Rob is suddenly charged with sending a corrections officer from town to a fiery death. Contrary to the evidence, Lucy seriously doubts her office rival committed murder, and she's willing to follow that nagging hunch into the darkest corners of the community if it means shedding light on the truth...

As an unnerving mystery unfolds, a strange woman reveals news that could change everything for Lucy and her family. Troubles in her personal and professional life are colliding, and Lucy comes to realize that she'll sooner discover a four-leaf clover than confront a killer with the gift of the gab and live to tell about it..

***

4.5 stars

This is the twenty-seventh book in the Lucy Stone series by Leslie Meier.

This book started out with a bang. Lucy’s boss appeared to be selling the Pennysaver and she and her co-worker were fearful they were about to lose their jobs. They were just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Then her boss threw her a curve ball.  They not only weren’t losing their jobs but instead he had much more work in store for them. He had bought a new paper and was brining in a new seasoned reporter, Rob, to help fill out the staff. Turns out, the guy wasn’t as seasoned as he claimed. After poor editing one of Lucy’s stories and changing facts to incorrect info, she had his number. He was pretending to be this big city reporter but only had the experience of a stringer.

Best part of this for me was the anticipation find out who Rob was and how he would impact Lucy’s job at the Pennysaver.

As always, Meier’s books never fail to impress me. I look forward to reading each new title. I am sure she already had all the holidays covered, probably more than once, but that is okay with me. Bring it on. Love the mystery here. Love the characters and how it impacts Lucy’s work and home life with every investigation.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

Knitty Gritty Murder (A Knit & Nibble Mystery #7) by Peggy Ehrhart

 

Knitty Gritty Murder

(A Knit & Nibble Mystery #7)

by Peggy Ehrhart

Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: March 30th 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Pamela Paterson and the Knit and Nibble ladies have plenty of talents that don't revolve around yarn. But their penchant for patterns has led to a dangerous hobby they just can't quit--unraveling murders.

Most times of the year, the tight-knit community gardens in quaint Arborville, New Jersey, overflow with seasonal vegetables and herbs. But who planted the dead body? Farm-to-table enthusiast Jenny Miller had a cookbook in the works when she was suddenly found strangled by a circular knitting needle in her own plot. Now, the pressure is on Pamela and her neighbor Bettina as they weave together clues in search of the person who kept Jenny's renowned heirloom plants--and budding career--from growing. With suspects and victims cropping up like weeds, it'll take a whole lot more than green thumbs and creative minds this spring to entangle the crafty culprit...

***

4.5 stars

This is the seventh book in the A Knit & Nibble mystery series by Peggy Ehrhart.

I am not a knitter but I understand the passion for a yarn craft. So, when someone is murdered with a circular knitting needle, they need to find out if one of their own is involved.  Great mystery, characters are the best part of this. They are the things that really keep you coming back. The mystery didn’t hold my attention as much as the interaction between the characters did.

Even if you are not a knitter, you can enjoy a crafty book like this one. I will definitely be picking up others in this series very soon.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.

Death by Intermission (Abby McCree Mystery #4) by Alexis Morgan

Death by Intermission

(Abby McCree Mystery #4)

by Alexis Morgan

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published January 26th 2021

Goodreads synopsis: 

Abby McCree spends a summer showing family films under the stars—only to end the season with an unexpected slasher flick . . .

Ushered once again onto another committee by the mayor of Snowberry Creek, Washington, Abby is tasked with keeping the box office receipts of the town’s Movies in the Park nights. Cut to the director’s chair from where she’s suddenly organizing the summer’s last feature. From the opening scene through the final credits, Abby feels she’s earned nominations for best volunteer, best movie date with her tenant Tripp Blackston—and best daughter for ignoring her mother Phoebe’s own movie date with Owen Quinn.

Unfortunately, Abby and the others are treated to a post-credits scene: the body of local insurance agent Mitchell Anders. This discovery is followed by a plot twist revealing that the murder weapon comes from Owen’s food truck. With her mother’s boyfriend suspected of murder, Abby starts her own investigation determined to shine a spotlight on the real killer . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Abby McCree mystery series by Alexis Morgan.

I really enjoyed this installment of the Abby McCree mysteries. I thought Owen was quite a wild card. At first you think he is only her mother’s boyfriend, but there is so much more backstory there. I wish they had focused a bit more on that part since it wasn’t completely clear to me. But indeed good stuff.

The plot was nicely crafted and it makes you continually question your own list of suspects and who is currently at the top. Of course, for me, it can change from chapter to chapter. I like the whole community in this series and look forward to visiting whenever a new book pops up. Definitely a series I want to continue to follow.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. 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.