A Hex for Danger (An Enchanted Bay Mystery #2) by Esme Addison

 

A Hex for Danger

(An Enchanted Bay Mystery #2)

by Esme Addison

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published July 13th 2021 by Crooked Lane Books

Synopsis:

The annual Mermaid Festival is the setting for Esme Addison's sunny-yet-sinister second Enchanted Bay mystery, perfect for fans of Heather Blake and Bailey Cates.

The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn't used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other...except, of course, for the mermaids.

Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she's still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who's in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay's history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.

The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friends name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye...and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?

***

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series by Esme Addison.

This story really sucks you in fast. Alex has her challengers all throughout the story with the men in her life. And it is hard to know who to trust with her heart. I felt bad for the gal since she is just trying to help out and her current boyfriend takes her help the wrong way. I am sensing book three might see a relationship change.

She has an interesting job at Botanica where she mixes tea blends and the mermaid festival is in town so they all are a bit more on the busy side than they normally are. The town’s mermaid history is about to be exposed and the paranormals of the town are a bit up in arms. Then a woman who painted a mermaid mural gets murdered and the story just gets more complex from there.

Definitely loving all the paranormal elements in this. It really keeps your interest. Plus it is fun to read and flows just like all those mermaids. There is a cool reveal near the end that you don’t want to miss. I am sure book three will bring up a more complex paranormal threat that I am really looking forward to. Definitely a must read book for sure!

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great series too!

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. Opinions are completely my own.

Dogged by Death (A Furry Friends Mystery #1) by Laura Scott

 

Dogged by Death

(A Furry Friends Mystery #1)

by Laura Scott 

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published July 13th 2021 by Crooked Lane Books

Synopsis:

In Laura Scott's Furry Friends series debut, veterinarian Ally Winter must collar the killer of a shifty lawyer. Does the dead man's dog know who committed the arf-ul crime?

Ally Winter is going through a ruff patch. The thirty-something veterinarian lost her fiance, her clinic, and her savings in rapid succession. So when Ally's grandfather undergoes hip replacement surgery, she moves back to Willow Bluff, Wisconsin, to care for him. She arrives home, tail between her legs, only to find sleazy lawyer Marty Shawlin murdered in his home office. And the only witness was Marty's faithful boxer, Roxy.

Quick as a greyhound, Noah Jorgensen is on the case. The good news is, he's the best detective around. The bad news, at least the way Ally sees it, is that Noah is still just as fetching as he was back in high school. He also just happens to have witnessed every embarrassing incident that befell accident-prone Ally--including the fire-ant attack that set tongues wagging and won her the unshakable nickname Hot Pants.

Meanwhile, true-crime aficionado Gramps fancies himself a sleuth, and he is doggedly determined to sniff out the culprit himself...with Ally's reluctant help, of course. Ally has no choice but to team up with Noah--and the irrepressible Roxy--to solve the case while keeping Gramps on a short leash.

Ally had better learn some new tricks, lickety-split. Because if she can't bring the killer to heel, she won't just be playing dead.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Furry Friends Mystery series by Laura Scott.

Ally has bought out a local vet clinic after the previous vet left town. She is in town to be near her father after hip replacement surgery. She discovers an underhanded lawyer slain in his office and it kind of puts a black spot on her new vet venture.

She garners the interest of Noah, a local officer, who helps her and they have a history together since they knew each other back in the day. She has a bit of a reputation from her school days that still follows her and she has a challenge getting people to take her new venture seriously.

I totally enjoyed this new cozy series and look forward to reading more from this author. Just a fun romp with a bit of a challenging edge that just keeps you on your toes. Loved it!

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great series too!

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. Opinions are completely my own.

With a Charm on Top (Spellford Cove #4) by Samantha Silver

 

With a Charm on Top

(Spellford Cove #4)

by Samantha Silver 

Kindle Edition

Published July 25th 2021 (first published June 25th 2021)

Synopsis:

Welcome to Spellford Cove, where the baking is sweet and the witches are wild.

Things are flowing smoothly for Robin in Spellford Cove. She’s got a support network she loves, business is going great—she’s even thinking of hiring another employee—and things with Hunter are heating up both literally and figuratively.

But when strange things start happening in town, and a number of bodies start showing up, Robin thinks there’s more to it than meets the eye. She smells magic, and she knows that she’s going to have to get involved to get to the bottom of it.

And as Robin investigates, she’ll find more clues as to her past and her biological family that will rock her world.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the fourth book in the Spellford Cove seres by Samantha Silver.

I really enjoy this series a lot but I think the parts about Robin’s father need to be fleshed out a bit. He is not my favorite character but I think seeing more about him will make this story more impactful.

This story is unique since Robin can talk to dead people. The ghosts help her out when she is solving the mystery which I think is just cool. A lot of the ghosts, like Andy, don’t realize they are even dead and she has to use her sly wits to talk to them without anyone thinking she is crazy and talking to herself.

There was a great introduction to a new staff member at her business and when you get to the end, there is a heck of a nice cliffhanger that I think people will enjoy the heck out of. Definitely a series on my must read list for sure!

Ghost of a Chance (Arcane Casebook #2) by Dan Willis

 

Ghost of a Chance

(Arcane Casebook #2)

by Dan Willis 

Kindle Edition, 318 pages

Published March 19th 2019

Synopsis:

When a bizarre string of locked-room murders terrorize New York, the police have no leads, no suspects, and only one place to turn. Now private detective Alex Lockerby will need every magical trick in his book to catch a killer who can walk through walls and leaves no trace.

Unfortunately Alex's magic hasn't been working very well.  He can't even manage to track down several truckloads of stolen goods, including one belonging to New York's preeminent sorcerer, Andrew Barton. To make matters worse, Alex and his clients are being stalked by a shadowy cabal with strange powers that Alex has never seen before. 

With the Ghost killer seemingly able to murder at will and the tabloids, the public, and Alex’s clients demanding results, Alex will need a miracle to keep himself, his clients, and his reputation alive.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Arcane casebook series by Dan Willis.

I am so intrigued by this series. It really speaks to me on another level. I love the whole rune books and how Arthur Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes is masquerading as Alex’s best friend and roomie. I just get all the feels from this story. Loving it so much.

Alex has used a lot of his life force trying to save the sorceress lady from the last book and now he has this shaky hand which makes it hard for him to write his runes. He goes to a gal to get a potion to help him. And I think he has a bit of a crush on this girl. Since he is having trouble getting his magic to cooperate he has to rely on his smarts and instincts to solve his multiple case load.

This is just a dang good read and you definitely need to check out this series for yourself.

A Cream of Passion (Great Witches Baking Show #7) by Nancy Warren

 

A Cream of Passion

(Great Witches Baking Show #7)

by Nancy Warren

Kindle Edition, 148 pages

Published June 16th 2021 by Ambleside Publishing

Synopsis:

Tempers are fraying and the cream is melting as summer temperatures hit the competition tent at Broomewode in the UK just in time for patisserie week. With only four contestants left, the pressure is mounting in the race to be chosen the best amateur baker in the UK. Poppy's working hard to find out who her parents were and what happened to them even as she's trying to become a more accomplished witch, so she definitely doesn't have time for romance. Even if she does get a flattering invitation. Then someone dies and it looks like a crime of passion. Can she unmask a killer before she's the one who gets creamed?

***

4.5 Stars

This is the seventh book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.

I really enjoy this series. It is a fun quick read that gives me a lot of satisfaction. Guilty pleasure material for sure. You get to see a bit of the competition but it is mostly focusing on Poppy and who she is currently interacting with.

Poppy feels inspired to investigate even though the local constabulary don’t really appreciate her intrusion. A local grocer is found dead in his own kitchen poisoned by mushrooms of which he is an expert at using. Poppy just can’t believe he would have accidentally poisoned himself which is what the police believe. So she goes into sleuth mode.

I love how the author plots the mystery and how she includes all the bake-off participants even if they aren’t official “on screen” in the story. The books in this series are always easy to read and flow like a boat in the rapids. You just can’t read it fast enough. Love it.

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great series too!

Wounds and Witches (Midlife Medicine Book 6) by Amorette Anderson

Wounds and Witches

(Midlife Medicine Book 6)

by Amorette Anderson 

Kindle Edition

Published July 26th 2021

Synopsis:

Solving a murder was not on Grace’s “To Do” list this Christmas season.

The winter holidays are just around the corner and Grace is looking forward to a visit from her son, Oliver. She hasn’t seen him in ages! The guest bedroom is tidy, the cupboard is stocked, and Grace has even arranged to host a small party so her friends can meet Oliver.

One thing that Grace didn’t plan for was a murder. A local witch’s death is puzzling enough, but when a second witch in town disappears, Grace has her hands full. The two feet of snow from the latest blizzard isn’t helping matters! Can Grace and her pit bull Lucky catch the killer before it’s too late?

***

4.5 Stars

This is the sixth book in the Midlife Medicine series by Amorette Anderson.

I am totally enjoying this series. Can’t wait for the next installment.

The head of a local bookclub is murdered and Grace and Tenley decide to try and solve it before Grace’s song makes it for the Christmas holiday. Ben is trying to perfect his Gingerbread cookie recipe in order to impress Oliver.

You wouldn’t think there would be that many people who would want the head of a book club dead but this book sure does it well. Lots of suspects and lots of fun following the action. The plotting is well done and the mystery is so nice to follow. 

Grace’s new Watson has her first psychic experience while trying to figure out what her special talent for getting messages was. This town is just the coolest little place that makes you want to stop by and visit. 

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!

A Pumpkin Spice Killing (Farm-to-Fork Mystery #5.5) by Lynn Cahoon

 A Pumpkin Spice Killing

(Farm-to-Fork Mystery #5.5)

by Lynn Cahoon

Kindle Edition, 75 pages

Published July 6th 2021

Synopsis:

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, owes its success not only to its farm-fresh fair, but also to its devoted and passionate staff. But a team-building retreat turns into much more than they bargained for . . .

Angie and her County Seat staff are all prepared for some much-needed R&R. Hope’s been hinting at an arts-and-crafts themed retreat. Instead, they end up at a military veteran’s home, where it’s their job to get it spic and span for summer. In between weeding the garden and painting the rooms, Angie starts up a conversation with an older vet who wants to make amends with his son before it’s too late. Unfortunately, he has no idea of his son’s whereabouts. It’s the perfect side job for the County Seat team, but someone keeps blocking their efforts. And the more they try to find out why, the more they’re certain someone’s life might be in danger . . .

***

4.5 Stars

This is the 5.5 novella in the Farm-To-Fork mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

I really think this novella could have been made into a much larger read. It was filled with so much detail in the mere 75 pages that I was left wanting to know more about just about everyone.

Angie Turner and her crew from the County Seat are working at what I can only call a old folks home where there are only two residents. It seems nearly every resident has left a great deal of money to the caretaker of this place and it waves red flags to Angie and her team. They deliver great food and company all the while getting flack from the caretaker who tries to get them fired behind their back.

It was a really interesting story that was just much too short. All of Cahoon books are must reads for me. I just love her writing style. Definitely check this series out and her other two series (Tourist Trap & Cat Latimer) as well.

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!

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. Opinions are completely my own.

Dazed and Infused (Pebble Cove Teahouse #5) by Eryn Scott

 

Dazed and Infused

(Pebble Cove Teahouse #5)

by Eryn Scott 

Kindle Edition

Published June 24th 2021 by Kristopherson Press

Synopsis:

Have the people of Pebble Cove welcomed a killer into their midst?

Two women wash up on the beach in front of Rosemary's tea shop. One is dead. The other is wounded and can't even remember her name. Is she also a victim or the killer?

When it becomes clear that the only souls who can help solve this mystery are those of the ghostly persuasion, Rosemary has to get involved. She must identify the killer before they strike again.

Readers, this is the fifth book in a new cozy mystery series by Eryn Scott. These books are all clean with no gore and no swearing. Starting from the beginning with this series will provide the best reading experience. The ghosts are the only paranormal aspect in the series. And there are definitely cats because ... well, there has to be. :)

***

4.5 Stars

This is the fifth book in the Pebble Cove Teahouse mysteries by Eryn Scott.

Not only is there a new ghost to interact with, there is also a lady who has lost her memory but can hear the ghosts when they speak. It made it really hard for Rosie to solve the mystery by having to not talk to ghosts when around Hope and then trying to do her normal routine of using her cell phone when conversing with all the undead in town. Quite a mind bender, I know. The mystery was who killed Hope’s friend. They were found washed up on the beach and the new ghost was very helpful digging up clues and pointing them in the right direction. 

Very well written and plotted. This is definitely one of my favorite series and look forward to each new book that is released.

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!

Forensics and Familiars A Witch Cozy Mystery (Midlife Medicine Book 5) by Amorette Anderson

 

Forensics and Familiars

A Witch Cozy Mystery (Midlife Medicine Book 5)

by Amorette Anderson

Kindle Edition

Published June 26th 2021

Synopsis:

Being a sleuth in a rural village is lonely work.

Witch Grace Littleton is used to cracking cases with nothing but her smarts, her pit bull sidekick, and a pair of enchanted handcuffs.

When the Manifesting Council summons a new best friend for Grace, she’s skeptical. How could a council predict friendship? A case evolves in a neighboring town just before Thanksgiving, and Grace is ready to do the dirty work of tracking down clues on her own. Investigating is dangerous business, after all... especially when a murderer’s on the loose and might pop up at the neighborhood estate sale.

But the Manifesting Council might be better at their craft than Grace has given them credit for. They’ve summoned a woman who can drive a getaway car like a champ, play good-cop to Grace’s bad, and stay calm even when the big guns come out. Plus, she makes a mean milkshake. Maybe Grace could use a little help with her detective work after all.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the fifth book in the Midlife Medicine series by Amorette Anderson.

I was really excited to see them bring in a new best friend, Tenley for Grace. Someone to be the Watson to her Sherlock. Totally enjoyed this one. When the duo goes to get a new familiar for Tenley, they run across the case of the death of the animal’s previous owner. They use their detecting skills to ferret out the killer and this turns into a very twisty-turney ride that you just can’t manage to jump off of.

I love the setting of Covenstead and all the uniqueness of it. It is really untraditional but all the cool magical elements sure make up for not having internet or cell service.

If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!