The Malt in Our Stars (Literary Pub Mystery #3) by Sarah Fox

The Malt in Our Stars

(Literary Pub Mystery #3)

by Sarah Fox

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published November 24th 2020 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis: 

There's some shady business in Shady Creek, Vermont, this spring—in the third mystery by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox featuring pub owner and amateur sleuth Sadie Coleman . . .

Sadie is delighted to have booked famous romantic suspense novelist Linnea Bliss for an event at The Inkwell, her literary-themed pub, housed in a renovated grist mill. The author and her personal assistant Marcie are staying at Shady Creek Manor, a grand historical hotel that was once a private mansion and is rumored to still hold hidden treasure somewhere within its walls.

But the hotel's storied past is nothing compared to its tragic present when Marcie plummets to her death from an open window on the third floor. After Sadie discovers signs of a struggle in the room, it's clear that someone assisted the assistant out the window. But Marcie is new in town—who would have a motive to kill her?

In between pulling pints and naming literary-themed cocktails, Sadie takes it on herself to solve the case, wondering if the crime is connected to the vandalized vehicles of a film crew in town to do a feature on local brewer Grayson Blake, with whom Sadie shares a strong flirtation. Or could the poor woman's defenestration have anything to do with the legendary treasure? As Shady Creek Manor prepares for a May Day masquerade ball, Sadie is determined to unmask the killer—but when she uncorks a whole lot of trouble, will she meet a bitter end?

***

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Literary Pub mystery series.

Sadie, our heroine, convinces a popular author to come to her Literary style pub named The Inkwell. When the assistant to this author plummets to her death from the third floor everyone wonders about the motive behind the deed. Quickly, Sadie decides to dig into the mystery.

This is a refreshing concept in the cozy mystery genre. The characters really draw you easily into the action and get you invested. I especially enjoyed the scenes between Sadie and her aunt as well as the romantic possibilities she had with brewer Grayson. These scenes make the story so readable. The mystery was well plotted but it was the characters that really stood out for me. This could easily be read as a standalone. But you will definitely want to see more when you get to the last page. This story just draws you in from the first sentence.

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.

Promises in the Dark (Detectives Kane and Alton #10) by D.K. Hood

Promises in the Dark

(Detectives Kane and Alton #10)

by D.K. Hood 

Kindle Edition

Published November 25th 2020

Goodreads synopsis: 

The young girl pushes against the backseat of the family sedan, fighting to free herself from the crude ties restricting her hands and feet. As the car speeds toward the edge of town, she looks back at her family home, and watches in horror as it suddenly explodes in a mass of flames. Trembling with fear, she turns toward the driver and hears only laughter. She knows that the worst is yet to come...

Detective Jenna Alton surveys the charred remains of the large suburban home, stopping to pause at the three lifeless bodies of the Woods family. Jenna knows she's looking for a serial killer, but her priority is finding the missing teenage daughter last seen on the night of the inferno.

Days later, Sophie Woods's body is discovered floating in a shallow pool of crystal-clear water - known locally as Dead Man's Drop - but Jenna still doesn't know who would target the quiet family in such a brutal attack.

Delving into the family's past, she makes a shocking discovery - a link between the killer and someone connected to her deputy David Kane. If Jenna is right and the killer is back and seeking revenge, then she must act fast to keep her deputy safe.

When another girl is taken, Jenna and David follow the trail into a network of underground caves on the outskirts of town. With little time before the killer claims his next victim, they race into the pitch-black tunnels, unsure whether they have just walked into the killer's trap. Can they find the girl in time and escape the caves without the killer chasing them down?

***

4.5 stars

This is the tenth book in the Kane and Alton series.

Wow, what a page-turner this was! When a family is found blown up and one daughter missing, Kane, Alton, Wolfe and the team dive into action. We get to see the bad guy's viewpoint throughout the story making this even more creepy since we have no idea to his identity.

Kane is struggling with his wife's murder since many of the details fit to the events of her death. He doesn't exactly go off the deep end but this entire case tests him.

I always enjoy these police procedural, detective fiction novels. The stories never seem to get old. Can't wait for book 11!

If you love shows like Midsomer Murders of British mysteries, this is definitely your cup of tea!

If you like British detective fiction 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 on West End Road (Hamptons Murder Mysteries #3) by Carrie Doyle

Death on West End Road

(Hamptons Murder Mysteries #3)

by Carrie Doyle 

mass_market

Published November 24th 2020

Goodreads synopsis: 

Like a basket of warm cinnamon buns, an unsolved crime is something that Hamptons innkeeper and sleuth Antonia Bingham just can't resist. Despite a busy high-season schedule and an inn booked to capacity, Antonia has agreed to investigate a cold case in her beloved adopted hometown, East Hampton, NY: the killing of Susie Whitaker, whose brutal 1990 slaying on a tennis court in the poshest part of town was never solved. And the person who has hired Antonia? Prime suspect Pauline Framingham, a manipulative pharmaceutical heiress from a powerful family. As Antonia attempts to unravel the mysteries of the past she unearths even darker secrets and ultimately wonders if it would have been best to let sleeping dogs lie. To make matters worse, past acquaintances and love interests reappear in the Hamptons, disrupting Antonia's world and causing her to scurry to the fridge for comfort. Death on West End Road is the third book in the Hamptons Murder Mystery Series. Along with a colorful cast of supporting characters, the beating heart of the book is Antonia Bingham, restaurateur, gourmand, and nosy carb-lover.

***

4 stars

This is the third book in the Hamptons Murder mystery series by Carrie Doyle.

This book is a bit convoluted if I am honest. Pauline asks Antonia to look into the murder of one of her friends. Come to find out she has done something similar over the years asking various people to look into this particular cold case. Antonia, however, is a much better sleuth than any who came before her.

I didn’t quite understand the concept of this story especially when I got to the end and discovered the identity of the killer. Paulina didn’t really need anyone to find the killer for her since she knew who it was all along. Maybe she just needed someone else to bring this person to justice. Not sure.

Not my favorite cozy story but I did like the setting and the main character of Antonia a lot. I will look into other books featuring this character and see if I like those better.

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.

Open for Murder (A Happy Camper Mystery #1) by Mary Angela

Open for Murder

(A Happy Camper Mystery #1)

by Mary Angela

Kindle Edition, 228 pages

Published November 24th 2020 by Lyrical Press

Goodreads synopsis: 

Deep in the heart of touristy small-town Spirit Canyon, South Dakota, former journalist Zo Jones runs the Happy Camper gift shop, where she sells everything from locally made souvenirs to memorabilia. She even rents out mountain bikes, and dabbles in the adventure industry—and sleuthing . . .

It’s Memorial Day weekend in Spirit Canyon, and for Zo that means the return of summer shoppers. It also means the return of her good friend Beth, who’s moved back to the area to reopen her family’s premier hotel, Spirit Canyon Lodge. Beth and Zo spent many childhood summers there and Zo can’t wait to reconnect and celebrate the Grand Opening. But the festivities go from bad to worse when a power outage knocks out the lights—and morning reveals a competitor’s dead body found on the premises . . .

Soon enough, Beth is the prime suspect in the suspicious death. Fortunately, Zo isn’t afraid to put her investigative skills to work and prove her friend’s innocence. To start digging for information, she appeals to Max Harrington, a local Forest Ranger and unlikely ally. Though they’ve argued about Happy Camper’s tours, in this case they agree on one thing: Beth isn’t a murderer. Stranger things have happened than their collaboration. After all, this is Spirit Canyon. But as the list of suspects grows, Zo will have to keep her guard up if she doesn’t want to be the next lodge guest to check out . . .

***

3 stars

This is the first book in the A Happy Camper series by Mary Angela.

I thought this book was okay. I had a hard time getting into it, honestly. I even restarted it twice trying to get the gist of the story into my brain. I guess this theme is just not the right one for me.

The police didn’t seem interested in solving the crime and took great pleasure at making Zo feel like crap on quite a few occasions. I liked the main character a lot but could feel her pain as she tried to solve the mystery that no one wanted to look at despite solve. I think they should have did a bit more brainstorming on this book. It could have been great with the right character motivations and plot points. It has good bones, for sure! I look forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

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.

Game of Cones (Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery #4) by Cynthia Baxter

Game of Cones

(Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery #4)

by Cynthia Baxter

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published November 24th 2020 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

In Cynthia Baxter's fourth Lickety Splits Mystery, ice cream shoppe owner and amateur sleuth Kate McKAy doesn't waffle around scooping up new clientele at a historic hotel, but her hopes of becoming the Hudson Valley's reigning ice cream queen melt fast when murder checks-in!

From the moment Kate arrives at the imposing Mohawk Mountain Resort, not even luggage brimming with hot fudge can sweeten her stay. Instead of savoring alone time with her on-again boyfriend Jake and leading workshops on whipping together delectable frosty treats, she finds herself stranded at the isolated hotel with a small group of nutty characters--and a dead body.

When the corpse of wealthy cosmetics executive Bethany La Montaigne is suddenly found following a blackout, any of the five strangers trapped with Kate and Jake could be the killer. Chilled to the core, Kate vows to discover whether the victim's mortal enemy was a smooth-talking playboy, bubbly millennial, mousy librarian, charming Englishman, or the Mohawk's creepy general manager...

Bethany's life was chock full of scandals and there's little doubt that someone refused to endure another taste. With just a sprinkling of clues, it's up to Kate to bring justice to a culprit who believes that revenge is a dish best served cold...

***

4 stars

This is the fourth book in the Lickety Split Ice Cream Shoppe series by Cynthia Baxter.

I have to admit something. I really do love this series. But this installment just didn’t seem to catch me as the previous three did. I didn’t feel as connected to the characters like I had previously. It could be that the entire cast was off site at a different location. Not entirely sure why.

The story was interesting. There was a whole corporate beauty aspect that was a cool idea and implemented well. The book is easy to read and well plotted. So I am not sure what my problem was. I think it comes down to that “it factor” they always talk about. There was something missing and I can’t quite put my finger on what it was that stiemied me.

Overall it was decent, readable. Good. But don’t just take my word for it. Dig into this awesome series for yourself!

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.

Dangerous Deception (Love Inspired Suspense) by Evelyn M. Hill

Dangerous Deception

(Love Inspired Suspense)

by Evelyn M. Hill 

ebook, 224 pages

Published November 1st 2020 by Love Inspired Suspense

Goodreads synopsis: 

Nothing is what it seems…

Rachel Garrett has the ideal life: a job in a small town, surrounded by people she trusts—until a stranger arrives and insists it’s all a lie. Michael Sullivan’s claims that she’s been brainwashed and drugged can’t be right. But why is someone trying to kidnap her? Now Rachel must decide if she believes her closest friends…or the one man who makes her feel truly safe.

***

5 stars

This book intrigued me from the very beginning. I knew this was my jam right away. Rachel thinks her life is pretty good. Little does she realize that it is far from normal. When a man shows up in town claiming she is Nora, a scientist, she thinks he is the crazy one. But she soon realizes that the people around her have been lying to her and all is not what it seems.

Wow, is all I can say!

I was so enthralled with this book. I wish it had been longer just so I could savor the awesomeness of it all. I am not sure if this is Evelyn’s first book but I think it is the first one in this line. She is just the type of author I love! I can’t wait to see more from her. Definitely a book I will remember!

Saving Mr. Perfect (Penelope Blue #2) by Tamara Morgan

Saving Mr. Perfect

(Penelope Blue #2)

by Tamara Morgan

Paperback, 416 pages

Published August 1st 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Goodreads synopsis: 

I'm a wanted jewel thief.

He's FBI.

What's that saying? Keep your friends close...and your husband closer.

Being a retired jewel thief certainly has its perks.

1. Oh, wait.

2. No it doesn't.

Without the thrill of the chase, life's been pretty dull. I garden, I drive my gorgeous husband up the wall, and I watch as my old world slowly slips away. But what's that old saying? When one thief closes the door...a copycat jimmies open a window.

And now all fingers at the FBI are pointed at me.

Set up to take the fall for thefts worth millions, I have no choice but to strap on my heels and help my FBI agent husband track the thief. Grant might not think he needs a partner, but this is one case only a true professional can solve. Besides, I've got to know who's been taking my bad name in vain.

Let's just hope curiosity doesn't kill the cat burglar.

***

3 stars

This is the second book in the Penelope Blue series by Tamara Morgan.

I had a hard time getting into this book. The point of view kept changing from chapter to chapter and there were two characters with similar C names that I confused them here and there through the story.

Overall the story was pretty good but there were a heck of a lot of people in this and not too many were that well developed. Since I didn’t read book one, I knew I was missing a whole chunk of backstory and got little reminders as I read through the plot points.

The mystery was nice and the red herrings where all well placed but there was just something about this that did not resonate with me. I don’t think I will be continuing on with the series. Just not my style. I think the thing I had the hardest time with was that Penelope didn’t want to turn her life away from being a thief. She was okay with it and that is not something I want to focus on in my life at this time.

The Temptation of Snow (Snow & Her Seven SEALs Book 1) by Alana Albertson, Lisa London

The Temptation of Snow

(Snow & Her Seven SEALs Book 1)

by Alana Albertson, Lisa London

Kindle Edition, 250 pages

Published June 21st 2018 by Bolero Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

Seven sexy Navy SEALs, why should I limit myself to just one?

I just wanted to get away from the world and escape my past. 

So, I chose a place where the weather in the winter drops fifty degrees below zero.

A place so close to the North Pole that there are no communication satellites because their orbit is below the horizon.

A place that exists four months out of the year in complete darkness. 

I chose the edge of nowhere. 

I never expected to fall in love.

And not just with one man. 

But with . . . seven Navy SEALs.

***

3 stars

This is the first book in the Snow & Her Seven Seals series by Alana Albertson and Lisa London.

If you are looking for an overly sexy read, this is for you. I, personally, don’t mind a sexy read when the main gal focuses on one guy. This was too sporadic with so many different guys. This book only really focused in on three of the Seals.

This book is what I have heard is called a reverse haram story. You have a bunch of guys who all want the same gal. This type of book is really not for me and I don’t think I will be continuing on with the series.

Murder in the Snow (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #4) by Verity Bright

Murder in the Snow

(A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #4)

by Verity Bright

Kindle Edition, 257 pages

Published November 19th 2020 by Bookouture

Goodreads synopsis: 

An English Christmas has mince pies, cheerful carols, a twinkling tree… and a murder? Thank goodness Lady Swift is on the scene!

Winter, 1920. Amateur sleuth Lady Eleanor Swift is feeling festive. She is playing host to the entire village at Henley Hall for gifts, games and gingerbread. She’s also purchased perfect presents for each of her household – not forgetting the biggest bone in the butcher’s shop for her partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog – and is looking forward to celebrating her first English country Christmas.

As snowflakes fall, Eleanor is cheering on contestants in the traditional Christmas fun run in the grounds of the Hall. But tragedy strikes when one of the runners drops dead at the finish line. Dashing Detective Seldon is convinced it’s just a heart attack, but Eleanor isn’t so sure. When she finds a rather distinctive key where the man fell, Eleanor knows she’ll never rest until she finds out the truth about what happened in her own home.

Next the vicar is taken ill with what looks like poison and Eleanor starts to wonder if the two cases are linked. When someone tries to frame her by planting poisoned berries in her own kitchen, she knows speed is of the essence. But the entire village was at Henley Hall for the festivities and Eleanor has enough suspects to stuff a town full of turkeys. Can she nail the true killer and clear her name in time for Christmas?

***

4.5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.

It is Christmas and Lady Eleanor is very generous with her staff which doesn’t seem to be the norm with others of her ilk. And that is just a sad fact of the times.

During a fun run, one of the participants ends up dying. And Lady Eleanor is immediately on the case with her loyal driver Clifford who is always a hoot to watch. That guy just makes these books sing!

As I said in my last review for book three, I was looking for some falling in love time in this book and it just didn’t happen. I had been told by another reader that this would turn the page away from Lady Eleanor and toward Eleanor and our favorite detective inspector. But I just didn’t find that to be the case. Seldon does get pulled into her case but not to the extent I was hoping for.

Loved so much about this book. If you like historical 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 Witness to Murder (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #3) by Verity Bright

A Witness to Murder

(A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #3)

by Verity Bright

Kindle Edition, 289 pages

Published September 14th 2020 by Bookouture

Goodreads synopsis: 

A medieval house, a dead body and some rather suspicious chocolate fudge? Call for Lady Swift!

Autumn, 1920. Lady Eleanor Swift, accidental amateur detective and retired explorer, is determined to take a break from investigating murders. So when a local politician dies suddenly at an elegant dinner party at Farrington Manor, she tries her hardest not to listen to the raft of rumours around the village that he might have been poisoned by the fudge. It’s the anniversary of the disappearance of her beloved parents and she’s promised herself not to get mixed up with any more mysteries. She isn’t sure they’d have approved.

But when she arrives home to discover that Mrs Pitkin, the kindly cook from Farrington Manor, has been dismissed without wage or reference because the police consider her a suspect, Eleanor knows she needs to act. If there was a murder, then she needs to track down the culprit and clear Mrs Pitkin’s name.

Accompanied by her faithful partner in crime, Gladstone the bulldog, who has the best nose for sniffing out bones in the country, Eleanor sets out to find the killer. And when another body turns up and she finds poisoned fudge in the victim’s house, Eleanor knows she’s on the right track. But can she sort the truth from the lies before she becomes a witness to another murder – this time rather closer to home?

***

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series by Verity Bright.

I was a little miffed in the last book that Lady Eleanor was leaning toward Lancelot as her leading man. I was told that this book would make me happier. Okay, not so much. Yes, I did have a bit of hope she had her head turned toward a certain Detective Inspector but nothing really came of the relationship, much to my dismay. I have hope for book four to have more of a relationship feel.

Lady Eleanor in this book gets herself involved in an election when the woman’s suffrage movement wants her to be their candidate after a certain politician bites the dust at a dinner party from ingesting peanuts.

Lots happens in this book and Eleanor gives quite an inspiring speech right before the suffrage ladies kick her to the curb and turn their back on her. This does not deter Eleanor since she has come to love the ladies she worked with and wanted the best outcome for them. She stands up for herself in an amazing way while talking to a few politicians that I think many of us could learn from. Cool as a cucumber, Eleanor is.

Definitely a fascinating read. Looking forward to book four.

Loved so much about it. If you like historical cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

Christmas Deadline by Pam Binder

Christmas Deadline

by Pam Binder

Kindle Edition

Published November 4th 2020

Goodreads synopsis: 

If Holly Lane can't finish her romance novel by Christmas, she must return the advance she spent to pay off her parents' mortgage. Reluctantly she agrees to collaborate with English mystery author Noel Atterberry to finish the book.

Working together in Noel's English manor, they feel the same heat of attraction as their fictional hero and heroine. But for Noel romance means heartbreak. With Holly, and in the novel they are co-writing together, he rejects a happy ending and demands their characters die in a fiery car crash. Will Holly and Noel manage to write a happily-ever-after for their fictional couple—and themselves—by their Christmas deadline?

***

4.5 stars

This book is perfect for writers. The two main characters are both writers forced together by their publishers to write a book together. They have very similar life situations where they are dealing with aging parents and the book is a bit of a great thing for them. The only problem is… they are stuck on the ending. Holly is forced to go to England to meet with Noel in person and hope that by seeing each other in the flesh the muse will start to flow.

There is a lot of writing analogies in this and it is easy to see how they apply to the current storyline between the two writers. I thought the characters were great and the whole situation really resonated with me since I find myself in similar situations currently. I did think end was a bit cut off and I think I would have liked a bit more in the epilogue. But overall, it was a great read. Definitely one I would recommend.

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.

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MURDER IN THE CHRISTMAS TREE LOT(Tory Benning Mystery, #2) by Judith Gonda

MURDER IN THE CHRISTMAS TREE LOT(Tory Benning Mystery, #2)

by Judith Gonda 

Kindle Edition, 217 pages

Expected publication: November 17th 2020by Beyond the Page Publishing

Goodreads synopsis: 

Landscape architect Tory Benning returns in a holiday mystery tied up with a bow!

Still struggling with the death of her husband, Tory Benning is doing her best to get into the festive spirit of the holiday season, but when her landscaping company’s email is hacked and there’s a break-in at the office, it’s enough to make her see red. And then the unthinkable happens, when the owner of a specialty food truck is brutally slain at the company’s Christmas tree lot, and Tory finds herself mired in murder once again.

With a long list of suspects—including an untold number of revelers disguised in Santa suits, seasonal employees handling tree sales, and even a vengeful jilted suitor—the police investigation grinds along slowly and methodically. But as Tory begins piecing together clues on her own, she finds she’s the target of a menacing stalker who may be out to do more than just scare her. Refusing to be intimidated, Tory vows to nab the culprit, even if it means that catching a Christmas killer has become her lot in life . . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Tory Benning Mystery series by Judith Gonda.

Tory has problems of her own, but when a friend who owns a food truck is found dead on her Christmas Tree Lot, she knows she has to get some answers.

I thought this was a great mystery. It was well plotted and the characters really resonated with me. I could easily see their POV and it kept me interested the entire time. I definitely want to continue on with the series. It will be a must read for me.

This is the type of story that you root for the characters and cross your fingers that their meet their aim, save the tree lot from all the negative publicity from the murder. This will be a great book to read right around Christmas!

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 Room With a Brew (Brewing Trouble #3) by Joyce Tremel

A Room With a Brew

(Brewing Trouble #3)

by Joyce Tremel 

Mass Market Paperback, 260 pages

Published October 3rd 2017 by Berkley Books

Goodreads synopsis: 

Disaster is on tap in this all-new mystery from the author of Tangled Up in Brew.

It's Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh, and brewpub owner Maxine "Max" O'Hara is prepping for a busy month at the Allegheny Brew House. To create the perfect atmosphere for the boozy celebration, Max hires an oompah band. But when one of the members from the band turns up dead, it's up to Max to solve the murder before the festivities are ruined.

Adding to the brewing trouble, Candy, Max's friend, is acting suspicious... Secrets from her past are fermenting under the surface, and Max must uncover the truth to prove her friend's innocence. To make matters worse, Jake's snooty ex-fiancee shows up in town for an art gallery opening, and she'll be nothing but a barrel of trouble for Max.

***

4.5 stars This is the third book in the Brewing Trouble series by Joyce Tremel. Max O’Hara hires a band to play at her Brew House during Oktoberfest weekend and one of them ends up dead. Doodle Dowdy wanted to speak to Max about something prior to his demise and this makes Max want to find out what was really going on. I thought the mystery was spot on. I was hooked from the very beginning. Love the brew house vibe I get from this series. So fun! I thought the characters were well thought out and they all really stood out, even the minor ones. I was speed reading to the end to find out whodunit since I had no clue. Great plotting here. Definitely a series I want to continue with! 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 Body in Seaview Grange (A Kate Palmer Mystery #2) by Dee MacDonald

A Body in Seaview Grange

(A Kate Palmer Mystery #2)

by Dee MacDonald

Kindle Edition

Published November 12th 2020

Goodreads synopsis: 

Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…

   Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.

   So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.

   Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…

   It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?

***

4.5 stars This is the second book in the Kate Palmer mystery series by Dee MacDonald. Kate is a nurse doing some work at a luxury retirement community when one of the residents ends up dead. But she finds the doctor’s cause of death a bit fishy and begins to investigate and finds a whole lot more than she bargained for. Her boyfriend, Woody, is a DI Inspector newly retired and he assists her at times when she needs a little nudge in the right direction. I thought this book was great. I had not read the first book in the series, yet it was easy to get into and the lives of the characters were so straightforward you didn’t get confused. This is definitely a series I want to dig into more. I will put it on my must read list for sure! If you want to read a good cozy mystery, police procedural, detective fiction book, 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.

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