BOOK REVIEW: A Whole Latte Murder by Caroline Fardig

A Whole Latte Murder (A Java Jive Mystery #3)

by Caroline Fardig (Goodreads Author)

ebook, 272 pages

Published November 8th 2016 by Alibi

Goodreads synopsis:

Coffeehouse manager and reluctant sleuth Juliet Langley returns in a gripping novel from the bestselling author of Death Before Decaf and Mug Shot. Just as things are perking up in Nashville, a serial killer sends tensions foaming over.

Juliet's personal and professional lives have recently received an extra jolt of energy. Her romance with the hunky detective Ryder Hamilton continues to simmer, and business at Java Jive has never been better. But her good mood quickly turns as stale as day-old espresso when she finds out that Ryder has been promoted to his precinct's homicide division. With him risking his life to catch the worst kind of criminals, Juliet's growing sense of unease ignites when a local college student goes missing.

Suddenly every Nashville resident is on high alert, especially Juliet's neighbor Chelsea. Juliet does her best to calm the girl's nerves, but her worst fears are confirmed when she finds Chelsea dead. Even though she tries her best to stay out of it, Juliet's involvement puts a strain on Ryder's first homicide case. The situation soon becomes even more personal for Juliet and her best friend Pete Bennett when one of their employees disappears during her shift. As a killer lurks in the shadows, Juliet, Pete, and Ryder seek out a double shot of justice.

***

4 Stars

When I started reading this book I was not a fan of the main character. She seemed a bit harsh. I had not read the previous two books so I did not have a good backstory for everyone. I wish they could have toned down her attitude in the beginning but as the book developed, she became more tolerable and I was enjoying the book.

Juliet lives in a building near a bunch of college students. When she tries to return a scarf to her young neighbor, she ends up finding this gal’s dead body. Her being there makes her boyfriend a bit nervous since he was just promoted to homicide. When Ryder pulls back on his communication, Juliet ends up speaking more and more to a different detective who is a bit more open minded.

This book started out a bit bumpy for me but it turned out to be a great read. Definitelyl check this one out.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Sleuthing for a Living by Jennifer L. Hart

Sleuthing for a Living

by Jennifer L. Hart (Goodreads Author)

ebook

Published June 21st 2016 by Smashwords Edition

From the #1 cozy mystery bestselling author of The Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries comes a new series that proves blood can be thicker than water...

Goodreads synopsis

As a young single parent, Mackenzie Elizabeth Taylor has struggled to provide for her teenage daughter. She finally catches a break when she inherits half of an apartment building in Boston from her uncle Al...along with his P.I. business. So what if she doesn’t know the first thing about investigation or if their hot-but-crabby downstairs tenant is a police detective who’s looking for any excuse to handcuff her? Her daughter, Mac the computer whiz, has her back. And these two girls don’t know the meaning of the word quit—not even when their first case takes an unexpected turn.

   The man Mackenzie's been hired to follow in a custody case seems to have upset more than just her client when she spies another person tailing him—a mysterious man Mackenzie would bet is up to no good. But when her mark suddenly winds up dead, and her first and only client is accused of his murder, Mackenzie vows to find the truth. Only one problem: she doesn’t know where to start…or when to draw the line. Who is the mysterious man she spotted tailing the victim? Is he the killer? Is she in over her head, or will she uncover the secrets someone killed to keep hidden? Mackenzie and Mackenzie are on the case, and the world of private investigation will never be the same.

***

4 Stars

I am perplexed by this story. In some ways I was annoyed by it. And in some ways I really enjoyed it.

The whole character set and dynamics reminded me of the Gilmore Girls which I think is odd. But there are no original stories, they say, so I guess I can overlook it. Then the naming of the main character and her daughter being the same really threw me in the beginning. I couldn’t figure out who was speaking for a bit until I realized this fact.

Once I got past all this, I started to enjoy the book and really did like it. Not too happy about the awkward ending  but I guess they need to keep it fresh in order to continue the series.

So… awkward beginning, confusing beginning but in the end, it all worked out well.

I paid for this book with my own money.

Note: I thought I would relate the unusual circumstance of this publisher when I asked if I would be allowed to read ARCs. I was told that they really wanted people who would give five stars every time. Now, I only give five stars when I find something that is outstanding. I just don’t give it away like it is candy. 5 star ratings have to mean something, at least to me. They told me that they would like me to read the book and if I found something wrong that would make me rate it lower to let them know and then they would change it and then that would allow me to give it a 5 star rating. Uh. I don’t think so. At the time of my reading if it is a 3 star quality in my eyes, I’m giving it a 3. I think it is a little underhanded to want me to rate it 5 stars just in case they change anything to make it better before publishing. And anyway, shouldn’t the publishing company be responsible for making the book as great as it can be when they are doing galleys and whatnot? Making the ARC reader responsible for making their book better is sort of like when the big auto makers send all their stuff to Mexico and try to make the product cheaper by using not as experienced workers.  Okay, rant over but it annoyed me. And so obviously, I chose not to be an ARC reader there.

BOOK REVIEW: Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson

Death By Pumpkin Spice (Bookstore Cafe Mystery #3)

by Alex Erickson (Goodreads Author)

ebook, 320 pages

Published September 27th 2016 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis:

Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .

   As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .

   With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .

   I really enjoyed this Death by Coffee mystery burt I totally missed the cafe/bookstore aspect of the story. I feel this setting is key for the series as a whole, so, yes, missed it greatly.

***

4 Stars

Our story starts when Krissy Hancock is invited to a halloween party at the posh estate of one of the town’s elite citizens. Apparently, it is quite an honor to get an invite. Of course, our heroine isn’t quite in line with the high class in Pine Hill’s so she comes as her friend, Will’s plus one. The story stays in the mansion setting for most of the book and I had a total “And Then There Were None” feeling about the whole thing.

When one of the three Marilyn Monroe look-alikes winds up dead, I thought we were on our way to a series of multiple killings, but alas, my Agatha Christie spin did not occur. Shucks.

Officer Paul Dalton is also at the soiree, and reluctantly asks Krissy to assist him since he is the only officer at the scene and the rain outside has made it impossible for another detective to make it to the mansion. It is a bit of an awkward situation since she is there with Will and spending all her evening with Paul.

I just love this series and this was just the perfect accent to fall, a pumpkin spice murder! You all really need to pick this one up for your own library.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Dressed to Kill by Lynn Cahoon

Dressed To Kill (A Tourist Trap Mystery #4)

by Lynn Cahoon (Goodreads Author)

Paperback

Published June 23rd 2015

Goodreads synopsis:

Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the tucked-away town of South Cove, California—is not particularly thrilled to be portraying a twenties flapper for the dinner theater murder mystery. Though it is for charity…

Of course everyone is expecting a “dead” body at the dress rehearsal…but this one isn’t acting! It turns out the main suspect is the late actor’s conniving girlfriend Sherry…who also happens to be the ex-wife of Jill’s main squeeze. Sherry is definitely a master manipulator…but is she a killer? Jill may discover the truth only when the curtain comes up on the final act…and by then, it may be far too late. 

***

4 Stars

I am not sure how I skipped this book in the series, but I did. I love the world the author has created here as I have said in other blog posts. But this book, for some reason, didn’t capture me the way the other books had. I didn’t feel excited reading it. It also took me awhile to get back into the book and become more familiar with the character set again. I think a tiny bit of introduction to the main players might be a good idea here. Again, just my opinion, others may have found this an easy transition but in my case I had been away from the characters for a few months and I needed a refresher on the base/core group.

I think my main reticence came from Jill’s need to “not interfere” with her boyfriend’s investigation like she had in the past. I know that her decisions to hold back in that way was probably how the rest of us in the “real world” might tackle the problem, but Jill? It just seemed unrealistic and unnatural. And in someways, I think the book suffered from this plot point.

Don’t get me wrong, I still gave the book 4-stars because…. favorite book world ever. But I thought it just needed a bit of an oomph somewhere. Not completely pleased, but I didn’t hate it either. I look forward to the next book in the series (I am reading out of order): Tea Cups and Carnage.

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Silenced (Krewe of Hunters #15) by Heather Graham

The Silenced (Krewe of Hunters #15)

by Heather Graham (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, 352 pages

Published June 30th 2015 by Mira

Goodreads synopsis:

Where is Lara Mayhew? 

Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment. 

   Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer? 

   Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? And who—besides each other—can they trust?

***

4 Stars

I have been reading this series out of order…. gee, I’ll bet you’re surprised by that, huh? LOL. But the good thing about reading the Krewe series in this way is knowing that each book is a stand alone and you don’t need to read a previous book to get you up on what’s going on in the series as a whole. I love it when authors are so cognizant of that fact.

This book just pulls you into the action right from the get-go. I had been reading other books at the same time as this one but because of the exciting pace and thoroughly enjoyable storyline, I stuck with this book until the end. Heather Graham is great at pulling us into the storyline and never letting go of us.

I am a little gleeful that I figured out who dun it… at least mostly figured it out. But the ending was still a surprise worth discovering.

I gave this book four stars because I was taken by surprise by the first love scene. It sort of snuck up on me and I was left wondering where the build-up to it was?… Had I missed reading something important that would let me know these two were thinking of hitting the hay together?

Besides that this read was a great roller-coaster of a book that I think every Heather Graham fan has come to expect. I look forward to reading more in this Krewe series.

I bought this book with my own money

BOOK REVIEW: Diary of an Asset by Stasha Eriksen

Diary of an Asset: Memoirs of a Psychic Spy

by Stasha Eriksen

Kindle Edition, 109 pages

Published May 25th 2016

Goodreads synopsis:

My name is Sophia Snow. 

I am the product of a government experiment. 

My role in this project falls under several titles: 

asset, psychic spy, remote viewer and sleeper agent. 

There are countless others comparable to myself. 

An energy shift occurred inside of us in 2012, and we are now 

coming forward to share our stories. 

We are coming to the conclusion that "We" outnumber "Them" 

in population; although I am afraid it is a close call. 

I believe that we are even stronger than them, 

upon activation of our divine purpose. 

The time has come for us to discuss the missions the 

government wanted us to forget, the experiments they have 

conducted through our genetics and DNA, and the truth about 

how long this has been going on. 

I cannot speak for the other assets at this time, 

but I will begin with my story. 

Take an inside look into my personal diary. 

The events unfold through an accidental recollection that 

I had been used as a psychic spy for numerous years. 

One important thing you must keep in mind before reading my diary 

is that I never consciously chose to be part of this experiment… 

They selected me from birth. 

XO Sophia Snow

5 Stars !!!

Stasha Eriksen is a personal friend of mine and I was happy to review this book for her.

Sophia Snow has awakened to what seems a whole new world. She begins to see things other people don’t notice and this leads her on a grand journey into discovering her purpose.

She knows she was used by the government to gain intel into this whole spiritual awakening business but Sophia takes her life into her own hands and begins to figure out what is really going on in this thing we call life.

There was a great deal of research that went into creating this book and that is one of Stasha’s fortes. I really enjoyed the diary aspect of this book and it gives us a greater insight into the character in this format.

Please check this lovely book out, but be warned, there will be a cliffhanger at the end that ensures that there will be a book two… I hope.

I received this book from the author to review. I thank Stasha for allowing me to read her first novel.

BOOK REVIEW: Out of Practice by Phoebe Fox

Out of Practice (Breakup Doctor #4)

by Phoebe Fox (Goodreads Author)

ebook, 274 pages

Expected publication: October 18th 2016 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis:

When your relationship is on life support, the Breakup Doctor is on call. 

   There’s no shortage of broken hearts in Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden’s successful breakup counseling practice—if love is a battlefield, then Brook is the cavalry. Luckily her own love life is in full recovery: after a long, tortuous road, she and Ben Garrett are finally headed down the aisle. 

   But when a local TV personality—and former frenemy—invites Brook onto her show, she’s blindsided live on the air when the interview turns into an act of long-delayed revenge meant to publicly humiliate her. Brook’s an expert at getting back on your feet when life knocks you down, but as the blows keep piling on—with a betrayal she never saw coming and a family crisis that threatens to pull the foundation out from under her—her confidence starts slinking away. With her clients dropping her faster than a one-night stand, suddenly the Breakup Doctor’s career is in critical care. 

   Brimming with both the sublime and ridiculous aspects of love—romantic and otherwise—Out of Practice is a funny and heartwarming tale about loss, grief, and failure that will resonate with all who have loved, lost…and dared to love again.

5 Stars !!!

Yes, I gave the rare rating of 5 stars to this lovely book. It is the conclusion of the 

Breakup Doctor series and I am so glad I did not realize it was the finale going in. This book brought out so many emotions in me. And I think that is what is great about Phoebe Fox’s writing. She makes you feel things even when you think you are numb inside.

The story starts with the discovery that Brook’s father has passed away. And I was like…. WHAT?! I was sad that we did not get to go through that with Brook but i know that would make it all the more heart-wrenching.

An old high school colleague tricks Brook and blasts her on her morning television show in order to gain some payback for something Brook never actually did to her. I thought that was a bit stinky and hoped she and this frenemy would work things out with her in the end, but alas… I will leave you to discover the rest.

Brook finally has Ben in her life but it is a series of ups and downs that I think anyone can relate to. I was a blubbering mess reading this book. I even discovered that my own pain was played out in this book and I felt a bit of peace knowing how Brook would have handled advising me during an old heartbreak that never had a chance to find closure.

This was definitely one excellent book. I give it my highest recommendation. Definitely check out the entire Breakup Doctor series. You won’t be disappoiinted.

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