A Deadly Deletion

 

A Deadly Deletion

By: Lorna Barrett

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Summary:

 Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-lover, police chief Grant Baker. Tricia's got some serious thinking to do.

She's still weighing her options when she hears the sound of an engine roaring down Main Street. It's a big white pickup truck that aims for and hits Marshall as he's walking back to his apartment. Tragically, he's killed, leaving Tricia feeling bereft and guilty. She retreats to her sister, Angelica's, apartment to wait for Baker to update her on what happened. While there, Tricia takes Angelica's dog out for a comfort call behind the building, and the same white pickup roars up the alley and just misses hitting Tricia.

Still shaken by that news, Tricia returns to Haven't Got a Clue and is met by federal marshal Kirby, who tells her that Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything Marshall told Tricia was a lie—in particular, that he was a widower. Was his death an act of revenge?

Tricia's on the hunt for a killer, and it seems like she might be next on the list. ---bn.com

I hope you're ready, because A Deadly Deletion has a lot going on within it's pages. For starters, it literally picks up where it's predecessor, handbook For Homicide leaves off. So, right off the bat Tricia gives her answers for the two marriage proposals she's just received. As this story unfolds, people Tricia thought she knew turn out to be the opposite. By the time you read the last word, secrets are uncovered and a long standing character from the series dies. All of this leaves Tricia dazed and confused. 

Marshall's death leaves her emotions raw. She was very confident in the answer she gave him and knew it was the right one. But that was all before he died and secrets from his past- and present- come to life. As it turns out. she didn't know Marshall at all. It doesn't take long for those secrets to unravel in the form of government officials and people from his past to show up with answers to the questions she never knew she needed to ask. 

But all those revelations still don't explain who killed him and why? was it even connected to his past, or could it just be an accident? Turns out that answer comes with it's own mind blowing revelations. Ones with deadly ends. By the time the climax of the story arrives, Tricia has no clue who she can trust. Family was always her safe place, but a falling out takes that away from her.

This was a great story, but a heavy one. A Deadly Deletion isn't a light hearted addition to the series. The ending was not what I thought it would be. The "bad guy" wasn't who I thought it was going to be. I was shocked to see the ending play out. It didn't leave me warm and fuzzy, but it did what a mystery is meant to do: keep me guessing and turning the pages. 

Little Black Book

 

Little Black Book

By: Kate Carlisle

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Summary:

When Brooklyn and her husband, Derek, are sent a mysterious package they have no idea they're about to be involved with a missing persons case with a few murders thrown in the mix. Their crime fighting skills even take them to Scotland. And all of this involves the beloved gothic classic, Rebecca. 

Book restoration expert Brooklyn and her husband, Derek, no sooner walk through the door of their San Francisco apartment then discover Derek's been sent a mysterious package. A mysterious book package, nonetheless. A black covered first edition, signed by the author herself, of Rebecca not only has been mailed to him, but becomes the source of much confusion. It doesn't take long for the plot to thicken with the arrival of Claire Quinn on their doorstep. Her beloved Aunt Gwyneth is missing and a mailing receipt shows the Stones' address. She's searching for information to her whereabouts. 

And thus begins the latest mystery in the well loved Bibliophile mystery series by Kate Carlisle. This newest adventure not only brings Claire into the mix of characters, but also the several bad guys on her heels. Nicknamed Mr. peppermint and Fish Face, they're trying to retrieve the book and shut Claire up at the same time. Now, Brooklyn and Derek are trying to figure out how Rebecca plays into everything, but also are trying to keep Claire safe. Turns out Derek and Gwyneth worked together for M16, so dots begin to connect. But where is she? Why are people trying to kill Claire? And what does all of this have to do with the Rebecca book sent to Derek?

I enjoyed this book! More often than not, books in a long running book series start to suffer in content. Mysteries become thin and a smaller part of the story. I can honestly tell you, this isn't the case with the Bibliophile series. The action started right off the bat and continued to the end. I loved getting to know the new characters and was questioning if they were the bad guys throughout. I loved the connection between Derek and Gwyneth. The Scotland parts of the story was fascinating. Kate not only takes you there, but also brings it to life by giving you some of the history. I was glued and didn't want it to end. 

Long standing fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy book 15. New readers of the book will enjoy it, as well. While there are a few references to past things, a first time series reader won't be confused by them. A great summer read for cozy mystery lovers. 

Live Your Life

 

Live Your Life

By: Amanda & Anna Kloots

Genre: Memoirs

Summary:

When COVID came to the U.S. life as we knew it changed. The virus spread faster than the facts we needed to know about it. Amanda Kloots was forced to face this nightmare when it hit her husband. Facing the unknowns all while on lockdown and bringing up her infant son was nothing short of a nightmare. Here she shares the story of their life, his illness and the battle they desperately fought to the bitter, heartbreaking end.

2020 was a nightmare year. Life turned upside down with 5 letters: COVID. Life came to a scary, screeching halt as we watched hundreds of thousands get hit. While many recovered, many did not. And as the virus spread like the wildfire, the facts and information about it weren't as quick in coming. Fear reigned. Nick Cordero's case was one of the first that took early theories and threw them by the wayside. He was young- in his 40s- and had no pre-existing conditions. He was healthy. There was no reason to think he would get the virus and fully recover, if he did get it. Until he caught it and never recovered. What Amanda thought was  going to be an hour, or so, visit to the ER became the last time she ever talked to him again.

Amanda takes you on her emotional journey as they admitted him into the ICU- and he never left. 90+ days of him showing signs of improvement one minute only to take a turn for the worse the next. Times of doctors saying his numbers looking good and having hope of getting him off the machines. Times of medicines that helped other patients not helping him. Times of being told to get to the hospital as soon as possible because they didn't think Nick would survive a few more hours. The fight to get into the hospital to see him. The phone calls in the middle of the night. Amanda puts you right there with her. 

While she's in the fight for her husband's life, she also has a baby boy, Elvis, to take care of. You'll read how her family dropped their lives to come help her. You'll read how a neighborhood steeped up to help in any way they could. You'll read how celebrities got involved. These were my favorite parts to read. Her fight didn't stay just hers. A whole community of fighters was created in a time when it was needed. 

 Live Your Life is an emotional book. You'll be touched by strangers' generosity, you'll cry at the heartbreaking reality of this virus. You'll think he's going to get better. You'll be sad when he doesn't.  

You'll be shocked when you learn of the damage this virus did to his body. By the time you read the last word, you will have been all over the emotional map and have kept Kleenex in business. 

As devastating as Nick's story is, it's remarkably heartwarming, too. I smiled and cried my way through the pages. I thank Amanda and Anna for sharing their story as openly as they did. May every reader be blessed by it in some way.

How Y'All Doing?

By: Leslie Jordan

Humor, Memoirs

Summary:

During the COVID quarantine, many in the world discovered Mr. Leslie Jordan. he became a familiar, funny face on Instagram. Well, recognizing how 2020 brought him a new audience, Mr. Jordan takes this opportunity to introduce himself and tell you a little about himself.

While I wasn't of the many who became familiar with Leslie Jordan through Instagram, I was of the many who wanted to get to know his story. I had watched a few of his videos and you couldn't help but chuckle at his musings. He has this sweet southern charm that oozes from him. That sweet southern charm that had to navigate being gay in the South amidst a religious family. So, I jumped at the opportunity to read his story. This is his second book, so he may not go into as much detail as his previous one, but I enjoyed myself just the same.

Leslie's humor is what gravitated me to him. He has a funny way of telling the stories he tells. I loved reading how Debbie Reynolds came to his rescue with his mom. he reminisces about his days on American Horror Story. He gets vulnerable with a career challenge that had him walking away from a project he wanted to do, but couldn't. He tells you about his first baby shower experience.

When you pick up this book, be prepared for a quick fun read. You will chuckle and smile. By the time you finish, you've fallen in love Jordan's humor and wit. 

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

By: Dee Ernst

Romance

Summary:

Maggie Bliss is a successful romance writer.- with a problem. Her book is due in 6 weeks and she has nothing. Will a change of scenery be just what she needs? Or will a change of scenery be the setting for a whole new set of problems?

As the book opens, Maggie's life is in a bit of chaos. She has a live-in boyfriend who thinks more of himself than he does of her. Her first draft is due on her publisher's desk in 6 weeks and she's got the worst case of writer's block. So, her agent recommends her traveling to Paris with him and his husband. Seems like paradise since she can write anywhere and she's kicked the selfish boyfriend out. The people waiting for her there are nothing like she thought of. Solange, Lee's (Maggie's agent), is quick to make herself sparse so sparks can hopefully ignite between her son, Max, and Maggie. 

As Maggie gets to know the neighborhood and the people, her writer juices start to flow. However, even Paris can bring complications to your café table. Maggie's daughter has decided that since both her parents get along and are currently single, it's the perfect time to get back together. Will their old flame spark up again? Maggie also can't quite make sense of her growing attachment to Max. He takes her under his wing as he gets her a makeover and shows her the neighborhood. Will feelings develop?

If you're looking for a light, fluffy and charming romance- consider Maggie Finds Her Muse. I loved the story. I was engrossed right from the get go. I loved all the characters and how they interacted. I loved how Dee Ernst made Paris feel so magical through the pages. I loved seeing all the possibilities and watching the story unfold. She even made a farting dog become a cute comical character. 

I do need to warn you that if you like your romance books to be steamy, you won't find that with Maggie. There are plenty of references to steamy things she's written for characters and a couple of beginnings, but very little steam. But what it lacks in that department it makes up for with charm. I didn't want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. 

Maggie Finds Her Muse could be a great summer read. 

Picture Perfect Frame

 

Picture Perfect Frame

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Mystery/ Cozy Mystery

Summary:

South Cove has a new business in town, a little paint and sip store. And what better welcome can South Cove give this new venture than to have it be the site of the latest murder?! This time around, the prime suspect is none other than resident fortune teller/police secretary/Jill's neighbor. But, did she do it? If not her, than who? 

The 12th installment of this beloved cozy mystery series finds South Cove a whirl of activity. Not only is the town gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, but Amy's wedding is right around the corner. So, a new murder isn't really on anyone's agenda. A night of fun & friendship definitely is. Everyone gathers at the town's newest paint and sip store. Some bring their painting talent, some don't. One attendee, Nan, stands out, though. Mostly because she's drunk. Of course, the locals don't take long on getting whatever info they can about Nan and her husband. As it turns out, they're regular visitors to the town- mainly for the guidance of the local fortune teller/psychic. 

Nan makes the conversations change when she's found dead in the paint and sip the following morning. The hunt is on for the who, what, why. All fingers, clues, start pointing to Jill's neighbor, the fortune teller/police secretary. Knowing her friend didn't do it, Jill refuses to sit back and let her get railroaded. So, off she goes looking for clues. It isn't long before you uncover the reason behind the couple's frequent trips to South Cove. 

As if trying to solve a mystery isn't enough, Jill's best friend, Amy, is the bridezilla turned emotional wreck bride. Due to walk down the aisle in mere weeks, Amy is anything but calm. She's one hysterical mess after another. It only makes matters worse when her fiancé goes missing on her. Unable to get in contact with him, and having very little coming in from his end, Amy wastes no time jumping from one conclusion to another, leaving Jill to deal with the fall out. 

I love this series. I've been with this series from book 1 to now. I always love visiting South Cove and seeing what Lynn has all the residents up to. This book didn't disappoint. It was a fun read that I devoured, as I've done with each installment of this series. Some books have the mystery aspects more front and center than others, but I always get pulled into the plot right away. While Picture Perfect Frame wasn't as action packed as some of the previous books, you still loved finding out Nan's story. I enjoyed learning the back story and how it connected to the present happenings. The ending was anti-climatic for the mystery- there was no fighting confrontation between the killer and anyone, but there didn't need to be. 

I'm looking forward to the next installment. There may be another wedding in the not too distant future for South Cove. Lynn always has me coming back for more!!

The Rose Code

 

The Rose Code

By: Kate Quinn

656 Pages

Historical Fiction/Fiction

Summary:

1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter—the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger—and their true enemy—closer... --bn.com

Has Kate Quinn have a story for you!! Once again, she takes you to World War II. This time. you're cracking secret codes in a secret location. You're intercepting war messages from the Germans along with Osla Kendall, Mab Churt and Beth Finch. Osla is the socialite who wants to prove there's more to her than just being a debutante. Mab is the girl from the poor part of town who wants better for herself and her family. And Beth is the one who's Mom bullies her and has no back bone. Through war circumstances, these three come together. 

As the war rages on, each of these girls grows into women they wanted to be, but never thought they would. One will turn her back on her family to forge her own life on her terms. One will lose the most important people in her life. One will sacrifice her heart for love's sack. And you will not want to stop reading as these ladies do the impossible. But all is not as easy as broken hearts. Devastation, betrayal and despair loom large. 

My favorite character was Osla. She's the spitfire of the group. She's stronger than she gave herself credit for in the beginning. Beth was the growth you loved the most. She went from shy and timid to a powerhouse in the war effort. Mab's secrets were ones that I didn't predict. As these women became part of the backbone for defeating the Germans, you couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Kate Quinn has brought you another masterpiece. I couldn't put this book down. Once again, it's based off real people and places. She told another gripping story that you pulled you in from the first page. Kate has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers because she's unbelievably gifted at telling her stories. All I wanted to do was see what each page had in store for the story and the girls I've been rooting for. You are in for an amazing, unforgettable adventure. One you will not likely forget after you read the last word and turn the final page. 

If you're like me, your house will become a mess while you're lost in the story, but you won't care, It'll be totally worth it. Thank you, Kate, for another awesome book. It was a true pleasure to read it.