Olive You to Death

 

Olive You to Death

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Summary:

Mysteries have washed ashore in South. Town grump, Josh, announces his engagement just before his newly betrothed disappears. One of Jill's old History Professors was working with Josh on locating treasure said to have been hidden near South Cove. However, said Professor is soon found murdered. Can the two events be connected? 

Welcome to book 16 in the Tourist Trap Mystery series. I always look forward to whatever adventures Lynn Cahoon takes us on and I thoroughly enjoyed this latest one. This book was so fun to read. So, if you're looking for a vacation read, let's see if this one fits for you.

If you've been a reader of the series for any length of time, you know there isn't a lot of love amongst residents for local Josh. He owns the antique store, but is mostly known as the "town curmudgeon", as Lynn named him. However, Olive You to Death may just be the book where you begin to see him differently. This time around, Josh has fallen in love with Melody who has rubbed off on him in a positive way. She's managed to smooth many of his rougher edges. So, when she goes missing, he's devastated and determined to find out where she is. The questions start being asked: was her disappearance was a willing one or forced? Is she coming back? Jill helps search for answers.

As Jill and Josh do some digging, she learns Josh was working with one of her previous professors. Josh found an old journal that eludes to a treasure hidden near town. Professor Wellborn knew much about the notorious owner of the treasure that had been hidden, so he and Josh join forces to locate the hidden treasure. But, is there really a treasure to be found? And does it have anything to do with why the Professor was found murdered? Jill can add those questions to her growing list.

While trying to keep Josh out of Jill's lawman fiancé's hair, trying to get information on her professor's death, and locating a missing bride-to-be, Jill has her own wedding to plan. At the start of the book, all is going well, but it doesn't stay that way for long. Apparently, a technicality puts a hitch in she and Greg's wedding site. Can it be fixed? Or will she be adding finding a new wedding sire to list of things to do?

I loved this installment!! I loved the treasure storyline and the way it brings the past together with the present. The search for it, the story behind the man involved was a blast to read about. Seeing the softer side of Josh was an unexpected joy. I was routing for him from the get go. 

If you're looking for a quick, fun, lighthearted read to take to the beach or on a vacation, I highly suggest you pick this one up. 

Dirty Thirty

 

Dirty Thirty

By: Janet Evanovich

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Summary:

Stephanie Plum, Trenton’s hardest working, most underappreciated bounty hunter, is offered a freelance assignment that seems simple enough. Local jeweler Martin Rabner wants her to locate his former security guard, Andy Manley (a.k.a. Nutsy), who he is convinced stole a fortune in diamonds out of his safe. Stephanie is also looking for another troubled man, Duncan Dugan, a fugitive from justice arrested for robbing the same jewelry store on the same day.

With her boyfriend Morelli away in Miami on police business, Stephanie is taking care of Bob, Morelli’s giant orange dog who will devour anything, from Stephanie’s stray donuts to the upholstery in her car. Morelli’s absence also means the inscrutable, irresistible security expert Ranger is front and center in Stephanie’s life when things inevitably go sideways. And he seems determined to stay there.

To complicate matters, her best friend Lula is convinced she is being stalked by a mythological demon hell-bent on relieving her of her wardrobe. An overnight stakeout with Stephanie’s mother and Grandma Mazur reveals three generations of women with nerves of steel and driving skills worthy of NASCAR champions.

As the body count rises and witnesses start to disappear, it won’t be easy for Stephanie to keep herself clean when everyone else is playing dirty. It’s a good thing Stephanie isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty, too.

---bn.com

In the act of full transparency, I haven't picked this series back up in awhile. 10+ books awhile. I found the series to be too formulaic for me. It almost seemed like a big version of Fill in the Blank. After over 12 books, Stephanie was stuck in the same triangle with her two guys. Nothing really changed of any substance. So, I was very curious to be see what things were like in Trenton, these days, for Stephanie.

My impressions for most of the book were that nothing had changed for Stephanie. In many ways I found that comforting. It was fun to visit characters I loved and having caught up with in awhile. Lula and Grandma Mazur were still the go-to ones for funny lines. High jinks were still involved in Stephanie's captures. It was fun to chuckle and laugh at the hilarity of it all.

This installation, Stephanie is put on the case of Duncan Dugan who robbed a jewelry store. However, he has second thoughts as soon as he walks out the door and proceeds to drop the bag of diamonds on the ground before taking off. The book opens with him threatening to jump from the 4th floor of a building only to fall off it. He survives and leads Stephanie and Lula on a search mission for the missing jewels. Which then leads to other discoveries involving the store owner Martin Rabner.

Along the way to solving the case, Stephanie deals with a couple of fire bombs, checking out recently dug up dead bodies looking for a match and her Mom helping chase a suspect. Not to mention Lula being convinced she's being stalked by a demon Grendel. There's also a couple proposals waiting in the pages for you.

If you're in the market for a book that will have you giggling and laughing as you chase apprehensions, I recommend Dirty Thirty. There's nothing ground breaking in the story, but lots of fun. You see the long lasting triangle hint at a new shape in the future. This was a fun read.

Songs of Wine and Murder

 

Songs of Wine and Murder

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Summary:

A battle of the bands festival has come to South Cove and it not only brings murder with it, but it also uncovers secrets. The Moonstone Beach and Band Blowout Festival becomes the backdrop for things not always being as they appear. Who dies? Who did it? Why? 

Lynn Cahoon doesn't just bring you number 15 in her Tourist Trap Mystery Series, but she also gives you a fitting welcome to summer. Overall, I felt like this book was the perfect opener of a new season. Not only am I welcoming the summer weather where I live, but so is South Cove. So, it was nice to visit some of my favorite characters as summer starts.

Engaged couple Jill and Greg sprinkle in the wedding talk throughout the book, but it all takes a back seat when Axel, the lead singer for one the bands competing is found dead- choked to death with a guitar string. It doesn't take long for talk to start, and with talk comes secrets that get revealed. Was Hans, another member of a competing band responsible? Hans just so happens to be the nephew of the Mayor's wife. Were strings pulled to get his band this far? He doesn't leave the best of impressions with his behavior, but is he the one who killed Axel? Fingers start flying at more than one band member as the investigation unfolds- including some pointing in the direction of Jill's friend, Matt.

Meanwhile, at the bookstore, Jill has hired a new overflow employee.  While she's amazing at her job, she has a connection to longtime employee, Toby. While he remembers her as his first love, and the one who broke his heart, she doesn't remember him at all. Why is that? 

Readers of Songs of Wine and Murder are in for a delightful, lighthearted visit to their beloved beach town. So, pull up your beach/pool chair and catch some rays while you catch up on the latest happenings in South Cove.

A Vacation to Die For

 

A Vacation to Die For

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: A Tourist Trap Mystery

Summary:

Hustling her fiancé off to a neighboring tourist town might be the only way Jill Gardner can plan her nuptials to South Cove’s in-demand police detective. But when a mystery man turns up dead at South Cove’s PD, Greg is hightailing it back home to investigate, leaving Jill to finish the vacation solo.
 
Jill can barely get in a spa day before her own respite is spoiled by a greedy hotel guest and unexpected revelations about Max Winter, the developer conniving to buy her home out from under her. Then there’s the staffing issues at the store, the strange men seen lurking about town, and an aggressive and obnoxious family member harassing Jill’s beloved employee. It’s enough to make the bride-to-be full of jitters . . . especially when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer . . .   bn.com

Welcome back to South Cove! Our beloved Jill and her fiancée, Greg, have decided to go away for a mini vacation. Sadly, things don't go according to plan. A dead body shows up at home- but no one knows who it is. While Greg heads off to deal with that situation, Jill overhears a fellow guest's conversation. Never did she dream that they would meet up again- in South Cove. Nor, did Jill expect said guest was a cranky one with an agenda. 

Jill's newest employee, Evie, is still dealing with the aftermath of her recent divorce. Turns out her ex's sister, Becky, is the guest Jill overheard on the phone. Becky has decided she wants the clock her father gave to Evie as a wedding gift. She makes is clear that she won't leave without it. Evie's jerky ex even gets in on the demands. What's the deal with the clock? Why is it such a big deal to get their hands on? And just which old time Hollywood actress is associated with it? 

A Vacation to Die For has lots of strings waiting for you untie as you read. I enjoyed catching up with my favorite beach town residents. The book was a quick, but enjoyable read. Once the story got going, you couldn't help but try to guess what was happening and who was involved. This is a great book to curl up with. Spend a weekend revisiting fictional friends and solve a mystery, or two, while you do it. 

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. 

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!!

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

 

Summary:

Lake Eden's Mayor is found dead. Andrea, Hannah's sister is the one to find him- and also have a fight with him earlier that day- so she becomes suspect #1. Hannah is now on a mission to find out who really did the killing, all while her busy bakery is prepping for Easter.

I found this to be on ok read. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't amazing, either. It was pretty much in the middle. For me, this book seemed to struggle with something a lot of cozy mystery series do- after numerous books the focus becomes more on the characters with the mystery becoming a secondary character. I felt this book focused the majority of it's time with Hannah and the other characters. It started off with a bang, but cooled quickly. 

A little heads up: if you aren't keeping up with the series, you may find questions with no answers. For example, in the book prior to this one, something happens involving Hannah's husband and her home. You're told she finds his murdered body, but that's all. You don't know what happened or why. You have no clue why her sister is now living there. There is no revisiting it for the reader. I've only read the first 3 books in the series, so I wasn't sure if I could just pick up at the current book and be filled in about recent events, but I wasn't. That's not a deal breaker for me, but it's something I think you should know. Some series don't have to be read in order, but I don't think this is one of them.

There were several things that I had a hard time with. One, the character names were constantly repeated within conversations. To the point that the conversations didn't seem realistic to me. Secondly, the inner dialogue in Hannah's head got pretty distracting and annoying quickly. Once or twice, is no big deal, but when they're happening often, it tends to take away from the story. Thirdly, I just felt the mystery investigation part was almost non existent. There was very little tracking down suspects and weeding out the possibilities. In fact, people stated several times that there were so many people who had a motive for killing the mayor, but only a few were mentioned. The only real investigating happened toward the end and it led to the killer. I guess I was expecting more of the process to be there.

Overall, the 27th Hannah Swensen series installment was ok. I was hoping for more and was disappointed not to see more of the investigation unfold, but I did have a good time catching up with the characters. Andrea is still one of my favorites. Despite the issues I had, I liked the book. I plan on reading more of the series in the future, so I'll have to start catching up.

Premeditated Mortar

 

Premeditated Mortar

By: Kate Carlisle

304 pages

Summary:

Shannon Hammer is about to embark on one of the biggest projects of her career. Her best friend Jane Hennessey has purchased one wing of the Gables, formerly the old state insane asylum, located on a bucolic hillside two miles northeast of Lighthouse Cove. Jane plans to turn her section into a small luxury hotel complete with twenty ocean-view rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.

Shannon is raring to get started on the enormous project and is shocked when a group of unruly protesters shows up at the groundbreaking ceremony and wreaks havoc. She’s even more freaked-out when someone pushes her into a pit of bricks in a closed-off room of the asylum. Despite her close call, Shannon wants nothing more than to get back to work . . . until she finds a body not far from where she was pushed. Now Shannon is determined to get to the bottom of the goings-on at the Gables even if it kills her. . . . --bn.com

I have to admit that it's been several books since I've read this series. I meant to keep up with it, but life being life, it didn't happen. I left the series off at book 2, and here we are with book 8. If you're new to the series, have no concern. As I read this book, I never felt holes or gaps from previous installments in the series. The author keeps you in the loop of anything you may have learned in the books leading up to it. 

Shannon's best friend, Jane, has very personal reasons for renovating her wing of the mental institution: her mother was a patient within the same wing. So she's determined to turn a sad and dark location into one that is loving and welcoming. However, the protestors have different feelings. They'd much rather see in no longer exist at all. As the story unfolds, you learn why they feel the way they do. You also learn the protestors are connected to the asylum and how. You learn how the asylum began as a great place, but a change of hands changed all of that. You get to know several of the protestors and their stories. You discover the dark side of the person who took over and her approach to treating mental illness. Not to mention the scars it leaves behind on those who endured it, or watched it unfold. I felt Kate Carlisle did a great job of telling this dark and twisted story, but in a way that wasn't overwhelming or approaching thriller level. I was definitely gripped to the plot and seeing how it unfold further. 

I have to say that cozy mysteries usually don't tackle these types of subjects. While this book focused more on the characters and their lives, I did enjoy the mental health storyline. In fact, I wish Kate Carlisle went a little more into that part of the story than the characters. I enjoyed the book and revisiting these characters. I plan to read the books in between where I left off and this one in the new year. 

Murder in Waiting

Murder in Waiting

By: Lynn Cahoon

176 Pages

Publish Date: June 30, 2020

Summary:

At Coffee, Books, & More, Jill’s the boss. But as Amy’s maid-of-honor, she can barely keep up with marching orders--and now she’s in charge of organizing an epic bachelorette! Adding to Jill’s party-planning panic, the South Cove Heritage Society just unceremoniously dumped her historic landmark bid. While vying proposals rush in from a loaded land developer and a pushy travel guide company, Jill finds an unexpected ally in Heritage Society expert, Frank Gleason. But their happy union is cut short when Frank is mowed down in a suspicious hit-and-run. With Amy’s big day on the horizon, Jill vows to catch the killer before she has to catch a bouquet.  --bn.com

In the latest installment of the Tourist Trap Series, Jill is facing contention in every direction. Someone wants the property her house is on and has gone so far as to imply it's willing to be sold. As readers know, no doesn't always mean no until a body ends up dead. Jill needs to find out who is trying to sell off her house and why. Also, attacks are being taken at her business. After being falsely blamed for something, retaliation finds it's way to Coffee, Books & More. Who's trying to ruin her business? Does it have anything to do with things happening with her house and the vacant lot next to it? As if that wasn't enough, Jill is the Maid of Honor to her Bridezilla bestie. Everything comes to a head when the gang travels to Las Vegas for a Bachelor & Bachelerette party. 

I always enjoy catching up with this group of characters. While the mystery part of the story line isn't the as strong as other aspects, it still keeps you intrigued. All the characters are fun and interactive and will keep you entertained until the next book of the series arrives.  If you're in the mood for a light, fun read you will enjoy this book. 

The Grim Reader

The Grim Reader

By: Kate Carlisle

336 Pages

Summary:

Brooklyn's hometown of Dharma is hosting it's first Book Festival. Everyone's excited and getting involved. The local bookshop owner even found a first edition of Little Women (the festival theme) for Brooklyn to repair that will be in the silent auction. However, one dead body leads to questions and revelations- not to mention another dead body and other mayhem.

I'm a fairly new reader to this series. I recently discovered it and loved it. While I'm only a few books in, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Brooklyn and Derek are newlyweds and full of all the lovey-dovey stuff of newlyweds. When Rebecca, Brooklyn's Mother, is threatened by a not so nice community member, Brooklyn and Derek spring into action. Threats lead to an attempt on her life and the discovery of a fellow festival committee member's dead body. When Lawson is found dead, new revelations comes to light: where did the all the festival money he was in charge of go? 

This story is full of possible suspects and you either like them, or meant not to. While the plot took a bit to get moving and all the action to start happening, once it did you were gripped. You can picture the mountain surroundings and the small town feel as you try to figure out how one thing leads to another. While this book is the 14th in the series, I didn't need to read all the previous books to feel in the know of what's going on. Kate does a great job of giving you whatever background information you may need. 

I enjoyed this book! It was a fun mystery to get lost into. Like I said, I'm a new fan of the series. I look forward to reading the books leading up to this one. Go out and get your hands on this book so you can spend part of your summer solving a mystery.

Dressed to Kill

Dressed to Kill

By: Lynn Cahoon

196 Pages

Summary:

When most of the store owners agree to act in a local play to raise funds for charity, no one thought the murder mystery would become real. However, things change when one of the actors turns up dead when he wasn't supposed to. The list of suspects grows, as does the secrets that come to light. Will Jill clear her boyfriend's ex-wife of murder? 

I love Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mystery series!! Color me ecstatic when I learned Dressed To Kill will open my summer, and Killer Run is going to close it! Lynn Cahoon is going to bookend my summer! Bring on the fun! Bring on the characters! Bring on the mysteries!

Kent was the manager of the local bank. He was also the local playboy who had a string of women left in his wake. Not to mention a few other secrets that come to life when he turns up dead during a play rehearsal. South cove is boiling over with gossip about what's going on. But the spotlight shines on Sherry, Greg's ex-wife, since she was dating him at the time of his death. It's no secret that Sherry has been a thorn in Jill's side for awhile, but could Sherry actually kill someone? 

Determined not to get involved with the case this time, Jill spends most of the book doing her best to do just that. Yet, she can't help herself, and she finds out things. Clues find her, she finds them; it's all the same. 

Dressed to Kill may not be as action packed as other books in the series, but it was still as enjoyable as the rest. I loved reading it. You won't be lacking in the charm the series is known for. Nor will you be lacking in a good plot. Jill, our ever sly detective doesn't disappoint.

Death By Coffee

Death By Coffee
By:Alex Erickson
300 Pages

Summary:
Best friends, Krissy Hancock and Vicki Peterson have opened a coffee/book shop in the mid-west. However, their first is nothing like what they hoped. When a customer dies after drinking coffee from Krissy's coffee shop, Krissy becomes determined to find the real killer. 

Krissy and Vicki grew up together in California. Life changed when Vicki moves to Pine Hills. A few months later, Vicki asks Krissy to come out there. With no coffee or book store in town, Vicki sees a golden opportunity. 

Life in small town Pine Hills isn't always easy. Gossip travels at light speed. Everyone knows everyone else. You even have your resident spy always looking from her window. Being new to town, a dead customer isn't the way Krissy envisioned meeting her fellow residents. However, that's how it happened. Brendon Lawyer orders a coffee, and is found dead shortly thereafter. Krissy is anxious to prove it wasn't her coffee that caused his death, but wasn't expecting to uncover quite the list of possible murders. In short time, Krissy is ticking off residents trying to get answers. And, in between arrests, she squeezes in a date with the Chief of Police's handsome son, Officer Paul. 

Not only is this book the debut in a series, it's also the debut book for the author. Alex Erickson is new to the genre, but writes a good story. While the plot wasn't the strongest, you do connect with the characters and want to find out what happens. For being a male author, he writes from a woman's perspective very well. I enjoyed reading his characters and all their interaction. Mr. Erickson is the rare male in a woman dominated genre, but I think he has a great series on his hands. 

Summer Reading- Demise in Denim

Demise in Denim

By: Duffy Brown

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks & Jenifer Nelissen

We're going to kick off the 2015 Summer Reading season with a bang! Duffy Brown is among the rare group of authors who make writing a book an art form. From start to finish, each book she writes is a masterpiece. When you open her books, it never takes long before you are pulled into a world you don't want to leave. You are having so much fun in the story, loving the characters, that the occasional dead body doesn't phase you. You will be laughing your way through murders, chases, and local squabbles. And when you finish the book, you will feel sad to see it end. You will begin counting the days down to her next book release. (I totally admit to doing this!)

Demise in Denim is #4 in her Consignment Shop Series. Like every book in this delightful series, you will laugh your way through every page! All of the books are full of the Southern charm, and humor. The sayings, alone, will have you laughing until it hurts. 

Walker Boone is being framed for murder. (Oh the surprises that await you when you enter a bathroom) Consignment Store Owner-turned amateur sleuth Reagan Summerside is bound and determined to find out who really did the deed, knowing it wasn't Boone.  In order to hit out from the cops, Boone plays "Where's Walker" with Reagan. Sometimes he's been hiding in the last place she would think to look- or even places she didn't know existed. 

Once again, Duffy Brown does an amazing job at bringing characters to life. You truly forget they are characters in a book, and not your family or friends. Instead of reading a book, you feel like you're right there in the middle of it all. This time around, you get to spend more time with Mercedes, the local housekeeper, and mortician. She jumps right in with all the other characters, bringing her own humor every step of the way.

Duffy brings you plenty of laughter, but she also brings you lots of action. It won't take you long to trip over a dead body with Reagan while she's in Boone's office. And soon, you will feel like you're the passenger in the car when Reagan drives Boone's precious '57 Chevy into the swamp. I predict it will take only a page or two before you are immersed in the plot, and guessing, right along with Reagan, who the killer is.

Get comfy, and get ready to start a reading experience you won't forget. As you read Duffy Brown's books, you will meet delightful characters, solve murders, and get multiple ab workouts! Whether it's her Consignment Shop series, or her new Cycle Shop series, Duffy is the perfect companion to take for reading. 

Geared For The Grave

Geared For The Grave

By: Duffy Brown

304 Pages

Summary:

Evie Bloomfield is desperate for a job promotion. So desperate she has agreed to go help her boss's father. What she didn't know before leaving was that getting Rudy's Rides back on it's feet was going to take her on the ride of her life. Mackinac Island is not what Evie thought it would be, and when a loathed, but wealthy, resident is found dead by Evie, everything changes. Suddenly, being the new "fudgie" in town is the least of Evie's worries.

Readers!!! I'm so excited to share this first book in a series with you!! If you love cozy mysteries, you will want to check out Geared For The Grave. If you are a fan of the unbelievably talented Duffy Brown, you will love her newest series! Her writing style is fun and full of spunk. She knows how to bring the characters to life. I felt that early on in the book, the characters stopped being "characters", and felt more like people I interact with often. I didn't want to stop reading them!!

Duffy Brown has created a new world to get to know on Mackinac Island. Here Rudy has his bicycles-to-rent shop, Rudy's Rides. However, as quaint as the island may seem, (did I mention there are no cars allowed on the island?) Rudy's life is about to go from bad to worse. Several residents would like to see his shop close. One lady, Bunny, was rather vocal about her desires to have him closed down. The fact that Rudy wasn't a fan of Bunny's wasn't a well hidden island treasure, either. So, when Bunny is found dead, it doesn't take long before Rudy becomes the prime suspect.

Evie is on Mackinac Island to help Rudy, but also get a much wanted promotion at work. Helping the boss's father has to count for something, right? However, Evie had no clue what she was walking into. Before long her, and her "black cloud", are in thick of things. Trying to prove Rudy's innocence won't be easy since she's the new girl. And "fudgies" aren't embraced that much.

You are going to love the characters. You are going to love the hilarious lines and sayings! I was giggling, laughing, and chuckling my way through the whole book! I didn't want to put it down, or finish it! You have Irish Donna and her thick Irish accent. Irma is one of many who own a fudge store. However, her no good husband left her for the competition- taking with him their recipes. Watching Irma come out of her shell reminded me that, sometimes, revenge is sweet. You will find Rudy as a big teddy bear. And you will melt at the tension between Evie and the temporary Police Chief with a background of his own, Nate Sutter. Did I mention there's a resident who has been nicknamed Jason Bourne? Just wait until you find out why! 

I hope you rush out and buy this wonderful book! Curl up and get acquainted with Mackinac Island, Evie, and all the island residents. You are in for such a fun treat! (Just stir clear of the fish sticks, if you know what I mean.)  You will love Geared For The Grave as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this delightful series!! 

P.S.- if you are new to the delightful Miss Duffy Brown, I highly recommend you read her other series, The Consignment Shop series. You will love this series and all it's Southern Charms!

If You've Got It, Haunt It

If You've Got It, Haunt It
By: Rose Pressey
304 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:

Cookie Chanel has opened her own vintage clothing boutique, It’s Vintage, Y’All, in the charming town of Sugar Creek, Georgia. Always on the lookout for stylish second-hand steals, she attends the estate sale of deceased socialite Charlotte Meadows. But she gets a lot more than she bargained for when Charlotte’s ghost appears before her—offering fashion advice and begging Cookie to find out who murdered her.

As the persistent poltergeist tags along and a possibly psychic pussycat moves into the shop, Cookie sorts through racks of suspects to see who may be hiding some skeletons in the closet. Do a clothing store owner and a disembodied socialite have a ghost of a chance of collaring a killer—or will Cookie’s life be the next one hanging by a thread? --- Publisher's Description

What  a delightful time I've had reading Rose Pressey's new book, "If You Got It, Haunt It".  Cookie Chanel owns a vintage clothing store in the small quaint town of Sugar Creek, Georgia.  Vintage clothing is Cookie's passion and her business. Dressed in her own vintage collection, Cookie is a walking advertisement for her store "It's Vintage Y'all!"

Charlotte  Meadows was one of the wealthiest people in Sugar Creek and, was recently found strangled. She has returned as a ghost and wants her killer found.  Finding help is not easy, especially when no one sees or hears her.  Charlotte's house is having a real estate sale and Cookie is there looking for bargains.  Imagine Charlotte's surprise when she came face to face with Cookie and Cookie smiled.  Charlotte knew she had finally found help.

It took a  lot of talking, badgering, and singing to convince Cookie that teaming up with a ghost to find a killer was a good idea.  A fake psychic, more bodies, a charming detective, and a card playing cat appear to try and help catch Charlotte's illusive killer. Meanwhile the killer has a bag of surprises waiting for them.

This book was a great read from the first sentence to the last. There are lots of wonderful descriptions of vintage fabrics, clothes and accessories. I would love to be able to visit  "It's Vintage Y'all". So curl up in comfortable spot with a nice cup of hot chocolate and join Cookie on this most unusual mystery.

If The Shoe Kills

If The Shoe Kills
By: Lynn Cahoon
153 Pages

Summary:
As owner of Coffee, Books, and More, Jill Gardner looks forward to the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. But when the mayor ropes her into being liasion for a new work program, ‘tis the season to be wary. Local businesses are afraid the interns will be delinquents, punks, or worse. For Jill, nothing’s worse than Ted Hendricks—the jerk who runs the program. After a few run-ins, Jill’s ready to kill the guy. That, however, turns out to be unnecessary when she finds Ted in his car—dead as a doornail. Detective Greg King assumes it’s a suicide. Jill thinks it’s murder. And if the holidays weren’t stressful enough, a spoiled blonde wants to sue the city for breaking her heel. Jill has to act fast to solve this mess—before the other shoe drops…
                                                                                   --- publisher's description

Jill and the gang are back for the third installment of the delightful Tourist Shop Mystery Series. I have loved every book in this series, and If The Show Kills was no exception. You have the chemistry between all the characters. You have the romance between Jill and Greg. What isn't to enjoy?!

The Holiday season is upon South Cove. Thanksgiving is only weeks away, and Christmas is already being planned. The tourist town has decided to do something different this year: each business will take on an intern. It's a win-win situation! The businesses get extra help during the holiday rush, and some struggling people may get a new direction in life. What you will quickly find is that no one is a fan of Ted Hendricks, the man running the company supplying the interns. When he is found dead, the list of possible shooters grows longer before it gets shorter. 

Yes, Ted has an unsavory reputation. From questionable romances, to a wife who was believed to have been kidnapped. Not to mention all the alive people who would like to see him out of their lives on a permanent basis. 

As Jill tries to figure out who is responsible for doing in the no good doer, her life is about to get even more stressful. Enter in the much heard about ex-wife of her boyfriend, Greg. As if planning a big Thanksgiving dinner wasn't enough to worry about?!

You are in for a fun read. I didn't want to put the book down when I was reading it. Every time I read this series, it's like visiting old friends. So, get comfy, and ring in the holiday season with cheers and jeers. South Cove style. 

Summer Reading Recommendation: Mission To Murder

Mission to Murder

Lynn Calhoun

238 Pages

Summary:

Jill Gardner, proprietor of Coffee, Books, and More, has discovered that the old stone wall on her property might be a centuries-old mission worthy of being declared a landmark. But Craig Thomas, the obnoxious owner of South Cove's most popular tourist spot, The Castle, makes it his business to contest her claim. When Thomas is found murdered at The Castle shortly after a heated argument with Jill, even her detective boyfriend has to ask her for an alibi. Jill decides she must find the real murderer to clear her name. But when the killer comes for her, she'll need to jump from historic preservation to self-preservation.-- publisher

Summer has arrived! And while I am late with my own summer reading recommendations, I present you with a great one to start off! Mission to Murder will have you glued to your beach chair as you read on to see how everything unfolds. 

Mission to Murder is book 2 in Lynn Calhoun's Tourist Trap Mystery Series. I loved the first one, and was excited to rejoin my beloved characters to pick up where Guidebook to Murder left off. In this installment, Jill Gardner not only battles to prove her newly discovered wall is a historical relic, but also has to battle against one guy who is willing to play dirty so he doesn't have to share money. As you read, you will see just how far greed can drive a person. And in the case of Craig Thomas, is drove him far. However, after 2 unfortunate (but well deserved) shouting matches between Jill and Craig, he is found dead. Now Jill has to prove she shouldn't be suspect #1 on top of proving the authenticity of her wall.

It was fun to see the sparks still  flying between Jill and her boyfriend, detective Greg King. I love their relationship and the dynamic between them. Readers will get to see best friend, Amy, embark on two relationships. One will a character you can't wait to be rid of. The other, you can't wait to read more about. 

I hope you enjoy reading Mission to Murder as much as I do. I am anxiously awaiting the next book's release. If The Shoe Kills releases on Nov. 10, 2014) 

NIne Lives to Die

Nine Lives to Die
By: Rita Mae Brown
272 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
Winter has come to Crozet, Virginia, bringing with it a fresh blanket of snow. Harry and her husband, Fair, are hip deep in their usual end-of-the-year activities: distributing food to needy residents, and shopping for outfits for the Silver Linings youth organization’s annual fundraising gala. But buried beneath the white stuff are dark secrets from Crozet’s past—and Harry and her posse of pet detectives are determined to sniff them out. 

Two Silver Linings mentors have been found dead in suspicious circumstances. If that weren’t enough to chill the bones of the locals, a pair of severed human fingers has turned up in a pencil jar in the bookkeeper’s office at St. Cyril’s church. What does this grisly display have to do with the mysterious disappearance of Harry’s voluptuous high school Latin teacher, a quarter of a century ago? Maybe nothing. But when the animals make another gruesome discovery in the woods behind Harry’s farm, it becomes clear that terrible crimes have been committed in Crozet—and somebody’s gone to great lengths to cover them up. It’s time to stop shoveling snow and start digging for clues.

The truth will be revealed. A cold case will be solved. And a twenty-five-year-old love triangle is about to get untangled. The weather outside may be frightful, but Harry and her four-legged friends refuse to be spooked off the case. --- courtesy of the publisher

Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown have once again created a fascinating tale of murder in Nine Lives To Die.  The town of Crozet, Virginia is preparing for the holidays. Along with all the shopping and decorating there are two big events everyone is participating in.  Silver Linings, a non profit for disadvantaged boys, is having it's big fundraising. The community churches have been collecting used clothing and food for those in need and are getting ready to deliver them as Christmas gets closer. Several snow storms add to the holiday spirit. 

In the midst of all this, two prominent community leaders are found in their cars dead each missing two fingers. Next three checks come up missing from the Silver Linings books. Another surprise turns up when a storm blows over an old tree and a skeleton is exposed. With the help of Harry Holstein's pets, a corgi named Tee Tucker and her two cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, the skeleton is brought to everyone's attention.  

Who would want to kill these two men and who could this old skeleton be? These are just a few questions Harry, her husband Fair and their friend Deputy Cynthia Cooper are asking. So many questions and no clues.

I love this series . Each book is uniquely different and "Nine Lives to Die" is a great addition.  It drew me in immediately and kept me guessing right to the end. So find yourself a comfy reading nook and prepare to join the adventure. I definitely recommend Nine Lives to Die for your summer or travel reading.  Be sure to read and enjoy more of Rita Mae Brown's Books. They are great.

Guidebook to Murder

Guidebook to Murder
By: Lynn Cahoon
160 Pages

Summary:

When Jill's elderly friend, Miss Emily, calls in a fit of pique, she already knows the city council is trying to force Emily to sell her dilapidated old house. But Emily's gumption goes for naught when she dies unexpectedly and leaves the house to Jill--along with all of her problems. . .and her enemies. Convinced her friend was murdered, Jill is finding the list of suspects longer than the list of repairs needed on the house. But Jill is determined to uncover the culprit--especially if it gets her closer to South Cove's finest, Detective Greg King. Problem is, the killer knows she's on the case--and is determined to close the book on Jill permanently. . . --Publisher Description

I love  a good cozy mystery and Guidebook to Murder was just that! I have found a new series to visit, full of new characters I call friends.

Jill Gardner has just inherited Miss Emily's house and money. Being South Cove's resident grump, Miss Emily wasn't loved by many. In fact, the city council has been after her property for years. The City Council wants to tear down her house to make way for a retail store, she isn't willing to give it up. The fight has turned nasty and involved threatening letters. Now a big city developer is involved, and playing hard ball. So when Jill finds Miss Emily in her bed, dead, foul play is her first thought. but is it the right one?

There may be more to Miss Emily's property than a run down house. The rumor is that it's built on the same property as an old mission once lied. Could a gold coin fortune also be there?

Jill struggles to get the house renovated before her deadline. However, numerous people complicate her mission. Miss Emily's only living relatives were a greedy nephew and his even greedier wife. Neither were pleased to learn they got nothing from her estate of any monetary value. The town Mayor is a shady character, as is the people he deals with.

Everything takes a dramatic turn when Jill's best friend, Amy, goes missing. A regular to surf trips. was her disappearance a planned trip, or did something else happen? Can Jill  get all the answers she needs, and still run her beloved book/coffee shop, Coffee, Books, and More, before her Aunt Jackie takes over completely?

This book was a great introduction to this new series. It got to the point of the story quickly. You had fun meeting the characters- both primary and secondary. The action was on balance with the story. The only downside I saw in this particular book was that it seemed, at times, like you were reading a book in an already established series.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment of this series. The first chapter is included at the end of Guidebook To Murder, but I'm trying hard not to read it now. I'd rather have the whole book to read at one time. I think cozy mystery lovers will embrace this series.