Calendar of Crime 2021 Wrap Up

 

The Calendar of Crime Reading Challenge is hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block.  The goal is to read twelve books, one for each month, in the mystery genre that fit the categories provided.  I completed the challenge in November.

1. January - A Fatal Winter by G.M. Malliet - Month related item on cover

2.  February - The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair - Couple/Romance/Love Triangle

3.  March - Muzzled by Eileen Brady  - Money/Inheritance has major role

4.  April - A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair - Title has a word starting with "A"

5.  May - The Mugger by Ed McBain - Title has a word starting with "M"

6.  June - Wed, Read & Dead by V.M. Burns - Month related item on cover - wedding cake

7.  July - Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink - Independence Day

8.  August - A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker - Month related item on cover - beach

9.  September - The Scent of Murder by Kiley Logan - Title has a word starting with "S"

10.  October - The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey - Month related theme

11.  November - A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver - Family relationships play major role

12.  December - The Diabolical Bones by Bella Ellis - Primary action takes place this month

Book Review: The Diabolical Bones by Bella Ellis

The Diabolical Bones (Bronte Sisters #2). Bella Ellis. Berkley Books (2021). 336 pages. Genre: Mystery, Historical.

First Line: "Charlotte could not conceive of a place more beautiful than Haworth and the surrounding countryside in the spring."

Summary:  Top Withens Hall lies atop a hill above the moors.  Clifton Bradshaw and his son Liston make their home there.  After Mrs. Bradshaw passed away thirteen years ago, Clifton sealed off her upstairs bedroom and can't bear to go in there again.  Until one night when he is awakened by a scream.  Clifton has taken to drinking since his wife's death and sometimes seems out of his mind.  On this particular night he is mad with rage, begging the screaming to stop.  His son Liston follows him to the closed off room.  They discover that a window has been broken.  In an effort to get the screaming to stop, Clifton begins tearing apart the chimney.  Hidden in the walls of the chimney, Clifton discovers the remains of a child.  

When the Bronte sisters hear of the incident, they at once feel the need to visit Top Withens Hall.  They have heard that Clifton Bradshaw intends to leave the remains out in the weather until spring comes.  The sisters feel this is a disgraceful way to deal with remains and feel that they should be given a proper Christian burial at once.  Clifton refuses to let them have the remains.  However, Liston decides to help the sisters retrieve them.  Once they have retrieved the remains, they make arrangements with their father to have them properly buried.  However, there is one problem.  No one seems to know who the remains belong to.  There are rumors that Clifton sold his soul to the devil, perhaps he murdered the child.  As they begin to investigate, the case becomes more complicated than they imagined.  

My thoughts:  This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  The overall tone of the books is uplifting, even though they deal with difficult situations.  There is a bit of humor here and there that helps alleviate the heaviness of the story.

I really enjoy getting to know each one of the Bronte sisters and their brother, Branwell.  The author has done a great job of distinguishing each of their personalities.  Before starting this series, I knew very little about the Brontes, but now I want to learn more.  This book contains an author's note, which is something I always look forward to.  Ms. Ellis has clearly done a lot of research.  

Besides the characters, the other thing I enjoy is the gothic atmosphere of the novels.  The author gives us a feel for the damp and cold of the moors, the fog settling over everything and the cold wind that blows in the winter. There is also the old Victorian homes with closed off rooms and strange sounds.  Add to this the possibility of something supernatural, a witch or visionary and some ancient, cryptic writing and you have an atmosphere that gives you the chills. But right along with all the creepiness you have the sisters who have been raised in the Christian faith reminding themselves and the reader what they believe is true.  

The mystery is a difficult one since the death occurred many years ago.  The sisters use some interesting techniques to help them out in the days before the internet.  They make drawings to compare with pictures in books and consult people who have studied the topic they are interested in.  The thing that starts them on the investigation is that they want a name to put on the headstone of the remains.  Along the way they uncover secrets and hit some dead ends. But eventually, things become clear.  I didn't identify the killer until they were right in front of my face.  

If this series is new to you, I would recommend you start with the first book in the series, The Vanished Bride.   You could read this as a stand alone, but you would miss some of the character growth and the storyline continued from the first book. This is an enjoyable series with strong characters, a great atmosphere and interesting mysteries. 

Quotes:

"Anne smiled; despite the grave circumstances, it was uplifting to see the simple pleasure the dog took in life.  It gladdened her heart to remember that for every dark corner and unjust hurt in the world, there was a place of light, hope and goodness.  Ensuring the latter outweighed the former was surely every person's greatest task on this earth."

"'Emily is quite correct: it is time, my son, to return to your life.' Patrick broke the moment, his tone kind but stern. 'You have suffered pain, but the pain you have suffered is of your own making. You may have peace, happiness and your own home, but not without accepting your responsibilities.'"

Book Review: Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink

Pint of No Return (Shake Shop Mystery #1). Dana Mentink. Poisoned Pen Press (2021). 350 pages.  Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "It was an absolute monster."

Summary:  Trinidad Jones is new to the town of Upper Sprocket, Oregon.  Her family hails from Miami and her grandfather from Cuba.  A divorce is what brought her to Upper Sprocket, her ex-husband's hometown and that of his other two previous wives.  You see, when he was arrested and sent to jail, he deeded "Gabe's Hot Dogs" to Trinidad.  Since she had lost everything else, she decided to turn the shop into the Shimmy and Shake Shop.  Growing up she had helped her grandfather, Papa Luis, make ice cream.  She is determined to make a go of it.

Unfortunately, before she can open her shop, she discovers the body of a neighboring shop owner, Kevin The Popcorn King, in a giant popcorn kettle inside his shop.  Trinidad thought she had escaped the crime of Miami by coming to Upper Sprocket.  The town gossip mill is set into motion and soon everyone is whispering about greed and treasure and ex-wives.  Juliette, one of Gabe's ex-wives is the prime suspect.  Trinidad can't believe Juliette is capable of murder and is determined to discover who the real killer is.

My thoughts:  Dana Mentink is an author I enjoy so when I saw she had a cozy mystery series coming out I had to give it a try.  I am glad I did!

Trinidad Jones was devastated by her divorce.  She never saw it coming.  Not only did she learn her husband had been married before, but he had started a relationship with another woman before her divorce was finalized.  And to top it off, he was convicted of embezzlement.  The three woman caught glimpses of one another at the trial.  He left each of them a business.  Trinidad was left "Gabe's Hot Dogs" and Juliette was left "Store Some More", a storage unit facility that she has been trying to run by herself.  It is awkward when she and Trinidad meet, but they both make an effort to be civil and eventually realize that they were both hurt by the same man and share something of a bond.  So, when Juliette is suspected of murder and held in jail, Trinidad decides she needs a friend and does her best to support her.  Bonnie, the third ex-wife, is mentioned, but doesn't come into this story.

There are several great characters in the story.  Carlos and Diego, teenaged twins Trinidad has hired to help in her shop.  Quinn Logan, who owns Logan's Nut Farm just outside of town.  He has a brother, Doug, who is autistic.  Quinn is his primary caregiver and the two of them are practically inseparable. They become good friends with Trinidad.  I loved the relationship between Quinn and Doug.  Trinidad's dog, Noodles, adopted when she moved to town.  He is a senior dog who flunked his Emotional Support Training.  But he is a dog who wants to help anyone in distress.  He and Doug understand one another and get along well.   I really loved the role Noodles played in the story.  Police Chief Cynthia Bigley, older sister of Trinidad's ex-husband.  She loves her brother, but realizes he is not a saint.  She keeps an open mind and follows the clues.  I like her and hope to see more of her in future installments. 

The mystery was interesting and involved a rumor that there was hidden treasure in one man's storage unit.  The man had recently passed away and the contents of this unit were auctioned off.  Everyone seems to know about the possibility of hidden treasure, it even brought people from out of town to an open house for the man's home. So, the mystery involves trying to discover what the treasure might be as well as who would kill in order to get it. 

I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and surrounding countryside:

"Somehow the quirky name suited the town settled firmly in the shadow of the mountains, with old trees lining the streets and people who still waved hello as they drove by.  Five hours east of Portland, surrounded on three sides by the Wallowa Mountains, Sprocket was plopped at the edge of a sparkling green valley, with soaring peaks as a backdrop and air so clean it almost hurt to breathe it."

"Neat rows of well-tended trees backed a tiny wood-sided office.  The shade looked cool and inviting as she wiped the sweat from her brow."

Be warned, the descriptions of ice cream concoctions will cause your mouth to water.  There is a recipe for Easy Key Lime Ice Cream included at the end.  

Pint of No Return is a great start to what looks to be a promising series. 

Book Review: A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver

A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1). Ashley Weaver. Minotaur Book (2021). 304 pages.  Genre:  Mystery, Historical.

First Line: "London. August 1940. We were going to get caught."

Summary:  Electra McDonnell has been cracking safes for as long as she can remember.  It is certainly not the most law abiding way to make a living, but it has worked for the McDonnell family.  

Electra, "Ellie", was raised by her Uncle Mick along with her cousins, Colm and Toby.  Since they are away fighting in the war, Uncle Mick had allowed Ellie to come along on some of his risky jobs.  When work was good, Uncle Mick was a locksmith.  But, when that work dried up, he took jobs breaking into safes and stealing the contents.  

On this night, in August 1940, Uncle Mick and Ellie were breaking into a home to get their hands on some jewels.  The problem was, Ellie had an uneasy feeling about this job.  There was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing that should cause alarm, just a feeling she had.  

It turns out Ellie's feeling was right.  Ellie and Uncle Mick are caught and handcuffed.  They are put in a car to be transported to jail.  Instead, they arrive at a residence of sorts.  After being questioned alone, without Uncle Mick, Ellie is given a choice - agree to work for the government or go to jail.  She certainly doesn't want to go to jail, but working for the government was never in her plans.  But, as Major Ramsey explains that she would be helping the war effort, Ellie finds herself strangely excited by the prospect.  

Ellie is to assist Major Ramsey in opening a safe that contains sensitive weapons plans that have been stolen and are going to be given to the Germans.  Will Ellie be able to carry out the job without the help of Uncle Mick?  Will they be able to acquire the plans before it is too late?

My thoughts:  I am so glad I caught wind of this new series by Ashely Weaver.  Once I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down until the end.  

I liked Ellie and Uncle Mick from the get-go.  Even though they are criminals, they are wonderful, good-hearted people.  Uncle Mick raised Ellie like his own daughter.  He had two sons of his own, and after his wife died, he raised all three of them.  His housekeeper, Nacy, was the mother-figure they all needed. Ellie's cousins are fighting for their country and they all miss them terribly.  As Ellie is a grown woman, she has an apartment on her Uncle's property.  However, Nacy still supplies a large dose of mothering on a regular basis.  The relationship between Ellie and Uncle Mick is definitely a loving one and similar to a father-daughter relationship.  

Major Ramsey is all business and as Ellie states, "As I had suspected, working with Major Ramsey was going to be very trying."  But, when one gets to know him, one finds that it is only the exterior that is rigid.  Underneath is something a bit softer.  I really enjoyed his character!  Especially the formality and stiffness, but that made the soft parts especially enjoyable.  The more they work together, the more Ellie gets to know him and understand where he is coming from.  In fact, there may be something more than a working relationship brewing.  In the course of this story, we learned a few things about his past, but there is definitely so much more to learn.  That has me looking forward to future books in the series. 

There is plenty of depth in the supporting characters as well, and much to be learned about them.  In addition to Uncle Mick and Nacy, there are Colm and Toby and their good friend, Felix. 

The mystery was complicated and suspenseful.  There were twists, turns and surprises galore.  I was completely surprised when the culprit was revealed.  

This is a historical mystery, but not many details of the war come into play.  Mostly just those that have bearing on the story.  Such as, black out curtains were being used, the cousins were away fighting in the war, and the weapons plans were going to be given to the Germans.  However, nothing more was needed.  It was through these details and the daily interactions and activities of the characters that I got a feel for the times. 

Overall, this was a fantastic story and will be one of my favorites of 2021.  

Quotes:

"Focus on what's before you and wait to see what comes. That was his motto, and he proved it again when he spoke."

"I looked at the neat rows, which had produced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, radish, cabbage, turnips, peas, and other fresh produce over the past few months.  There was beauty in it, in the symmetry of the rows and the way the greens glistened with dew.  There were birds chirping happily as they pranced and flew around the garden.  Even with the noise of the cars in the background, it was like a bit of the country in the middle of the city."

Book Review: The Mugger by Ed McBain

The Mugger (87th Precinct #2). Ed McBain. The Armchair Detective Library (1990, first published 1956). 151 pages. Genre: Mystery.

First Lines: "Katherine Ellio sat in a hard, wooden chair in the Detective Squad Room of the 87th Precinct.  The early-afternoon sunlight, burnished by autumn, tarnished as a Spanish coin, filtered through the long grilled windows, shadowing her face with a meshed-square pattern."

Summary:  There has been a rash of muggings on the streets of the 87th Precinct.  So far the only description they have of the mugger is that he wears sunglasses and just before leaving the scene, he bows and says, "Clifford thanks you". 

Bert Kling is anxious to get back to work.  He has been off for several weeks after having been shot in the shoulder.  Frankly, he's bored.  So, when a friend of his asks for a favor, Burt agrees.  The friend wants Burt to come to his house and meet his wife and agree to talk to his wife's teenage sister.  The wife fears she is involved with some unsavory people, but the girl keeps to herself and doesn't want to talk.  As Burt talks to the girl, he gets the feeling she is hiding something, but he isn't able to learn anything new. 

When a seventeen-year-old girl is found dead at the bottom of a cliff a few days later, Burt is saddened to learn it is the sister of his friend.  A pair of broken sunglasses are found near the body which leads the investigators to think this was done by their mugger.  However, there is not much evidence to go on.  

Burt has only been back to work for a few days when the murder happens and he is not a detective, he is a patrolman.  But, he feels somewhat responsible for the girl's death, wishing he would have pushed a little harder to get her to talk.  So he begins to poke around and ask questions. After being reprimanded by the captain, he promises to stay out of it.  But, he can't help the work that he has already done and the way his mind keeps working on it.  Will the precinct be able to get this mugger off the streets before he kills again?

My thoughts:  Last year my husband and I watched several seasons of Hill Street Blues, the famous cop show from the '80's. We both have memories of the show being on TV when we were growing up.  We enjoyed watching the show and loved the characters.  When I learned that it was inspired by Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels, I wanted to read one. This book is the second in the series.  From what I understand the first book, Cop Hater, introduces the characters at the precinct.  I could tell I had missed something, but it wasn't too difficult to follow what was happening.

The book is very similar to the show in that there is usually one main crime case that they are working on per show. In this case it was the mugging, but there were side stories relating to the personal lives of the characters and other crimes that needed to be handled in the midst of the main investigation.  There weren't any of the characters that I loved from reading this book, but I could see how you might become attached to them after a few books. 

This book gives a insider's view of a police department in the heart of New York in the 1950's.  There are lots of derogatory comments, plenty of language and the use of some unconventional ways of  getting information from criminals. The author's descriptions of the streets and businesses in the precinct were vivid.  

The mystery was a good one.  The reader wasn't given all the clues in order to solve it, but I found myself turning back pages to see if I missed something.  We were told that Burt tucked something into the back of his mind for use later and I was trying to guess what it was based on what he had been doing.  This was fun and kept me extra alert for any clues.  I was completely taken by surprise when it was solved. 

While I am glad I satisfied my curiosity by reading this book, I don't necessarily feel the need to read any more in the series.  If you enjoy police procedurals, this one is a classic.  

Book Review: A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

A Royal Affair (Sparks & Bainbridge #2). Allison Montclair. Minotaur Books (2020). 320 pages. Genre:  Mystery.

First Line: "'Men find me intimidating,' boomed Miss Hardiman. 'That's the problem.'"

Summary:  Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge, proprietors of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau, are paid a visit by Gwen's cousin.  Lady Matheson works for the Queen in some capacity and she is in need of the services of The Right Sort.  Well, she doesn't need help finding a husband exactly.  Princess Elizabeth has recently taken a liking to Prince Philip and Lady Matheson would like to hire Iris and Gwen to vet him.  This usually involves looking into the person's past and making sure there is nothing lurking there that is unseemly.  In this particular case, there is something specific that needs to be looked into. A letter was sent to the Princess telling her that the sender had something and knew something relating to Philip's mother and that he would require payment.

Iris and Gwen are reluctant to take the case as it sounds dangerous.  However, the pay is excellent, so they decide it is worth the risk.  As they begin trying to discover who might have sent the letter, they realize this case is larger and more complicated than they had anticipated.  They must use all their skills and talents to discover who is trying to blackmail the Royal Family.

My thoughts:  I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Right Sort Marriage Bureau!  One of the things that makes these books a delight is the banter between the characters.  It is quick and witty and keeps you on your toes.  

The other thing that makes these books wonderful is the characters.  Iris and Gwen come from very different backgrounds.  Gwen grew up among the wealthy.  She is thoroughly versed in the ways of society.  She was presented at the age of sixteen and understands what is proper and right.  She fell in love, married and had a child.  Then her husband was killed in the war.  Her grief was so deep that her in-laws thought she was mentally unstable and had her committed to an asylum.  Meanwhile, they took custody of her son.  She is still trying to show them that she is very capable of caring for her son.  

Iris, on the other hand, did not grow up among the wealthy.  She always disdained those who did.  She spent the war years as some kind of spy.  Most of her past is a secret.  She throws caution to the wind and knows how to have fun.  She was almost married once, but fortunately that never happened.  She has had many beaus and is always open to someone new.  

Iris and Gwen have a beautiful friendship.  I have enjoyed watching their relationship grow in these two books.  Iris sees something in Gwen that is missing in her life.  Gwen emanates goodness and always chooses what is right.  In some ways this makes Iris uncomfortable, but in other ways she truly wants to be that kind of person.  Gwen has a hard time imagining what it would be like to live as loosely as Iris, but she also wishes she could occasionally throw caution to the wind.  They both respect one another.  They spur one another on toward changes in their lives that will make them happier without putting pressure on one another.  The balance of their personal lives with the mystery is just right.

The mystery was interesting with many layers that needed to be peeled away.  The involvement of the Royal Family made things extra complicated and interesting.  It often felt like they were making little progress, but everything was unraveled by the end.

If you are not acquainted with Sparks & Bainbridge, I urge you to change that immediately.  However, be sure to start with the first book in the series, The Right Sort of Man.

Calendar of Crime: April (A word that starts with A in the title)

Book Review: A Fatal Winter by G. M. Malliet

A Fatal Winter (Max Tudor #2). G. M. Malliet. Minotaur Books (2012). 364 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "Oscar, Lord Footrustle, was in his castle, spying from the squint in his private chamber overlooking the Great Hall."

Summary:  Father Max Tudor is looking forward to returning to his home in the quaint village of Nether Monkslip and carrying on all the traditions that come with the advent season.  He has been in London speaking at a symposium on the preservation of British churches.  The train ride will be several hours, which gives him time to decompress.  However, it was not to be.  As he walked into his train compartment he was followed by an elderly lady whose accent reveals her upper-class status.  Lady Baynard has a quick mind, full of thoughts about herself that she takes pleasure in sharing with anyone who will listen.

Lady Baynard, Leticia, lives at Chedrow Castle with her twin brother, Oscar, Lord Footrustle.  Oscar has decided to extend invitations to his family to come to the castle for a visit.  He and Leticia are getting older and are often lonely.  However, his children and nieces and nephews can hardly stand to be in the same room with one another.  But, each one wants to remain in the good graces of Oscar, so they begin arriving at the castle.  The air is thick with animosity and it is not long before death arrives at the doorstep.  Lord Footrustle has been stabbed to death in his bed.  Upon hearing the news of the death of her brother, Lady Baynard succumbs as well.  

DCI Cotton has been assigned to the case and wastes no time in contacting Father Max.  He dispatches Max to the castle to support the family, plan the funerals and snoop around while he is at it.  Suspects abound, but can Max pinpoint who had enough malice to kill Oscar?

My thoughts: A murder at a family gathering in the English countryside inside an ancient castle?  What fun!  

Max Tudor, former MI5 agent, entered the priesthood to get away from the lies and violence that surrounded his former life.  However, he doesn't mind using his skills to help local law enforcement on occasion.  His profession as a priest often causes others to open up to him.  In this way he is able to learn information that law enforcement would not be privy to.  This is exactly what DCI Cotton is hoping when he sends Max to Chedrow Castle.  

As Max begins meeting the Footrusle family he realizes there is not much love between any of the members.  The family consists of Jocasta Jones, daughter of Lord Footrustle by his first wife, and her husband Simon.  Jocasta and Simon live in Hollywood, CA where Jocasta is an actress and Simon is her support.  Next, we have Gwynyth, the second, much younger wife of Lord Footrustle.  They are also divorced, but have two children, twins Alec and Amanda.  The twins are fourteen and barely know their father.  He has never taken much interest in them.  However, Alec is the heir to the title being Oscar's only son.  Gwynyth doesn't have much time for her children either, as she is so busy spending the money Oscar gave her. 

Lady Baynard, a widow,  had three children and an adopted grandchild.  Her oldest son is Randolph.  He is a photographer, which his mother sees as no kind of job for a Viscount.  Her next child was Lea.  Lea and her husband were killed years before leaving behind Lamorna, their adopted child.  Lady Baynard has grudgingly taken in Lamorna.  She tried her hand at mission work, but when that was finished she had no where to go.  In order to save herself from embarrassment, Leticia gives her a place to stay and keeps her busy with servant's duties.   Lester is the youngest son and he is married to Felberta.  The pair is known as Lester and Fester behind their backs.  There is not one person in all of these relations that has anything nice to say about another.  This is handled well by the author.  Many of these characters seem almost cartoonish.  Just when the degradation of one another was getting to be too much, the author would move us to something else.  

The mystery was complex.  On the surface the motivation seemed to be greed for Oscar's money.  But they were all greedy.  I enjoyed the way DCI Cotton and Max worked methodically through the case.  They would interview someone and then discuss what they learned, what that told them and who to interview next.  When Max finally figured out who the culprit was, he gathered all the family members and staff together and confronted them, just like Hercule Poirot.  

There are lots of literary references in this novel, which was a lot of fun.  There is also plenty of humor, which lightens things up.  Most of the story takes place at the castle, so it was a nice change when Max was back in Nether Monkslip and we got a glimpse of life in the village.  

There is some language in the book.  It is mostly by one character and only a couple of instances.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Max Tudor series. It contained a great mystery, interesting characters, a fantastic setting and a little bit of romance.  I look forward to another visit to Nether Monkslip. 

Quotes:

"Robert Louis Stevenson had written something about the heart being full of the stillness of the country, and that was what Max felt on a train.  Even short delays en route didn't bother him.  So long as he had something to read or something to gaze at out the window, he was renewed in spirit by the enforced stillness, even though his mind might be racing."

"The weather cooperated, but grudgingly.  The South West of England boasted a temperate climate that since time immemorial had drawn visitors to its shores, and this record for scenic hospitality was only now being threatened by the caprices of global warming.  The area still enjoyed what the locals called 'rainfall on tap' - rain when needed, sun when not - and the deep soil of the region meant not only good planting but good grazing for much of the year."

Calendar of Crime - January, winter scene on cover

Book Review: Wed, Read & Dead by V. M. Burns

Wed, Read & Dead (Mystery Bookshop #4). V. M. Burns. Kensington Publishing Corp. (2019). 263 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "If you don't get your fanny out of that dressing room in the next thirty seconds, I'll come in and drag you out."

Summary:  Samantha Washington's mother is getting married to the wealthy, Harold Robertson.  The wedding is just three weeks away, on Christmas Eve.  There are so many decisions to make and Sam's mother is struggling to make them.  So, when Harold's sister-in-law gives them the gift of a wedding planner, they are relieved.  However, their relief is short-lived.  Lydia Lighthouse is a tyrant.  She is pushy, rude and thinks she knows what a bride wants more than the bride herself.  She also is not afraid to spend someone else's money.  She has angered Harold, brought Sam's mother to tears and insulted Nana Jo, Sam's grandmother.  

When Lydia Lighthouse is found strangled with her own scarf, the family is shocked.  However, they are not surprised.  Lydia left a trail of anger, frustration and hate behind her.  Unfortunately, just before she was killed Harold was seen having a very heated argument with her.  Sam's mother fears Harold will be arrested.  Lydia Lighthouse was not known by many in town, or was she?  Sam, Nana Jo and the girls will use all their skills to discover who murdered Lydia Lighthouse.

My thoughts:  It had been quite some time since I read the third installment in the Mystery Bookshop series, but I had no problem jumping into this one.  If you have not read previous books in this series, I would recommend you start with the first book, The Plot is Murder.  This will give you the best feel for the characters and they are worth getting to know.

Samantha Washington runs a mystery bookshop in Michigan.  Her husband passed away eighteen months ago and she decided to pursue their dream of owning a bookshop.  She now lives close to her mom, her grandmother, and her sister.   Family is a big theme in this series.  I love the relationships between Sam and her family.  This story in particular also includes a strong theme of found family.  The idea that family includes those you are related to by blood, marriage, or that you include in your life because they are special to you. 

The mystery involving the murder of the wedding planner with the wedding just a few weeks away added a level of conflict that made it more interesting.  There is pressure to figure out who murdered Lydia, but also to pick up the slack and help get the wedding planned.  All of the characters step up to help including Sam's college aged nephews, Dawson, and their girlfriends.  I loved this.  It was great to see these younger characters acting in such selfless ways.  And they truly helped, doing things that made Sam's life easier and allowed her to work on the murder.

A unique aspect of this series is that Sam is writing a mystery novel.  It is historical and often parallels what is happening in the main storyline.  These characters are also consistent from book to book which makes it fun.  At various times throughout the story, Sam sits down to write and we get to read what she is writing. 

V. M. Burns is great at interjecting humor into the plots.  The banter between Nana Jo and anyone is usually hilarious.  As are "the girls", Nana Jo's friends.  There were a couple of scenes that had me laughing out loud.

Wed, Read & Dead is a great addition to this series and I will be reading the next book soon.

Quotes:

"Lexi was reading another book.  The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  It was one of my favorite Agatha Christie books.  She'd finished her other book and I'd told her she was welcome to read anything that could be classified as a cozy mystery.  Agatha Christie was the queen of the cozy mystery, so she would be safe.  I wasn't an advocate of limiting what anyone read.  As a child, I read a great number of books that were above my reading level.  My parents didn't sensor what I read, so I started reading murder mysteries and romance novels at a young age.  However, after a while, I found the puzzle of the murder more appealing than the Happily Ever After of the romances and that was what stuck.  I enjoyed other genres, but my heart belonged to mysteries.  Reading books opened up an entire new world for me."

Calendar of Crime: June - Wedding cake on cover

Book Review: The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair

The Right Sort of Man (Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery #1). Allison Montclair.  Minotaur Books (2019). 320 pages. Genre:  Historical Mystery.

First Line:  "Tillie climbed the stairs from the Bond Street Station out to Davies Street, blinking in the afternoon light."

Summary:  Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge met at a wedding. Each was there alone, so they spent the evening chatting.  Iris noticed that Gwen was excellent at reading people.  Gwen noticed that Iris "knew people".  They decided they would make a good team and came up with the idea to start The Right Sort Marriage Bureau.  

The war has ended and Iris and Gwen have been running The Right Sort for a few months when a new client visits them.  Tillie LaSalle is looking for a husband.  Iris and Gwen put her through the questioning process and send her on her way with the promise of hearing from them in a few days with a possible candidate.  After checking their files, they come up with just the right man for Tillie and make arrangements for the two of them to meet.  However, when they report to the office the next morning they learn that Tillie has been murdered and the candidate has been arrested.  How can this be?  Neither of them believes Dickie Trower is capable of murder.  There did seem to be something off about Tillie.  She seemed like a nice girl, but she may have been hiding something.  Was Tillie involved in something that got her killed?

My thoughts:  It took me a while to warm up to this one.  It wasn't until I was more than half way through that I connected with the main characters.  I'm not sure why.  But, once I got in the groove, I didn't want it to end.

Iris Sparks has a past, most of which she can not tell Gwen about.  She served in the military in some capacity and hints that it was in some sort of special operations.  She lives on the edge, takes chances.  She knows people in high places and low places.  Both come in handy.  She has had two fiancees and is now in a relationship with a married man.  

On the other hand, Gwen, also known as Mrs. Bainbridge, is a widow with a child.  Her husband died in the war.  She grieved deeply.  In fact, so deeply that her in-laws had her committed to a sanitorium and took custody of her child.  She now resides in their stately home with servants and calls her mother-in-law Lady Carolyne.  The ability to hold a job would put her in good stead with her in-laws, she imagines.  More than anything, she wants to regain custody of her child.  

At a turning point in the story, Iris and Gwen are having a conversation about a man they have met in the course of their investigation that has taken a liking to Gwen.  This conversation points out their differences.

    "'I like him,' admitted Gwen.  'But it could never work.  I've already lied to him about who I am and         what I do.  It would be a cruelty for me to lead him on any further.'  

    'So have yourself a fling and be done with it,' urged Iris.  'We're entitled to a little fun every now and     then.'

    'Even if it's at the expense of someone else?'

    'It'd be fun for him, too, don't you think?'

    'What I think is that I am not like you in this respect,' said Gwen.  'I am not being disapproving, mind     you, but I've never been - '

    She paused, not wanting to complete the sentence.

    'Promiscuous?' said Iris.  'Is that the word that you hesitate to apply?'

    'You're not promiscuous,' said Gwen. 'You're adventurous.'"

The mystery was full of twists and turns.  The police arrested their suspect, but both Iris and Gwen doubted he was the culprit.  They began looking into Tillie's life to discover who might have had motive to kill her.  This leads them to some interesting people and places.  Most of which Iris is comfortable in and Gwen is not.  In most of the situations they need to pretend to be ladies of a different place and class than they are which leads to them needing to speak, dress and act differently.  I was completely surprised when the culprit was revealed.

The best part of the story is the back and forth banter between characters.  The author is gifted in this and it is often hilarious.  

Not only was this a great mystery, but it was full of historical information of time and place.  It takes place just a few months after the end of WWII in London.  I felt immersed in that world.  The main characters are interesting and deep.  They both grow in the course of the story which was enjoyable to watch.  Best of all, the story ends on a positive note and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Quotes:

"A park lay beyond it, much of it taken up by allotments for community gardens.  It will be nice when it goes back to its original purpose, thought Gwen.  When there's food enough again that we can all start enjoying life like we used to."

"'I'm glad you reminded me about that fish,' said Mrs. Dowd.  'It will give me something to do.  Someone to take care of.  That's all we need when all is said and done, isn't it?'"

"What would she require if she succeeded? She would at the very lead need a governess to take care of Ronnie while she went off to the Right Sort every day.  And a maid and a cook.  Or a maid who could cook.  Or a cook/maid/governess, if there was such a thing.  Oh, wait, she thought.  There are such things.  They're called wives."

    "'Iris, there are so many differences between our lives.' 

    'Because he's a carpenter?  May I remind you that Jesus was a carpenter?' 

    'Jesus didn't date.'

    'Yes, bad example, I see that, now.  But why not pursue Des some more?'"

Calendar of Crime: February - couple/romance/love triangle major role

Book Review: Muzzled by Eileen Brady

Muzzled (Kate Turner, DVM #1). Eileen Brady.  Poisoned Pen Press (2014). 250 pages.  Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines:  "'Where's the patient?' The teenage boy with the buzz cut waved me toward the living room.  A vacuum cleaner stood in the middle of the wall-to-wall beige carpet."

Summary:  Dr. Kate Turner is filling in at a veterinary clinic that makes house calls in upstate New York.  Doc Anderson is taking a year long cruise with his sister.  In the few months Kate has been working at Oak Falls Veterinary Hospital, she has become familiar with several of the clients. One in particular she has visited several times.  Vivian and Thomas Langthorne raise and show Cavalier King Charles spaniels.  With twenty-seven dogs, there is usually one who needs attention.  Kate is scheduled for a recheck of one of the animals.  However, when she shows up at the appointed time, no one answers the door.  She can hear the dogs barking inside, but figures her clients can't hear the doorbell over the din.  As she tries the door handle, she is surprised to find the door unlocked.  Upon entering the home, the first thing she notices is an overpowering odor.  She calls out as the dogs begin running circles around her.  When she reaches the living room, she is horrified by what she sees.  It appears as though Mr. and Mrs, Langthorne were having a tea party, however there is blood everywhere.  Something is wrong with this picture.  It appears to be a murder-suicide, but things don't add up.  Why were the dogs in the house?  The Langthornes loved those dogs, but usually kept them in kennels.  They would never let all of them in the house at the same time.  That would not allow for controlled breeding.  Kate had witnessed arguments between the couple that ten minutes later had been forgotten.  Did Thomas Langthorne kill his wife and then take his own life?  Or did someone want it to look that way?

My thoughts:  Author Eileen Brady has been a veterinarian for over twenty years.  Her experience added so much depth to the story.  It was fascinating to travel with Kate on her house calls and peek over her shoulder while she performed examinations or surgeries at the hospital. 

Kate Turner is a likeable woman.  She is recovering from several months of  "mooning" over her former boss, who was going through a divorce.  He told Kate he needed her.  So she would go out to dinner with him and listen while he complained about his problems.  She thought the relationship was going somewhere until Tiffany showed up with her Pomeranian.  Now he is engaged to Tiffany.  Kate feels like a fool, but taking this job helped remove her from the situation.  She obviously loves animals.  You can actually see the vet in her take over when she meets with clients.  She is calm, collected and kind.   I feel like we have only scratched the surface of who she is though.  

There are several supporting characters who have potential to become interesting.  Her assistant, Mari, for example.  She keeps Kate on track and never asks questions.  Then there is Mama G, the Italian grandmother who runs a local diner and makes the best pie.  Also, her grandson, Luke, the handsome man who works for the police department.  My favorite was Henry James.  A giant man with shaved head, Harley belt buckle and tattoos who also has a giant Siamese cat named Dante.  He is very tough on the outside, but gentle on the inside.

The mystery was complicated with plenty of suspects and red herrings.  I thought something was off about the culprit, but didn't suspect that person of the crime.  

My favorite part of the story was all the interesting animals Kate met on her appointments and the descriptions of what was wrong with them and the treatment.  

This was a good start to the series.  I am looking forward to spending time with Dr. Kate again.

Calendar of Crime = March, Book title has a word starting with "M", Money/Fortune/Inheritance has major role

Book Review: A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker

A Call for Kelp (Seaside Cafe #4). Bree Baker.  Poisoned Pen Press (2020). 352 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "'Hey, y'all!'  I greeted the selfie mode on the cell phone poised in my outstretched arm."

Summary:  Everly Swan is the owner of Sun, Sand & Tea iced tea shop in the beachside town of Charm, North Carolina.  Everly's great-aunts also live in Charm and are in the process of making a documentary about the American honeybee.  Iconic actress, Mitzi Calgon, has come to town to show her support for the documentary.  There will be a celebration luncheon held at the nature center.  Fans of Mitzi Calgon have turned out in droves.  

Everly's grandmother was a good friend of Mitzi's.  As a gift to Everly, Mitzi has brought all the letters she received from Everly's grandmother.  After the luncheon, they are going to get together and reminisce about the beloved woman.

Mitzi is going to give the opening statements at the luncheon.  Unfortunately, when it is time to begin, Mitzi is missing.  When the curtains on the stage open, many in the crowd gasp.  Mitzi has been found.  Her swollen face is pressed against the side of the plexiglass box of bees.  Mitzi was allergic to bees.  How she ended up in that box is a mystery.

My thoughts:  I love the characters in this series, so it is always enjoyable to return to Charm.  Everly's friendship with Denise grows in this book.  Denise is the au pair of Detective Grady Hays' son.  She was hired by his former mother-in-law after the death of his wife.  She is working part-time at the cafe while Denver is in school which gives them time to get to know one another. Everly has always thought there was more to her story than meets the eye.  We learn a little about that in this book.  

Grady and Everly's relationship grows every so slowly as well.  The pace is just right and doesn't overpower the story.  Grady is a complicated man with a complicated past.  Everly would love to know more about that but is mostly patient in waiting for him to open up.  

Everly's great-aunts have a smaller role in this story, but are still present.  We see a lot of Wyatt and Ryan, which was fun.  Her best friend, Amelia, has a smaller role as well.  Her dad is one of the prime suspects in the murder.  

There were several suspects in the murder that had strong motives. Before Everly can even begin to ask questions, she is threatened.  She really doesn't want to get involved, but when she is encouraged by Ryan and Denise, and when her curiosity kicks in, she can't seem to help getting involved.  This puts her in danger and gives Grady indigestion.  There were plenty of red herrings and I never suspected the killer.

I appreciated Everly's willingness to involve Grady when opportunities came her way to get involved in the investigation.  It seems she has learned from past mistakes.

I also appreciated the humor in the story.  Everly's comments or thoughts had me laughing out loud more than once.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable addition to this highly recommended series.

Quotes:

"Riding in Grady's truck was one of my favorite things. The cab was always warm and it smelled of his cologne, soap, and shampoo.  There was sand on the floorboards and country music on the radio.  The space was familiar and comfortable when I needed both, and today there were bubblegum wrappers and plastic horses in the cupholders - signs Denver had been there earlier.  I especially loved that.  The only thing more attractive on earth than Grady in a cowboy hat arresting bad guys was Grady holding Denver's hand."

"Our town was a different place at this hour.  Closed shops. Empty sidewalks. All put on hold for sunrise.  Charmers were a morning people.  A 'greet the day with a smile' people.  The sort who walked the beach or boardwalk before breakfast and accomplished more by lunch than most could before dinner."

Calendar of Crime: August - month related item on cover, beach

Calendar of Crime Reading Challenge 2021

 

The Calendar of Crime Reading Challenge is hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block.  The goal is to read twelve books, one for each month, in the mystery genre that fit the categories provided.  For all the details, click on the link.  I will be tracking my reading here.

1. January - A Fatal Winter by G.M. Malliet - Month related item on cover

2.  February - The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair - Couple/Romance/Love Triangle

3.  March - Muzzled by Eileen Brady  - Money/Inheritance has major role

4.  April - A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair - Title has a word starting with "A"

5.  May - The Mugger by Ed McBain - Title has a word starting with "M"

6.  June - Wed, Read & Dead by V.M. Burns - Month related item on cover - wedding cake

7.  July - Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink - Independence Day

8.  August - A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker - Month related item on cover - beach

9.  September - The Scent of Murder by Kiley Logan - Title has a word starting with "S"

10.  October - The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey - Month related theme

11.  November - A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver - Family relationships play major role

12.  December - The Diabolical Bones by Bella Ellis - Primary action takes place this month