Book Review: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

Slashing Through the Snow (Christmas Tree Farm #3). Jacqueline Frost.  Crooked Lane Books (2021). 304 pages. Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'I'm not sure there's enough gift wrap left in Mistletoe to cover all these toys,' I said, setting another heaping bag of donations onto a precarious pile in my office."

Summary:  Holly White is excited for her first Christmas season as innkeeper at Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm.  Each of the rooms has a guest and Holly is thrilled.  Karen Moody, travel journalist and hospitality critic for New England Magazine, is one of the guests.  She is in town to review the inn and keeps Holly hopping with her complaints and requests.  Holly is trying to accommodate her as she would really love a good review.  Unfortunately, someone else wasn't quite as understanding as Holly.  Karen was hit over the head and her body was thrown into the toy donation receptacle.  

The list of suspects is long.  Karen was known to write scathing reviews, often ruining businesses.  Unfortunately, the evidence is pointing to Holly's friend Cookie.  She was overheard saying someone should hit Karen over the head and the murder weapon was a gift from Cookie to Holly.  Holly knows the threat was just idle talk, but Sheriff Gray has to follow the evidence.  Will Holly be able to sit back and let him solve the case?  

My thoughts:  I will admit that Holly does a better job of sitting back this time.  But, of course, she has to follow some leads.  When Cookie ends up being held at the station and the possibility that she will have to spend Christmas there grows closer, Holly feels the pressure to discover the real killer so her friend can enjoy Christmas.  

The addition of the inn makes for a charming setting.  Holly has her own personal suite at the inn which is convenient and cozy.  This has made room for Evan's sister Libby, who we met in the previous book, to move in to the guest cottage that was previously Holly's home.  Having everyone so close reinforces the theme of family and found family that is so prevalent in these books.  

The focus is on Cookie as suspect this time.  It was interesting to see a different side of her.  She has been portrayed as a quirky, older woman full of zest.  She is still that, but there is a fearful, timid side of her that comes out when she is accused of murder.  The relationship between Holly and Sheriff Gray develops as does the relationship between Libby and Ray.  An added bit of fun is the wedding of Ray's mom set to take place just before Christmas.  

It was easy to see why someone would want to murder Karen Moody.  As we learn more about her, she seemed to be someone who used her position as a reviewer to be as nasty as possible.  She left a trail of angry people and ruined businesses in her wake. The method of murder fit the motive.  But, discovering who had enough anger to lash out was difficult.  In fact, I never saw it coming.  

The Christmas spirit is very prevalent in the story.  It is easy to imagine yourself sitting near a roaring fire at the inn surrounded by "images of Santa, elves and snow-covered villages".  Smelling vanilla, pine greens and cinnamon.  Sipping on hot chocolate and devouring delicious treats.  But most of all it is that spirit of love and family that make it feel most like Christmas.  This is an enjoyable, heartwarming mystery that is perfect for this time of year. 

Book Review: The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey

The Cider Shop Rules (Cider Shop Mystery #3). Julie Anne Lindsey. Kensington Publishing (2021). 320 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery. 

First Line: "'What on earth is going on here?' I asked, wheeling my grampy's old farm truck into the field just outside Potter's Pumpkin Patch."

Summary:  The fall season is ramping up in Blossom Valley. Winona Mae Montgomery's cider shop is flourishing and her grandma's orchard is thriving. The Fall Family Fun Days is going on at Potter's Pumpkin Patch complete with the "Crusher", a large vehicle that crushes pumpkins.  Winnie and Dot are visiting the pumpkin patch to pick up some things Granny ordered to get the orchard ready for the season.  Mr. Potter, long time friend of the family and owner of the pumpkin patch, offers to load the items in Winnie's truck.  She and Dot take a look around the pumpkin patch before heading back to the truck.  Winnie expects to find Mr. Potter there loading her truck, but she doesn't see him.  He has loaded the truck and covered it with a tarp.  It is not until several hours later that Winnie discovers not only her Granny's order under the tarp, but also the dead body of Mr. Potter.  It is difficult to imagine who could have done this.  Mr. Potter was well liked by most people.  However, Winnie did notice that he had been having a heated discussion with someone before he came out to help her with her order.  Could that person have murdered him?

My thoughts:  Winnie is such a likeable character.  She loves her state of West Virginia and especially the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She has a huge heart for people, especially those who haven't been dealt the best hand in life. If someone is threatening her life or the lives of those she cares about she can't sit still and wait for the police to solve the case.  This last part drives Sheriff Colton Wise crazy.  I will admit there was a point in the book where I was getting quite fed up with Winnie myself because she wouldn't listen to reason.  However, she finally came around and made sure she was working with the police and not on her own.  

All the characters from the other books are back for this one, but Granny isn't around as much as she has been in others. When she is around, she has her posse of crafters with her.  They all keep an eye on Winnie and treat her like she is their own granddaughter.  We got to see a bit more of Winnie's best friend Dot and her ex-boyfriend Hank in this story as well.  There were some new characters that I hope we see more of in future books.

The Blue Ridge Mountains setting is lovely, especially in the fall.  I always enjoy hearing about Winnie's cider shop and her process of creating new flavors of cider.  And the apple treats Granny bakes certainly make me hungry as I read. 

There were two mystery threads going on this time.  One was continued from the last book and involves a convict that Sheriff Wise put away, but who escaped after killing a guard.  He has threatened to come after Sheriff Wise.  The other involves the murder of Mr. Potter.  The suspects include an angry neighbor, Mrs. Potter and someone who is possibly stealing money from the pumpkin patch.  The way things came together in the end was well orchestrated and intense.  

This is a great fall read taking place early October through Thanksgiving.  In fact, all the books in this series are great fall reads.  If you are new to the series, I recommend you start with the first book, Apple Cider Slaying.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Cider Shop Mysteries.

Book Review: Unleashed by Eileen Brady

Unleashed (Kate Turner, DVM #2). Eileen Brady. Poisoned Pen Press (2014). 255 pages. Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "After kicking my cheating boyfriend to the curb I needed to find a job far far away from him."

Summary:  Kate Turner is settling in to her new life filling in at the small veterinary hospital in Oak Falls, NY.  She enjoys caring for the animals, making house calls and working with the staff.  But, when a client, Claire Birnham, is found dead from an apparent suicide Kate becomes quite unsettled.  Claire was supposed to pick up her dog, Toto, from the hospital this morning.  Kate finds it hard to believe Claire would abandon her dog.  Besides, Claire had so many things going for her: a new job, an apartment in the big city and lots of friends.  In fact, Claire was making plans.  Someone who is going to take their own life doesn't usually make plans for the future.  The police seem to be ruling her death a suicide, but Kate can't let it go.  She is convinced Claire was murdered.  As she begins asking questions, she discovers that Claire had some secrets.  Will the truth come out before Kate sticks her nose where it doesn't belong?

My thoughts: My favorite thing about this series is accompanying Kate and her assistant on their house calls.  They meet some interesting clients, both human and animal.  The author does a good job of inserting the details of a veterinarian's day without overwhelming the story.  It is interesting to learn about this line of work.

Kate is a kind, capable woman who is not afraid to step into whatever situation comes her way.  She is human though and suffers from sleepless nights and fear when her life is in danger.  She regularly communicates with her Gramps, who is a former fire investigator and loves to help her try to figure things out.  Her love of animals and patience with people are what really stand out about her.  There are two possible romances in her life.  She is carrying on a long distance relationship with one and the other is her friend and police officer, Luke Gianetti.  She keeps finding herself attracted to Luke, but tells herself he has lots of other women waiting in the wings.  Meanwhile, she keeps forgetting about video calls she has set up with the long-distance boyfriend.  

The mystery was quite complicated.  The death of Claire was originally ruled a suicide.  But, Kate finds that hard to believe.  The police are also investigating it as a murder, but Kate and the rest of the public are not privy to that investigation.  When an employee at the clinic is arrested, the pressure is on for Kate to find the real murderer.  Claire had lots of secrets and uncovering them was not easy.  

As with Muzzled, there were lots of interesting characters to meet in this story.  Kate also ends up in some unlikely places as she is investigating.  It was fun to see some of the characters from the first book make an appearance in this one.  Eileen Brady's witty writing style and sense of humor make this a fun read.  

Book Review: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #2). Jacqueline Frost. Crooked Lane Books (2018). 309 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Less than two weeks until Christmas - can you believe it?' I asked my friends Cookie and Caroline before sinking my teeth into another bite of creamy vanilla cupcake therapy."

Summary:  Holly White is looking forward to her second Christmas back home in Mistletoe, Maine.  Christmas is a big deal in Mistletoe and especially at her parents' Christmas Tree Farm.  The Farm hosts all kinds of fun events leading up to the big day.  To get the Christmas season underway, the town hosts a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the downtown square.  Holly and her friends are attending and all is going well until a man is found dead near the big tree.  To make matters worse, the dead man was her best friend Caroline's date last night.  She was the last one to see him alive and is the prime suspect.  Holly knows her friend didn't commit the murder, but will she be able to convince Sheriff Gray before it is too late?

My thoughts:  If you are looking for a book to get you in the Christmas spirit, this one will certainly help.  Just look at that cover!  The Christmas Tree Farm, Reindeer Games, is all about Christmas.  From the fun activities - the blind sled challenge, Reindeer Bingo and the Christmas Ball, to the delicious baked treats and the charming decor, you can hardly turn a page without being reminded of the season.  

There is a lot to like about the characters as well.  Holly has returned home after a messy breakup with her fiancee.  She lives in the guest house of her parents' tree farm and has a close relationship with them.  She has a large heart and tries to see the best in most people.  I love the relationship her parents have with one another as well.  Holly dreams of someday having a relationship like theirs.  Her best friend Caroline, friend of the family Cookie, and new friend Ray all add to the fun of the book.  Holly is confused about her relationship with Sheriff Gray.  But she gets some answers in the course of the story.  There are some fun, new characters introduced as well and I hope we will see more of them in future books.

The mystery interesting and the suspects believable.  There were several people who had motive. I would be sure it was one person and then a few pages later sure it wasn't that person.  This made for a fun and suspenseful read.  The way the criminal was caught was exciting and a little magical.  All of the stories wrap up in the end which makes for a satisfying read.  

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Christmas Tree Farm Series.  

Book Review: Fatal Fried Rice (Noodle Shop Mystery #7) by Vivien Chien

Fatal Fried Rice (Noodle Shop Mystery#7). Vivien Chien. St. Martin's Press (2021). 320 pages.  Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'If you tell anyone about this, I'm gonna have to kill you,' I said, staring my best friend squarely in the eye."

Summary:  Lana Lee has been managing her family's Chinese restaurant for several months.  Her sister has been giving her a hard time due to her lack of Asian cuisine cooking skills.  When Lana sees a notice for an adult course in Chinese cooking, she decides to sign up.  It seems ridiculous, even to her, that a person managing a Chinese restaurant wouldn't have a clue how to cook the food.  However, she is too proud to ask her friend and cook, Peter Huang, to show her how to cook a few dishes.  

After class, she approaches the teacher, Margo Han, and asks if she would be willing to give her individual lessons.  Margo agrees and takes Lana's business card.  As Lana begins heading home, she realizes she forgot to pick up the grocery list needed for next week's class.  She quickly turns her car around and goes back to the school hoping the teacher hasn't left yet.  When she returns to the classroom, she finds Margo Han face down on the floor with a knife sticking out of her back.  Her scream brings the janitor who calls the police.  Unfortunately, Lana and the janitor are at the top of the detective's suspect list.  Since the detective is dead set on Lana as a suspect, she starts asking questions to see if she can figure out who would want to stab Margo in the back.  

My thoughts: I always enjoy catching up with Lana and all that is going on at Ho-Lee Noodle House.

This series has some really great characters.  There is Lana, who is a spunky, capable young woman.  Her roommate, Megan, who is a good friend and partner in solving crime.  There is Lana's other good friend, Kimmy Tran, who is loud, obnoxious and does not get along with Megan.  There is Lana's family - her mom, dad, sister and grandmother.  They didn't play as much of a role in this book, but still made a few appearances.  The relationship Lana has with all of them is very realistic.  She loves them dearly and tries to please them, but sometimes they annoy her. Then there is Detective Adam Trudeau, Lana's boyfriend.  It was a nice change to have a different detective handling the actual murder case in this book.  And we can't forget Kikko, Lana's black pug, who is forever needing a little exercise and is never too busy for a snuggle on the couch.  

Unlike some of the other mysteries Lana has worked on, this one involved someone she didn't previously know.  She had very little to go on and had to do some extra digging.  Kimmy ended up being her side-kick for much of the sleuthing, which added an element of tension, because you never know what Kimmy will say.  As Lana discovered information, she would often try to pass it on to the detective in charge of the case, but he usually wasn't very interested.  This caused her to take a few added risks, but usually she let Adam know ahead of time.  While he would prefer that she stay out of it, he often sees that her plans might actually work.  There were a few twists and turns that threw me off, but it was all unraveled in the end.  

This was a fun installment in the Noodle Shop Mysteries and I look forward to another visit soon.

Book Review: Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond

Death in Castle Dark (A Dinner and A Murder Mystery #1). Veronica Bond. Berkley Books (2021). 288 pages. Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line from Prologue: "The dining table shimmered with candlelight reflected in antique glassware; silver clinked gently while people ate their prime rib and chatted quietly in the enormous room."

Summary:  Nora Blake has been offered a position with an acting troupe that performs at an actual castle in the middle of Illinois.  Part of her is very excited, the other part wonders if it is too good to be true.  Along with the position comes room and board in the castle.  As these are things that often take a large portion of an actresses' salary, Nora has decided to give the position a try.  

Things are going smoothly until one of the actors is found dead in the chapel during one of the performances.  Every member of the cast is a suspect, along with the guests attending the performance.  Suddenly, Nora's decision to accept the position doesn't seem so wonderful after all.  She feels unsafe in her own home.  So, she sets out to discover who might have wanted the actor dead.

My thoughts:  This was a lot of fun!  The setting in a castle along with a dinner and mystery show was hard to resist.  

Nora is a likeable character.  It was interesting to walk into this situation in her shoes.  The other actors seem nice, but Nora questions whether she has missed something and so did I.  The supporting characters are interesting and a bit quirky in their own way.  Each has an interesting back story that we have only begun to learn.  Nora's family is important to her and she connects with them regularly.  I liked that.  Her younger brothers help bring out how amazing the castle is through their exuberance. 

The castle setting is unique and the author does a good job of helping you get a feel for what it is like.  A map of the castle is included at the beginning of the book.  I really liked this.  I could flip back and look at the map and really "see" what was going on.  There is definitely a gothic tone to the story and this helped enhance the setting and the mystery.

The mystery was good and everyone was a suspect.  There were some creepy elements that kept the pages turning.  Nora always reported anything she discovered to the authorities.  I appreciated this.  There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.  

This is a great start to a new series and I hope there will be more stories in Castle Dark. 

Book Review: Crime & Punctuation by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Crime & Punctuation (Deadly Edits #1). Kaitlyn Dunnett.  Kensington Publishing (2018). 280 pages.  Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "'I don't know, Cal.  It doesn't look good.'  Always the silent type, Cal stared back at me with big green eyes and an enigmatic expression."

Summary: After her husband died, Mikki Lincoln purchased the home she lived in while growing up and relocated to her hometown.  In order to pay for some of the remodeling that the house needs, Mikki has been freelancing as an editor.  One of her first clients is a young woman with a book manuscript.  As Mikki begins reading the manuscript she is pleasantly surprised.  The book shows promise and she is looking forward to working with Tiffany to make the book publishable.  Unfortunately, before that can happen, Tiffany is found dead.  The police show up to question Mikki because her business card was found on the dead woman's body.  The police ultimately close the case as an accidental death.  But Mikki is not convinced.  As she reads the rest of Tiffany's book, she is more convinced than ever that her death was intentional.  But, will she be able to convince the police to continue their investigation?

My thoughts:  Mikki's job as an editor is what drew me to this series.  But I found plenty to like besides Mikki's chosen profession.  First of all was Mikki herself.  Newly widowed and still grieving, she has a lot to overcome.  She moved back to her hometown on a whim.  When she saw her childhood home for sale, she didn't hesitate to buy it.  But she also didn't really think through what moving back to an area she hadn't lived in for 40 years would mean.  Reconnecting with people who knew you long ago can be difficult.  I found Mikki to be very relatable and funny.

Mikki immediately connects with her friend Darlene and the two of them are quite a pair.  Darlene's husband Frank spends a lot of time golfing, which makes it possible for Darlene and Mikki to spend large amounts of time together.  Darlene has some health issues and never knows when a day is going to be good or bad.  Mikki understands and is always willing to help however she can.  When the two of them put their heads together, they are a force to be reckoned with.   

Tiffany's death is ruled accidental or possibly a suicide.  Mikki doesn't believe it.  As she feeds the detective clues, he doesn't seem very appreciative.  To complicate matters, Tiffany's grandmother was Mikki's nemesis in high school and she still treats Mikki as if she is beneath her.  As the mystery unravels and Tiffany's grandmother is right in the middle of it, Mikki is able to put aside any hurt feelings she has and look at things objectively.  

I enjoyed the descriptions of the small New York town.  It sounds like a lovely place to visit in the fall.  

Overall, this was a great start to the series and I am looking forward to spending more time with Mikki.

Book Review: Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker

Closely Harbored Secrets (Seaside Cafe Mystery #5). Bree Baker. Poisoned Pen Press (2020). 352 pages.  Genre: Cozy Mystery. 

First Line: "I waved goodbye to my last customer of the evening, then set the CLOSED sign in the window at Sun, Sand, and Tea, my seaside cafe and iced tea shop."

Summary:  It's fall in Charm, North Carolina and the town is preparing for the annual ghost walk.  There are lots of legends about the town and every fall all the best stories are told accompanied by actors in costume.  Everly Swan is providing the refreshments and her aunts are involved in the story telling.  As if the event isn’t creepy enough, one of the actors is found dead on the beach.  And, of course, Everly discovers the body. 

My thoughts: Reading one of the Seaside Cafe Mysteries is like visiting old friends. And best of all I always end my time with a smile on my face.

As usual, Everly is providing food and drinks for any activity that is going on. In this case, it is the annual ghost walk. It has become quite an event that people from other towns attend. Several actors dress up as figures from the legends. One of them is Mourning Mabel who was allegedly beheaded by a sailor who had fallen in love with her. Dixie Wetherill is wearing the costume this year and unfortunately, Dixie is the one who winds up murdered. Everly had never met her, but she is the one who discovered her lifeless body on the beach and ended up with her blood on her hands.

The mystery involves historical artifacts, family trees and secret rooms which makes it quite interesting. Everly mostly stays out of it, but when she begins receiving threats, it is difficult. However, she learns a little more about her own family's story in the course of the investigation.

There is a secondary storyline that was carried over from the previous book involving the election for mayor. Everly's aunt Fran is running against two other opponents and this adds a bit of tension to the story.

All of the supporting characters are back as well including Denise who now works at Sun, Sand and Tea, Wyatt, Grady, Denver, Amelia and Everly's aunts. Matt, a local paramedic, is a new character who plays a pretty big role in this book. And there is a bit of a twist in Everly's personal life.

I thought the author did a good job portraying Everly in this installment. This is the fifth murder victim she has discovered in a short amount of time and it is wearing on her. She seems more frazzled and less cheerful than normal and I think that is realistic.

All in all, this was a great addition to the series. As I said earlier, I finished the book with a smile on my face.

Book Review: Death in Bloom by Jess Dylan

Death in Bloom (Flower House Mystery #1). Jess Dylan. St. Martin's Press (2021). 320 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm a Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter, blissfully married to me true love, an Italian model..."

Summary:  Sierra Ravenswood has returned to her hometown of Aerieville, Tennessee.  She has been working at the Flower House, the local flower shop, where she is definitely still learning the art of flower arranging.  So, when her boss puts her in charge of the next bouquet-arranging workshop, she is a bit intimidated.  However, she has no choice but to proceed as her boss leaves town.  Several people show up for the class and all is going well until an argument breaks out near the snack table.  As Sierra approaches the snack table one of the men involved in the argument collapses.  Before the paramedics arrive, he has expired.  It is soon discovered that the man was poisoned.  If that isn't bad enough, Sierra's boss left town suddenly and no one seems to know where he is.

My thoughts:  It was pretty hard to resist that gorgeous cover!  Fortunately, the book proved to be equally well done.  

I liked Sierra right away.  She is trying to start over after struggling to make her dream of becoming a singer a reality.  She is a big believer in positive affirmation and tries to practice it daily.  Her boss, Felix, the owner of The Flower House, has more confidence in her than she has in herself.  He leaves town and trusts her to do what she thinks is best for the shop.  Sierra's family lives in town as well and brought an interesting dynamic to the story.  The family consists of her mom, dad and brother.  Her parents own an athletic club, which Sierra has never been interested in.  I enjoyed the closeness that she shared with her family and the concern they all showed for her.  Some of my favorite scenes were when they all had dinner together. 

The supporting characters were strong as well.  Deena is a friend from high school that is back in town temporarily.  She and Sierra rekindle their friendship.  Deena becomes Sierra's partner in trying to solve the mystery.  Calvin is someone who shows up unexpectedly stating that Felix had agreed to rent the apartment above the shop to him.  We are not quite sure what to think of him through most of the story.

The killer has to be someone who was at the workshop.  At first Sierra can't believe that any of them could be capable of killing someone.  But, as the story progresses, she begins to have her doubts and soon finds herself suspecting everyone.  The sheriff has plenty to investigate as threats and break-ins continue to happen and seem to be connected to the murder.  The story was well-paced and kept me turning the pages.  The secondary mystery, of where Felix has gone, is not solved in this book.  Hopefully we will learn more in the next installment.

I enjoyed the flower shop setting.  It was unique and I actually learned a little about flower arranging and what flowers go well together.  

The author found the right balance of mystery and small town life.  I enjoyed it all and am looking forward to catching up with these characters in the next book.

Book Review: A Deadly Judgment by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain

A Deadly Judgment (Murder, She Wrote #6). Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain. Signet (1996). 292 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "I saw it as a speck on the distant horizon, a tiny insect hovering in the hot haze of the day."

Summary:  Jessica has agreed to help her attorney friend, Malcolm McLoon, by serving as a Jury Consultant on his latest case.  This means that she will be spending several weeks in Boston, a city she loves.  However, being away from home for several weeks isn't ideal.  Her publisher, Vaughan Buckley, has suggested that her next book should revolve around a murder trial.  So, Jessica sees the opportunity to serve as a Jury Consultant as research for her next book.

The case Malcolm McLoon is handling involves a wealthy man accused of murdering his brother. There is no solid evidence against him and he has an alibi for the time of the murder.  However, when his alibi is murdered, Jessica begins to wonder if she is in over her head. 

My thoughts:  One of my favorite things about this series, aside from Jessica, is visiting cities around the country that I have never visited.  This time Jessica is in Boston.  I learned so much about the city from reading this book.  It was not a place that topped my list of places to visit, but this book has certainly  moved it up.  Jessica is fortunate to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton in a room with a view of the Public Garden.  Mr. McLoon has spared no expense in regards to her stay.  She is invited to have dinner at many wonderful restaurants, is provided with a driver and enjoys some free-time to explore the city.  Boston is familiar to her as she attended college there.  

"I'm an unabashed Boston lover. To me, it's the closest thing America has to a European city, which is how I usually describe it to people who've never been there.  It's the most civil of cities, quaint, charming, superb food, plenty of culture and intellectually stimulating."

I learned a lot about the process of jury selection and court proceedings.  Malcolm McLoon has asked Jessica to help with the jury selection process.  He believes that as a writer she is very good at reading people and notices things that others wouldn't.  This made sense to me.  She also sat in on some of the court proceedings.  But, in order to keep things interesting she does take some days off for exploring and investigating. 

The original mystery, of who killed the accused's brother, was just the tip of the iceberg.  There were plenty of people with things to hide and a tangled web to unwind before the mystery was solved.  It was hard to know who to trust, even for Jessica.  

The one complaint I have is that the book contained many editing errors.  Other than that, I enjoyed this unique Murder, She Wrote installment.

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: Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard

Peach Clobbered (Georgia B&B #1). Anna Gerard. Crooked Lane Books (2019). 317 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "If the incidents of the past few weeks are ever turned into one of those Hallmark Channel murder mysteries, I'll suggest the producers call it Summer of the Penguins.  Which would be all the more ironic because I live in the small Georgia town of Cymbeline."

Summary:  Nina (pronounced "Nine-ah") Fleet has only lived in Cymbeline for a few months.  After her divorce she wanted to get out of crowded, impersonal Atlanta.  So, when she spied this house after making a wrong turn on an antiquing jaunt, she was smitten and knew she had to purchase it.  

Since that time she has been harassed by a man who claims to be a relative of the previous owner.  Harry Westcott claims his aunt meant to leave the house to him and he aims to take back what is his.  Nina has been ignoring his calls, so when he shows up on her doorstep wearing a penguin costume, she is a little rattled.  He has brought a letter that proves his aunt meant to leave the house to him.  Nina has no intention of giving up the house so easily and lets him know he will need to pursue this through the proper channels.  Thankfully, Harry leaves peacefully.  

In the meantime, the mayor of Cymbeline approaches Nina offering to approve her application for a B&B if she can open immediately.  There is a convent nearby that has been purchased by real estate developer, Mr. Bainbridge.  The Sisters of Perpetual Poverty are without a home and the mayor is trying to help them.  All of the other B & B's in town are full, so if Nina could accommodate them, the mayor would help her out by approving her application.  Nina is up for the challenge. 

The very first morning of their stay at Nina's new B & B, the nuns head to the town square to peacefully protest Mr. Bainbridge.  Nina chooses to tag along.  As she is juggling waters bottles and snacks, a frantic woman comes running out of an alley calling for help.  Someone has been stabbed.  And that someone is wearing a penguin costume.

My thoughts:  I really enjoyed this first book in the Georgia B & B series.   It drew me in to the extent that I once I started reading I became unaware of my surroundings until I was several chapters into the book. 

Nina is a likeable character.  She is new to town, but has already made a few acquaintances.  She is eager to make new friends, maybe a little too much at times.  After living in Atlanta for several years and going through an awful divorce, she was ready to live life a little slower.  

The nuns were a lot of fun!  They are all elderly, except one, who feels it is her duty to watch out for the older nuns.  These ladies may be pious, but they are not wimps.  They are very willing to stand up for what is right.  They are very capable and get things done. Nina enjoys their stay at her home and finds herself quite sad when they leave.  I hope they will make an appearance in future books in the series. 

I liked Sheriff Connie Lamb, too.  She knows how to take charge of a situation, but she also knows when to be a bit more lenient.  People trust her and she is well respected in the town and by her deputies.  If Nina comes across something she thinks would be important to the case, she does not hesitate to contact the sheriff.  I liked that about her. She is in no way trying to find the killer on her own.  

The mystery kept the pages turning.  There were several twists and secrets that might have been related to the mystery or not.  Just when I thought I might have a clue as to whodunit, another twist came up and had me doubting myself.  In the end, the killer was revealed and order was restored. 

I loved the way the author described the Georgia heat.  I could visualize what it must be like even though I have never been to Georgia.  Now I am plotting when I can come back to Cymbeline and can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

Book Review: Bookmarked for Murder by V. M. Burns

Bookmarked for Murder (Mystery Bookshop #5). V. M. Burns. Kensington (2019). 256 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Samantha Marie Washington!' It was never good when my grandmother included my middle name."

Summary:  Sam and the ladies from the Shady Acres Retirement Village have taken a bus trip to Chicago.  As they return to the bus for the ride back to Michigan, they discover that the bus driver has had an emergency and a new driver is being located.  When everyone finally gets back on the bus, Irma discovers her new friend, Max, slumped over in his seat.  Unfortunately, Max does not respond when Irma tries to wake him.  

It is not immediately apparent how Max died.  There are no obvious wounds.  After a medical examination it is determined that he was murdered.  Nana Jo, Sam's grandmother, begs her to figure out who did this.  As the bus trip was for residents of Shady Acres, she assumes it must be a resident who murdered Max.  

Sam and her grandmother's group of friends set out to question each person on the bus hoping to learn something that will lead them to the killer.  It turns out Max was a famous author who wrote conspiracy theory books.  He was working on a book about the murder of Robert Kennedy.  Did he discover something in his research that led to his murder?  

My thoughts:  I always enjoy catching up with Sam and her friends in North Harbor, Michigan.  Nana Jo, Sam's grandmother, and her friends are such a quirky bunch of characters and they take center stage in this installment.  

The mystery was unique and unfolded slowly.  It is determined that Max didn't die of natural causes, but the cause of death is not revealed until halfway through the book. The timing was right though, because there was a lot to figure out about Max before the cause of death made much difference.  Sam and the ladies meet daily to hash out what they have learned.  Each of them is assigned to question several people from the bus.  This can be tricky and often not much is learned.  When a second murder occurs and then an attempted murder, the ladies have to step up their game.  Detective Pitt is involved but only because Sam asks him to be.  The original murder didn't happen in his jurisdiction, but Sam realizes he will be helpful to the case.  He takes some convincing, but does get involved especially after the second murder.  When all is finally revealed, the reader realizes that most of the clues were there all along.  

A unique aspect of this series is that Sam is writing a mystery novel.  Throughout the story, Sam will take time to work on her novel and the reader is privy to what she writes.  The story in Sam's novel was  just as intriguing as the main storyline.  

Sam's two standard poodles, Oreo and Snickers, play a larger role in this book than most of the others. They don't play a part in the mystery, but have a larger presence in Sam's life.  We learn that they are getting older and how this is affecting Sam.  

Sam's relationship with Frank makes some progress and they spend a lovely New Year's Eve together. i enjoy this budding relationship and the care they have for one another.  Even though Sam's husband passed away before she moved to North Harbor, she has quite a family around her.  I love the part her grandma, her sister and her nephews play in her daily life.  The sense of community and family is one of the things I like most about this series. 

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of community and some quirky characters, give this series a try.

Book Review: The Secrets of Bones by Kylie Logan

The Secrets of Bones (Jazz Ramsey #2). Kylie Logan. Minotaur Books (2020). 336 pages. Genre:  Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "Wally the puppy was a nineteen-pound ball of boundless energy with more sass than a three-year-old kid, and more common sense than one, too."

Summary:  Jazz Ramsey is in the process of training her new puppy, Wally.  She has only had him for a few months, but is looking forward to the day she can certify him as a Human Remains Detection dog. However, things are busy at work right now so Wally is not getting the attention he needs.  Jazz works as an Administrative Assistant at St. Catherine's Girls' School.  The end of the school year is rapidly approaching and she has been busy setting things up for Assembly Day.

When the day finally arrives, everything is in order until one of the presenters is unable to keep her commitment.  The school's principal, Eileen, asks Jazz to step in and take her place by doing a dog demonstration with Wally.  Since Wally is not well-trained enough to do a dog demonstration she borrows a friend's dog who is.  Eileen opens up the fourth floor to give Jazz enough room for the demonstration.  Jazz chose two spots to hide the bait she had brought along for the dog.  The dog locates the first bait easily.  The girls are impressed and have lots of questions.  Finally, Jazz gives the dog the okay to search again, but the dog is doing a lot of sniffing in an area not near the second bait.  When the dog alerts, Jazz becomes concerned.  Is the dog confused or has he discovered human remains?

Before opening the small door the dog indicated, Jazz has Eileen take all of the girls out of the room.  It was a good thing she did.  When Jazz opens the door she discovers a human skeleton.  This skeleton is wearing a large cross that Jazz immediately recognizes as one worn by a former staff-member at St. Catherine's. Bernadette Quinn left St. Catherine's three years ago.  However, no one has heard from her since.  Has her body been in this closet for three years?  How did it get up there?  She wasn't well liked, but did someone dislike her enough to kill her?

My thoughts:  I really like Jazz Ramsey.  She is a down-to-earth person with a heart for others.  Even when someone is difficult to deal with she does her best to be patient and try to help them.  That was definitely the case with Bernadette Quinn.

This story is unique in that the murder took place several years ago.  In the process of trying to solve the murder, the author gives the reader details by having the characters recall incidents that happened previously.  This was handled well and it wasn't hard to follow. We are given the full picture of what was happening with Bernadette up until the time she left the school.  But it was revealed bit by bit as things came up in present time and lent an air of suspense to the story.

The mystery itself was good.  There were lots of clues and plenty of red herrings to throw the reader off.  There were a few twists and surprises as well.  I had an inkling as to what had happened, but pieces were missing.  Eventually those pieces fell into place and the mystery was solved.  It turned out I was partly right.  

The supporting characters are also great. Jazz's relationship with Detective Nick progresses a little as well.  They are learning to become friends again and I enjoyed this.  I appreciate the relationship Jazz has with her boss, Eileen and her best friend, Sarah.  Both of these women care for Jazz and encourage her.  They add depth to the story.  Unfortunately, the dogs didn't play much of a role this time. I am hopeful they will have more involvement in the future.  

Kylie Logan's writing style pulls me right in and I have a hard time putting the book down.  This second book was a great addition to the series.  

Book Review: A High-End Finish by Kate Carlisle

A High-End Finish (Fixer-Upper Mystery #1). Kate Carlisle. Obsidian (2014). 311 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'You could've warned me that installing drywall would be hell on my manicure.'"

Summary:  Shannon Hammer runs a successful home-renovation and repair business that specializes in restoring Victorian homes. She has lived in Lighthouse Cove most of her life.  Like many small towns, everyone knows everyone else's business.  Shannon doesn't mind.  She sees it as part of the charm of living in a small town.  Shannon's good friend, Lizzie, is happily married and wants all of her friends to be too, so she routinely sets them up on blind dates.  Shannon finally succumbed to Lizzie's persistence and has agreed to meet Jerry Saxton for dinner.  After a nice dinner with good conversation, Jerry suggests a walk on the beach.  

After strolling along the beach for several minutes, Jerry's demeanor suddenly changes and he becomes aggressive.  He insists that Shannon owes him something since he paid for dinner.  Shannon disagrees and tries to fend him off.  When Jerry doesn't take "no" for an answer Shannon kicks him hard in the shin.  Fortunately, there are some people on the boardwalk not far away.  Shannon yells for help and finally two men come to her aid and lift Jerry up off the sand.  Shannon and Jerry continue to hurl insults at one another as the men attempt to drag Jerry from the beach.  The last thing Shannon says is, "I'll kill you if you ever come near me again."

After a fitful night of sleep, she gets a phone call from one of her clients.  He and his wife are out of town and a neighbor called them to let them know they could hear water running inside the residence.  The client asks Shannon if she could go check it out.  She goes immediately.  As she enters the house she hears the water running in the basement.  As she makes her way to the basement, she trips over something.  That something was the arm of a man - a dead man.  Unfortunately, that arm belongs to Jerry Saxton.  

My thoughts:  I really wanted to like this one.  I liked the idea of a charming lighthouse town filled with Victorian homes worked on by our protagonist.  However, I didn't find the town or the protagonist all that charming.

Shannon Hammer took over her father's business after he had a heart attack.  She is a hard worker, her employees respect her and she knows quite a bit about construction and restoration.  However, in her interactions with others she is crass and petty.  She often resorted to name-calling. This book contains more profanity than many cozies and much of it came from Shannon's mouth. This did nothing to endear her to me.  It wasn't until more than half-way through the book that I found myself liking her at all. 

The mystery itself had me curious.  I wondered who had killed Jerry and if his behavior with Shannon was an isolated incident or a regular practice.  As the story unfolded, there were several people who may have had a motive. I did pinpoint the culprit before Shannon and the police put things together. 

The one character that I did like as soon as he came on the scene was Mac.  He is an author who is new to town.  He is friendly, curious and goes out of his way to help Shannon.  

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me and I won't be continuing the series.  However, other reviewers have enjoyed this book and the characters in it.  So, if it sounds intriguing to you, don't hesitate to give it a try.

Book Review: Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico

Here Comes the Body (Catering Hall Mystery #1). Maria DiRico. Kensington (2020). 293 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line:  "At 6:45 A.M., Mia Carina woke up to Frank Sinatra singing 'New York, New York' from the alarm on her phone, a happy reminder that she was in Queens, not Florida, and no longer a 'person of interest' in her adulterous husband's disappearance."

Summary:  Mia Carina has returned to New York to help her father run a catering business.  Her father, Ravello Carina, received the catering hall from a gambler who couldn't pay his debts.  He has decided to try the catering business as a new career, rather than returning to the work he used to do for mob boss Donny Boldano.  

The first function the hall is catering is a bachelor party.  The groom's friend has hired a DJ as well as a large cake with a surprise.  When the cake is rolled out to the party, they receive a surprise indeed.  When the expected woman doesn't jump out of the cake, someone takes a look inside.  There is definitely a woman in there, but she has been stabbed.  That is not the surprise the friend of the bachelor had in mind, but it also isn't the woman he had expected to see.  Instead, the woman who has been stabbed is someone who had been at the catering hall the day before accusing Ravello of owing her money.  Did Ravello take revenge on her?  Or is someone trying to set him up?

My thoughts:  When I first saw reviews for this book I didn't think I would be interested.  There were just some things that I thought might not be for me.  But, as I continued to see positive reviews for the book and the second one in the series, I changed my mind.  Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.  

As I read the book I got the feeling that I had been dropped into the middle of a conversation.  Something was going on, but I didn't have the whole story.  Also, the characters felt a bit two dimensional.  I just didn't warm up to them.  The humor wasn't funny to me.  Maybe that is because I am from the Midwest and I don't get Queens humor, but I don't think so.  The characters felt over-the-top and not genuine. 

However, the mystery was good.  There were plenty of suspects who would want revenge on Ravello Carina.  But, there is also the idea that Ravello is/was a mobster and his own daughter doesn't know what to believe. I was kept guessing until the killer was revealed.  When things were wrapped up, it all made sense. 

Even with the good mystery, I will not be reading the rest of the series. Other reviewers have really enjoyed this series, especially because it is unique for a cozy mystery with the mob influence.  If this sounds interesting to you, give it a try.  

Book Review: The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan

The Scent of Murder (Jazz Ramsey #1). Kylie Logan. Minotaur Books (2019). 320 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Lines: "It had rained that afternoon and the sidewalks were still wet.  When the last of the evening light hit them, the slate squares reflected Jazz Ramsey's neighborhood - streetlights, and the neon signs that flashed from the windows of the trendy pubs, and a watery rendering of St. John Cantius church, an urban Monet masterpiece, its tan brick walls and bell tower blurred."

Summary:  Jazz Ramsey spends her days working as an administrative assistant to the head of an all-girls school.  In her free time, she trains human remains detection dogs. She is a little out of practice as it has been several months since her dog, Manny, passed away.  Tonight she is training the dog of a friend.  She has gained permission to use an abandoned building that will soon be turned into upscale apartments.  Now, it is the perfect place to train a dog to detect human remains.  Before bringing the dog over, Jazz hid a human tooth in a room on the third floor.  Jazz is excited to see what her friend's dog, Luther, can do.  She gives the command for him to begin the search.  She is impressed with his ability. He is fast and thorough.  So, Jazz is surprised when Luther alerts that he has found human remains in one of the last rooms on the first floor.  Jazz knows she put the tooth on the third floor.  She begins to get a sinking feeling as she catches up with Luther.  Unfortunately, Luther has not made a mistake.  He has discovered the dead body of a young woman. When Jazz first sees the body, she thinks it might be a mannequin, but as she gets closer, she realizes the woman has thick white makeup on.  She also realizes she recognizes her. 

My thoughts: I was immediately drawn into this story and the life of Jazz Ramsey.  The way she spends her free time is unique, but I also loved that her daytime job was as an administrative assistant.  She is a woman who is used to paying attention to details and this makes her especially well suited for detection work. 

As the story unfolds, we effortlessly learn about her past.  She recently lost her father, who was a firefighter and was killed in the line of duty. Her mother and brothers live nearby and they are a close family who is still grieving.  Her dad also trained dogs, but he trained them in search and rescue.  His dog is retired and still lives with her mom.  

As the police arrive at the abandoned apartment building, we are introduced to Detective Nick Kolesov.  Jazz also has a history with him.  They dated for a while, but that was months ago. They couldn't seem to make things work. As Jazz sees him again, she can't help but remember some of the good times they had and what it was like not to spend every evening alone.  Nick also seems interested in seeing her again. 

Some of the other supporting characters are great as well.  Her best friend, who teaches art at the all- girls school, Sister Eileen, who runs the school and Loretta Hardinger, who is in charge of the cafeteria at the school, are all people I would like to get to know better.  

The mystery is excellent with lots of secrets to uncover. Jazz involves herself because she thinks that if she is just able to figure out what happened, it might ease the pain of finding the dead girl.  Detective Kolesov is usually several steps ahead of her, which I found to be a good thing. While the young woman who was murdered seemed to be well liked, she also had some enemies and had taken up some unsavory practices which led to plenty of suspects. 

I enjoyed the way the author gave the reader a taste of the Cleveland area.

"But then, there was a lot about Tremont that was a little different from the rest of Cleveland.  The neighborhood had once been home to thirty-six different churches, and the why of it was no surprise - many of the immigrants who flooded the area to work in the nearby factories kept the customs and the languages of their home countries. They stayed within their own ethnic groups and, street by street, the South Side grew up around them." 

Another series I am reading also takes place in Cleveland, but in the Asian section.  This is a totally different perspective and gives me a wider view of a part of the country I have never visited. 

The Scent of Murder was a great start to a series I look forward to reading more of.

Book Review: Killer Kung Pao by Vivien Chien

Killer Kung Pao (Noodle Shop Mystery #6). Vivien Chien. St. Martin's Press (2020). 304 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "'Lana Lee, you're the only person in this world who would choose to dye their hair gray,' my sister, Anna May said, scrutinizing the photo of a sassy model with the hair color I wanted for myself."

Summary:  As Lana Lee, manager of Ho-Lee Noodle House, is leaving her family's restaurant one evening, she is startled by a loud crunch.  When she looks in the direction of the sound, she sees that a car has just backed out of a parking spot and slammed into another car.  Unfortunately is was June Yi who backed into the other car owned by Millie Mao.  The two woman have a long standing dislike of one another. Neither one of them is known for being easy to deal with. Millie is carrying on about how she has whiplash and the two women are arguing in the parking lot.  Millie calls the police and while she is waiting for them to arrive, she calls everyone she knows to tell them what June did.  When the police arrive, the women continue to argue. 

The next day Lana has an appointment at Asian Accents, just a few doors down from her family's restaurant in Asia Village.  She is going to try a new color in her hair.  As she is waiting for her stylist, June Yi arrives at the salon.  The previous day June had read Lana the riot act about hanging around the scene of the accident.  For some reason June has never liked Lana and it shows when she sees her at the salon.  As Lana is waiting for the bleach to work in her hair, she sees Millie arrive at the salon.  Before long the two women begin arguing.  Lana's hairdresser asks them to stop and things quiet down.  Before the hairdresser can rinse the bleach out of Lana's hair the electricity goes out.  As one of the salon employees makes her way to the breaker box, she discovers Millie Mao dead in the manicure chair, apparently electrocuted. 

My thoughts:  The rivalry between June and Millie is pretty intense.  June is just a nasty person and has been unkind to Lana for as long as she can remember. She is not sure why June took a dislike to her, but the feeling is mutual.  Millie is looking for any excuse to get back at June and not just for backing into her car.  The rivalry has spanned many years.  So, it was a relief when Millie was removed from the situation.

I enjoy the characters in this series.  Lana continues to grow in each book which is something I appreciate.  She does like to dye her hair strange colors, but it works for her.  She handles the management of her family's restaurant well and is always on top of things.  We learn a little more about her sister, Anna May, in this installment. It was good to see their relationship grow and we were left with a bit of a cliffhanger regarding something in Anna May's life.  

There are bits and pieces of Asian culture that come through in each book.  The majority of the characters are Asian and many of the older ones spent some of their lives in the Asian country they are from.  There are lots of little things to pick up.

The mystery was good.  It was a locked room mystery as it had to be someone in the salon that killed Millie.  There were plenty of suspects.  Lana hadn't planned to get involved but more than one person came to her and asked her to.  Not to mention, several people were more than willing to give their opinion on matters along with bits of information.  Surprisingly, Detective Trudeau doesn't discourage her involvement.  

This was another great addition to the Noodle Shop Mysteries series.  

Book Review: Poetry in Motion by Kristin Eckhardt

Poetry in Motion (Secrets of Mary's Bookshop #8). Kristin Eckhardt. Guideposts (2013). 272 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction. 

First Line: "Spring was in the air."

Summary:  When Mary discovers a piece of yellowed notepaper at the bottom of the book collection bin, she wonders if it fell out of one of the books.  As she investigates it, she discovers it is a handwritten poem.  It is titled "Pike's Peak" and signed "Katherine Lee Bates, 1893".  

Mary realizes that Katherine Lee Bates is the author of the poem that gave us the song "America the Beautiful".  Pike's Peak eventually became that song.  But, is this piece of notepaper the original work written by Katherine Lee Bates herself?  

Mary takes the paper to a local man who has some experience with historical documents.  The man believes it could be the original from the feel of the paper and the smell of the ink.  But, he promises to send it out to be tested.  While in his office, Mary meets his assistant, a young man who happens to be the nephew of her pastor.  After an interesting conversation with the young man, Mary leaves.

The next morning she receives a frantic call from the document man claiming that he can't find the poem and his assistant hasn't shown up for work.  Has the poem been misplaced?  Or did the assistant steal it and leave town?

My thoughts:  I am always amazed when I read a book from this series that each book is written by a different author.  They do such an excellent job of remaining true to the characters.  

The premise of this one was interesting with the poem written by Katherine Lee Bates.  I enjoyed learning a little about the history of that poem.  

There are plenty of things to unwind and discover.  Mary is careful not to judge others before she has all the facts.  There were lots of twists and turns in the mystery and a little suspense before it wraps up.

It was an added bonus that this story takes place in the spring.  It is rare that I coordinate reading a book with the same season that we are in.  It gave me extra appreciation for this lovely time of year!

    "Mary Fisher stood at the open window of her bookshop and breathed in the late afternoon breeze.          It had a fresh, earthy scent that made her eager to dig into the backyard garden of the house she             shared with her sister."

This was an enjoyable addition to the series.  It can be read as a stand alone, but there is much to be gained by starting at the beginning of the series.  

Just a note, Goodreads lists this as the seventh book in the series, but Guideposts and my records indicate it is the eighth.  

Quotes:

"'Do you remember how much Gram used to love thunderstorms like this? Betty asked with a reminiscent smile.  'I sure do,' Mary replied.  'Gram always said it was so glorious to feel just a smidgen of God's power shaking us up for a bit.'"

Book Review: The Cat Who Played Brahms by Lilian Jackson Braun

The Cat Who Played Brahms (The Cat Who #5). Lilian Jackson Braun. Jove (1987). 245 pages. Genre: Cozy Mystery.

First Line: "For Jim Qwilleran, veteran journalist, it was one of the most appalling moments of his career."

Summary:  Qwilleran has made a decision.  He needs a break from city life and all that it entails.  He is going to use some vacation and take a leave of absence and spend three months up north.  He has an aunt, well she's not really an aunt, but a friend of his mother's that he calls Aunt Fanny.  She has a cabin up north that she will let him use.  His friend, Arch Riker, thinks he's crazy and wonders what he will do up there.  Qwill has some ideas for a book and intends to spend his days writing. 

Aunt Fanny is eccentric.  She has a deep voice and usually dresses flamboyantly.  Qwilleran hasn't seen her in forty years and she is overjoyed to see him.  

Aunt Fanny's cabin is more rustic than Qwilleran expected, but he and the cats will make the best of it.  Right away strange things begin happening.  The cats stare out the window toward a spot on the beach that looks like a grave.  Qwill is awakened in the middle of the night by what sounds like loud footsteps on his roof.  One day he returns to the cabin and catches a whiff of pipe smoke inside and finds a few small things missing.  As he tries to get to know the locals and discover if anyone else has noticed odd occurrences, he is met by closed lips and blank stares.  

When a local artisan is found dead in his workshop, Qwilleran realizes something strange is going on.  

My thoughts:  This story is full of quirky characters and strange occurrences.  

Jim Qwilleran is tired of city life and the crime, pollution and noise that accompany it.  Qwilleran was married, but is now a confirmed bachelor and mostly prefers it that way.  He has his habits and routines and his cats.  He rarely cooks, preferring to visit nearby establishments for sustenance.  However, he always feeds his cats meat, whether fresh or canned.  He has recently been writing restaurant reviews for the Daily Fluxion, which was a definite step down for him.  He has been spending time with Rosemary, who is much older than he is, but she is good company.  I like Qwilleran.  His life is predictable and he likes it that way.  So, it is a bit unsettling when he decides to leave the city and go up north for a few months. 

It is even more unsettling when he meets Aunt Fanny.  She is eccentric and has a hard time staying focused.  Then there is Tom, who seems to be her right-hand man.  But he is quiet and slow and a little creepy. Sometimes he just shows up inside the cabin.  Aunt Fanny says nobody locks there doors here.  Many of the locals are a little strange and not very friendly.  Qwill's nerves are on edge and he can't decide if his mind is playing tricks on him or strange things are really happening.

It is not until halfway through the book that the murder occurs, but then the mystery intensifies.  It was a good mystery with a twist.  As usual, Koko the cat, knows who the murderer is before Qwill does and tries to alert him.  I enjoy the way the cats are involved.  They always have some means by which they try to point something out to Qwill.  It is not magic, but something like flipping a light switch or opening a book to a certain page, or playing Brahms.  

There was a fortune teller in this story, but she wasn't taken seriously.  She was a resident of the town up north and tried to tell everyone's fortune whether they wanted her to or not.

This is an enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to the next installment.

Quotes:

"On the other hand, Aunt Fanny had mentioned nothing about comforts and conveniences.  Qwilleran liked an extra-long bed, deep lounge chairs, good reading lamps, a decent refrigerator, plenty of hot water, and trouble-free plumbing."

"The little old lady who answered the doorbell was undoubtedly Aunt Fanny: a vigorous eighty-nine, tiny but taut with energy.  Her white, powdery, wrinkled face wore two slashes of orange lipstick and glasses that magnified her eyes."