#NetGalley #BookReview ~ Death Comes to Marlow (The Marlow Murder Club #2) by Robert Thorogood #Mystery #Cozy #LockedRoom

Death Comes to Marlow

The Marlow Murder Club #2 

by Robert Thorogood

Release date: June 6th, 2023  

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Death Comes to Marlow (The Marlow Murder Club #2) by Robert Thorogood from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in order to read and give an honest review.  

…I loved this book, a twisty locked room mystery that has such engaging characters, a complex and intriguing plot, and a steady dose of charming wit…

This is my first book from author Robert Thorogood, and I know it will not be my last. Death Comes to Marlow follows three friends Judith, a crossword setter, Suzie a dog walker and radio show host, and Becks, a mother and vicar’s wife in there day to day life in Marlow. The three women known as the Marlow Murder Club have made a reputation for themselves as local celebrities after catching a murderer in the previous book which I have yet to read (but will be!). Although life has quieted down for the three friends, when Judith is contacted by a friend who is certain that he is going to be murdered before his wedding the three women decide to see what it is all about. At the rehearsal dinner Sir Peter Bailey celebrates his upcoming wedding to his bride, nurse Jenny Page, and it is extremely easy to see that tensions run high between family members.  

The friends are shocked when a large crash thunders through the mansion and the groom is found dead in a locked room under a heavy shelving unit. Although the murder looks like nothing more than an accident the Marlow Murder Club begs to differ when the question of an updated will leaving everything to Jenny goes missing, giving a good motive for murder. When Jenny asks for help Judith, Suzie and Becks cannot say no.  

I loved this book, a twisty locked room mystery that has such engaging characters, a complex and intriguing plot, and a steady dose of charming wit. A fantastic read that keeps the reader captivated until the very end. I highly recommend it to readers who love locked room mysteries. 

#NetGalley #BookReview A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality (A Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2) by Kate Khavari #Historical #Mystery #CrookedLaneBooks

A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality

A Saffron Everleigh Mystery#2

Kate Khavari

Release date: June 6th, 2023  

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(4.5 rounded up)

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality (A Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2) by Kate Khavari from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.  

… An intriguing, well-written, fast-paced mystery, replete with compelling characters, intriguing plotlines and rich historical details that transport the reader to Victorian London…  

They say that things come in threes and when three brutal murders come with a message sent in bouquets to the victims, Saffron is called in to consult with Detective Inspector Green of the London Police. Saffron uses floriography to uncover hidden messages contained in each bouquet, hoping to figure out what message the murderer is sending. With a new promotion at the University and a new partner, Dr Michael Lee, a medical doctor, they are tasked to study, identify, and catalog poisonous plants. Although the two have a challenging rapport they manage to work well together. With Alexander Ashton, Saffron’s love interest on his Amazonian expedition Saffron is throwing herself into work to keep from missing him. When offered the opportunity to play sleuth Saffron tackles the case taking her into the seedy playground of the rich and famous of London society, with drugs, danger and puts her directly in the crosshairs of a murderer. 

I found I enjoyed this one more than the first and the love-hate relationship with her new partner Dr. Lee humorous to say the least. I love Saffron, a brilliant, quirky, and brave woman, who thrives in a misogynistic setting she is a character to admire. Although it tends to drag a bit in the middle it more than makes up for it with a nail-biting climax. An intriguing, well-written, fast-paced mystery, replete with compelling characters, intriguing plotlines and rich historical details that transport the reader to Victorian London. It is definitely a page-turning historical mystery that keeps the reader engaged and I cannot wait to read more about Saffron’s adventures! I highly recommend it.

#NetGalley #BookReview Death Knells and Wedding Bells (Lighthouse Library Mystery # 10) by Eva Gates #Cozy #Mystery #CrookedLaneBooks

Death Knells and Wedding Bells

Lighthouse Library Mystery #10

by Eva Gates 

Release date: June 6th, 2023  

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Death Knells and Wedding Bells (Lighthouse Library Mystery #10) by Eva Gates from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.  

…a fun, intriguing, cozy mystery with a cleverly crafted plot, a brilliant and quirky cast of characters including a comedic library cat, nail-biting suspense, humor and a touch of romance…  

A fan of The Lighthouse Library Mysteries, this tenth entry, Death Knells and Wedding Bells was as expected another wonderful addition to the series.

We open at Lucy and Connor’s Wedding Reception in Nags Head at the Ocean Side Hotel. Everyone appears to be having an amazing time despite some family drama. Lucy’s brother Kevin and his soon to be ex Kristen Richardson who has come with her new boyfriend, Roy Croft and her aunt Joyce’s, her mother’s sister the black sheep of the family attends with her recent arm candy Wayne Fortunade. When Wayne’s mood turns sour. Lucy overhears a conversation between Wayne and an unknown person that seems to sadden Wayne. Lucy is concerned for her aunt but decides to let it go and enjoy the first moments of her marriage. When the next morning Wayne’s body is found in a hotel storage room Lucy, being true to form, can’t let it go, especially when the murderer might be one of her wedding guests. With a new member of the police department, Detective North from the NYPD focused on select guests and with a critical eye on Lucy’s overly familiar relationship with the department she tries her best to stay out of it but it becomes increasingly difficult for her to do. When she finally figures out the truth it might be too late…. for her, especially since she’s put herself in the crossfire of the real killer.

This was a fun, intriguing, cozy mystery with a cleverly crafted plot, a brilliant and quirky cast of characters including a comedic library cat, nail-biting suspense, humor and a touch of romance. Having read the series from the start I was not disappointed. Overall, I love this series and I thoroughly enjoyed Death Knells and Wedding Bells; I would highly recommend it!

Net Galley #BookReview on Murder Off The Books, By the Book Mysteries #3 by Tamara Berry #cozy #mystery

Murder Off The Books

By the Book Mysteries #3

by Tamara Berry

Release date: May 30th, 2023  

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Murder Off The Books, By the Book Mysteries #3 by Tamara Berry from Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press in order to read and give an honest review.  

is an incredibly fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, quirky, multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and plenty of humor  

Murder Off The Books is the third entry in the By the Book Mystery series by Tamara Berry and being a fan of the series, I was thrilled to be able to read and review it.

I love this series for many reasons, one of which is the humor that is seamlessly combined with a fast paced, complex, and intriguing mystery which really keeps you guessing until the very end.  

In this book Tess Harrow, our protagonist and NYT best-selling Thriller author is getting ready to promote her newest release Fury Under the Floorboards as well as the launch of her new books store The Paper Trail! The whole gang is back and working to help make the grand opening celebration a success, especially when a reporter is set to interview Tess for an exclusive article. As busy as she is Tess and her daughter Gertrude get a surprise visit from Bernadette, Tess’s larger than life, high maintenance mother. Although happy to see her it puts a wrench in Tess’s plans but when Bernadette’s notorious alleged serial killer boyfriend Levi Parker, who is said to prey on wealthy widows, is murdered proving her mother’s innocence takes center stage. Life seems it could not get more complicated add in the onslaught of press including a famous podcaster Neptune who has her sights set on Sheriff Victor Boyd, Tess has more than mere complications plaguing her life. When clues lead in all directions from money laundering to cyber-crimes and another murder takes place Tess is determined to find the killer before they find her. In her normal fashion Tess recruits her quirky cast of characters to help her get to the bottom of the murder before the case against her mother gets stronger and before the body count goes up.

Murder Off The Books is an incredibly fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, quirky, multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and plenty of humor. In my opinion this book is a quirky, fun cozy, and I can’t wait to read more in the series. I highly recommend it.

#NetGalley #BookReview The Murderous Type (The Bookstore Mystery #2) by Sue Minix #Cozy #Mystery

Review

The Murderous Type

The Bookstore Mystery #2

by Sue Minix 

Release date: May 25th, 2023

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(3.5 rounded up)

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Murderous Type (The Bookstore Mystery #2) by Sue Minix from Net Galley and Avon Books UK in order to read and give an honest review.

…an abundance of red herrings, nail-biting moments along with the relatable and dynamic characters which made this book a fun read, and I will be on the lookout for more books in this series. …

When the newly transplanted Crime author Jen Dawson is finally settling into her new life after the events of book one, she finally feels the peace and quiet small-town life offers…perhaps a little too much.  

Lacking the hustle and bustle of her old life, she is desperately trying to overcome writers’ block and complete the deadline for the second book in her series before her publisher drops her. Add on the stress of trying to keep her recently inherited bookstore afloat and raise a cute but rambunctious puppy Savannah, she is completely overwhelmed.  

When a local fundraiser takes a deadly turn with the murder of the cantankerous police chief the suspects are in abundance including Jen’s dear friend and Eric.  When evidence is found in his locker at the police station, he is relieved of duty and moved to the top of the suspect list. Jen having made enemies in the police department in book one is warned to stay out of the investigation this time around but when it appears Eric may have been set up by a fellow officer, she has no choice but to dive right in putting herself and her friends (human and furry) in danger. 

Not having read the first book did put a damper a bit on the book but it did hold its own as a standalone. What I loved about this book was the protagonist, being a writer, I love the little glimpse of the process and the angst that comes along trying to meet a deadline but also Jen’s total addiction to coffee which I can sympathize with. I also love the quirks of the character, the clumsiness, the self-deprecating humor makes the character feel relatable. Although I felt the book dragged on for the first half (some things felt repetitive i.e., the constant mention of her next book) the second half of the book did pick up with an abundance of red herrings, nail-biting moments along with the relatable and dynamic characters which made this book a fun read, and I will be on the lookout for more books in this series.

#NetGalley #BookReview The Poisoner’s Ring: A Rip Through Time Novel #2 by Kelley Armstrong #Mystery #Historical #TimeTravel

Book Review

The Poisoner’s Ring

A Rip Through Time Novel #2

by Kelley Armstrong

Release date: May 23rd, 2023

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Poisoner’s Ring, A Rip Through Time Novel by Kelley Armstrong from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.  

…Fast-paced, well-written and filled with a wonderful cast of captivating characters, a touch of romance, and a thrilling mystery….…

Being a fan of Kelley Armstrong I was thrilled to be given the honour of reading and reviewing the second in her, A Rip Through Time series, and like the first, I absolutely loved it! 

 We pick up the story of modern-day Canadian police detective, Mallory Atkinson, who is trapped in the body of Catriona Mitchell in 1869 Edinburgh.  Catriona an assistant to Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker and medical examiner, is doing what she can to cope until she can find a way back home. 

Dr. Gray and his sister Isla are aware of Mallory’s secret and although homesick, she is making the best of the situation by helping Dr. Gray with his cases as they arise. When a string of fatal poisonings hits too close to home, implicating Duncan’s sisters Isla and Annis, the race is on to stop before the poisoner strikes again and to clear his family’s name. Assisting Detective McCreadie, both Mallory and Duncan dive into the seedy streets of Edinburgh to find clues but the more they dig the more it appears that Annis is the guilty party.  Is Annis guilty or is she being framed? 

I love this series in particular the way the author creates such vivid and authentic characters.  Mallory is an intelligent, strong, and independent female character but we also see her vulnerable and afraid. Armstrong’s prose feels authentic as she doesn’t shy away from tough topics such as racism, transgender, homosexuality, and misogyny which has made her one of my favorite authors. 

Fast-paced, well-written and filled with a wonderful cast of captivating characters, a touch of romance, and a thrilling mystery, The Poisoner’s Ring is a page-turning historical mystery that I highly recommend. 

#NetGalley #BookReview The Librarian by Valerie Keogh #Psychological #Mystery

Review

The Librarian

by Valerie Keogh

Release date: April 21st, 2023

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(3.5 rounded up)

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Librarian by Valerie Keogh from Net Galley and Boldwood Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…Overall, it was an okay read I give it a 3.5 rounded up. It was an entertaining and quick read that would be perfect on a dark and stormy night….

Introverted Ava Warrington works as a librarian at Tate Modern. Living a quiet life in London, a dedicated workaholic. When Ava and her best friend Poppy visit a bistro for a drink as usual her attractive, flirtatious, and outgoing friend gets close to a handsome gentleman she spots at the bar. When Ava, feeling ill, excuses herself for a few minutes and upon her return to the table notices her seat was filled by the gentleman that Poppy had been flirting with. While getting ready to leave another man approaches Ava, insistent on buying her a drink but when he politely declines the man pursues her and becomes aggressive. When she stands her ground, he is angry and warns her that she will be sorry. Not being able to shake the incident, she realizes that it is the ten-year anniversary of a traumatic event from her university days which has caused her to run away from the world and hide in her “safe life.” When she is set up for a heinous crime at work, suspended, making her feel like her world is falling apart.

While trying to think who could be setting her up her mind kept coming back to the gentleman at the bistro as he was the only one who had taken issue with her. She confides in her friend Poppy who is self-interested, occupied with her new romance. A colleague believes her and wants to help so they decide to stake out the bistro together for the mysterious man. Things take a bizarre turn when she experiences a few creepy occurrences, she feels she is being watched and she learns of the murder of a colleague. When it becomes clear to Ava that she is alone it is up to her to clear her own name and get her job back. When at her lowest, not sure if her paranoia is due to the ten-year anniversary, her friend Poppy goes missing after making plans with her and when she realizes she is alone she turns to her older sister Judy for help. After a string of occurrences lead her on a harrowing journey, she learns that she can no longer run away from her past.

This was a tough review for me…parts of it I really enjoyed, some not so much but, in my opinion, it had a lot of potential, but it just fell flat for me. I enjoyed the atmosphere and tension the author brought to the page as well as the cleverly crafted and complex characters, I will say this, wow, the villains were definitely chill worthy. However, there were numerous references to the traumatic event from Ava’s past to the point of becoming tedious. The event is not really revealed until the climax and even then, the backstory seemed disappointing. Overall, it was an okay read I give it a 3.5 rounded up. It was an entertaining and quick read that would be perfect on a dark and stormy night.

NetGalley #BookReview A Wealth of Deception (Scandal Mountain Antiques #2) by Trish Esden #Mystery #Art

 A Wealth of Deception

Scandal Mountain Antiques #2

by Trish Esden

Release date: April 18th, 2023  

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of A Wealth of Deception (Scandal Mountain Antiques #2) by Trish Esden from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.  

…Replete with a clever, intriguing, suspenseful plot, as well as a cast of quirky interesting and dynamic characters, this entry was an entertaining read…

Having read and reviewed Trish Esden’s first book, The Art of Decoy I am pleased to say the second in the Scandal Mountain Antiques series didn’t disappoint. Picking up where The Art of Decoy left us, Edie, Tuck and Kaya are struggling to keep Scandal Mountain Fine Arts and Antiques above water when they receive a desperate plea from a local, Annie, to give an appraisal and purchase a few items from an estate. Needing a boost, they jump at the chance, hoping for some hidden gems that could bring in some quick cash. When pursuing through the items Edie notices what looks like a collage from the artist Vespa, who is heating up the art scene with her “outsider art.” Annie is embarrassed by the dark piece and claims the collage was made by her brother Erik in a rehabilitation program for those with traumatic brain injury. When Edie begins to question the provenance of the collage the mystery begins to surface but when clues begin to emerge depicting something more nefarious Edie puts herself in the crosshairs of a murderer and scandal that puts her and everyone she loves in danger.

I love art and I love mysteries, combining this with technology and romance and this was right up my alley. Replete with a clever, intriguing, suspenseful plot, as well as a cast of quirky interesting and dynamic characters, this entry was an entertaining read. Although slow building it paid off with a nail-biting climax and heartwarming ending. I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read more in this series, I highly recommend it.

NetGalley #BookReview Homecoming, A Novel by Kate Morton #mystery #family #generational #historical

Review

Homecoming

A Novel

by Kate Morton

Release date: April 4th, 2023

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Homecoming, A Novel by Kate Morton from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in order to read and give an honest review.

… True to form, Morton does not disappoint with her intricately woven plotlines and beautiful prose, the author tells a perfectly blended generational saga with a captivating mystery …

Being a fan of Kate Morton I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to read and review her latest book Homecoming. True to form Morton does not disappoint with her intricately woven plotlines and beautiful prose, the author tells a perfectly blended generational saga with a captivating mystery told in dual timelines and from multiple points of views

We start Christmas Eve of 1959 on the Turner family estate called Halcyon in Tambilla, Australia, a grocery delivery man stumbles across the bodies of a mother and her children looking like they were resting after a picnic all except for a newborn daughter who was nowhere to be found. Nora, the mother’s sister-in-law, and children’s aunt, misses the picnic as she is days away from giving birth. The murder goes unsolved for decades and the youngest child remains missing until the remains are found two decades later.

In 2018 when journalist Jess receives a call that her grandmother Nora has suffered a fall, she rushes to her side in Australia. Walking into the hospital room Jess is shocked to find her once intelligent and strong grandmother, lying in a hospital bed, in a feeble and confused state saying things that just do not make sense. Nora was Jess’s world, and she feels she would not be who she is without the love and guidance she received from her grandmother, especially when her mother Polly was unable. Desperate to be there for Nora and to make sense of her strange mutterings she begins to dig deep hoping to get to the root of what is tormenting her beloved grandmother.

Jess uncovers a connection to a true-crime author who had written an in-depth account of the tragedy that occurred Christmas Eve those decades ago. While at her grandmother’s estate, Darling House, Jess begins uncovering clues that point her to the events that occurred at Halcyon in 1959 and family secrets that will undo all she thought was true about her family. After reuniting with her mother Polly, Jess learns that she is not alone on her quest.

Several mysteries are presented, some I guessed early on, but some caught me by surprise at the very end. I absolutely loved this book, it is not for those who are looking for a fast-paced page-turner, it definitely requires patience as it is a slow but satisfying story that is worth taking time to read and I would highly recommend! There are trigger warnings however…be advised there is discussion of suicide, infanticide, filicide, miscarriage.

#NetGalley #BookReview An American in Scotland (A Scottish Isle Mystery #1) by Lucy Connelly #Cozy #Mystery

Review 

An American in Scotland

(A Scottish Isle Mystery #1) 

by  

Lucy Connelly  

Release date: March 29th, 2023

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of An American in Scotland (A Scottish Isle Mystery #1) by Lucy Connelly from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review. 

… I really enjoyed Emelia’s character, I love protagonists who are intelligent, strong, down to earth, yet vulnerable … 

In this debut novel from Lucy Connelly, we are introduced to Dr. Emilia McRoy, who after a few traumatic years of struggling with her husband’s death and burnout from working in a high stressed busy Seattle ER department decides to chuck it all in to move to her ancestorial home of Sea Isle, Scotland. Upon her arrival she is overwhelmed, everything is perfect, her home and office are in a converted old church with all the medical equipment she could dream of. Her helper and gardener are amazing, and everyone is thrilled to have a doctor in town and treat her like royalty…. well, almost everyone.

When the local curmudgeonly con artist Smithy zeros in on the fact that Emilia is related to the McRoy’s, who he feels ruined his family he has a lot to say her first night at the local pub. Smithy’s behavior aside, Emilia is growing fond of Sea Isle but was not prepared for the sudden changes in the weather. While out on a walk she seeks shelter from a sudden storm only to stumble into a structure that contains Smithy’s dead body. Emilia, convinced it is foul play, becomes suspicious when the Deputy Chief Constable/Laird/Mayor Ewan Campbell arrives and quickly dismisses the idea. She also realizes that she should have checked the fine print on her contract much sooner as Ewan informs her that she is also now the town’s coroner. The story takes off from there moving at an extremely fast pace. Filled with science, mystery, missing bodies, mayhem, a blossoming love triangle and plenty of red herrings to keep one guessing to the end.

I really enjoyed Emelia’s character, I love protagonists who are intelligent, strong, down to earth, yet vulnerable. I was also impressed by her supporting characters, the friendships they form felt genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Connelly’s writing and I really look forward to reading more about Emilie and her experiences in Sea Isle. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an amazing cozy mystery.