Early Book Review: Death on the Page (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

Death on the Page is the second Castle Bookshop Mystery by Essie Lang. I would recommend reading this series in order, to fully understand the set up and relationships. However, I do think a determined read could catch up even without the prior knowledge. This book is currently scheduled for release on March 10 2020. 

There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle--until he was found dead in the island Grotto. But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?

Death on the Page is a book that I should have loved, it checked off all the boxes for mysteries I usually enjoy. The characters are well defined and interesting, the mystery is solid with a few good twists, and as a whole it never takes itself to seriously. I liked Shelby's inherent kindness and interest in those around her and her determination to do the right thing. I liked that while there is a touch of romance- it never takes over the plot. I liked that there were secondary characters and suspects introduced and expanded on. I like that I got to know returning characters better and that I could understand the reasoning and motives of the major players. I did have an inkling of who was the big bad, but the reveal was very well done nd rather unexpected. However, I just never found myself compelled to get back to reading or wondering what was going to happen next. Perhaps I just was not in the mood to read a mystery or this author's writing style and I just do not match up. There was nothing in the story that bothered me or did not work, I just could not get fully engaged in the story. 

Death on the Page is a well written mystery, and I think fans of the first book will really enjoy the read. 

Book Review: Christmas Cow Bells (Buttermilk Creek) by Mollie Cox Bryan

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Christmas is a time for new beginnings, so after her big breakup, Brynn MacAlister takes the gouda with the bad. With her three Red Devon cows, she settles in bucolic Shenandoah Springs, eager for a new life as an organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker. Then her dear cow Petunia’s bellows set the whole town on edge. But it isn’t until Brynn’s neighbor, Nancy, dies in a mysterious fire that her feelings about small town life begin to curdle. It seems some folks were not happy with Nancy’s plan to renovate the Old Glebe Church. But is a fear of change a motivation for murder? As a newcomer, Brynn can’t ignore the strange events happening just on the other side of her frosty pasture—and soon on her very own farm. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t feel so festive as everyone demands she muzzle sweet Petunia, and Brynn is wondering if someone wants to silence her—for good .

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that had moments where I was glued to the page and others where I started to wander away. I liked the set up and a great deal of the character building. I love the unique cast of characters and getting to know them as Brynn discovers more about them. I liked the mystery aspects, and thought the variety of clues was well done. I think the character depth and growth was well done and kept things interesting, I certainly want to know more about the past and future of several of the secondary characters. I liked the complexity of what was going on behind the scenes, but I think more of how everything tied together could have been explained in the book, or had Brynn figure out more of it for herself. I just felt like there were moments of absolute brilliant writing, and then a couple pages that were less inspired. Perhaps it was because of the necessary world and character building, but I did enjoy a great deal of the read and am not giving up on the series. 

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that shows some sold potential, but had hot and cold moments for me. I will be trying the next book in the series to see where the author takes it. 

Early Book Review: Bound for Murder (Blue Ridge Library Mystery) by Victoria Gilbert

Bound for Murder is the forth Blue Ridge Library Mystery by Victoria Gilbert. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. I do recommend reading the series in order, mainly for the personalities and relationships. However, I think a dedicated reader could catch up fairly quickly. 

Taylorsford Public Library director Amy Webber's friend "Sunny" Fields is running for mayor. But nothing puts a damper on a campaign like an actual skeleton in a candidate's closet. Sunny's grandparents ran a commune back in the 1960s on their organic farm. But these former hippies face criminal charges when human remains are found in their fields--and a forensic examination reveals that the death was neither natural nor accidental. With Sunny's mayoral hopes fading, Amy sets her wedding plans aside, says "not yet" to the dress, and uses her research skills to clear her best friend's family. Any of the now-elderly commune members could have been the culprit. As former hippies perish one by one, Amy and her friends Richard, Aunt Lydia, and Hugh Chen pursue every lead. But if Amy can't find whoever killed these "flower children," someone may soon be placing flowers on her grave.

Bound for Murder is a well written mystery with a good balance of character growth and sleuthing. I like that Amy is still growing and evolving- and getting more safety savvy as she researches and questions people. Her taking the precaution of having her keys or phone ready when in less than comfortable situations showed some real growth after the dangers she had faced in past books.  I enjoyed following the clues with her, even the side avenues the information took her down. I enjoyed just how interconnected the community is, and how  the clues took Amy and readers along a twisted path through the past. I liked that I learned some interesting details, not all relevant to the mystery, as Amy was researching, and I felt like it gave me a much better understanding of the big picture than I usually get in cozy mysteries. I will say that the culprit was not who I expected, but was tied into their story, which made everything so much more interesting as the danger and clues piled up towards the end of the book. I am looking forward to seeing this story continue, and will certainly keep reading this series.  

Bound for Murder is a solid continuation of the series, with continued growth for the characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. 

Early Book Review: Dead in Dublin (Dublin Driver Mystery) by Catie Murphy

Dead in Dublin is the first book in the Dublin Driver Mystery series by Catie Murphy. It is currently scheduled for release on December 31 2019.

Ferrying tourists around Dublin for the Leprechaun Limo Service makes quite a change after years in the military. Still, Megan Malone is enjoying her life in Ireland. She likes the scenery, the easy pace, the quirky, quick-witted locals. Everything—except having one of her clients drop dead at the statue of fabled fishmonger, Molly Malone. Most restaurant critics notch up their share of enemies. Elizabeth Darr, however, was a well-loved international star. She and her husband, Simon, had just had dinner when Elizabeth collapsed, and spoiled seafood is the first suspect. The restaurant’s owner, worried her business is doomed, begs Megan to look into it. Between her irate boss and a handsome Garda who’s both amused and annoyed by her persistence, Megan has her hands full even before she’s cajoled into taking care of two adorable Jack Russell puppies (which she is almost definitely not keeping). But if cockles and mussels aren’t to blame, can Megan find the real culprit . . .before another fishy death occurs?

Dead in Dublin is a great introduction to a series. I liked Megan's character, and the fact that she had friends and a community that felt real- and while there is much more background that could be explored for her and her friends, I felt like readers got just enough to hook them. I also liked that Megan was more mature that the typical twenty something that is found in current fiction. I could relate to her love of sleep, food, and routine more than I usually relate to lead characters.  I like that there were hints and bits about Megan's past and family that were revealed through the entire book, there was no huge information dump to overwhelm readers- which sometimes happens in first books of intended series. I loved getting to meet people right alongside Megan as she gets caught up in answering questions that Liz's death stirred up, and getting to know her circle of friends as well. I love that the group was eclectic in the way many of our chosen family are, and could only be envious of the friends that Megan has. The mystery was well plotted and paced, and I was thrilled to be surprised with the culprit, method, and motive of the murder.  The addition of a grumpy boss, super cute puppies, and the possibility of romance for friends kept the read even more interesting and enjoyable. I look forward to whatever comes next from Murphy.

Dead in Dublin is an engaging and entertaining read. This is a series that I look forward to following. 

Book Review: Ghost Slayer by Majanka Verstraete

Ghost Slayer by Majanka Verstraete is the first book in a new adult series. Twenty-one-year-old Kaelyn has spent half her life hunting ghosts and killing them. But she's not like the other ghost hunters who have to rely on spells and curses to banish ghosts back to where they came from, hoping that they don't come back. When Kaelyn kills a ghost, they stay dead. But in Mortimer Hall, a behemoth of a house, Kaelyn is about to face the most powerful Twenty-one-year-old Kaelyn has spent half her life hunting ghosts and killing them. But she's not like the other ghost hunters who have to rely on spells and curses to banish ghosts back to where they came from, hoping that they don't come back. When Kaelyn kills a ghost, they stay dead. But in Mortimer Hall, a behemoth of a house, Kaelyn is about to face the most powerful and life-threatening ghost she ever met, and what she doesn't know is that the ghost has been waiting just for her.

Ghost Slayer is an interesting read with a few problems. I liked the idea of the story, and the twists and turns that the story takes. Let's start with the good. I liked the twist on ghost hunting- that while most have to rely on tools and magic Kaelyn has a special level of control with the dead. I liked the role her mother plays and that she is doing her best to get by and get through college while working a less than typical job. I get her loner attitude, and her reluctance to take part in ghostly activities with her class. Now, I did think that there were several contradictions in the story that irked me as I read. I am not sure if this is supposed to be happening in the real world or an alternate world with different rules- as that is never made clear and either could be true. Kaelyn says that she is not a drinker- but downs straight vodka and a whisky and soda with ease and no effect. Also, she is very much a loner and refers to her classmates as people she barely knows but that quickly changes to one of the friendlier girls suddenly being her best friend. As I read bits of the story seemed vaguely familiar- but I think that boils down to having read enough paranormal books that feature ghosts and secrets as major plot points. I did like the book overall, but it did have its issues. I suspect that as the author continues to write this series it will improve- especially since they left themselves plenty of interesting directions to take the story. 

Ghost Slayer is an interesting read, but one that had both good and bad moments. Fans of the paranormal and gothic genres are most likely to enjoy it. 

Book Review: Pawsitively Cursed (Witch of Edgehill Mystery) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Pawsitively Cursed is the second Witch of Edgehill Mystery by Melissa Erin Jackson. While this mystery is unrelated to the first and can stand up well on its ow, from a character and world building standpoint I recommend reading this series in order for the fullest enjoyment. 

For the past fourteen years Amber Blackwood, has been haunted by her parents’ deaths. The whole town knows about the tragedy, but the details remain a mystery even to Amber. From her tiny studio apartment above her shop, The Quirky Whisker, Amber can see her partially rebuilt old house out on the edge of town. Although she now has a good life—delighting children with her magically infused toys, concocting healing tinctures for Edgehill’s residents, doting on her cats, Tom and Alley, and sitting on the committee for the town’s annual Here and Meow Festival—she feels stuck in the past. Amber suspects the fire that killed her parents was set deliberately by a witch from the cursed Penhallow clan, from whom no one has heard even a whisper since the night her parents died. The clan’s sudden disappearance is no coincidence to Amber, but her aunt Gretchen refuses to believe there’s a connection and urges Amber to stop looking for someone to blame. So Amber is shocked when Aunt Gretchen shows up unexpectedly, claiming the Penhallows have resurfaced and that one of them is heading for Edgehill with Amber in his sights. Aunt Gretchen knows more about the fabled clan than she’s letting on. Amber is determined to find out what her aunt is hiding, and what the Penhallow seeks, before the same treacherous force that took Amber’s parents’ lives claims her own.

Pawsitively Cursed is a wonderful continuation of Amber's story. This book is just as much about Amber's growth and fears as it is the actual mystery. She has insecurities, worries, and doubts that everyone can relate to on some level- and then there is the added worry about magic secrets that just might be the death of her and others. The unveiling of the mystery and the way her double life impacts her social life and the safety of the town was well paced and compelling. Getting to know more about Amber's past, and her remaining family was nice, and I think added a greater depth to her character. I like that wile Amber was putting herself out there and trying to date- and I enjoyed the honesty in the awkward moments- I was relieved that that part of the story never overwhelmed the mystery and magic that kept he story line moving forward. The mystery and danger aspects of the story were also well done. I was almost constantly on edge waiting for one character or another not to be who they appeared.  The tension was very well maintained. I really did expect an extra twist at the end, and was fairly pleased that the epilogue went in a completely (though not unexpected) way to tease for the next book.  I am very eager for that book, and will definitely be following this series onward. 

Pawsitively Cursed is even better than the first book in the series, and I am eager to see where the story, and its characters, go from here. 

Book Review: Junkyard Dog (Hellhounds) by Katja Desjarlais

Junkyard Dog is the first Hellhounds novel by Katja Desjarlais.  Joshua Tree National Park Ranger Charlotte arrives on the scene of a car accident caused by a large dog tearing across the road. The third sighting of the animal in as many weeks, Charlotte’s interest is piqued. Armed with a bowl of dog food and a bucket of patience, she sets out to find the beast. With the grille marks of a sedan imprinted on his broken ribs, Alex returns to the scene of the accident, scouring for prints he’d left behind when he encounters Charlotte on the trail. The attraction is undeniable, but Alex is on a mission from Hades and can’t afford the distraction. While Charlotte continues to gain the trust of the wild dog roaming the park, Alex is caught between the woman he’s falling for and the job he was sent to do. With bodies and secrets piling at his feet, Alex is pushed to choose between the hellhound he is and the man he wants to be.

Junkyard Dog is a nice start to an urban fantasy/romance series. I really liked Charlotte- her intelligence and empathy were well done. I liked that she could take care of herself, but wanted to help others, and animals, much more than herself. My only annoyance with her character is that there kept being comments about her having bad taste in men before, and how she just had no interest in relationships because of it. However, there is no mention of what actually happened. If the details are not important then that is fine, but there is no reason to keep bringing it up, just saying that she does not want to date at the moment could have been enough. Max and the other secondary characters were very well written, which I always enjoy. I would like to read more about the ranger crew and the employees at the bar. As for Alex, I liked his character too. I enjoyed that while he had other responsibilities he kept his word and did his best for the people around him. I got a kick out of his interactions with Charlotte as a dog. The combination of humor and danger was good. I will admit that I was rather expecting the hound reveal to happen much sooner- like her seeing the grill marks on a shirtless Alex at some point- but the written reveal was much more dramatic and moved the story forward more and with good effect. All the elements were in place for me to love this story, and I found it enjoyable and a good read. I was hoping for even more, so while I was glad I read the book it just did not wow me.

Junkyard Dog is a good urban fantasy and romance. I liked the premise, the characters, and the balance of humor and danger.

Early Book Review: Buried in the Stacks (Haunted Library Mystery) by Allison Brook

Buried in the Stacks is the third book in the Haunted Library Mystery series by Allison Brook. It is currently scheduled for release on September 10 2019. I do recommend reading this series in order to make some of the relationships and tensions better understood. However, I think a dedicated newcomer could still catch on pretty quickly.

Librarian Carrie Singleton is building a haven, or at least trying to, but one of her neighbors is misbehaving. Can resident spirit Evelyn help Carrie catch the culprit who made her a ghost? In winter, the Haunted Library is a refuge for homeless townspeople. When a group purchases a vacant house to establish a daytime haven for the homeless, Carrie offers the library as a meeting place for the Haven House committee, but quickly learns that it may be used for illegal activities. As the new Sunshine Delegate, Carrie heads to the hospital to visit her cantankerous colleague, Dorothy, who had fallen outside the local supermarket. She tells Carrie that her husband tried to kill her--and that he murdered her Aunt Evelyn, the library's resident ghost, six years earlier. When Dorothy is murdered--run off the road as soon as she returns to work. Evelyn implores Carrie to find her niece's killer, but that's no easy task: Dorothy had made a hobby of blackmailing her neighbors and colleagues. Carrie, Evelyn, and Smoky Joe the cat are on the case, but are the library cards stacked against them?

Buried in the Stacks is a good mystery with a nice pacing. I liked that the mystery and Carrie's character development received almost equal attention through the story. Carrie is still finding her place, and figuring out not just who she is, but who she wants to be and what she wants for the future. The mystery of who killed Dorothy and the possible nefarious purpose behind Haven House are woven nicely into Carrie's desire to help others and appease her own curiosity. I enjoyed getting to know more of the residents of her small town, and unraveling the multi layered mystery. As a Connecticut native, and someone that has worked in libraries for about 20 years now, I am sometimes distracted and a bit amazed at how freely Carrie spends money. A small town in Connecticut is expensive to live in, and even with her job and cheap rent I sometimes find myself side tracked with the logistics. However, that is my personal hang up and not something that will bother most people. 

Buried in the Stacks is another solid mystery with some character development and hints toward future developments. It was an enjoyable cozy mystery. 

Early Book Review: A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages  to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story.  I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand.  Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes. 

Early Book Review: When a Lady Kisses a Scot (Her Majesty's Most Secret Service) by Tara Kingston

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is the fourth book in the Her Majesty's Most Secret Service series by Tara Kingston. This is the first book I have read in the series, and while there are clearly some carried over characters and relationships this book can be read as a stand alone. 

Rose Fleming has been presumed dead for the last decade. It required leaving everything—and everyone—she loved behind, including MacAllister Campbell. But faking her death allowed her to stay safe until the threat posed by a mysterious villain had passed. Believing it’s finally safe again, she returns...and runs smack into the only man she ever loved. But Rose was wrong and the stalker she escaped years ago still has her in his sights. Ten years ago, Mac mourned the death of the woman he loved. It’s taken years to heal his heart only to discover that not only is Rose still alive, but still in grave danger. Mac can forgive Rose’s deception, but he’d never be able to forgive himself if he didn’t protect her from the evil still stalking her. The only thing worse than losing her once would be losing her again... and he won’t let that happen.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is a romance that had a great deal happening, but somehow felt like it was missing something. Rose ran for her life as a teen- with little understanding of what she was running from. MacAllister has been working hard and making a difference. Neither of them had forgotten each other from when they met in their youth and only met again by chance as Rose's life is in danger again. I rather liked both characters, and I liked getting to see the story from both of their perspectives.  I thought their personalities, reactions, and banter were all good. I thought that the inner dialogues were good for the most part, but there was just so much mooning about the other that I got to the point where I was skimming some of it waiting for conversations or action to begin again. The mystery and danger surrounding Rose was mixed- some parts were very well done and intriguing while other things just were left vague and with few answers. When the action was happening I was invested and curious about what might be happening next, but I felt like there was too much of some of the unimportant pondered over and over while the critical information was often glossed over or included in passing. It was just such a missed bag for me- what I enjoyed was fantastic, while other moments had me looking to see how much of the book was left.

When a Lady Kisses a Scot is a good historical romance with a lot going on. I think fans of the series will want to pick it up but I would recommend other first time readers check out from the library to see if you enjoy the writing style.

Book Review: Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

Middlegame by Seanan McGuire is a stand alone, separate from her series. Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story. Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does so through the power of math. Roger and Dodger aren’t exactly human, though they don’t realize it. They aren’t exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet. Meet Reed, skilled in the alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He’s not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own. Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained.

Middlegame was a harder start for me than most of McGuire's book, I think it was just the amount of information necessary to set up the characters and the story. However, once I got past the first couple chapters I was hooked and I was immersed in McGuire's imagination once again. The world and character building is wonderful, and the story id complex with lots of nuisance. I thought the relationship between Roger and Dodger was fascinating, and while there were times I did not agree with their choices, I could always understand the reasoning behind it. There were so many different ways the story could have gone at every turn, and sometimes they do go multiple ways. I would hate to ruin any of the surprises the book holds for new readers so I will refrain for going into details about the action and important plot points. Just know that I found this to be darker and more dense than I was really prepared for- and had I picked it up at a different time it might have been exactly what I was looking for. It was extremely well written, and the mythos built for the story was absolutely amazing, I just had trouble connecting with the characters and enjoying the read as much as I had expected. I honestly think the issue was more with me than the book, and I will continue to read everything I can from McGuire. 

As an aside, since I had trouble getting into the book the first time I started reading it, I got it via Audible and listened to it. Amber Benson is the narration- and she does some amazing voices which helped me keep track of who was talking and a better understanding of their characters. Regardless of how you read this, do not skip the chapter intros- which I admit to having done with other books, they are important and will help with the greater understanding of the story.

Middlegame has exceptional world and mythos building with complex characters and plot line. Something did not grab me as much as I had expected, which I think has more to do with my mood than the book, but it was not my favorite of McGuire's. I will still keep on reading all of their urban fantasy.

Book Review: Pawsitively Poisonous (Witch of Edgehill #1) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Pawsitively Poisonous is the first book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. 

Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand. Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer. 

Pawsitively Poisonous is an enjoyable read that manages to introduce a town full of interesting characters without making the reader feel overwhelmed with the amount of information. I thought Amber was a great characters, smart and compassionate with a past that promises to be looked at more as the series continues. I really liked the slow reveal of the characters involved in the murder and investigation- and seeing the relationship develop between Amber and the police was engaging. I feel like I have a good handle on the majority of the town, and some of the important connections or challenges between people.  I thought the mystery elements were very well done, and had just enough twists to keep me guessing. I was very happy to see that while Amber certainly was aware of the guys in the town, there was no romance in this book. I love me some romance, but it is nice to be able to focus on the mystery and getting the lay of the land without hormones and whatnot taking over.  I also liked that while there are plenty of things I want to know more about, and a little opps moment at the end that have my itching for the next book, that there is also a satisfying conclusion. The important bits of the story are wrapped up, and there is a resolution to the story without a huge cliffhanger to make me grit my teeth. I am very eager to see where this series goes from here, and I will be following this one.

Pawsitively Poisonous is a great start to a mystery series, and I look forward to continuing to read it. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans that enjoy a touch of magic in their reads.

Book Review: Past Due for Murder (Blue Ridge Library Mystery) by Victoria Gilbert

Past Due for Murder is the third book in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert. I do suggest reading the series in order for personal character connections, but for the mystery portion new readers should have no problems catching up.

Spring has sprung in quaint Taylorsford, Virginia, and the mayor has revived the town’s long-defunct May Day celebration to boost tourism. As part of the festivities, library director Amy Webber is helping to organize a research project and presentation by a local folklore expert. All seems well at first—but spring takes on a sudden chill when a university student inexplicably vanishes during a bonfire. The local police cast a wide net to find the missing woman, but in a shocking turn of events, Amy’s swoon-worthy neighbor Richard Muir becomes a person of interest in the case. Not only is Richard the woman’s dance instructor, he also doesn’t have an alibi for the night the student vanished—or at least not one he’ll divulge, even to Amy. When the missing student is finally discovered lost in the mountains, with no memory of recent events—and a dead body lying nearby—an already disturbing mystery takes on a sinister new hue. Blessed with her innate curiosity and a librarian’s gift for research.

Past Due for Murder let me down a little. The characters and mystery were good. There were some fun twists and turns, and some painful emotional moments along the way as well. I still like the small town feel of Taylorsford and how the group of family and friends that Amy has around her. I had two problems with the book. First, I had a good idea of who the bad guy way, and some of the related why's very early in the book. I might have missed a couple little twists, but I was almost right on point way too early for my peace of mind. I was also a little annoyed with Amy's insecurities and the way some of the romance part of the book happened. The final chapters of the book fixed it, but by that point I was not really all that interested in the Amy and Richard drama. Frankly, I am much more interested in Sunny, Kurt, Lydia, and the rest of the secondary characters and how they move forward than I am in Amy and her future. 

Past Due for Murder is a good story, but not one that left me eager for more. I might just be done with this series for now.

Book Review: Death Comes to Dogwood Manor (Missy DuBois) by Sandra Bretting

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is the fourth book in the Missy DuBois Mystery Series by Sandra Bretting. I have not read the previous books, and while those that have will get more of the character and community dynamics I think I was able to catch on pretty quickly to fully enjoy the read. 

While driving to her hat shop, Crowning Glory, Missy accidentally sideswipes a car parked in front of Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion being converted into a high-end hotel by the much-reviled property developer Herbert Solomon. Of course, the car is his Rolls Royce. But Solomon is too busy berating his contractor and interior designer to worry about a little fender bender. When Missy returns to check out the mansion’s chapel where her latest client will be married, she finds the developer dead on his property. After an autopsy finds poison in his body, Missy’s shop is then flooded right before it’s supposed to be featured in an article about wedding-veil trends. Now before everything becomes sheer disaster, she’ll have to train her sights on finding a killer.

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is part of a cozy mystery series that I had somehow missed thus far. I really enjoyed the characters, and thought the connections between the characters and the town itself were very well constructed, with plenty of hints for new readers and reminders for returning readers who everyone is- without feeling buried in introductions or explanations. I think that the mystery was set up well, and explored with plenty of twists and secondary issues to keep the characters and readers on their toes. I loved that I was kept guessing about the culprit so long, and that  I was actually surprised in how some of it played out. I do admit that there were a few loose ends that I wish had been tied up, none of them had direct involvement to the murder so they were not overly important, but little things like that stick in my head.I do not know that they will even register with anyone else.

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is a solid mystery with a few good twists and turns, and interesting characters. I will be looking into reading more from the author.

Book Review: Deceased and Desist (Tallie Graver Mystery) by Misty Simon

Deceased and Desist is the third book in the Tallie Graver Mystery series by Misty Simon. I have not read the previous books, and I found that I could still follow and enjoy the story. However, I will admit that there were moments that I wished I had more context for character and relationship dynamics. 

Most housecleaners don’t do windows, but Tallie Graver loves leaving a pane of glass streak-free and sparkling. After a dirty divorce from a filthy-rich jerk, she's started her own cleaning business to make ends meet. On her latest job, prepping a renovated bed and breakfast for a grand re-opening, she's standing outside on a ladder, wiping off a grimy pane, when she spies a man on a bed through the glass. But the B&B isn't open for business yet—and the man's not sleeping. Her family owns the Graver Funeral Home, so Tallie knows a corpse when she sees one. The victim is a shady building inspector with a reputation for handing out passing grades for a greased palm. With the local police resistant, Tallie launches her own investigation, before she gets a rep as a town crank. But it's going to take more than a squirt bottle and a squeegee to clean up this mess. With the help of her gal pal Gina, Tallie searches for a killer's motive. But she'd better be careful, or it'll be curtains for this window cleaner.

Deceased and Desist is a well paced mystery with plenty of twists and turn. I liked Tallie's character and her willingness to admit her mistakes but still standing up for herself and working toward her own happiness. I thought the investigation that Tallie and Gina undergo was well done and I liked the family and community connections that they used, even if I was not always aware of all the players.  There was so many important facts and shady dealings that I admit to being surprised to some of the revelations- and liked that there were several layers of mystery and character development going on. I enjoyed that fact that Tallie and her family seem to be evolving in realistic ways, and that while the mystery was fully solved and all the loose threads tied up, there were enough relationship and character questions pending that I felt like the story was resolved, but I want to keep on reading about their lives. It is a good balance that does not always happen in small town based series.

Deceased and Desist is a solid mystery with a good plot and quirky characters. I am going to try to find the time to read the previous books, and then keep going with this series.

Book Review: Thread Herrings (Mainely Needlepoint Mystery) by Lea Wait

Thread Herrings is the seventh book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series by Lea Wait. While I have enjoyed reading previous books in the series, and think it gives readers a better understanding of the characters and their relationships, I do think new comers will be able to enjoy the read as well.

Tagging along to an estate sale with her fellow Needlepointer, antiques shop owner Sarah Byrne, Angie Curtis impulsively bids on a tattered embroidery of a coat of arms. When she gets her prize back home to Haven Harbor, she discovers a document from 1757 behind the framed needlework—a claim for a child from a foundling hospital. Intrigued, Angie is determined to find the common thread between the child and the coat of arms. Accepting her reporter friend Clem Walker's invitation to talk about her find on the local TV news, Angie makes an appeal to anyone who might have information. Instead, both women receive death threats. When Clem is found shot to death in a parking lot, Angie fears her own life may be in jeopardy. She has to unravel this historical mystery—or she may be the next one.

Thread Herrings is a good mystery. I like the characters and the way they interact and offer up little details about themselves in the course of the story. I like how Angie is always looking to do the right thing, and while she does not always put her personal safety first she is starting to take note of how her risks effect those around her. I liked the lay out of clues and how Angie manages to discover so much while trying to lay low and stay safe. The mystery was good, but I have to say that I was expecting one more big twist. I kept waiting for everything to be turned on its head and someone or something to be not what it seemed. I felt like the mystery was solved in Angie's head a little too soon, with very little room for other possibilities to keep the reader guessing.

Thread Herrings is an engaging and entertaining read. I think that those following the series will definitely want to pick this up to continue to series, but this is not the book to capture new readers. It was good, but I wanted something more by the time I reached the end.

Book Review: Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal (Haunted Vintage) by Rose Pressey

Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal is the seventh book in the Haunted Vintage Mystery series by Rose Pressey. I have read some, but not all, of the books in this series. While those reading the series in order will definitely get more from the character and relationship development than newcomers, I think each book can also be enjoyed without the prior knowledge. 

Cookie Chanel, owner of the chic clothing store It’s Vintage Y’All in Sugar Creek, Georgia, has been hired to dress models for a fashion shoot. The spread will be featured in Fashion and Style magazine's October issue—so the models are posing in a cemetery. As someone who can see and talk to ghosts, Cookie's not spooked by the location. But she is surprised when a new ghost appears, decked out in 1920s couture. And she's shocked when she hears a gunshot. Then a model runs toward her, saying the grumpy photographer has been edited out of the picture – for good. With help from her ghostly pals, Cookie must zoom in on the truth before she’s the next to strike a final pose.

Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal is a well written story with a nice balance of character development, small town charm, and mystery. I like that there are some creepy moments, but that the ghosts themselves are not spooky. The biggest scares come from the mystery, not the supernatural element of the story. I like Cookie and her ghostly companions, and like that while there is a romance factor here it does not overwhelm the rest of the story.I thought the mystery was well done although I still wonder what happened with a couple of the bits of information that turned out to be nothing. I also have a couple ghost related questions, but revealing those thoughts might offer spoilers and I would hate to do that.

I am not sure what was not working for me though, because while I enjoyed the read I never really became fully engaged. I wanted to know where everything was going and what would happen next, but I had no trouble putting the book aside to deal with other matters, or waste time on Facebook. Maybe it was just my mindset when I started reading and nothing to do with the book, because I cannot put my finger on the reason for the disconnect.

Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal is a solid cozy mystery with a ghostly flavor. I think fans of the author and series will enjoy it and want to keep on reading.