Early Book Review: Death of an Irish Mummy (Dublin Driver) by Catie Murphy

Death of an Irish Mummy is the third book in the Dublin Driver series by Catie Murphy, and is currently scheduled for release on June 29 2021. While it is very helpful to have read the previous books to understand Megan and her relationships with some of the secondary characters, newcomers will still be able to enjoy the mystery.

American-born Cherise Williams believes herself to be heir to an old Irish earldom, and she's come to Dublin to claim her heritage. Under the circumstances, Megan's boss Olga at Leprechaun Limos has no qualms about overcharging the brash Texas transplant for their services. Megan chauffeurs Cherise to the ancient St. Michan's Church, where the woman intends to get a wee little DNA sample from the mummified earls--much to the horror of the priest. But before she can desecrate the dead, Cherise Williams is murdered--just as her three daughters arrive to also claim their birthright. With rumors of famine-era treasure on the lands owned by the old Williams family and the promise of riches for the heirs, greed seems a likely motive. But when Olga surprisingly becomes the Garda's prime suspect, Megan attempts to steer the investigation away from her boss and solve the murder with the help of the dashing Detective Bourke. With a killer who's not wrapped too tight, she'll need to proceed with caution--or she could go from driving a limo to riding in a hearse. 

Death of an Irish Mummy is a book that had high and low points for me. I enjoyed the characters, and the work that goes into making main and secondary characters so layered and complex. Even the less important players in the story had personality and moments that made them real. I thought the plot was well thought out, and the story and locations well researched. I still like Megan- and enjoy having a main character that is not super young and magically rich, but while unreal things keep happening around her still feels grounded and real. I only wish the nudges about romance would stop. It is okay for a woman to have fantastic friends, a career, and be happy without a romantic relationship. I will also say that I was pretty sure who the culprit was as soon as they came into the story, and called some of their actions and motives fairly quickly. However, the ride of Megan and the Williams sisters coming to the same conclusion was an interesting and entertaining ride. 

Death of an Irish Mummy is a good continuation of the story, and I look forward to continuing to follow Megan's adventures. 

Book Review: Heiress in Red Silk (Duke's Heiress) by Madeline Hunter

Heiress in Red Silk by Madeline Hunter is the second book in the Duke's Heiress series.While having read the previous book in the series (Heiress for Hire) will give readers more knowledge of the characters and larger story line, I think newcomers will be able to enjoy the romance as a stand alone well enough if they want.

In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress—and  co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner. Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger—worse, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom—and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart.

Heiress in Red Silk is a solid romance with characters that have strong personalities and points of view. I liked that they were both very smart- even though life and other people's perceptions made them feel like they might not be. I also like that they were both caring characters, although they both could get a bit caught up in their work of choice. I feel like there could have been more danger or intrigue, but I did like that both Kevin and Rosamund had to figure out their own place, and their own needs, rather than just falling into love or lust and ignoring all the work that would be needed to  make their own happy ending. I liked that everyone had flaws and made mistakes, and that imperfection is what general makes characters feel more real for me. I did not get completely engaged in the story, and I am honestly more invested in the details of the larger story line than I have been in the romance portion of this book, or the first in the series. However, maybe that is just my brain telling me my next read should be a mystery.

Book Review: A Deadly Chapter (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

A Deadly Chapter is the third book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang. I do suggest reading this series in order for character development and underlying storylines. However, the mystery itself can stand alone.

Bookseller Shelby Cox has already sleuthed two murders from Bayside Books's home base on Blye Island, one of New York State's famed Thousand Islands. And this time, mayhem knocks right on Shelby's waterside door when she finds a body lodged between the side of her houseboat and the dock, his skull shattered. The victim is no local, but Shelby can't shake the feeling she's seen him before. Twice, in fact--that's how many times he's dropped into Bayside Books asking about an enigmatic woman who lived on Blye Island many years before. The last time? The day before he was found. But the poor man obviously was killed elsewhere, so who brought him down to the bay, and why? When the victim's daughter hits town demanding answers, Shelby takes the case, despite Police Chief Tekla Stone's usual reservations. But she uncovers more suspects than there are pages in War and Peace, and Shelby can expect no peace--except the peace of the grave--unless she can turn the page on this grisly mystery.

A Deadly Chapter is an interesting continuation of the series. I liked the mystery elements. Shelby and her sleuthing was interesting to read and follow- and while she does make some slightly foolish decisions that could put her in danger, those decisions are getting better. She is becoming more aware of the consequences of her actions and making smart choices.I thought the new characters that were brought in for the mystery were well written, with interesting personalities and issues.  I thought the mystery was well built up, with multiple layers and things going on. However, I felt like there got to be too much happening. Shelby's personal crisis's and the multi layered mystery ended up leaving me with some parts that were well resolved and leaving me satisfied but other aspects that either were swept under the carpet, solved to easily, or just forgotten about completely. I did enjoy the read, but was left wondering about a few too many threads that were woven into the story and then dropped. I think fans of the series will be interested in reading this one, to see what is happening with these characters and the small town, but I think this might be where I bow out of the series.

A Deadly Chapter is a good mystery with some interesting character development. 

Book Review: Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery by Ally Carter

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is the second book in a middle grade series by Ally Carter. I do recommend reading this series in order. Even as a returning reader it took me a few minutes to remember who everyone was, and the circumstances that lead them there. I think new readers would be at a loss. Since I really enjoyed the first book, this will not be a chore. 

Five orphans. Two sword-wielding vigilantes. One mansion. No rules. April thought she had her happy ending. After all, she has her new house and new friends and new guardian. But she also has a very big new secret. The kids of Winterborne House are the only ones who know that Gabriel Winterborne—famous billionaire and terrible cook—is really a sword-wielding vigilante. What they don’t know is that he’s not the only one. When a masked figure breaks in, looking for something—or someone—it’s clear that Gabriel has met his match, and now no one is safe. April and her friends will have to solve a decades-old mystery in order to hang on to the most important thing in the world: each other.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is a solid middle grade mystery. There are great elements of character development for April, as well as the other members of her chosen family. I liked how the children supported each other and backed each other up even when they did not fully understand the reasoning or history behind the choices- only that there was one. There are a variety of new characters, and while I missed some of the characters from the first book, this installment made up for their missing state with a great deal of interesting discoveries about the Winterborne family. I like that there was some resolution to several mysteries, and a few new questions raised that left me wanting to know more but not feeling unsatisfied with the answers I had. That is a hard balance to strike, and the author did it beautifully. I think a wide range of readers will really enjoy this series, and I am looking forward to where it goes next.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is a good continuation of the story, with plenty of character development and plot twists to keep a variety of readers happy and engaged.

Book Review: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah is the first book in a new series. More interested in kneading dough than adding it up, Lindsey's breakup inspired her to set up the shop she always wanted in a place that always made her happy. She'd spent many childhood summers near this beach community and converting the old run-down lighthouse into a bakery café and home offers a perfect fresh start for Lindsey and her devoted Newfoundland dog, Wellington. But not everyone in town has a sweet tooth. The preservation society won't have the lighthouse's history sugar coated by lattes and cakes--and a protest group crashes Lindsey's Memorial Day opening. Then her ex-fiancé Jeffrey Plank and his girlfriend Mia Wong arrive to trash the place. In the ensuing chaos Mia chokes on a donut and dies. An autopsy reveals cyanide in Mia's bloodstream and Lindsey is the police's prime suspect. To clear her name, she's going to need to combine ingredients found in the town's checkered past to uncover the identity of a desperate killer.

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is a good series starter, but still manged to keep the mystery on point. I really enjoyed the character building. I liked Lindsey and her approach to the world. I liked Rory as a mysterious neighbor, and the growing circle of friends and acquaintances. I thought the ghost story and added mystery was a good touch, and was woven into the larger story very well. The food talk, and the recipes at the end, were also welcome extras to the story.  I adored the small town feel and the truth that even the smallest towns have secrets.I though the murder mystery was very well plotted and executed. While I had my suspicions about some aspects of the case, the final reveal was a surprise to me. I was glad to be taken by surprise, and see how everything came together at the end. I am interested to see where the series goes from here.  

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is a mystery with a nice balance of world building for the series and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.

Early Audobook Review: Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price is scheduled to be released in print and audiobook on March 9 2021. I listened to a simulated audiobook, where a computer generated narration is provide. So, I cannot speak to the skill of the narrator, but I will say that the program did a very good job and there were only occasional moments of stilted speech that reminded me that I was not listening to a person.

This is the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series and a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a whodunit. When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates. Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.

Pride and Premeditation is an engaging work of historical fiction and mystery that had me second guessing my memories of Pride and Prejudice as I read.  I enjoyed getting to see the characters in a new light, and was trying to put the clues together right with Lizzie. The spirited exchanges Lizzie has with Darcy, and just about everyone to be fair, are entertaining and add some more humorous moments to the mystery at hand. I also like that while the details have changed, the spirit of the original still felt very present to me. I also liked that the author included information about the changes she made to the story, and what historical details she had to alter to make her story happen. I think Austen would appreciate the liberties Price took, and most likely wished the freedom she offered characters in the book had been reality in her time. The twists in turns in the investigation, and the way the characters deal with them were well done, and I was fully invested in the characters and the conclusion through the entire book. I am very much looking forward to more in this series, and am disappointed that I listened to a galley so early, because that means I will have to wait that much longer before getting my hands on the books that will hopefully follow. 

Pride and Premeditation is an intriguing and well written book that fans or Jane Austen and Agatha Christie alike will enjoy. 

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

 Pawsitively Betrayed is the fifth book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there is a larger storyline that is concluded in this instalment. 

The Here and Meow Festival has finally arrived! Amber Blackwood and her fellow festival committee members still have plenty to do before the celebration of all things feline begins. Even though Amber’s witchy past keeps interfering, she knows the show must go on. Edgehill’s livelihood depends on the festival’s success. When two incidents involving her malfunctioning products cause her to shutter the doors of her curiosity shop, The Quirky Whisker, only days before the busiest season of the year, Amber thinks things can’t get any worse. An investigation into the incidents reveals sabotage is to blame—sabotage that only could have been carried out by a fellow witch. Things just officially got worse. With Edgehill overrun by tourists, any unfamiliar face could be a member of the nefarious Penhallow witch family. Though her parents’ grimoires are hidden in a remote location overlaid with protective spells, Amber fears that won’t be enough to deter the desperate and cursed clan from trying to get their hands on a legendary time-travel spell. As the opening ceremony of the Here and Meow approaches, Amber contends with a nosy lawyer, mysterious government officials, and a charismatic superstar. Through it all, Amber senses the Penhallows have something planned—something big. With her new circle of close confidants by her side, Amber must find a way to thwart the Penhallow family’s scheme before it’s too late. If she can’t, the Here and Meow will be ruined, and Edgehill could be wiped off the map.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a quick moving and emotionally suspenseful read. I spent more than one scene wondering if everyone was who the others thought, and who was scheming beyond the expected. I liked that Amber, Willow, and the other major players were still growing and evolving as characters- because that is what people do, grown and change as they experience things. I thought the mystery and magic was really well done, and I spent a great deal of time trying to puzzle out everyone's motives, personality, and next move. There were a couple scenes that were hard for me to read, mostly because I did not want the bad things to happen, and they were written so well that I could picture them. I liked that friendships, romance, and family dynamics were a big part of the story but never took over from the mystery and larger story line. I am sad to see this series end, but I will be taking some time to read other books from the author.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a well written book, and a satisfying conclusion to the Edgehill series.

Early Book Review: The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James

 The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James is the first book in the Beloved Bookworm series. It is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2021. 

Trudell Becket, known to her friends as Tru, finds herself in a bind when her library in lovely Cypress, South Carolina, is turned into a state-of-the-art bookless “technological center.” A library with no books breaks Tru’s book-loving heart so she decides to rescue hundreds of beloved tomes slated for the town dump. Under the cover of darkness, Tru, along with her best friends—coffee shop owner Tori Green and mysterious bestselling author Flossie Finnegan-Baker—set up a secret bookroom in the library’s basement and prepare to open it to their most loyal, trustworthy patrons. But as Tru and her crew are putting the finishing touches on their new book room, the town manager, who was behind the big push for the library’s transformation, is crushed by an overturned shelf of DVDs. Tru becomes the prime suspect as she hadn’t hid the fact that she hated having all of those wonderful books replaced by tablets and computers. But if she gives the police her alibi, she’ll have to explain about the secret book room and risk losing the books. Tru knows she’s in a heap of trouble, and it doesn’t help that the officer in charge of the case is her old crush from high school, who broke her teenaged heart. To keep herself out of jail and her beloved bookroom up and running, Tru—with the help of Tori, Flossie, and a brown tabby stray cat named Dewey Decimal—decides to investigate. And faster than you can say “Shhhh!” Tru quickly finds herself on the same page with a killer who would love to write her final chapter.

The Broken Spine is a book that I had a little trouble with to start. The way librarians were discussed in the beginning left me with a bad taste in my mouth, and I almost set the book aside. However, I stuck with it and the book did get better and I tried to put that initial impression aside. I liked the character arch for Tru, although her role as the mousy librarian still irks me a bit, I do think that she came into herself by the end of the book. I thought the reveal of the secondary characters and the dynamics of the town was well done. I did think it was weird that the town's characters all knew each other, but then a number of police officers and other residents were strangers. My favorite part of the story was the cat, and some of the friendships that carried Tru through. The mystery was well layered and had plenty of twists and turns, and a good touch of danger. However, I do not think that I will continue reading this series.

The Broken Spine is a good mystery, and I liked the majority of the story.  

Book Review: Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves

Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves is an urban fantasy with a dash of romance. All ex-army witch Elisabeth Hicks wants for her twenty-fourth birthday is to keep the small-town gossips from staring at her artificial limbs. Instead, she's pushed into helping an army buddy on an illegal job for the scariest vampire in town. Her magic tells her the vampire is lying but it's too late to walk away. Things go sideways, and her first date in years ends when she finds her friend's dead body. The body disappears from the morgue, and a deadly, magical, necklace winds up in her lap all before she gets to her birthday cake. Now a sexy master vampire will kill her if she doesn't use magic to find the woman he loves, and the police refuse to investigate the murder. It's up to Elisabeth to protect her family, solve the mystery, and survive long enough to go on a second date.

Dead Man's Detective is a book that start of rough for me- only because I was trying to figure out what series it reminded me of, at least on the surface. (It was Melissa Olson's Boundary Magic series for those that are curious.) But when the story started rolling I was lost to the story and enjoyed it. I liked the characters and world building, although it took me a bit to figure out all the dynamics of the supernatural and humans in this world. I liked the juxtaposition of small town and wide variety of paranormal people, and that the complexities of the prejudice and wariness of 'different' is explored in an intelligent way. I liked the honest way the trials of returning to the civilian world after war is handled, and that the hardships of those left behind is considered. I thought Ted's character was very interesting, and that it added depth to some of those hard discussions and realizations. The family and friendship dynamics rang true, despite the otherworldly nature of he creatures pulling the strings. I think the author and I have read many of the same books in the past, because I saw shades of not only Melissa Olson's style, but some reminders of early Laurell K Hamilton's writing. I think this is an unconscious leaning or tribute to some great writers in the genre rather than anything else.

Dead Man's Detective is a solid series starter that has a good blend of action, romance, and world building. 

Audiobook Review: The Vow (Black Arrowhead) by Dannika Dark, Narrated by Nicole Poole

The Vow is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series by Dannika Dark. The audiobook is narrated by Nicole Poole. Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she's about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn't on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend's brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous. Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn't quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward? Murder, mayhem, and a mating ceremony.

The Vow is a roller coaster ride of world building, character development, and mystery- and I was all in from the very start. I liked Mel and Rose from the very start of the book, and was thrilled to see how trying to do the right thing for others got our main characters their happy ending. While I thought her connection with Lakota and their ending up together was a little predictable, I very much enjoyed the journey that they took to get there. The town and tribe dynamics and cultures were well built, and sadly the prejudice, mistrust, and resentment all too believable. The mystery of the murders was very well done, although I have to admit that the culprit was not a big surprise to me- everytime they popped up in the story I had my suspicions that they were up to something.  The narrator did a wonderful job with the book. She captured the heart of the story and characters in her performance using inflections and slight changes in her cadence to capture the difference in characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more.

The Vow is a solid start to a new urban fantasy and romance series. I look forward to reading (or listening) more as it continues.

Early Book Review: Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders

Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders is currently scheduled for release on December 29 2020. Librarian Josie Way moved to small-town Oregon to lay low. Instead, thanks to newfound magic abilities—and a killer on the loose. She’s leapt out of the frying pan and into a cauldron of trouble. Josie Way loved working among the Library of Congress’s leather-scented stacks—until she uncovered corruption and made herself a target. As Wilfred, Oregon’s new librarian, Josie can stay undercover until the case goes to court. But life in this little town isn’t as subdued as she expected. The library, housed in a a Victorian mansion, is slated to be bulldozed. Still digesting the news that her safe haven is about to become scrap lumber, Josie discovers a body in the woods. Almost as shocking, Josie learns that she’s descended from a long line of witches—and her powers have suddenly sprung to life. With help from a spoiled alley cat who just may be her familiar, Josie’s thumbing through a catalog of suspects, hoping she can conjure a way to save her library—and her life.

Bait and Witch is a mystery with a good balance of character building and showing the relationship and history of the small town it all happens in. Josie is on the run after doing the right thing and acting as a whistleblower, but when she arrives in town she discovers things are far from as simple in this little town as she had hoped.  A murder and the possible destruction of her new library are in play, along with a tight lipped circle of co-workers and locals. I liked the way the complicated history of the town ad some of its inhabitants is revealed, and the way Josie comes to better understand herself. I like that her friendships were just as important as the mystery, and that while there are hints towards future romantic aspects they did not become the focus of the story at all. The mystery aspect was well done, with plenty of twists and turns. While I was rather expecting one of the twists the journey and the way it was revealed was engaging and kept me turning pages well past my bed time. I enjoyed the ride and look forward to the series continuing and fully plan on following it as it does.

Bait and Witch is a good cozy mystery and I hope the series continues on. 

Book Review: Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas) by Donna Grant

Looking for a Cowboy is the fifth book in the Heart of Texas series by Donna Grant, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. I have not read the previous books, and was able to still fully enjoy the read. 

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered—and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister, and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth—and keep her safe in his arms.

Looking for a Cowboy is a book that starts of dark, and I was not quite ready for it, even though it is spelled out in the teaser. I did like the strength and complexity of Marlee's character, and could relate to her taking on everything herself and having trouble accepting (never mind asking for) help. Cooper is a good blend of fun and strength, and I liked his character a great deal, if not a little too perfect.I liked the pair together, and thought they made a good team. I did think that Marlee had a few moments where she was just too close and made some foolish decisions- but I cannot say that I would do any better. I liked that readers got to see inside the heads of the bad guys too, bringing home the idea that those others see as evil rarely see themselves as such. I liked the secondary characters, which returning readers are likely to recognize and be glad to see more of. Honestly the only real problem I had with the book was some lack of discussion surrounding protection for sex. They can talk about murder and kidnapping, but not the fact that no one has a condom and they just go forward because pulling out is so safe? I have gotten used to such great discussions about sex by characters in romance that it just bothered me a great deal that part of it was missing here.

Looking for a Cowboy is a good romantic suspense book. I think fans of the series will find it a must read.

Book Review: Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks

Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks is a paranormal romance and mystery, and the start of a series. Selene Blackstone spends her days camped out in library corners with her nose glued to books. In a town like Brimrock, where she’s an outcast, she prefers her book friends to her real-life enemies. They’re a lot less judgmental. The rest of town believes she descends from a family of witches—including her evil witch grandma, Luna. In this case, the truth is stranger than fiction. She is a witch, and she’s cursed for all of eternity. Good thing her to-be-read list is pretty long. Prickly Paranormal Investigator Aiden O’Hare speaks two languages: sarcasm and more sarcasm. He travels the country—and sometimes even the world—investigating strange phenomena with his best friend, Eddie. Their investigations bring them to a cozy New England town called Brimrock, home to fabled evil witch Luna Blackstone. Armed with his dry wit, his bibliophilic love for books, and far too much free time, he’s determined to find out just what happened to Luna. When Aiden meets Selene, he decides he must get to know her. When Selene learns Aiden is in town investigating her grandma, she knows she must stop him. He’s out to expose the truth. She’s out to keep it a secret. Neither expects to fall under each other’s spell, but sometimes love is supernatural.

Black Witch Magic is a good example or a paranormal romance that has a good balance of danger and mystery along side the getting to know the characters as they get to know each other. I really liked Aiden's character, and his self awareness of his social awkwardness and introverted nature. He is well aware of how his bookish tendencies and sarcastic replies can come across and does his best to be himself without causing hurt feelings or misunderstandings. I felt for him as he tried to avoid the holiday festivities without causing problems or making himself miserable.  Selene is just trying to get by in a town that hates her for no other reason than the family she was born into and things outside her control. I was frustrated on her behalf and so glad that she did have a support system to help her deal with it all. I liked both characters and found their interactions to be fun and sweet. I really liked the mystery set up, and I honestly thought someone else would be the culprit when the big reveal was made. I thought the build up was well done, and the world building for that little town was complete. I rather hope that as the series continues that we get to see some of the characters play a role, particularly the friends that were such a big part of both Aiden and Selene's live before they met. 

Black Witch Magic is as much about the magical mystery as it is about the romance between Selene and Aiden. I am interested to see where the series goes next.

Audiobook Review: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce, Narrated by Bethan Rose Young

Premeditated Myrtle, written by Elizabeth C. Bunce and narrated by Bethan Rose Young, is a middle grade historical mystery. Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England. When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor. 

Premeditated Myrtle is an engaging mystery set in Victorian England. Myrtle is a very smart, observant girl with perhaps more curiosity than is necessarily good for her.  To be honest, there were a couple moments in the first chapter when I thought this might be the second book rather than the first in the series, but I was soon completely immersed in the story. I liked that Myrtle and Miss Judson were among the smartest characters in the book, but also quite aware of how others thought of them because of their gender, age, and so on. They often used those expectations to their advantage even while being annoyed by them. I thought the mystery was well done, and while I expected one of the twists fairly early on, the way the story unfolded had me doubting myself a bit until the full reveal. I really enjoyed the journey and that there were surprised I was not expecting kept me on my toes through out the majority of the book. I enjoyed the characters and am very interested to see where they all go from here. I really enjoyed that the author included information and resources about historic forensic science in the back matter. Guidance for further exploration- particularly for younger readers- always makes me happy.

Premeditated Myrtle is a charming and entertaining series starter. I am looking forward to seeing what Myrtle and her family get up to next. 

Book Review: The Witch and the Beast, Volume 1 by Kousuke Satake

The Witch and the Beast, Volume 1 by Kousuke Satake is a paranormal mystery and adventure  about powerful women and good and evil. Guideau is a feral girl with long fangs and the eyes of a beast. Ashaf is a soft-spoken man with delicate features and a coffin strapped to his back. This ominous pair appears one day in a town that's in thrall to a witch, who has convinced the townsfolk she's their hero. But Ashaf and Guideau know better. They have scores to settle, and they won't hesitate to remove anyone in their way. 

The Witch and the Beast is a manga style graphic novel with action, some gore, and a mystery around exactly who and what the main characters are. Ashaf seems nice and almost weak, until he needs to step up and take care of business, where as Guideau acts tough and uncontrollable but I have a suspicion that she has so much more to her story.  I think the story does a good job of setting up the questions about the major players and getting readers invested in the world that was created here. I know that when I finished the story I wanted to know more about what would happen next, and just how the characters came to be who they are. The artwork is very well done. I think the black and white pages were perfect for the story and style. I did find some of the details hard to pick out on occasion, and found myself squinting at the pages more than once trying to figure out something on a page, but that could be my aging eyes as much as the otherwise impeccable artwork.

The Witch and the Beast is a a graphic novel that will inspire further reading. I think fans of antihero's and complicated bourndries between good and evil will particularly enjoy the read.  

Book Review: Thrift Store Trolls (Flea Market Magic) by Shawntelle Madison

 Thrift Store Trolls is the first book in the Flea Market Magic series by Shawntelle Madison. While this is the first book in this series, it is part of the Coveted series world. I had read some of the first series set in that world, and enjoyed them, but have not read any in awhile. I was able to catch up reasonably quickly, but there is a definite disadvantage to new or lapsed Madison readers.

Selling haunted trinkets and witches' wands is just another normal day for the delightfully neurotic werewolf Natalya Stravinsky. From one day to another, as the new South Toms River Pack alpha female, she tries to keep finicky supernatural customers placated while managing her underhanded goblin boss and eccentric supernatural co-workers. Her life is complicated further when competition rolls in: a peculiar troll-owned mart with subpar haunted knick-knacks and deadly antiques appears.A powerful fairy path veers off course, heading towards South Toms River, attracting the attention of a deadly, shadowed force. Mysterious steamer trunks from the 1920s pop up all over town, unleashing horrific beasts. Natalya must find the inner strength to bring her pack together to uncover the culprit before her enemies threaten everyone she holds dear.

Thrift Store Trolls is a good urban fantasy, and I enjoyed relearning the characters and world that Madison has created. I think this is a book that will be much more appreciated by fans of the previous series (Coveted) which I now want to go back and reread and finish, but once I got into the groove of the story I was engaged in trying to figure out what everyone was up to and how Nat was going to solve this mess.The tension was high, and there was a good balance of danger, clue following, and actual conversations.  I liked the way the friend and family dynamics were equally important as the life or death stakes of the story. I also liked the way magic and reality are woven together in a way that makes me look a little closer at strip malls and antique store that I might drive by. The story was engaging, with character and story development that left me feeling content that a great deal was covered and solved, but that so much more could be coming along in the future. I love a series where each book has a satisfying ending but still leaves me eager to open up the next book- not because I was left hanging but because I care enough about the characters and world to see what happens next.

Thrift Store Trolls is a good read for new or lapsed readers of Madison, but I suspect it is a great read for those have have been better at keeping up with their work. 

Audiobook Review: Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items by J.W. Ocker, Narrated by Tim Campbell

Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items, written by J.W. Ocker and narrated by Tim Campbell, details strange but true stories of the world's most infamous items. It will appeal to true believers as well as history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale. They're lurking in museums, graveyards, and private homes. Their often tragic and always bizarre stories have inspired countless horror movies, reality TV shows, novels, and campfire tales. They're cursed objects, and all they need to unleash a wave of misfortune is you. Many of these unfortunate items have intersected with some of the most notable events and people in history, leaving death and destruction in their wake. But never before have the true stories of these eerie oddities been compiled into a fascinating and chilling volume.

Cursed Objects is a very entertaining and well researched book. I have a love for the weird, spooky, and just plan strange things in the world. From wacky bits of nature and strange history to the things people believe about themselves and the world. This book did a great job or giving well researched information, and sharing the lore around objects while making sure the difference between what is known and what is speculation is shown. There was also a healthy does of, who knows and you might as well be careful in there too. I liked the organization of the book by type of object, and thought that a great deal of reading, listening, and travel went into getting the research done for this book. Some of the objects were well known to me, and are likely to be at least known about by anyone that picks up a book on this subject matter. However, I also learned new details about those items, and learned about some things that I had need heard of before. There was a good deal of insight that made this a fully engaging read. I also like that the author took the subject matter seriously, but not so seriously that humor is left behind. There is a good deal of tongue and cheek commentary and pop culture references that actually made me chuckle out loud as I was listening to the book. I even let my teenage listen to it with me, and we both enjoyed it.

Cursed Objects is and intriguing and well narrated book. I was fascinated and entertain through the entire listen. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the subject matter, or even vaguely curious about cursed objects.

Early Book Review: Death on the Green (Dublin Driver) by Catie Murphy

Death on the Green is the second book in the Dublin Driver series by Catie Murphy and is currently scheduled for release on September 29 2020. I have read (and enjoyed) the first book in the series, which gives a good character and situational understanding for readers. However, I think newcomers to the series would be able to catch on pretty quickly.

Life has been non-stop excitement for American Army veteran Megan Malone ever since she moved to Ireland and became a driver for Dublin’s Leprechaun Limousine Service. She’s solved a murder and adopted two lovable Jack Russell puppies. Currently, she’s driving world-class champion golfer Martin Walsh, and he’s invited her to join him while he plays in a tournament at a prestigious Irish locale. Unfortunately, there’s a surprise waiting for her on the course—a body floating in a water hazard. Everyone loved golfer Lou MacDonald, yet he clearly teed off someone enough to be murdered. Martin seems to be the only one with a motive. However, he also has an alibi: Megan and hundreds of his fans were watching him play. Now, with a clubhouse at a historical lodge full of secrets and a dashing Irish detective by her side, Megan must hurry to uncover the links to the truth before the real killer takes a swing at someone else.

Death on the Green is a solid mystery with twists that I did not expect and character development that kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Megan is quickly becoming my favorite protagonist in mysteries. She is smart, quick thinking, and curious without purposefully putting herself, or others, in danger. Whenever I read a mystery I am trying to decide who the most likely parties for the crime right from the very beginning. Usually I have it down pretty quickly, but this one had me guessing for quite awhile and surprised at a couple of the twists. I had a few of the pieces before they were revealed, but the bigger picture had more than I was expecting. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters, and was glad that Megan asked the questions I would have wanted to ask in her place. I also like that friendships are formed and develop, and there are mentions or suggestions of romantic feelings, but they are very much secondary to the rest of each character rather than what defines them. I also liked that I get to learn more about the area, and things like golf or other things irrelevant to my life but important to the story as I read. I am always happy to learn new things, and Megan's eagerness to do the same makes me happy. I was extremely invested in the story, and the little tease for the next installment included at the end of the book has me very interested in continuing the series.

Death on the Green is a fabulous follow up in this series. It had a satisfying conclusion, to an engaging mystery, ad still left me eager for more.

Book Review: What Not To Wear to a Graveyard (Resale Boutique) by Debra Sennefelder

 What Not To Wear to a Graveyard by Debra Sennefelder is the third book in the Resale Boutique Mystery series. I have not read the previous books, but was able to catch up to the main characters and larger picture quickly.

After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill. A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart. Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance.

What Not To Wear to a Graveyard is the third book in a series, which I did not notice right away. It was only comments about past incidents in relation to the police that really made it clear that I had missed something, so I think newcomers could pick up this book and join in the series without difficulty. Kelly is a smart, resourceful character. I liked her care for Billy (the dog) and how her mind kept circling the mystery trying to figure out the puzzle before she found all the pieces. I was right with her trying to figure out the who and why. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, and some of the friendships that Kelly has, particularly with Penny and Liv. For all that I liked, I did think that the cover led me to think it would more humorous- which I know murder is not funny but many cozy mysteries are funny. I also thought that that characters were a little flat. Characters and interactions just seemed to be lacking a little depth, they were a little too easy for me to leave behind when real life intruded, and when I finished the book. I will admit that there are a couple secondary characters that sparked some curiosity, but not enough for me to seek out the previous or next books in the series.

What Not To Wear to a Graveyard is a quick and engaging mystery.