Joyce's bookshelf: all en-US Tue, 06 May 2025 13:29:25 -0700 60 Joyce's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, #3)]]> 206318178 From the author of the viral TikTok sensation, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes the only spicy grumpy x sunshine Christmas romcom you need this year!

Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.

Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questionning why she refused help in the first place..

The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery for fans of Gilmore Girls with a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

� grumpy x sunshine
� small town
� forced proximity
� one bed]]> 369 Laurie Gilmore 0008610738 Joyce 0 currently-reading 3.66 2024 The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor, #3)
author: Laurie Gilmore
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Whiff of Wicked: Steeped in Mystery Book 1]]> 212914119 111 Angela Mayble Joyce 4
The development of a previous friendship, her closeness to her grandmother, and possibly a future romance will hopefully help her trust again and readers will want to be along for the ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.25 A Whiff of Wicked: Steeped in Mystery Book 1
author: Angela Mayble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/05
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves:
review:
Mai returns home for a fresh start after a bitter divorce when her husband cheated on her. With her grandmother's teahouse in jeopardy, she agreed to help out when people start to talk whether there is a serial killer on the loose or if the teahouse in jinxed as more victims have a connection to it.

The development of a previous friendship, her closeness to her grandmother, and possibly a future romance will hopefully help her trust again and readers will want to be along for the ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Brewed Awakening (Cherry's Cozy Capers Book 3)]]> 230400014 A beer festival, a dead contestant, and a secret past bubbling to the surface—Cherry Brewster’s about to discover that brewing isn’t the only thing that can get heated.After a fire guts her beloved Moose Head brewery, Cherry Brewster is scrambling to rebuild and reclaim her spot in the craft beer world. So when a friend invites her to a prestigious beer festival in honor of her late husband, she reluctantly packs up her best brews and a few secrets she hoped were buried.

But the festival takes a dark turn when a young contestant collapses during judging—right after sipping a sample. As whispers swirl and accusations froth, Cherry can’t ignore her this wasn’t an accident. With a clueless inspector complicating the case and her own past threatening to be unmasked, Cherry must juggle suspicious judges, sabotage, and sparkling water with a sinister twist.

Someone at the festival is hiding more than just a bad brew. Can Cherry unmask the killer before her reputation—or her life—goes flat?

Perfect for fans of small-town cozies with a spirited sleuth, a dash of humor, and a pint of suspense. ]]> 152 Wendy Meadows Joyce 3
Also having hotel employees and security who she just met giving her such easy access to other guest rooms and CCTV when she's not even working with the police seemed far-fetched to me.

Since this one left off with a cliffhanger, I am hoping to see justice finally served.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 3.78 Brewed Awakening (Cherry's Cozy Capers Book 3)
author: Wendy Meadows
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.78
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/01
date added: 2025/05/01
shelves:
review:
I normally love Meadow's books, but this one fell flat for me. Although a craft beer festival away was the setting for this edition, it was barely a blip on the radar.

Also having hotel employees and security who she just met giving her such easy access to other guest rooms and CCTV when she's not even working with the police seemed far-fetched to me.

Since this one left off with a cliffhanger, I am hoping to see justice finally served.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Royal Runaway (Royally Kissed #3)]]> 229078916 I’m a runaway princess. ±á±ð’s a Hollywood heartthrob. What could possibly go wrong?

Being a princess means living by 1200+ rules—I've counted them all in my leather-bound journal—including Rule #124: "No climbing trees" and Rule #592: "A princess must never leave the palace without security detail." So when I swap my tiara for a goth disguise and escape the palace for a grand adventure as "Amy," I'm breaking every royal protocol imaginable.

Hiding from paparazzi in a costume shop, I meet a gorgeous American stranger who's also on the run. Suddenly I'm making disastrous coffee at a pink café, sharing a lakeside mansion with "Maverick"—aka Hollywood star Ethan Roberts in disguise—and developing feelings that make my heart perform gymnastics. Which was definitely not covered in my princess rule book.

Ethan's gotten into the habit of rescuing me—from online con artists, espresso machine explosions, and even breaking Rule #124 when I climbed a tree right to the top, � and promptly got stuck. But as our friendship blooms into something wonderfully more, our carefully constructed facades begin to crack, and our new relationship hangs in the balance.

Can a runaway princess and an actor hiding from fame find their happily-ever-after, or will duty force us back to our separate spotlight lives?



In this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, find out what happens when a Hollywood heartthrob meets a princess who wants to break all the rules... The Royal Runaway is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 3 in the royal romance series, Royally Kissed, and can be read as a standalone.]]> 372 Kate O'Keeffe Joyce 5
American actor Ethan and palace Princess Amelia comes from different sides of the world but both with the same goal, to escape their famous lives and live in anonymity for a while.

With both hiding from paparazzi at a costume shop, their chance meeting not once but twice throws them into a romance worthy of a European Hallmark Movie. However, things aren't what they seem which threatens to tear them apart.

Will they get their happily ever after or get sent back to their original lives to fulfill their duties.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.66 The Royal Runaway (Royally Kissed #3)
author: Kate O'Keeffe
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.66
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/01
date added: 2025/05/01
shelves:
review:
Love this next installment as it is Princess Amelia's turn to have her turn in the spotlight or more like out of it.

American actor Ethan and palace Princess Amelia comes from different sides of the world but both with the same goal, to escape their famous lives and live in anonymity for a while.

With both hiding from paparazzi at a costume shop, their chance meeting not once but twice throws them into a romance worthy of a European Hallmark Movie. However, things aren't what they seem which threatens to tear them apart.

Will they get their happily ever after or get sent back to their original lives to fulfill their duties.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[No Roast for the Weary (Coffeehouse Mystery, #21)]]> 215805828 When the Village Blend opens a Writer's Block Lounge, a cold case crime turns up the heat on Clare and her crew in this gripping new entry in the beloved Coffeehouse Mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

As much as master roaster Clare Cosi adores coffee, the landmark shop she manages won't survive if she doesn't sell enough of it. So when the Village Blend's customer traffic grinds to a halt, she turns to her staff for creative ideas, and the Writer's Block Lounge is born.

Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the shop, is upset by this news. Years ago, a group of accomplished writers used the shop's second-floor lounge to inspire each other, but the group disbanded when something dark occurred. Though that history is shrouded in mystery, Clare presses forward...

Soon the Village Blend tables are filled with aspiring novelists, playwrights, and poets, all happy to be coaxed, cajoled, and caffeinated by her coffeehouse crew. Clare admires the stamina of these scribes, many of them toiling at night jobs—driving taxis, tending bar, ushering for Broadway—while penning projects during the day.

Then one of their fictions turns fatal when a shocking secret leads to a deadly end. Unless Clare can untangle this mystery, uncover the truth, and stop a desperate killer, she fears more of these weary writers may be marked for eternal rest. ~ Includes a knockout menu of recipes.]]> 368 Cleo Coyle 0593642287 Joyce 5
Like most businesses post pandemic, many have to pivot and be creative to bring more customers in. While Mateo and Claire have different ideas of what their future should look like, what would Madame choose especially when a mystery from the past comes back to haunt or save them. ]]> 4.12 2025 No Roast for the Weary (Coffeehouse Mystery, #21)
author: Cleo Coyle
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/28
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves:
review:
I always look forward to the next Coffeehouse Mystery so was anxious that this may be the last one as the Village Blend finds itself struggling with the lack of foot traffic.

Like most businesses post pandemic, many have to pivot and be creative to bring more customers in. While Mateo and Claire have different ideas of what their future should look like, what would Madame choose especially when a mystery from the past comes back to haunt or save them.
]]> <![CDATA[Mistletoe & Motor Oil (The Evergreen Hollow Christmas Romance Series Book 1)]]> 230397351 She believes in sugar, spice, and second chances. He doesn’t believe in Christmas.

Beth Morrison has two great baking and bringing cheer to her sleepy hometown of Evergreen Hollow. When her car breaks down on the way to the holiday market, she finds herself at the mercy of grumpy mechanic Daryl Walker—the town’s least festive citizen.

Daryl would rather spend Christmas under a hood than under mistletoe. But Beth’s infectious spirit—and her peppermint cookies—begin to thaw the walls he’s built around his heart. She sees more in him than just grease-stained hands and a closed-off past. He sees someone worth opening up for.

As Christmas lights twinkle and secrets stir, a snow-dusted romance begins to spark. But when ghosts of Daryl’s past come knocking, will Beth’s kindness be enough to remind him that love, like Christmas, is worth believing in?

A cozy, small-town romance filled with cookies, car engines, and kisses under the mistletoe—perfect for fans of grumpy-sunshine dynamics and holiday magic]]> 172 Harper Pugh Joyce 5
When sweet cafe owner Beth and rough car mechanic Daryl have a chance meeting when her car breaks down, they are drawn to each other like opposites attract.

As she persistently tries to crack through his shell to get to know him better, he starts to soften up. However, his past continues to haunt him when his brother Connor brings back all his insecurities and lack of self-worth.

Is he a lost cause or will we get a Christmas miracle?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.53 Mistletoe & Motor Oil (The Evergreen Hollow Christmas Romance Series Book 1)
author: Harper Pugh
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.53
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/25
date added: 2025/04/25
shelves:
review:
I am always down for a Christmas romance anytime of the year and this first in the series did not disappoint.

When sweet cafe owner Beth and rough car mechanic Daryl have a chance meeting when her car breaks down, they are drawn to each other like opposites attract.

As she persistently tries to crack through his shell to get to know him better, he starts to soften up. However, his past continues to haunt him when his brother Connor brings back all his insecurities and lack of self-worth.

Is he a lost cause or will we get a Christmas miracle?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Candy for Christmas (Hannah Swensen, #1.5)]]> 18401150 Joanne Fluke Joyce 4 3.64 2007 Candy for Christmas (Hannah Swensen, #1.5)
author: Joanne Fluke
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/23
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves:
review:
After reading almost all of the Hannah Swensen series, I finally got a chance to read her bite sized mystery from her earlier works as part of the 25th anniversary edition. For once, it had no murders but is still a fun holiday mystery. I did think it ended abruptly though and seemed to have almost as many pages of recipes as the story itself.
]]> <![CDATA[Irish Milkshake Murder (Home to Ireland Mystery, #2.5)]]> 125064639
IRISH MILKSHAKE MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
In advance of their St. Patrick’s Day wedding, Tara Meehan and Danny O’Donnell are off to the Aran Islands with their bridesmaids and groomsmen for a joint hen and stag party. The weekend kicks off with the ferry trip to Inis Mór, as the passengers enjoy boozy milkshakes on board and entertainment from a pair of famous Irish-dancing twin brothers. But faster than Tara can say “Oh, Danny Boy,� a murder shamrocks the boat as someone’s spiked shake turns out to be their final round. Stuck in a rural island cottage, while a storm rages outside, Tara must find the Celtic killer before her luck runs out . . .

MURDER MOST IRISH by PEGGY EHRHART
St. Patrick’s Day is drawing near in Arborville, New Jersey and the folks at Hyler's Luncheonette are getting into the holiday spirit with a new, limited-time, Irish-themed menu item--a festive green milkshake appropriately named, “The Leprechaun.� It’s a hit, until a patron is felled by one of the frothy concoctions during a sheep parade through the town. Now, it’s up to Pamela Paterson and her Knit & Nibble knitting club pal, Bettina Fraser, to catch a murderer and put a stop to the sheer madness . . .

MRS. CLAUS AND THE LUCKLESS LEPRECHAUN by LIZ IRELAND
Spring in Santaland means two the elves have more leisure time and iceball season is in full swing! To celebrate, April Claus’s friend, Claire, whips up some minty milkshakes for her bustling ice cream shop, Santaland Scoop. But when the St. Paddy’s promotion makes one elf the target of a decidedly unlucky strike, Mrs. Claus and her friends must figure out if the attack was a failed hit job, a crime of passion, or an extremely unfortunate accident . . .]]> 352 Carlene O'Connor 1496745035 Joyce 4 3.23 2023 Irish Milkshake Murder (Home to Ireland Mystery, #2.5)
author: Carlene O'Connor
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.23
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/23
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[My Big Fat Beach Wedding (PARADISE BAY SERIES Book 8)]]> 217233157 The plan was fake the wedding, save her career. Then she met the best man.

Vivian Whitlock’s social media empire is about to crumble. She’s closing in on thirty, and her fans are moving on to their ‘weddings and babies� era. About to be dropped by her management team, she pretends she and her secret boyfriend are ready to take the plunge.

There’s just one he doesn’t exist.

Enter Dominic James, a charismatic actor working at the idyllic Paradise Bay Resort. ±á±ð’s got Broadway dreams and the perfect cover story. The two strike a deal—he’ll play her doting fiancé, and she’ll launch him into New York stardom.

But Vivian’s picture-perfect plan takes an unexpected turn when she moves into the beachside bungalow Dominic shares with his brother, Ben—an intense, fiercely-devoted single dad with no time for romance.

Surrounded by swaying palms, ocean breezes, and a precocious five-year-old who steals her heart, Vivian starts to wonder if she’s been chasing the wrong dream all along.

Is she about to lose everything she built—or finally find something that lasts?

My Big Fat Beach Wedding is a STAND-ALONE laugh-out-loud, banter-filled tale of two people who can’t fall in love but do anyway. It’s the perfect heartwarming, feel-good escape from the real world.

WHAT TO Single Dad who would do anything for his young sonOpposites attractLiving in the same house (force proximity)World’s most adorable 5-year-old (with cute red glasses)Loads of witty banterA slow burn, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice
]]> Melanie Summers 1988891922 Joyce 5
When social media influencer Vivian Whitlock reveals an upcoming wedding to a non-existent boyfriend to retain her followers, she thought she was out of luck. But when fate intervenes and Dominic James, a gay aspiring Broadway actor is willing to play the part, they thought it was a match made in heaven. But after meeting his brother, single dad Ben and his adorable son, she realizes what she had been chasing all this time isn't really what she wants.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.61 My Big Fat Beach Wedding (PARADISE BAY SERIES Book 8)
author: Melanie Summers
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.61
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/20
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves:
review:
I love Summers' beach reads as it's more like a Hallmark movie than a soap opera unlike other authors.

When social media influencer Vivian Whitlock reveals an upcoming wedding to a non-existent boyfriend to retain her followers, she thought she was out of luck. But when fate intervenes and Dominic James, a gay aspiring Broadway actor is willing to play the part, they thought it was a match made in heaven. But after meeting his brother, single dad Ben and his adorable son, she realizes what she had been chasing all this time isn't really what she wants.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Ill-Fated Fortune (Magical Fortune Cookie, #1)]]> 127279915
Felicity Jin grew up literally hanging onto Mom’s apron strings in their magical bakery in the quaint town of Pixie, California. Her mother’s enchanted baked goods, including puffy pineapple buns and creamy egg tarts, bring instant joy to all who consume them. Felicity has always been hesitant in the kitchen herself after many failed attempts, but a takeout meal gone wrong inspires her to craft some
handmade fortune cookies.

They become so popular that Felicity runs out of generic fortunes and starts making her own personalized predictions. When one customer’s ill-fated fortune results in his murder, Felicity’s suspiciously specific fortune has the police focusing on her as the main culprit. Now Felicity must find a way to turn her luck around and get cleared from suspicion.]]> 320 Jennifer J. Chow 1250323037 Joyce 5
It didn't take me long to devour both books in this Magical Fortune Cookie and her LA Night Market series in a matter of weeks. ]]> 3.53 2024 Ill-Fated Fortune (Magical Fortune Cookie, #1)
author: Jennifer J. Chow
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/15
date added: 2025/04/17
shelves:
review:
I am normally not a huge fan of "supernatural" cozies, but Chow's Magical Fortune Cookie series is the exception. I read the second book first as it is just fine as a standalone but knew I needed to get my hands on the first as soon as I put down the other one. You immediately get drawn into the lives of the characters that makes you hungry for more.

It didn't take me long to devour both books in this Magical Fortune Cookie and her LA Night Market series in a matter of weeks.
]]> <![CDATA[Star-Crossed Egg Tarts (Magical Fortune Cookie, #2)]]> 211004095
Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake� of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly―until cake cutting time.

That’s when Felicity finds Miles� dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding's attendants. They each had something to hide―and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.

When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?]]> 352 Jennifer J. Chow 1250323258 Joyce 5 3.89 2025 Star-Crossed Egg Tarts (Magical Fortune Cookie, #2)
author: Jennifer J. Chow
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/04/17
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cruise Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 18)]]> 228248801 "Winters will have you giggling into your book!"When the author of a scandalous tell-all exposé ends up dead, Addi dives headfirst into the mystery—only to find that the killer might be hiding behind more than just a mascot head.

Secrets from a decades-old cold case bubble to the surface, and Addi’s sleuthing stirs up more than just trouble. Someone’s desperate to keep the past buried—and they’ll stop at nothing to silence anyone who digs too deep.

Murder, mischief, and more than a few laughs—because on this cruise, the danger is anything but animated.

Praise for A.R.

"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com

"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com

"For fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Jana DeLeon, this is a funny, clean mystery." - Clara B, Amazon.com

Cruise Secrets is the eighteenth book in the Cruise Ship Mystery Series. Though it can be read as a standalone, it's best read in series order.

This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.]]> 249 A.R. Winters Joyce 4
However, with everyone in costumes, it is going to take a lot of teamwork to unmask the killer(s).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.69 Cruise Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 18)
author: A.R. Winters
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
When Addi, Sam, and Cece return aboard another ship that Ethan is captaining for a 3-day animation convention, they thought it would be all fun and games. However, when an author literally drops dead from an upper deck to a lower one, it reopens up a cold case and an attack on their security guy. Is there one, two, or multiple killers involved.

However, with everyone in costumes, it is going to take a lot of teamwork to unmask the killer(s).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Hot Pot Murder (LA Night Market, #2)]]> 62334898 Trouble is brewing for cousins Yale and Celine Yee after a hot pot dinner gets overheated and ends in murder in this second novel of the L.A. Night Market series by Jennifer J. Chow.

Yale and Celine Yee’s food stall business is going so well that they’ve been invited to join an exclusive dinner with the local restaurant owners association. The members gather together for a relaxing hot pot feast…until Jeffery Vue, president of the group, receives a literal shock to his system and dies.

Everyone at the meal is a suspect, but the authorities are homing in on family friend Ai Ho, owner of the restaurant where Jeffery was killed—and Yale’s dad is a close second on their list. Yale and Celine step up to the plate and investigate the dinner attendees: the association’s ambitious VP, a familiar frenemy, a ramen king, a snacks shopkeeper, and a second-generation restaurateur. It’s up to the detecting duo to figure out what really happened before their friends and family have to close their businesses for good.]]> 304 Jennifer J. Chow 0593336550 Joyce 5 3.77 2023 Hot Pot Murder (LA Night Market, #2)
author: Jennifer J. Chow
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Keep Stirring: Inspiration for Fresh and Wholesome Soup Recipes]]> 220768385 Keep Stirring taps into her fond affection for soup. Born in Hong Kong, raised in California, and now living in New York, Sandi draws inspiration from her Chinese roots and life in the States for her cooking. Sandi’s deep passion for soup began in childhood. Tong, meaning “soup� in Cantonese, is an essential course in Cantonese cuisine, especially in Hong Kong, where it is customary to have soup at the dinner table daily. Living in suburban California exposed Sandi to other diverse soup tortilla soup, minestrone, chicken noodle, and more. She found that she loved them all.

Keep Stirring is a sumptuous collection of 75 easy-to-follow, fresh, and wholesome recipes for both soup lovers and the soup curious. From classics like Cream of Mushroom and Hot and Sour soup, to her mouthwatering creations such as Red Curry Shrimp Chowder with Kabocha Squash or the umami-filled Roasted Tomato Soup with Miso Potatoes, this tome is a soup love letter. Keep Stirring encourages home cooks to utilize everyday ingredients readily available in supermarkets and highlights must-have pantry items handy for year-round soup-making, dispelling the myth that soup is only a winter food.]]> Sandi Lee Joyce 5
From homemade stocks that is the basis for many of her soups to the breakdown of different categories to narrow down what you're in the mood for, like brothy soups and chunky soups, you can easily find ones you will love.

For someone like me who hates to buy ingredients that you only use once or have leftovers that eventually go to waste, I love the ingredient spotlights where she has different ideas for the spotlighted ingredient. My first the silky corn and tofu soup not only has readily available ingredients that you probably have at home but is super easy to make.]]> 5.00 Keep Stirring: Inspiration for Fresh and Wholesome Soup Recipes
author: Sandi Lee
name: Joyce
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves:
review:
What a well-organized first cookbook from Sandi Lee focused on a top comfort food, soups.

From homemade stocks that is the basis for many of her soups to the breakdown of different categories to narrow down what you're in the mood for, like brothy soups and chunky soups, you can easily find ones you will love.

For someone like me who hates to buy ingredients that you only use once or have leftovers that eventually go to waste, I love the ingredient spotlights where she has different ideas for the spotlighted ingredient. My first the silky corn and tofu soup not only has readily available ingredients that you probably have at home but is super easy to make.
]]> <![CDATA[Death by Bubble Tea (LA Night Market Mysteries, #1)]]> 59420553 Two cousins who start a food stall at their local night market get a serving of murder in this first novel of a delicious new cozy mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, author of Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn't seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it's a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn't cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine's career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she's just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.

Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine's surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They're quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit--literally--when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they'll be serving is time.]]> 291 Jennifer J. Chow 0593336534 Joyce 4 3.44 2022 Death by Bubble Tea (LA Night Market Mysteries, #1)
author: Jennifer J. Chow
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves:
review:
I felt Chow did a good job for a first book in a new series as she helps develop Chinese American Yale's relationship with her HK cousin Celine who she has not seen in twenty years. Between the night market and her dad's dumpling house, it reminded me a lot of Vivien Chien's noodle shop mystery series.
]]> <![CDATA[High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery)]]> 214269034 When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping the bride and groom. He will pull through, but his beloved is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!]]> 320 Laura Childs 0593815440 Joyce 5 3.76 2025 High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery)
author: Laura Childs
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Silver Bells Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #5)]]> 219894227 A sweet holiday romance to give you hope in healing and happily ever after.

Harmony’s dream is to become partner. After being let down by her cheating ex, she’s finding it hard to take a risk and ask her boss for the promotion she deserves. Meanwhile, newcomer Liam arrives to their small town and asks her out. She finds him sweet and charming, and her heart longs to take a chance with him.

But Liam is her boss’s estranged brother and she knows she can’t date him even though he’s living next door and hard to resist. Would falling in love with him mean getting fired? Or will a little holiday magic lead her to the love she’s always deserved?

From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss this chance to find love that can heal a wounded heart in A SILVER BELLS CHRISTMAS.]]> 222 Susan Hatler Joyce 5
That leaves Harmony and her sister Hannah to deal with getting their childhood home ready to be put on the market for sale.

Add in her hopes to become partner of a business she poured her heart into and falling for her boss' stepbrother who may end up being her competition, and we will wonder if it would end up being a Merry Christmas after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.68 A Silver Bells Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #5)
author: Susan Hatler
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/03
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
I am always up for some Christmas magic anytime of the year. Silver Bells Christmas is perfect to go along a cup of hot chocolate or margaritas like Harmony's parents are now doing during their retirement in Puerto Vallarta.

That leaves Harmony and her sister Hannah to deal with getting their childhood home ready to be put on the market for sale.

Add in her hopes to become partner of a business she poured her heart into and falling for her boss' stepbrother who may end up being her competition, and we will wonder if it would end up being a Merry Christmas after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder in the Crew Quarters: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries]]> 227909068 Moonlit Majesty, a group of three women stand out as being particularly friendly. Not only that, but the youngest of the three has a real way with Olivia’s cat Pickle. The women offer to cat-sit, which is a huge help to Olivia. Her busy job and adventure-seeking cat don’t always make for the best combination.

But soon Pickle leads the trio to a corridor in the crew quarters that raises some ominous questions. The trio didn’t come aboard intending to investigate, but if there are deadly questions afoot, they have their own knack for finding answers.

If you’ve enjoyed Mallory and Amber in the Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Capers or Tabby in the Tabitha Chase Days of the Week Mysteries, you’ll love their visit to the Moonlit Majesty.]]> 469 Denise Jaden Joyce 5
But mysteries still follow them around as they team up in this edition on an old case they didn't even realized needed solving. Along with furry resident Pickles and Tabby's ability to connect to Ghost Cat, they end up on a mission together to get to the bottom of a previous death of a crew member without adding more bodies to the mix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.68 Murder in the Crew Quarters: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries
author: Denise Jaden
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
Just like TV shows, the mains from Jaden's Tabitha Chase and Mallory Beck's books have crossed over to Olivia Ocean's world on the cruise ship she works on.

But mysteries still follow them around as they team up in this edition on an old case they didn't even realized needed solving. Along with furry resident Pickles and Tabby's ability to connect to Ghost Cat, they end up on a mission together to get to the bottom of a previous death of a crew member without adding more bodies to the mix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Sloan Krause Mystery Shorts: The First Pour]]> 202163849 Hold on for Beer Life, A Brew to a Kill, and Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue are fermenting together in one intoxicating collection.

These three short mysteries were previously only available separately in ebook format. Now they’re together in one frothy compilation!

In Hold on for Beer Life , Sloan's first romantic date with her brewing partner, Garrett Strong, taps into trouble when a new brewery's opening runs afoul of frothy deceit.

A Brew to a Kill pours a perfect blend of malty motives and hoppy suspicions when a hiking influencer takes a fatal fall, proving that, in the brewing business, the truth can be very bitter.

And Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue brings a winter brew of festive fear to the cozy village of Leavenworth, where not everything is merry and bright.

This trio of Sloan Krause shorts is the perfect flight for mystery lovers and beer aficionados alike. So, cozy up in your favorite taproom corner or the comfort of your couch and raise a pint�Prost!

Includes Recipes!

***Note—if you’ve read the ebooks above, no new content is included in this collection.]]> 358 Ellie Alexander 1737391570 Joyce 5
With the original publisher dropping the series, these shorts including the last holiday one is like a gift I want to slowly unwrap and not tear the paper. I love the Sloan Krause series based in Leavenworth as I picked up her first in the series in Leavenworth at the Book for All Seasons and went back and got her last in the series last year back in Leavenworth. With each book in between, it transported me back to Leavenworth, following Sloan's footsteps like I was walking alongside her until I can return in person again.

It makes me want to be part of that village where everyone seems to know each other and don't feel the need to even lock their doors, despite the murders that happen to take place in her books. The first two were shorts in between some of the other books in the series that made me experience through her words what spring would look in Leavenworth at the Farmer's Market and Wenatchee, a short drive away, while the last was set during my favorite time of year, the holidays, is that extra bonus.

So glad she decided to combine them into book form so I can hold this treasure in my hands. I really hope she finds a way to continue brewing more for this series independently as I really cannot get my fill of the Sloan Krause mysteries. ]]> 4.41 2023 The Sloan Krause Mystery Shorts: The First Pour
author: Ellie Alexander
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/28
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
With three short stories, it is easy to read them all at once or individually. I chose the latter taking my time in between each, not because it wasn't engaging, but because I didn't want to finish it and have nothing left in the series to read.

With the original publisher dropping the series, these shorts including the last holiday one is like a gift I want to slowly unwrap and not tear the paper. I love the Sloan Krause series based in Leavenworth as I picked up her first in the series in Leavenworth at the Book for All Seasons and went back and got her last in the series last year back in Leavenworth. With each book in between, it transported me back to Leavenworth, following Sloan's footsteps like I was walking alongside her until I can return in person again.

It makes me want to be part of that village where everyone seems to know each other and don't feel the need to even lock their doors, despite the murders that happen to take place in her books. The first two were shorts in between some of the other books in the series that made me experience through her words what spring would look in Leavenworth at the Farmer's Market and Wenatchee, a short drive away, while the last was set during my favorite time of year, the holidays, is that extra bonus.

So glad she decided to combine them into book form so I can hold this treasure in my hands. I really hope she finds a way to continue brewing more for this series independently as I really cannot get my fill of the Sloan Krause mysteries.
]]> <![CDATA[Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth, #37)]]> 214175073 A murder, a missing man, and his newest constable’s secret past are all that’s standing in the way of Sergeant Hamish Macbeth settling in for a relaxing winter in his sleepy Scottish village of Lochudch.

All Hamish Macbeth ever really wants is a quiet life in the peaceful surroundings of his home in the Highland village of Lochdubh. Unfortunately for him, the time he would normally find most relaxing, after the tourists have gone and before the winter sets in, turns out to be far from peaceful.
Ìý
The new love in his life, Claire, is keen for them to take a holiday and Hamish is mulling over the idea when his newly-assigned constable arrives, presenting Hamish with both a surprise and a secret. Getting to the bottom of the secret becomes the least of Hamish’s problems when, at the opening of the revamped village pub, he meets a family who have a score to settle with a sinister man who has mysteriously gone missing. Discovering a murdered woman’s body puts further pressure on Hamish, especially when it becomes clear that the murdered woman and the missing man were linked, although their true identities become yet another mystery.
Ìý
To Hamish’s horror, he then finds himself working on the murder case with the despicable Detective Chief Inspector Blair, his sworn enemy, who has been drafted in under curious circumstances. With a growing list of suspects, ever more bewildering circumstances and Blair hindering him at every turn, Hamish must find the murderer before anyone else falls victim.
Ìý
Never has a quiet life seemed further from his grasp!]]> 240 M.C. Beaton 1538743337 Joyce 5
Bringing back old friends into his circle, letting go of the past and moving on in his personal life, and gaining a new respect for even the Currie sisters makes this one a winner. ]]> 3.80 Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth, #37)
author: M.C. Beaton
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
It has been a long time since I have read a book of this length in one day, but this one brought me back to the Beaton days. Glad that Green is able to do the Hamish Macbeth series justice.

Bringing back old friends into his circle, letting go of the past and moving on in his personal life, and gaining a new respect for even the Currie sisters makes this one a winner.
]]> <![CDATA[A Piece of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 14)]]> 229222427
Then one of the tournament’s organizers is found dead at the bottom of the community center stairs. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon begins to look like murder. Rue shuffles through a trail of cryptic clues, unraveling a complex web of rivalries and long-buried resentments.

Bookstore manager Rue must race against the clock to outwit a clever and dangerous opponent before the killer strikes again. Can she connect the dots and checkmate the culprit? Or will she find herself in peril in this high-stakes game?

This fun-filled and clean bookshop cozy mystery will have you guessing until the very end.]]> 123 Penny Brooke Joyce 4
Although I love this series where I usually devour it within a day, it did take a little longer to get into the book. However, this one did have me guessing until the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.44 A Piece of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 14)
author: Penny Brooke
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves:
review:
A vintage board game tournament, the return of bookstore manager Rue and her golden retriever Gatsby and it seemed like the recipe for success.

Although I love this series where I usually devour it within a day, it did take a little longer to get into the book. However, this one did have me guessing until the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[But First, Murder: A Betti Bryant Mystery]]> 222971297
But there’s one distraction she is not prepared finding a murder victim on her way to work one frigid December morning.

Suspicion falls on Betti’s roommate, Callista, who happens to be holding a baseball bat over the victim’s body when the police drive up. Almost totally sure Callista is innocent, Betti buys a new notebook, digs out her scrapbooking supplies, and makes the cutest murder board ever.

Now, on top of holding down a job (or two) and figuring out her entire future, she’s committed to finding the real killer before any more lives are ruined—including her own.]]> 322 Bee Littlefield Joyce 4
A bit of a loner where even sitting around eating takeout with roomies seem to be a big win for her while she is trying to navigate working with her ex in one job and interested in pursuing another in her second job.

By the end as you are along for the ride in her trying to clear her roommate Callista, you start to see a different and more likeable side of Betti Bryant.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.42 But First, Murder: A Betti Bryant Mystery
author: Bee Littlefield
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves:
review:
Although I didn't read the first in the series, it didn't take long to get the gist of what brought Betti to want to take charge of her life. However, it did take awhile for me to be invested in Betti to root for her as she seemed to be still finding herself.

A bit of a loner where even sitting around eating takeout with roomies seem to be a big win for her while she is trying to navigate working with her ex in one job and interested in pursuing another in her second job.

By the end as you are along for the ride in her trying to clear her roommate Callista, you start to see a different and more likeable side of Betti Bryant.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Halloween Cupcake Murder (Irish Village Mystery, #9.5)]]> 84283444 A trio of sweet-toothed Halloween cozy mystery tales by nationally bestselling authors.

HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE MURDER by CARLENE O'CONNOR
With Galway’s Halloween Mystery Tour only a few days away, Tara Meehan is scouring the town’s curiosity shops for spooky decorations to draw tourists into her architectural salvage store. But when a stranger appears in her shop bearing a cryptic cupcake and an ominous message, Tara suddenly finds herself tangled in a mystery with ancient Gaelic roots, but very modern—and very deadly—consequences . . .
Ìý
MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER by LIZ IRELAND
Christmastown is pulling out all the stops for their Halloween celebration, planning a huge carnival with rides, games, and a candy corn-themed bake-off! But the sweet theme stokes the bitterest of rivalries amongst the elves, until tragedy strikes at Santaland’s newest bakery. The only clue is a cupcake, leaving Mrs. Claus to sort through tricks and treats as she races to unmask a Halloween fiend . . .
Ìý
A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER by CAROL J. PERRY
Every October, Salem plunges into a month-long celebration of Halloween and WICH-TV’s Lee Barrett can’t wait to cover the festivities. But rumors swirl after a wealthy bakery owner goes missing—and his beloved cat, Cupcake, is found—under mysterious circumstances. Now, amid Salem’s wicked revelry, Lee must conjure clues to reveal the missing millionaire . . . or the truth about his disappearance . . .]]> 316 Carlene O'Connor 1496740289 Joyce 4 3.47 2023 Halloween Cupcake Murder (Irish Village Mystery, #9.5)
author: Carlene O'Connor
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Inheritance and Intrigue in the Cotswolds (A Treasured Journey Mystery #0.5)]]> 226164756
Renowned antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is determined to set things right as she sorts through the possessions of her disgraced late husband. Among the valuables in a hidden safe, she discovers a striking sapphire ring. But when she arrives at Marchwood Hall to return it, she finds herself caught between two women, each insisting the ring is rightfully theirs.

Out of options, Georgina calls the police, but their attention shifts to an unsolved death. Undeterred, she pursues her own enquiries and begins to uncover the truth about what really happened on a dark, cold November night.

Can she help the police solve their case, or will the truth splinter like the lies she’s uncovered?

Join Georgina Carey in this captivating prequel to The Treasured Journey Mystery series, where personal betrayals and hidden truths lead to unexpected discoveries. With the support of friends and family, Georgina begins to rebuild her life—and solve a mystery or two—proving that even broken beginnings can lead to remarkable second chances.]]> Victoria Tait Joyce 4
Wanting to leave behind the less than happy life she had with her now deceased husband, Georgina a.k.a. George to those who know her, is determined to right some wrongs by returning valuable items she found in his belongings.

When the ownership of a sapphire ring is called into question, she is on a mission to uncover the truth and ensure it is returned to its rightful owner in a setting that seems perfect for this type of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.32 2025 Inheritance and Intrigue in the Cotswolds (A Treasured Journey Mystery #0.5)
author: Victoria Tait
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves:
review:
Sounds like this may be a spinoff or crossover from another series but even for those unfamiliar with Georgina, this is a great intro to her story.

Wanting to leave behind the less than happy life she had with her now deceased husband, Georgina a.k.a. George to those who know her, is determined to right some wrongs by returning valuable items she found in his belongings.

When the ownership of a sapphire ring is called into question, she is on a mission to uncover the truth and ensure it is returned to its rightful owner in a setting that seems perfect for this type of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Espresso Shots & Murder Plots: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery (Mysteries of Mount Pleasant Book 1)]]> 228607147 273 Audrey Alden Joyce 4
Like most cozy mysteries, Lila is looking for a simpler life in Mount Pleasant but just like most cozy mysteries, it's never that simple when a murder is involved. The victim with no shortage of enemies, results in a long list of suspects, including her own group of friends. The one strange part of it is Lila is the one that suspects them all more so than the police.

But she does have a good heart so you can't help but root for her at the end, unlike the victim.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.26 Espresso Shots & Murder Plots: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery (Mysteries of Mount Pleasant Book 1)
author: Audrey Alden
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:
One book in, throw in a pup sidekick and I am already invested in Alden's newest series.

Like most cozy mysteries, Lila is looking for a simpler life in Mount Pleasant but just like most cozy mysteries, it's never that simple when a murder is involved. The victim with no shortage of enemies, results in a long list of suspects, including her own group of friends. The one strange part of it is Lila is the one that suspects them all more so than the police.

But she does have a good heart so you can't help but root for her at the end, unlike the victim.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder in an Irish Cottage (The Irish Village Mysteries)]]> 218451387 Ìý
Family is everything to Siobhán: her five siblings; her dear departed mother for whom the family business, Naomi's Bistro, is named; and now her fiancé, Macdara Flannery. So precious is her engagement that Siobhán wants to keep it just between the two of them for a little longer.
Ìý
But Macdara is her family, which is why when his cousin Susan frantically calls for his help, Siobhán is at his side as the two garda rush from Kilbane to the rural village where Susan and her mother have recently moved. Unfortunately, tragedy awaits them. They find Susan, who is blind, outside the cottage, in a state. Inside, Aunt Ellen lies on her bed in a fancy red dress, no longer breathing. A pillow on the floor and a nearby teacup suggest the mode of death to their trained eyes: the woman has been poisoned and smothered. Someone wanted to make sure she was dead. But who?
Ìý
Devout believers in Irish folklore, the villagers insist the cottage is cursed—built on a fairy path. It turns out Ellen Delaney was not the first to die mysteriously in this cottage. Although the townsfolk blame malevolent fairies, Siobhán and Macdara must follow the path of a murderer all too human—but just as evil . . .]]> 1 Carlene O'Connor Joyce 4 3.50 2020 Murder in an Irish Cottage (The Irish Village Mysteries)
author: Carlene O'Connor
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Death by Caramel Macchiato (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery, #13)]]> 209194435 When Pine Hills, Ohio hosts an inter-town murder mystery game, bookstore-café owner and sometimes-sleuth Krissy Hancock assumes it’ll all be in good fun, but that’s before the competition claims its first real-life victim. . . The unique weekend-long event—a combination of a live-action role playing game and a theatrical production—draws competitors from all the neighboring towns, including Pine Hills� own Krissy and Rita. Although the actors, clues, and performances are spread across the community, somehow Krissy’s team lands at the one location with an actual body. . . Police immediately call-off the competition while they conduct a real murder investigation, but soon it’s clear some folks are playing by their own set of rules. So it’s up to Krissy and her pals to shuffle through the suspects and draw out the real killer before another player takes their final turn.]]> 304 Alex Erickson 1496745523 Joyce 4
Although this is a series, this is the first book of Erickson's Bookstore Cafe series I picked up and just like a good caramel macchiato, I am now hooked. Looking forward to getting my hands on his other books in this series. ]]> 3.78 2024 Death by Caramel Macchiato (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery, #13)
author: Alex Erickson
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
A murder mystery role playing game, a bookstore cafe mystery, what more can a cozy lover want? When Krissy and her team ends up at a location that is not a part of the game but yields a dead body nevertheless, she finds herself trying to help the cops including her boyfriend Paul in a real murder investigation.

Although this is a series, this is the first book of Erickson's Bookstore Cafe series I picked up and just like a good caramel macchiato, I am now hooked. Looking forward to getting my hands on his other books in this series.
]]> <![CDATA[A Berry Festival Fiasco: A Kylie Berry Cozy Mystery (Kylie Berry Mysteries Book 13)]]> 228223401 A Killer is Lurking� and the Proof is in the Pie!When Kylie Berry agrees to bake pies for the town’s biggest food festival, she’s hoping to impress the crowd—not become the center of a murder investigation.

But when the contest takes a dangerous turn—w¾±³Ù³ó sabotaged pies and a dead contestant—all eyes are on Kylie. Someone at the festival has a secret to hide, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep it buried.

With her café’s reputation on the line and the police sniffing around, Kylie teams up with her fearless best friend, Zoey Jin, to track down the truth.
Who tampered with the pies? Who had a reason to kill? And just how far will the murderer go to cover their tracks?

The clock is ticking, and if Kylie isn’t careful, she might be next on the menu�

A fast-paced, unputdownable cozy mystery full of twists, secrets, and mouthwatering desserts. Grab your copy now!

Praise for A.R.

"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com

"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com

"A cute light read with a final twist at the end." - Stacey Puleio, Amazon.com

A Berry Festival Fiasco is the thirteenth book in the Kylie Berry Mystery Series and is a standalone novel.

This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore or love scenes, or bad language.]]> 343 A.R. Winters Joyce 4
On the mission to uncover the truth, is it just a child prank gone wrong, sabotage, murder, or all of the above?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.48 A Berry Festival Fiasco: A Kylie Berry Cozy Mystery (Kylie Berry Mysteries Book 13)
author: A.R. Winters
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/03
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves:
review:
Kylie who isn't much of a baker bakes the pies for the pumpkin pie eating contest and she's got the contestants foaming at the mouth. Someone has sabotaged the pies with soap that has them running to the bathroom while another is found face down in the soupy pie.

On the mission to uncover the truth, is it just a child prank gone wrong, sabotage, murder, or all of the above?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Chow Maniac (Noodle Shop Mystery, #11)]]> 211004086 Asia Village is in peril when Private detective Lydia Shephard returns to enlist the help of Lana Lee to solve a rash of unsolved murders and thefts.

When Lydia brings Lana onto the case, three of the members of an elite Asian order known as the Eight Immortals have already been murdered. Each member of the order holds one item that represents their immortal counterpart, and someone is dying to get their hands on them all. Lydia's client insists he—and only he—knows who will be next and wants the murderer captured before there is another victim.

Riding below the line of three cities of law enforcement and Lana’s own boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, the two women must tread lightly as they infiltrate a secret organization that even the Mahjong Matrons know nothing about. And somehow protect the next victim without letting on that she’s in danger.

As they dig deeper into the case, Lana finds there are unexpected associations within Asia Village and potential ties to her own family that could be devastating. With the stakes raised on the toughest case she’s ever worked, will Lana be able to keep her own emotions out of the investigation? And will the murderer be found before they become the ultimate “immortal�?]]> 336 Vivien Chien 1250338832 Joyce 0 to-read 4.19 2025 The Chow Maniac (Noodle Shop Mystery, #11)
author: Vivien Chien
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cherry Topped Calamity: Killer Cupcakes Cozy Mystery Book 1]]> 210096828 170 Angela Mayble Joyce 4
Unlike other cozies where the main character is the suspect and therefore spends the whole time clearing her name in the first book, Julianne is cleared early on. However, she does still stay involved in trying to figure out who the culprit is. Although this is a first in a new series, there seems to be a little backstory already so not sure if it's a spinoff from another series.

Overall, a good read and am already invested on her future adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.40 The Cherry Topped Calamity: Killer Cupcakes Cozy Mystery Book 1
author: Angela Mayble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/25
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
Although a slow start, once it got going, I couldn't put the book down. In this intro to Mayble's new series, Julianne Darling found her cupcake was the vehicle to murder when it was discovered that cyanide was present.

Unlike other cozies where the main character is the suspect and therefore spends the whole time clearing her name in the first book, Julianne is cleared early on. However, she does still stay involved in trying to figure out who the culprit is. Although this is a first in a new series, there seems to be a little backstory already so not sure if it's a spinoff from another series.

Overall, a good read and am already invested on her future adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Irish Soda Bread Murder (Home to Ireland Mystery, #2.75)]]> 210364036 It’s almost time for the delicious warmth of Irish soda bread, but be careful where you bite–some of these recipes call for murder in this delicious collection of cozy mystery novellas featuring the popular St. Paddy’s Day treat. IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR There’s very little time left before her wedding, but nonetheless Tara Meehan is helping out at her Uncle Johnny’s salvage mill for the day. Aunt Rose set up a convention for local psychics, including a bake sale to raise money for charity, but now she’s sick and available only via an iPad Johnny is carrying. The event promises to deliver a real pot of gold until Rose’s biggest rival shows up. Before Tara can utter a simple “top oâ€� the morningâ€� to the man, he drops dead—w¾±³Ù³ó Johnny’s soda bread in his hands. It’s up to Tara to identify the deadly baker before another victim ends up chasing the rainbow straight into a grave . . .AN IRISH RECIPE FOR MURDER by PEGGY EHRHART To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, the Arborville, New Jersey, Advocate is sponsoring a soda bread–baking competition. Bettina Fraser is excited—her bake-off idea was the one to get the green light! But when a town councilman acting as a judge keels over after sampling an entry, the party atmosphere dies just as quickly. Now it’s up to Bettina and her Knit and Nibble knitting club bestie, Pamela Paterson, to find the killer responsible for the murderous morsel. ÌýMRS. CLAUS AND THE SINISTER SODA BREAD MAN by LIZ IRELAND When April Claus arrives in Cloudberry Bay, Oregon, to check on her flooded inn, her biggest worry is to keep everyone from realizing her three companions—Jingles, Juniper, and Butterbean—are elves. But soon enough she has more serious worries—it looks like her hapless caretaker Ernie has been storing stolen goods at the inn! Then one of Ernie’s shady pals is found dead, and the murder weapon turns up in a decorative loaf of soda bread at April’s craft fair booth. It’s up to April to uncover the killer before she spends St. Patrick’s Day in the county jail! Ìý]]> 352 Carlene O'Connor 1496751086 Joyce 4
Great intro to some authors I wasn’t already familiar with so now I have to check out their other collaborations and individual series.]]> 3.57 Irish Soda Bread Murder (Home to Ireland Mystery, #2.75)
author: Carlene O'Connor
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.57
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/22
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves:
review:
What a fun collaboration of 3 cozy mystery writers centered around St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Soda Bread. Perfect for the upcoming green holiday even if one of them seems like a crossover with Xmas.

Great intro to some authors I wasn’t already familiar with so now I have to check out their other collaborations and individual series.
]]> <![CDATA[A Gingerbread Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #4)]]> 63854306 A sweet opposites-attract holiday tale that will inspire you to believe in true love.

Nina works two jobs to support herself and her grieving grandpa in their small mountain town in Montana. When the failing country club where she works is bought by rich city businessman Grayson she fears she’s about to lose her job.

Although Grayson is in town to evaluate if the struggling business can be resurrected, he seems honest and kind, and is somehow getting past the walls she’s built. It would be wrong to fall for the one guy who could ruin everything for her, but the more time Nina spends with Grayson the more she finds herself unwittingly falling for him.

From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss this chance to find a love that can heal your heart in A GINGERBREAD CHRISTMAS.]]> 236 Susan Hatler Joyce 5
But you add in a Christmas setting to fall in love, gingerbread replicas of their small town where everyone helps each other, and you have the recipe for a Hallmark Christmas movie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.58 A Gingerbread Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #4)
author: Susan Hatler
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves:
review:
Small town girl, corporate guy looking to possibly tear down the community country club for profit, and it looks like trouble is on the horizon for Christmas Mountain.

But you add in a Christmas setting to fall in love, gingerbread replicas of their small town where everyone helps each other, and you have the recipe for a Hallmark Christmas movie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Focal Point Fiasco (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery Book 6)]]> 222659131 Murder, Mayhem, and a Missing Camera—Carol Riddick’s Latest Case is Picture-Perfect Chaos!

Photographer Carol Riddick is thrilled when she’s invited to capture the glitz and glamour of a high-profile birthday party in Whispering Haven. Sure, the event host is as uppity as a cat in a silk bonnet, but the paycheck makes it all worthwhile.

That is—until the celebration takes a deadly turn.

When a very important guest is found dead, the party descends into chaos. To make matters worse, in the midst of the commotion, Carol’s trusty camera vanishes without a trace—along with the photos that might just hold the key to the crime.

Determined to uncover the truth, Carol sets out to track down both the killer and her missing camera. But someone in town wants her to see nothing, hear nothing, and say nothing—and they’ll go to deadly lengths to keep their secrets buried.

Can Carol outwit a cunning murderer before she becomes their next target? Or will this be the case that finally puts her out of the picture—permanently?

Find out in the latest installment of the Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery series—where secrets don’t stay hidden for long!

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, a curious cat with 9 lives and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Carol Riddick and all the quirky characters in Whispering Haven.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Focal Point Fiasco and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery.]]> Ruth Baker Joyce 5
With her past experience helping out, she automatically took pictures of the crime scene before the police arrived, however her camera ends up missing. Did she capture something no one wants to see the light of day? A fast-paced cozy that you will want to devour in one sitting.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.88 Focal Point Fiasco (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery Book 6)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.88
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves:
review:
Carol thought she made it when she's hired to photograph a high profiled birthday party. However, just like her cat Buttons, murder seems to follow her everyone and she finds herself in the midst of another investigation.

With her past experience helping out, she automatically took pictures of the crime scene before the police arrived, however her camera ends up missing. Did she capture something no one wants to see the light of day? A fast-paced cozy that you will want to devour in one sitting.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Demise by Dessert: A Simply Scrumptious Cozy Culinary Murder Mystery Book (A Wine and Dine Cozy Murder Mystery)]]> 223969379 The plan was to start over here with the picture-perfect Genova’s pastry elite; not to catch the culprit who iced the last chef.

When Paolo’s death goes from natural causes to murder, my trip to the beautiful Italian harbour town turns into a case of spine-chilling whodunit.

I whip up confections, not conspiracies. But my scruffy clue-sniffing beagle has different plans for us in this sun-kissed town; to remove the stench of murder .

Motives linger as the sous chef, Enzo, craves the spotlight, while Luca, the supplier, has a sour taste left behind after a heated argument. Even Giulia, the secretive shop owner, serves up suspicion on a silver platter.

As Alex, the charming detective and I team up to unravel the secrets that lie beneath the flour-dusted streets, danger meets us head on.

But just when we find the truth, the threats get closer and whispers tell me it’s not over.

I must get to the bottom of the lies before the next souffle to be cooked is mine.]]> 174 Tessa Aura Joyce 5
Although this is the third book in the series, each highlights a different main character so this can definitely be read as a standalone, but again since each follows a different main character, what seems like the end of a series may just be the beginning for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.53 Demise by Dessert: A Simply Scrumptious Cozy Culinary Murder Mystery Book (A Wine and Dine Cozy Murder Mystery)
author: Tessa Aura
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.53
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:
Is this the beginning or the end? When Bella arrives in Genoa for what was supposed to be a temporary position as a pastry chef, she is immediately drawn into the world of crime. Will this be the beginning of a new life here or the end where she moves onto the next destination.

Although this is the third book in the series, each highlights a different main character so this can definitely be read as a standalone, but again since each follows a different main character, what seems like the end of a series may just be the beginning for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Decadent Date (Do-Over Date)]]> 223488828
Quirky Tabitha inherits a restaurant and discovers the other half is owned by serious-minded Spencer, her first love who broke her heart. Despite hard feelings, the two must work together to renovate and run the place.

As a restaurant owner, Tabitha feels she’s finally found her calling but Spencer wants to sell and be done with sad memories. Forced to work together, old sparks reignite, but will it lead them to disaster? Or to the second chance they always needed?

From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss the chance to swoon when rekindled feelings finally lead to forever love in THE DECADENT DATE.]]> 162 Susan Hatler Joyce 4
Love isn't always easy as Tabitha learned when her high school sweetheart Spencer left her heartbroken years ago.

If you're lucky, with the help of family, she finds herself with a second chance. However, it is now up to Spencer to break through the shield she put up to avoid getting hurt again when past feelings resurface.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.59 The Decadent Date (Do-Over Date)
author: Susan Hatler
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:
A perfect Valentine's read for anyone who believes in second chances or a hopeless romantic.

Love isn't always easy as Tabitha learned when her high school sweetheart Spencer left her heartbroken years ago.

If you're lucky, with the help of family, she finds herself with a second chance. However, it is now up to Spencer to break through the shield she put up to avoid getting hurt again when past feelings resurface.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder in the Lookout Lounge: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries]]> 223845733 Murder at Sea!

Olivia Ocean loves her new job aboard the Moonlit Majesty, especially when her boss, the photography manager, gives her more freedom with her artistic ability. However, while she’s tasked with capturing memorable moments from a family reunion aboard the ship, she witnesses a murder, turning her dream job into a nightmare!

Armed with her camera, the photos and tidbits she’s picked up from the reunion group, and her sleuthing kitten, Pickle, Olivia must assist the swoon-worthy security manager to figure out whodunit before he or she strikes again.

Read this standalone mystery now to get swept away with Olivia and her kitten!
]]> 445 Denise Jaden Joyce 5
When relatively new cruise photographer Olivia is chosen to be the private photographer for the Larks, a rich family who is used to being catered, she knew she has a lot to prove. It is further complicated with the clear division between the sister and brother's sides of the family with third sibling Leah being the mediator.

Add in an intentional death early on in the cruise and no shortage of suspects, including her own colleagues, she finds herself with more on her plate than she expected.

Filled with twist and turns that is sure to satisfy any cozy mystery lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.66 Murder in the Lookout Lounge: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries
author: Denise Jaden
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.66
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:
Jaden returns with another page turner in this cruise ship mystery.

When relatively new cruise photographer Olivia is chosen to be the private photographer for the Larks, a rich family who is used to being catered, she knew she has a lot to prove. It is further complicated with the clear division between the sister and brother's sides of the family with third sibling Leah being the mediator.

Add in an intentional death early on in the cruise and no shortage of suspects, including her own colleagues, she finds herself with more on her plate than she expected.

Filled with twist and turns that is sure to satisfy any cozy mystery lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Cruise Imposters: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 16)]]> 221739683 A man who isn't who he says he is
A murder

When Addi and the gang encounter a group of interesting VIPs, they think it'll be an easy cruise - until a murder rocks the boat.
Now, Addi must uncover a killer - before they strike again.
Meanwhile, Ethan is "shadow captain", Sam is overwhelmed with VIPs' demands, and Cece is enjoying her perfect new role.
Praise for A.R.
"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com

"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com

"A cute light read with a final twist at the end." - Stacey Puleio, Amazon.com

This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and family, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no bad language, graphic gore or explicit love scenes.

Cruise Imposters is the sixteenth book in the Cruise Ship Mystery Series and can be read as a standalone.]]> 251 A.R. Winters Joyce 5
Another page turner as they try to navigate another mystery before the murderer gets away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.57 Cruise Imposters: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 16)
author: A.R. Winters
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves:
review:
When Addie, Cece and Sam receive promotions before their next sail, they're excited to get office space and hopes of new responsibilities. However, when their job doesn't seem to reflect that while trying to handle the demanding VIPs on board, they realize it may not be all it's cracked up to be as another dead body shows up.

Another page turner as they try to navigate another mystery before the murderer gets away.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Caffeine and Chaos (Snow Falls Alaska Cozy Book 8)]]> 221024573
Stumbling into a deadly game, Bethany soon discovers she's not alone—there are killers lurking in the shadows, and two of them are sisters with a knack for magic tricks... the deadly kind. With no way out and a storm closing in, Bethany has to rely on her wits—and maybe a little coffee-fueled courage—to survive.

Will she make it out, or will the last trick of the night be her final act?]]> 141 Wendy Meadows Joyce 4
Don't get me wrong, it still is filled with twist and turns, but again, the plot and the backstabbing is like deja vu.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.35 Caffeine and Chaos (Snow Falls Alaska Cozy Book 8)
author: Wendy Meadows
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves:
review:
I do love Meadow's books, but this one seems too similar to many of her other works, where you never know who you can trust and everyone backstabbing others for money.

Don't get me wrong, it still is filled with twist and turns, but again, the plot and the backstabbing is like deja vu.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop (The Christmas Bookshop, #2)]]> 90588969
But when the elderly owner of the shop comes to Carmen with a Christmas wish that threatens to never come true, Carmen knows she must buckle down to get the funds to save not only his trip, but the shop itself. While fending off a shady tatt-selling businessman, Carmen discovers wonders to the shop she could have never imagined, and opens a labyrinth of bookish backrooms for the customers to get lost in.

With her deadline looming, it might take more than a fresh coat of paint to solve Carmen's problems. But with the help of their neighbours, her nieces and nephew, and a very distractingly cute male nanny, Carmen might just pull her greatest magic trick yet...]]> 302 Jenny Colgan 006326045X Joyce 3 3.45 2023 Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop (The Christmas Bookshop, #2)
author: Jenny Colgan
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves:
review:

]]> A Christmas Duet 205436000 A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s encouragement and feedback inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.]]> 288 Debbie Macomber 0593725336 Joyce 5 3.87 2024 A Christmas Duet
author: Debbie Macomber
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hidden Beneath (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #11)]]> 63109821
Julia and her mother, Jacqueline, have come to the exclusive summer colony of Chipmunk Island to attend a memorial service for Jacqueline’s old friend Ginny, who’s been officially declared dead half a decade after she went out for her daily swim in the harbor and was never seen again. But something seems fishy at the service—especially with the ladies of the Wednesday Club. As Julia and Jacqueline begin looking into Ginny’s cold case, a present-day murder stirs the pot, and mother and daughter must dive into the deep end to get to the bottom of both mysteries . . .]]> 230 Barbara Ross 1496735722 Joyce 4 4.36 2023 Hidden Beneath (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #11)
author: Barbara Ross
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Murder and Mamon (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, #4)]]> 86148874 When murder mars the grand opening for Lila Macapagal’s aunties� new laundromat, she will have to air out all the dirty laundry in Shady Palms to catch a killer�

Lila Macapagal's godmothers April, Mae, and June—AKA the Calendar Crew—are celebrating the opening of their latest joint business venture, a new laundromat, to much fanfare (and controversy). However, what should’ve been a joyous occasion quickly turns into a tragedy when they discover the building has been vandalized—and the body of Ninang April’s niece, recently arrived from the Philippines, next to a chilling message painted on the floor. The question is, was the message aimed at the victim or Lila's gossipy godmothers, who have not-so-squeaky-clean reputations?

With Ninang April falling apart from grief and little progress from the Shady Palms Police Department in this slippery case, it’s up to Lila and her network to find justice for the young woman.

The Calendar Crew have stuck their noses into everybody’s business for years, but now the tables are turned as Lila must pry into the Calendar Crew’s lives to figure out who has a vendetta against the (extremely opinionated yet loving) aunties and stop them before they strike again.]]> 304 Mia P. Manansala 0593549163 Joyce 4
Is it related to all the gossip and nosiness of these aunties from the past that has caught up to them or something nefarious that followed her niece from her homeland. ]]> 3.68 2023 Murder and Mamon (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, #4)
author: Mia P. Manansala
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/14
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves:
review:
Happy that Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries are continuing passed the original 3 book deal as Lila is convinced to help investigate on behalf of the Calendar Crew when Ninang April's niece visiting from the Philippines ends up dead.

Is it related to all the gossip and nosiness of these aunties from the past that has caught up to them or something nefarious that followed her niece from her homeland.
]]> <![CDATA[Robert B. Parker's Buzz Kill (Sunny Randall, #12)]]> 203784157 Boston PI Sunny Randall is back to investigate the disappearance of a hard-partying energy drink mogul, in the latest thriller in Robert B. Parker’s bestselling series.

After a near-death experience, Sunny Randall is ready to lighten her load as a PI, that is until she is called upon by billionaire media magnate Bill Welch to investigate the disappearance of his son, Dylan, the cofounder of the Gonzo Energy Drink company. Lazy, unscrupulous and a notorious partier, Dylan isn’t exactly reliable. But Dylan’s mother, Lydia, insists this time is different. She knows him. ±á±ð’s her son. And she believes he’s in serious danger.

Unable to turn down the Welches� life-changing offer, Sunny takes on the case, starting off by befriending Dylan's smart young business partner, Sky, who seems like his polar opposite. Sky is bright, innovative, ambitious and empathetic -- yet surprisingly, she adores Dylan, and desperately wants Sunny to find him.

As Sunny traces the marks left behind by Dylan’s past, she must unearth all the skeletons in his closet. She discovers not only his bad behavior with women, but also his reckless moves within the business world, producing an energy drink that, despite its marketing, has proven dangerous and even deadly. Still, Sky insists he’s a good man. Who is Dylan, really? And why has he vanished? When bodies start to pile up, unny must find answers quick, before she—and those she cares about—get caught in the crossfire.]]> 316 Alison Gaylin 0593715659 Joyce 5
BuzzKill has suspense, a surprising motive, and a case of people aren't who they seem from both aspects. Those you may "hate" isn't as bad as you think and those that seem angelic really are too good to be true. ]]> 4.15 Robert B. Parker's Buzz Kill (Sunny Randall, #12)
author: Alison Gaylin
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves:
review:
I never thought I would enjoy a book as much as when Parker was writing it but the latest Sunny Randall by Gaylin did just that.

BuzzKill has suspense, a surprising motive, and a case of people aren't who they seem from both aspects. Those you may "hate" isn't as bad as you think and those that seem angelic really are too good to be true.
]]> <![CDATA[Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery, #28)]]> 201750698 Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send Theodosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. ±á±ð’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill. Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!]]> 314 Laura Childs 0593201027 Joyce 5 3.92 2024 Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery, #28)
author: Laura Childs
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/08
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Snowed In With A Killer: A Yuletide Cozy Murder Mystery (Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery)]]> 223168669
For bar owner former Sergeant Sam Dawson, this wasn't how he'd pictured reuniting with his old army unit for Christmas. The fact that Victor Quincey was Sam’s fallen comrade's bitter stepfather only made the betrayal of bulldozing the town sting worse.

The evening might have ended there, if Mother Nature hadn't had other plans. A brutal blizzard swept in, trapping everyone inside the bar. By morning, the fresh snow wasn't the only surprise waiting for them � Victor lay dead, poisoned in the night.

Now, trapped with a killer among them, Sam and Ava have no choice but to play detective. In a bar room full of people with reasons to want Victor dead, they'll need to uncover the truth fast � before whoever wielded that poison decides to strike again.]]> 164 Samantha Noble Joyce 5
When he ends up poisoned, Ava and Sam discover how far his reach was and how many of their own town's people were tangled up in his web of deceit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.29 Snowed In With A Killer: A Yuletide Cozy Murder Mystery (Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery)
author: Samantha Noble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves:
review:
Ava Sinclair and Sam Dawson finds that it is not such a Happy Holiday when Victor Quincey not only blames Sam for his stepson's death in the military but also wants to take over quaint Hazelwood and change it into a high-end resort town.

When he ends up poisoned, Ava and Sam discover how far his reach was and how many of their own town's people were tangled up in his web of deceit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Christmas Competition (The Mistletoe Book Club, #3)]]> 59270316
Ruby knows her small-town doggie spa has grown too big for their location. When a holiday competition is announced to win a renovating building off Main Street, she knows this is the chance she needs.

But then her best friend’s older brother Connor enters, and spending time together ignites sparks between them. Will giving in to her feelings mean risking their friendship?

From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss holiday spirit that leads to love in THE CHRISTMAS COMPETITION.]]> 208 Susan Hatler Joyce 4
However, their support for each other is heartwarming despite some obstacles placed in their way. At the end, Ms. Rivera gives them the greatest Christmas gift of all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.49 2022 The Christmas Competition (The Mistletoe Book Club, #3)
author: Susan Hatler
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves:
review:
When Ruby's favorite PE teacher Ms. Rivera passed, her building is the prize in a Christmas competition. With her need to expand her doggy day spa and love interest Connor needing it to expand his family's bank, it could very well turn into a nasty competition.

However, their support for each other is heartwarming despite some obstacles placed in their way. At the end, Ms. Rivera gives them the greatest Christmas gift of all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's (Mrs. Claus, #5)]]> 204294793

April Claus is looking forward to relaxing with her hubby, Nick (aka THE Santa Claus), in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But just after Santa departs for his deliveries, an elf pulls into Santaland with three people he found lost in the frozen wilderness. The survivors of a scientific expedition are injured, but their presence endangers the future of Santaland. So, while the strangers recuperate at the infirmary, April convinces Christmastown to pull off its grandest, most impossible, most magical feat yet . . . pretend to be normal!

Posing as a touristy, albeit Christmas-centric, arctic town, the elves cover their ears, snowmen take a vow of silence, and the reindeer keep their hooves on the ground. But as New Year’s Eve draws closer, hiding their true selves becomes harder to do, especially when one of the uninvited guests dies under highly suspicious circumstances. With a murderer in their midst, April sets out to find the uncorked culprit before any auld acquaintances should be forgot . . . or worse.]]> 304 Liz Ireland 149674893X Joyce 4 3.94 2024 Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Year's (Mrs. Claus, #5)
author: Liz Ireland
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Christmas on the Island (Mure, #3)]]> 38126338 Christmas on the remote Scottish island of Mure is bleak, stark � and incredibly beautiful.

It's a time for hunkering down, getting cosy in front of whisky barrel wood fires, and enjoying a dram with the people you love � unless, of course, you're accidentally pregnant to your ex-boss, and don't know how to tell him. In what should be the season of peace and goodwill on earth, will Joel think Flora is a bearer of glad tidings?

Meanwhile Saif, the doctor and refugee from war-torn Syria is trying to enjoy his first western Christmas with his sons � but without his missing wife. Can the little family possibly find comfort and joy?

Travel to the beautiful northern edge of the world and join the welcoming community of Mure for an unforgettable Christmas.

]]> Jenny Colgan 0062867482 Joyce 3
So, if you want something to curl up next to your tree to read and escape, this may not be your best bet as it took me awhile to get through it. ]]> 3.69 2018 Christmas on the Island (Mure, #3)
author: Jenny Colgan
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/27
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves:
review:
New to this series, I did not realize this is not a light cozy holiday read but one that is centered around suffering and trauma.

So, if you want something to curl up next to your tree to read and escape, this may not be your best bet as it took me awhile to get through it.
]]> <![CDATA[Piercing Shadows: A totally addictive cozy murder mystery packed with twists (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 2)]]> 222257353


Everything seems perfect―as the Cruise Director of the Midnight Tide.

Guests are in high spirits, and the sea is calm.

Suddenly, darkness engulfs the voyage.

This plunges the ship into chaos.

Now, I’m drawn into a spine-chilling mystery.

An infamous celebrity is discovered dead in their suite.

I embark on a puzzling investigation―facing the perfect murder.

Suspects are many, and clues are scarce.

With Rex and the crew, we edge closer to the culprit.

Nothing is as it seems.

While the real assassin lurks in the shadows.

A shocking twist brings additional evidence.

I must race against time to reveal the true menace.

The ship nears port.

A killer may escape.

This may� perhaps, leave a mystery unsolved.]]> Audrey Alden Joyce 5
Riveting mystery that is truly as addictive as cruising. Lot of twists and turns that will have you guessing to the very end for even the most voracious mystery reader.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.63 Piercing Shadows: A totally addictive cozy murder mystery packed with twists (Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 2)
author: Audrey Alden
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.63
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves:
review:
Rose finds herself in the midst of another mystery. Trying to keep the murder under wraps from fellow passengers, her coworker, and the world is a challenge when the victim is a well-known influencer that posts daily.

Riveting mystery that is truly as addictive as cruising. Lot of twists and turns that will have you guessing to the very end for even the most voracious mystery reader.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Tippy Toe Murder (Lucy Stone Mystery, #2)]]> 211960899 For the first time, the second Lucy Stone Mystery by New York Times bestselling author Leslie Meier is available in a beautiful, repackaged trade paperback reissue! With summer temperatures soaring to new heights in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, the last thing a fully pregnant Lucy Stone wants to do is solve the mystery of a local murder . . .

With three kids underfoot, a fourth on the way, and an oppressive heat wave bearing down, homemaker Lucy Stone is hardly enjoying an idyllic summer. But her preoccupation with swelling ankles, Bavarian creme doughnut cravings, and sewing sequins on ballet-recital tutus gives way to dread when she learns her waistline isn’t the only thing that’s recently vanished.

The strange disappearance of a retired dance instructor has the tiny coastal town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, in a tizzy—that turns to terror when a notoriously cantankerous shopkeeper is slain right on Main Street. Now Lucy’s up to her bulging belly in suspects and red herrings. Eluded by a cold-blooded killer, with her due date looming and the temperature soaring, she figures something has to break soon. With any luck, it won’t be her water . . .]]> 289 Leslie Meier 1496750497 Joyce 0 to-read 3.89 1994 Tippy Toe Murder (Lucy Stone Mystery, #2)
author: Leslie Meier
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1994
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Murder in the Cul-de-sac (A Green Oaks Bookbinding Cozy Mystery Book 4)]]> 222383712
But when a notorious busybody is found dead, the police department faces intense scrutiny after a critical call for help goes unanswered.

Determined to uncover the truth, Charlotte dives into the investigation. As she digs deeper, she realizes there may be more secrets in the victim’s neighborhood than she ever imagined.

Can Charlotte untangle the mystery and reveal the truth? Or will this most recent puzzle put her in harm’s way?

This fun-filled and clean bookbinding cozy mystery will have you guessing until the very end.]]> 125 Penny Brooke Joyce 5
The victim not very well liked, including by Charlotte and Isla once they learned more about her past, so there is no shortage of suspects.

I did figure out the motive halfway through but not who the actual culprit is as people aren't always who they seem.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.50 Murder in the Cul-de-sac (A Green Oaks Bookbinding Cozy Mystery Book 4)
author: Penny Brooke
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/13
date added: 2024/12/13
shelves:
review:
As Charlotte is finding her groove with the growth of followers with her bookbinding project, she finds herself in the middle of another investigation.

The victim not very well liked, including by Charlotte and Isla once they learned more about her past, so there is no shortage of suspects.

I did figure out the motive halfway through but not who the actual culprit is as people aren't always who they seem.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Christmas Mittens Murder 124978723 Just in time for the holiday season, a new mystery collection featuring cozy mystery novellas by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day!

DEATH OF A CHRISTMAS MITTEN KNITTER by LEE HOLLIS The church’s annual Christmas bazaar is an unqualified success until the local jeweler cries out that a valuable diamond ring has been stolen. Food writer Hayley Powell joins the search for it but discovers something decidedly more shocking—the dead body of a local knitter with a homemade mitten stuffed in her mouth. With only days to spare before the holiday, Hayley must unravel the mystery of Bar Harbor’s crafty killer before someone else receives a deadly gift.

TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS by LYNN CAHOON Magic Springs, Idaho, is decked out in its sparkling best for the season, but Mia Malone is almost too busy to notice. Taking a second job at the Lodge to save Mia’s Morsels doesn’t leave her much time for festivities—until she finds a dead body near one red mitten in the snow outside the Lodge during the holiday party. Learning that an ancient curse is at play, Mia must find the missing mitten and solve the murder before someone she loves is the next victim.

MURDEROUS MITTENS by MADDIE DAY A quiet Christmas in Colinas, California, at her twin sister’s charming B&B is exactly what Cece Barton needs during the holiday hustle of Los Angeles. But the morning after a lovely evening at the local wine bar, Cece learns that the bar’s proprietor, who sells mittens in her spare time, has has been found dead, hit on the head with a bocce ball nestled in one of the mittens she sells as a sideline. With her horrified twin one of the main suspects, can Cece unmask the merry murderer before this becomes a holiday from hell? Ìý]]> 339 Lee Hollis 1496744268 Joyce 4
I loved her holiday novella Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter which made feel like I was in Bar Harbor right alongside Hayley. I really struggled with Cahoon's paranormal Two Christmas Mittens that I was tempted to quit partway through. Glad that I had Day's Murderous Mittens to round out the trilogy and am intrigued on what's to come in the future for her new series featuring Cece. ]]> 3.66 2023 Christmas Mittens Murder
author: Lee Hollis
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves:
review:
Haven been introduced to Hollis Hayley Powell series with her trilogies with Leslie Meier and Barbara Ross, was excited to see her lead her own holiday trilogy.

I loved her holiday novella Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter which made feel like I was in Bar Harbor right alongside Hayley. I really struggled with Cahoon's paranormal Two Christmas Mittens that I was tempted to quit partway through. Glad that I had Day's Murderous Mittens to round out the trilogy and am intrigued on what's to come in the future for her new series featuring Cece.
]]> <![CDATA[Silent Night, Deadly Light (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #5)]]> 221892814
The fifth book in this riveting cozy mystery series by bestselling author Ruth Baker. If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, a curious cat with 9 lives and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Carol Riddick and all the quirky characters in Whispering Haven.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Silent Night, Deadly Light and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery. ]]> 172 Ruth Baker Joyce 5
Grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up under a blanket, and consume this edition in one sitting.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.77 Silent Night, Deadly Light (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #5)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.77
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/10
date added: 2024/12/10
shelves:
review:
Baker is back with a seasonally appropriate cozy with photographer Carol and PI Paul who happens to be on scene of yet another murder. Add in a visiting niece and a mayor that is arrested for the murder they don't even think he committed, and their duo becomes a trio on this latest edition.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up under a blanket, and consume this edition in one sitting.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder at the Marriage Nuptials: A Molly Montgomery Cozy Mystery (A Maple Lake Cozy Mystery Book 3)]]> 221554207 As if planning a double wedding in a couple months isn’t stressful enough, now the wedding planner is dead and my sister's the prime suspect.

Cozy Maple Lake glistens in the winter wonderland of trees lit with garland sparkling against the frozen water. Wedding planning is in full motion with poinsettias in place, cake ordered and guests invited.

But when Lila’s sister, Sarah, discovers the wedding planner poisoned only weeks before the big day, plans take an abrupt stop.

Sarah and Mrs. Potts, the baker, become the prime suspects.

Molly, Lila, and their fiancé's, Jake and Max jump into action with Mitz, the clue sniffing chihuahua, in the lead. Revenge is in the air.

Then Molly discovers Mitz has disappeared only days before the big event.

Molly must find Mitz, clear Liz and Mrs. Potts� names, and complete the wedding plans before this vengeance causes the event to go off without a hitch.]]> 150 Tessa Aura Joyce 4
But with her dog Mitz missing and the web of lies and deceit said planner had going on, there is a lot to untangle to get to the truth.

Although set during the holiday season, it definitely isn't a big focus that at times you forget you're supposedly reading a Christmas novel.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.56 Murder at the Marriage Nuptials: A Molly Montgomery Cozy Mystery (A Maple Lake Cozy Mystery Book 3)
author: Tessa Aura
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.56
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves:
review:
As Molly is planning her double wedding with her best friend Lila, they thought hiring a wedding planner would ensure things go smoothly. However, when Lila's sister Sarah butt heads with her and then ends up dead, it is up to Molly to help clear both Sarah and their baker Mrs. Potts.

But with her dog Mitz missing and the web of lies and deceit said planner had going on, there is a lot to untangle to get to the truth.

Although set during the holiday season, it definitely isn't a big focus that at times you forget you're supposedly reading a Christmas novel.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Fake Husband for Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #2)]]> 59327219
First, he’s late. Second, he comes from straight off the mountain so his fake beard looks windswept and he’s wearing ski boots instead of highly polished black boots with gold buckles. And third, Santa is not supposed to have abs like that.

There's trouble at the North Pole from the very start as Macy, the realistic, down-to-earth business owner, and Cal, the eternal optimist and fun-loving kids' ski instructor, disagree on everything from the Naughty and Nice list to the ingredients for the sugar cookies.

Every time Cal promises to deliver a child an extravagant gift, Macy tries to step in and keep things realistic. And every time Macy tries to lower expectations, Cal raises them even higher. Macy believes Cal can’t come through on these promises. But the more he spreads his holiday magic, the more she wants to believe in his promises. With a little Christmas magic, Cal might be able to show Macy that the most unpractical, ridiculous, eternally optimistic gift of all is love.]]> 210 Susan Hatler Joyce 5
A great holiday read that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas yet again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.57 Fake Husband for Christmas (The Mistletoe Book Club, #2)
author: Susan Hatler
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves:
review:
In this just in time for the holiday edition, opposites attract when Macy, convinced to play Mrs. Claus finds herself attracted to her fake husband Cal playing Santa. Before long, it no longer seems as if they are playing a role. But with her past history with men running out on her, is she willing to let her guard down and trust or will she self-sabotage as she is left to deal with other past hurts when her former best friend Cara returns to town.

A great holiday read that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas yet again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Killing Time (Agatha Raisin, #35)]]> 203578777 Life is never, ever dull in Agatha Raisin's sleepy Cotswolds village!
Agatha Raisin's private detective agency is working flat out on a series of burglaries which take a violent turn when a friend of Agatha's is murdered during a raid on his antiques shop. Although determined to nail the villains, Agatha still makes time to help Sir Charles Fraith prepare to stage a massive, hugely glamorous event in the grounds of his ancestral home, Barfield House.

When Agatha begins to receive death threats and narrowly avoids being abducted by kidnappers, she takes advantage of a previously arranged trip to Majorca to lie low for a while. There she meets her partner, former police officer John Glass, who is now working as a dance instructor on a cruise liner. Their relationship founders over John's apparent closeness to his stage dance partner, Louise. Putting her love life on hold, Agatha heads home, having worked out who has been threatening her life.

Can Agatha track down the would-be killer, nail her friend's murderers and rescue her romance with John? Everything comes to a climax at the Barfield Extravaganza when on top of everything else, Agatha also manages to solve a 400-year-old Cotswold murder mystery!]]> 256 M.C. Beaton 1250898706 Joyce 4 3.74 Killing Time (Agatha Raisin, #35)
author: M.C. Beaton
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/08
date added: 2024/12/08
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Guilt and Ginataan (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, #5)]]> 204316920
The annual Shady Palms Corn Festival is one of the town’s biggest moneymakers, drawing crowds from all over the Midwest looking to partake in delicious treats, local crafts, and of course, the second largest corn maze in Illinois. Lila Macapagal and her Brew-ha Cafe crew, Adeena Awan and Elena Torres, are all too happy to participate in the event and even make a little wager on who can make it through the corn maze the fastest—but their fun is suddenly cut short when a dead body is found in the middle of the maze…and an unconscious Adeena lies next to it, clutching a bloody knife.

The body is discovered to be a local politician’s wife, and all signs—murder weapon included—point to Adeena as the culprit. But Lila knows her best friend couldn’t have done this, so she and her crew put on their sleuthing caps yet again to find the killer who framed Adeena and show them what happens when they mess with a Brew-ha…]]> 304 Mia P. Manansala 059354918X Joyce 5 3.58 2024 Guilt and Ginataan (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, #5)
author: Mia P. Manansala
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/04
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dark Roast Mortem: A Freshly Brewed Cozy Mystery Book 1]]> 210172588 123 Angela Mayble Joyce 5
When she uncovers the unexpected about the people she knows, she starts to wonder if she really knows anyone.

Looking forward to more from this cozy series as Mayble's first book in the Freshly Brewed series is already a hit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.71 Dark Roast Mortem: A Freshly Brewed Cozy Mystery Book 1
author: Angela Mayble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/27
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves:
review:
Emma Folgers, may be a punny name for a coffee barista at her grandmothers coffee shop, but she is quickly thrown into a murder mystery and disappearance of a dear friend/possible love interest.

When she uncovers the unexpected about the people she knows, she starts to wonder if she really knows anyone.

Looking forward to more from this cozy series as Mayble's first book in the Freshly Brewed series is already a hit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Rockin' Around the Chickadee (Meg Langslow #36)]]> 203578923 Bells are ringing and alarms are sounding in Donna Andrews' latest cheery addition in the New York Times bestselling Meg Langslow series.Meg's sister-in-law, Delaney is pregnant. Since her due date is on or around Christmas Day, this is putting a bit of a damper on the usual holiday festivities. Meg and Michael are NOT hosting the usual house full of relatives and parties. Instead, Meg, along with her mother, her grandmother, her cousin Rose Noire, and her good friend Caroline, are militantly doing everything they can think of to keep Delaney quiet and healthy. All the relatives are farmed out to friends and neighbors; all the parties are being held somewhere else, and while Delaney is bored and mutinous, she's doing well, and they're managing to maintain a serene, peaceful environment for her . . . until a body is found in Meg and Michael's yard. Can Meg still keep Delaney calm in the middle of a murder investigation, all while trying to catch the killer?Full of her usual twists and turns, paired with relatable family holiday drama and Caerphilly’s traditional Christmas merriment, Donna Andrews brings readers another joyful classic.]]> 288 Donna Andrews 1250894352 Joyce 4 3.99 Rockin' Around the Chickadee (Meg Langslow #36)
author: Donna Andrews
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/20
date added: 2024/11/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Pumpkin Spice Puppy (Melanie Travis #30)]]> 202470617 Melanie Travis and her pedigree poodles are back on the case in an adorably giftable, fall time-themed hardcover by award-winning author Laurien Berenson!

It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .

Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.

Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.

Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .]]> 192 Laurien Berenson 1496750624 Joyce 0 3.80 Pumpkin Spice Puppy (Melanie Travis #30)
author: Laurien Berenson
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/11/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Framed in Mischief (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #4)]]> 220839116 A shady businessman, a deadly scandal, and a small-town photographer caught in the crosshairs—who’s framing who?

When small-town photographer Carol lands a gig snapping pictures for a local businessman’s new venture, she’s thrilled—until she discovers his charm hides a trail of shady deals and angry victims.

Against her better judgment, she spills the beans to a few locals, including the town gossip. Big mistake! News of his crooked ways spreads faster than a small-town bake sale, and Carol figures karma has finally caught up with him.

Just as the businessman’s reputation starts to crumble, he’s found dead under suspicious circumstances, leaving Whispering Haven buzzing with accusations and whispers. When one of his most vocal victims becomes the prime suspect, all signs point to an open-and-shut case.

But Carol knows this small town hides big secrets, and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. As she dives into the mystery, camera in hand, she finds herself entangled in a web of deceit, danger, and dead ends.

Can she uncover the truth before the real killer snaps out of focus? Or will she find herself in the crosshairs of a murderer with secrets to protect?

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, a curious cat with 9 lives and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Carol Riddick and all the quirky characters in Whispering Haven.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Framed in Mischief and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery. ]]> 151 Ruth Baker Joyce 5
Even more invested as she feels her actions may have been a catalyst, she stops at nothing to find out the truth, even at the risk of her own life. Another page turner that you can easily finish in a day.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

]]> 4.88 Framed in Mischief (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #4)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.88
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
Carol and Paul are back again, this time to try to exonerate Paul's childhood friend Will who had been arrested for what else, but murder. Carol not only witnessed a fight between Will and the victim, Rick but she was also the one who outed Rick for his misdeeds through the town grapevine.

Even more invested as she feels her actions may have been a catalyst, she stops at nothing to find out the truth, even at the risk of her own life. Another page turner that you can easily finish in a day.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


]]> <![CDATA[Artificial Ingredients: A Sienna Monroe Amateur Sleuth Cozy Culinary Mystery (Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries Book 12)]]> 220919185 Sienna has returned to Tennessee, along with her new husband, Pierre, from the honeymoon of a lifetime in France, only to be hit with two diabolical cases.

The cases were back-to-back, and both were much too close to home.

Though clearly ethically criminal in nature, neither case of gross deceit would hold up in court, so Sienna was on her own, without the help of her local police department.

Will this year’s Thanksgiving be a feast filled with giving thanks or a day of mourning two lost dreams, with Christmas just weeks away?

[Now including the recipe for Sienna Monroe's Christmas Scone!]]]> 141 Stella Dorn Joyce 5
Upon returning from her honeymoon with Pierre, Sierra finds herself involved with no dead bodies thankfully, but two mysteries that needs to be solved with her brand of justice.

Highlighted by the Thanksgiving holiday, it is not only about justice to the innocent and for herself, but also gratitude, second chances and forgiveness. Bookmarked on the other end with Christmas and reconciling, just seemed so fitting.

Dorn has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.]]> 4.69 Artificial Ingredients: A Sienna Monroe Amateur Sleuth Cozy Culinary Mystery (Sienna Monroe Cozy Mysteries Book 12)
author: Stella Dorn
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
So happy that the previous was not Dorn's last book in the Sierra Monroe series. Just when you thought it can't get any better, it does with this holiday edition that has everything you could possibly want.

Upon returning from her honeymoon with Pierre, Sierra finds herself involved with no dead bodies thankfully, but two mysteries that needs to be solved with her brand of justice.

Highlighted by the Thanksgiving holiday, it is not only about justice to the innocent and for herself, but also gratitude, second chances and forgiveness. Bookmarked on the other end with Christmas and reconciling, just seemed so fitting.

Dorn has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Perished by Pasta: A Simply Scrumptious Cozy Culinary Mystery Book (A Wine and Dine Cozy Murder Mystery)]]> 221430518 Cinque Terre, a quant Italian harbour town, normally boasts of the aromas of garlic, basil, tomato sauce and crisp sea air, not the smell of murder.

The pastel buildings and cobblestone streets are lined with Italian trattorias including my famous La Nonna’s Nonna, named after my grandmother.

But when Pepperoni, my clue sniffing beagle, leads me to the dead body of the notorious food critic, Alistair, the normally bustling restaurant halts to a stand still.

Marco, the charming wine bar owner, offers his help digging through the endless suspects and rumors.

As investigations into the many enemies of Alistair continue, my own danger rises with each new lead.

A trap is set at the annual Harbour Festival to expose the culprit; but when historical town secrets are discovered, the crooked past of the town's elite unravel.

I must solve the mystery and save the reputation of our tourist town before my involvement is discovered and my fate is sealed by their deadly threats. ]]> 120 Tessa Aura Joyce 4
When a notorious food critic that she herself had a beef with ends up dead, she has a stake in finding out the real culprit. So, when they finally secured a confession, she thought it was over. However, there is a web that seems to reach all corners of her life and goes deeper than she ever thought possible.

A great starter to this cozy series that will leave you hungry for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.43 Perished by Pasta: A Simply Scrumptious Cozy Culinary Mystery Book (A Wine and Dine Cozy Murder Mystery)
author: Tessa Aura
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/13
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
While Filomena always thought her home of Cinque Terre were more in line with the tourists' view of them as these idyllic villages, she discovers there is a dark side.

When a notorious food critic that she herself had a beef with ends up dead, she has a stake in finding out the real culprit. So, when they finally secured a confession, she thought it was over. However, there is a web that seems to reach all corners of her life and goes deeper than she ever thought possible.

A great starter to this cozy series that will leave you hungry for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Cruise Magic: A Humorous Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 14)]]> 220647279 It's time for Addi, Sam, and Cece to set sail again on another magical cruise. This time, literally.

"Winters will have you giggling into your book!"

The whole cruise is set up for a magic theme. All the guests are set to enjoy a cruise they’ll never forget.

It becomes even more unforgettable when one of the magician’s assistants dies on stage in the middle of a show!

Addi, Sam and Cece set to finding out just what happened to the unfortunate magician’s assistant, following a path of mistruths and distractions.

Praise for A.R.

"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com
"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com
"For fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Jana DeLeon, this is a funny, clean mystery." - Clara B, Amazon.com

Cruise Magic is the fourteenth book in the Cruise Ship Mystery Series.

This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic love scenes, bad language or gore.]]> 250 A.R. Winters Joyce 4
When one seems to go wrong resulting in an actual death, the three find themselves investigating yet again. But it gets confusing when things are not what it seems with a surprise ending even I didn't see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.45 Cruise Magic: A Humorous Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery (Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Book 14)
author: A.R. Winters
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/08
date added: 2024/11/08
shelves:
review:
When Addi, Sam, and Cece boards a magic themed cruise, things are not what it seems as they are surrounded by hypnotist, illusionist, and death-defying acts.

When one seems to go wrong resulting in an actual death, the three find themselves investigating yet again. But it gets confusing when things are not what it seems with a surprise ending even I didn't see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality (A Waterwheel Cafe Mystery Book 6)]]> 204288094
On medical leave, Sergeant Keya Varma channels her dedication and passion into creating mince pies and seasonal delights for her buzzing café. But her holiday cheer is challenged when a Christmas lights enthusiast is found dead amidst his dazzling display.

With the police station in turmoil, this dedicated detective puts aside her medical leave to untangle the mysterious death. But when another tragedy strikes, the stakes rise like the star on a Christmas tree. Are these incidents merely accidents, or is there more beneath the tinsel?

As her café bustles with joyful chatter and her feelings for the charming crime scene technician deepen, can Keya solve the case before the church bells ring on Christmas morning?

Enjoy the warmth of the season as Keya Varma serves up delectable holiday treats at her Waterwheel Café while bringing peace to the picturesque Cotswolds. If you love clever sleuths, a vibrant cast of characters, and a sprinkle of romance, you'll be captivated by Victoria Tait’s enchanting Christmas mystery.

Indulge in a festive whodunit and grab your copy of Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality today!]]> 230 Victoria Tait 1915413974 Joyce 5
Between a double murder around Christmas decorations and the fate of her station, unknown, she almost forgets she has a bakery to run too.

As she is pulled into one more case with her colleagues, she will learn if this is the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.63 2024 Hot Chocolate and A Festive Fatality (A Waterwheel Cafe Mystery Book 6)
author: Victoria Tait
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/11/06
shelves:
review:
Even though Keya is on medical leave and it's the Christmas season, murder doesn't take a break.

Between a double murder around Christmas decorations and the fate of her station, unknown, she almost forgets she has a bakery to run too.

As she is pulled into one more case with her colleagues, she will learn if this is the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Slay Ride Together With You (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery #7)]]> 204431424 The slay bells are ringing in this festive seventh installment of national bestselling author Vicki Delany’s Year Round Christmas Mystery series, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Donna Andrews. Rudolph, New York shop owner Merry Wilkinson’s best friend Vicky Casey is newly engaged to Chef Mark Grosse and is moving into the historic Cole House–a home surrounded by drama, intrigue, and a possible haunting, that is in desperate need of renovation. The wedding is just three weeks away, but all is not bliss for the newly engaged couple as estranged relatives of the late owner fight over her will. Then, late one night, Vicky and Merry come across a dead body in the garden of Cole House–and Mark is the one standing over the corpse. As Detective Diane Simmonds focuses on Mark as the prime suspect, Vicky asks for Merry’s help to clear her fiance’s name in time for the wedding. As they dig deeper into the connection between the house, Cole relatives, and town residents, past and present,Ìý it becomes clear that plenty of people wanted the victim dead. With a bakery to run, the busy Easter weekend fast approaching, a house to renovate, and a fiancé to clear of a murder accusation, Vicky’s wedding may end up on the chopping block. It’s up to Merry to put aside the chocolate bunnies and stuffed rabbits and help her best friend save her wedding–and her life. ]]> 283 Vicki Delany 1639108807 Joyce 4 4.05 2024 A Slay Ride Together With You (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery #7)
author: Vicki Delany
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/02
date added: 2024/11/06
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Percolating Phantoms (Brown's Grounds Mystery Book 3)]]> 219449318
With her business threatened and the handsome Sheriff Nathan Thomas telling her to stay out of the investigation, Monica is determined to solve the mystery before her cozy life goes cold. But as strange accidents and eerie encounters pile up, she starts to wonder if there’s more truth to the ghost story than anyone’s willing to admit.

Can Monica crack the case, keep her truck parked, and stay out of danger? Find out in this page-turning cozy mystery perfect for fans of clean, small-town whodunits and quirky female sleuths.]]> 147 Wendy Meadows Joyce 4
Unlike Meadows' other books, this one didn't draw me in right away taking me two vs. one day to read. As Monica and Sheriff Nathan dance around each other with their relationship, she continues to show up where she's not wanted.

Although I was not as riveted as her previous books, I admit that she surprised me with who the ultimate culprit really was.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.61 Percolating Phantoms (Brown's Grounds Mystery Book 3)
author: Wendy Meadows
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.61
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/30
date added: 2024/10/30
shelves:
review:
Legends of a ghost in the library warning patrons never to visit alone after 3pm and then a real murder there sets this edition up perfectly for spooky season.

Unlike Meadows' other books, this one didn't draw me in right away taking me two vs. one day to read. As Monica and Sheriff Nathan dance around each other with their relationship, she continues to show up where she's not wanted.

Although I was not as riveted as her previous books, I admit that she surprised me with who the ultimate culprit really was.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Trouble Is Brewing (Tea by the Sea Mysteries, #5)]]> 200488212
Members of the Greenhaugh and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.

Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?

The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .]]> 288 Vicki Delany 1496747275 Joyce 5 3.95 2024 Trouble Is Brewing (Tea by the Sea Mysteries, #5)
author: Vicki Delany
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/24
date added: 2024/10/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mocha, Macaroons and Death (A Knick-Knack Boutique Mystery Book 4)]]> 218282587
With suspects ranging from Jenna’s ex-husband to a rival shop owner, and even a real estate developer with dubious connections, Lyndy and Cody must navigate a maze of lies and hidden motives. As their investigation heats up, so does the tension between them, testing the limits of their partnership and their growing romantic feelings for each other.

In a town where everyone seems to be hiding something, Lyndy will need all her wit, courage, and the help of her friends to unravel the truth and bring justice to those responsible for Ethan’s murder. But as she delves deeper into the mystery, Lyndy finds herself questioning who she can trust—and whether she’s ready to face the dangers that come with seeking out the truth.]]> 172 Constance Barker Joyce 4
But when a huge web of lies, deceit, gambling, and blackmail is revealed, she realizes she may be in over her head, especially when she is still trying to mend her relationship with the local sheriff, Cody.

With so many people pointing fingers at each other, it is hard to believe any of them, so it seemed strange to me that she was so quick to believe and the arrest of the main culprit was a bit anticlimactic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.59 Mocha, Macaroons and Death (A Knick-Knack Boutique Mystery Book 4)
author: Constance Barker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/23
date added: 2024/10/23
shelves:
review:
When Lyndy's friend Jenna receives threatening notes to prevent her from expanding her yarn shop to include a cafe, Lyndy can't help but jump in and help.

But when a huge web of lies, deceit, gambling, and blackmail is revealed, she realizes she may be in over her head, especially when she is still trying to mend her relationship with the local sheriff, Cody.

With so many people pointing fingers at each other, it is hard to believe any of them, so it seemed strange to me that she was so quick to believe and the arrest of the main culprit was a bit anticlimactic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Torn Asunder (Maine Clambake Mystery, #12)]]> 194477881
Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn’t be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he’s been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it’s clear this wasn’t caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey’s artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .]]> 256 Barbara Ross 1496735730 Joyce 5
It is the rehearsal and wedding of Julia's best friend and business partner Zoey where Julia finds herself doing triple duty as maid of honor, wedding planner, and venue manager. So, when a guest ends up dying from what initially appears as an allergic reaction, she already has her hands full. Of course, it was no accident and no shortage of suspects as his past comes back to bite him "in the neck". ]]> 4.24 2024 Torn Asunder (Maine Clambake Mystery, #12)
author: Barbara Ross
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/22
date added: 2024/10/22
shelves:
review:
Sad that this is the end of the Maine Clambake series but if it had to end, this is a very satisfying one.

It is the rehearsal and wedding of Julia's best friend and business partner Zoey where Julia finds herself doing triple duty as maid of honor, wedding planner, and venue manager. So, when a guest ends up dying from what initially appears as an allergic reaction, she already has her hands full. Of course, it was no accident and no shortage of suspects as his past comes back to bite him "in the neck".
]]> <![CDATA[Patchwork Quilt Murder (Lucy Stone Mystery, #30)]]> 194477888 During a heatwave in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, part-time reporter Lucy Stone becomes unseasonably entangled in handmade quilts—and a twisted case of murder . . .

When a community center opens in town, many embrace it as a space where locals of all ages can gather and create. Others view it as a waste of taxpayer dollars. The director, Darleen Busby-Platt, is no less controversial. Intense and showy, Darleen has huge plans for her new role. But Lucy believes the woman isn’t exactly as warm hearted—or qualified—as she seems. That hunch deepens when Darleen and a young employee vanish . . . and dismembered remains appear!

With lots of clues and few concrete answers, Lucy rushes to connect loose ends. First there’s the disappearance of Tim Stillings, a troubled twenty-something who endured harsh treatment on the job. Next there’s Darleen herself, who made fast enemies as the highest-paid resident in Tinker’s Cove. Finally, there’s Darleen’s rich ancestry and ties to heirlooms worth either a fortune or nothing at all.

The closer Lucy gets to the facts, the more she realizes that solving this murder depends on the lies. Because the truth rests somewhere between wild rumors, a trusted friend’s emotional new sewing project, and the authenticity of a mysterious three-hundred-year-old patchwork quilt. And Lucy must piece together the big picture—before she becomes part of crafty killer’s deadly design . . .]]> 288 Leslie Meier 1496733797 Joyce 3 3.63 Patchwork Quilt Murder (Lucy Stone Mystery, #30)
author: Leslie Meier
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/20
date added: 2024/10/21
shelves:
review:
I love Lucy Stone mysteries but for some reason, this one just didn't appeal to me. It started with her reaction after losing her beloved dog as if he wasn't part of the family because he wasn't human. Then the confusing twist and turns of who is the actual culprit and then finally the outcome just didn't sit right with me.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of the Haunted Diver (Artifacts and Apparitions)]]> 219621599
Legend has it that Captain Blake’s spirit haunts the town, seeking revenge for his lost treasure. As yachts begin disappearing from the marina, Tessa and Piper are drawn into the mystery—despite warnings from Detective Jake Harland. With their antique at the center of the chaos, and danger lurking in every cove, the duo must uncover the truth behind the ghostly figure before the festival—and their business—is ruined.

With the help of their talkative parrot Murphy—who sometimes mimics clues and other times leads them astray—Tessa and Piper race to solve the mystery before they, too, become lost at sea.

Welcome to Rosemary Bluffs, where the waves whisper secrets, and danger is just below the surface.]]> 103 Tammy Beck Joyce 4
When whole yachts start disappearing, they are pulled into an underwater world they never expected and the festival isn't as festive as they had hoped.

Another great mystery but did take me a little longer than her previous books.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.21 The Mystery of the Haunted Diver (Artifacts and Apparitions)
author: Tammy Beck
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/18
date added: 2024/10/21
shelves:
review:
Tessa takes an antique diver's mask with her to display at the Seafarer's Festival but it seems like someone is trying to get their hands on it as legend of a buried treasure may be tied to it.

When whole yachts start disappearing, they are pulled into an underwater world they never expected and the festival isn't as festive as they had hoped.

Another great mystery but did take me a little longer than her previous books.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Hair-Raising Hawaiian Honeymoon (Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery)]]> 220274337 It’s a relaxing Hawaiian tropical honeymoon for Nick and Lucy, until they find the hotel’s CEO murdered.

Nick and his bride, Lucy, fly to Hawaii for their tropical dream honeymoon.
Half of Hazelwood, Wisconsin, went with them, thanks to the travel agent’s group rate.
Determined to shield Lucy from her friends' penchant for mysteries, Nick whisks her away to their secluded honeymoon bungalow.
But relief is short-lived; Lucy discovers the hotel CEO's murdered body.
Despite Nick's reservations, Lucy summons Grace and Ava, and they're drawn into the investigation.
As Lucy's questions provoke a menacing response � a threatening note and a steak for her dog � Nick joins the hunt, fearing for her safety.
With time running out, together, they race to unmask the killer.
One misstep could make this journey their last.

A Hair-Raising Hawaiian Honeymoon is a fun, tropical adventure with a whirlwind of humor, danger, and romance, carried on the warm Hawaiian breezes.]]> 140 Samantha Noble Joyce 5
Add in a cozy murder mystery without the gore but with a motive with more twist and turns than the Road to Hana and I wish there would be an anniversary sequel to revisit their new friends that treated them like ohana.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.68 A Hair-Raising Hawaiian Honeymoon (Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery)
author: Samantha Noble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/17
date added: 2024/10/17
shelves:
review:
I love Hawaiian based mysteries, but I love them even more when it's not just the backdrop but delves into the culture and the food of the region. Between the different local Hawaiian staples that are found in luaus like the kalua pig and pineapple but also the lesser known lau laus, poi, opihi, etc. that transports me back to the islands.

Add in a cozy murder mystery without the gore but with a motive with more twist and turns than the Road to Hana and I wish there would be an anniversary sequel to revisit their new friends that treated them like ohana.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Muddled Through (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #10)]]> 59201366 Mud season takes on a whole new meaning in the coastal town of Busman's Harbor, Maine, when local business owners sling dirt at one another in a heated feud over a proposed pedestrian mall. Vandalism is one thing, but murder means Julia Snowden of the Snowden Family Clambake steps in to clean up the case . . .

When Julia spots police cars in front of Lupine Design, she races over. Her sister Livvie works there as a potter. Livvie is unharmed but surrounded by smashed up pottery. The police find the owner Zoey Butterfield digging clay by a nearby bay, but she has no idea who would target her store. Zoey is a vocal advocate for turning four blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian mall on summer weekends. Other shop owners, including her next-door neighbor, are vehemently opposed. Could a small-town fight provoke such destruction? When a murder follows the break-in, it's up to Julia to dig through the secrets and lies to uncover the truth . . .]]> 265 Barbara Ross 1496735692 Joyce 4 4.12 2022 Muddled Through (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #10)
author: Barbara Ross
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/15
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Deadly Flash from the Past (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #3)]]> 217359331 One photo, one secret, one deadly mystery—will Carol uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Carol is finally settling into life in Whispering Haven, building her photography portfolio and capturing the charm of her new hometown. But her budding confidence is shattered when, while showing a friend some recent snapshots, her friend’s face goes ashen, and she bolts without a word.

Was it something Carol said? Or worse—something she saw in one of those photos?

Carol’s confusion turns to dread when she learns the identity of the stranger caught in her a former suitor of her friend, recently found dead under mysterious circumstances. The deeper Carol digs into this puzzle, the darker things become, revealing buried secrets and a trail of motives that point to more than one person—including her friend.

As Carol delves into the heart of Whispering Haven’s secrets, she realizes that some things were meant to stay hidden. But will her search for answers put her in the crosshairs of a killer? With time ticking down, Carol will have to rely on her instincts—and maybe a bit of luck—to unravel this mystery before she becomes the next victim.

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, a curious cat with 9 lives and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Carol Riddick and all the quirky characters in Whispering Haven.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Deadly Flash from the Past and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery. ]]> 151 Ruth Baker Joyce 5
However, when that past literally dies and the victim is found to be a con-man, she is not short of suspects, many of whom are right in her town. Add in the pressure of trying to find the perfect gift for her friend Sarah Jean and she definitely has her hands full.

Not sure if it's because I read so many cozy mysteries, but I did pick out the perpetrator early on. Not sure if this may be the last book in the series, but I feel there is still more story to tell if she continues.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

]]> 4.78 Deadly Flash from the Past (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #3)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.78
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/11
date added: 2024/10/15
shelves:
review:
Carol and her cat Buttons are back at it again when a friend's past comes back to haunt her.

However, when that past literally dies and the victim is found to be a con-man, she is not short of suspects, many of whom are right in her town. Add in the pressure of trying to find the perfect gift for her friend Sarah Jean and she definitely has her hands full.

Not sure if it's because I read so many cozy mysteries, but I did pick out the perpetrator early on. Not sure if this may be the last book in the series, but I feel there is still more story to tell if she continues.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


]]> What Does It Feel Like? 214312329
“What Does It Feel Like? is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. Eve’s story is my story.â€â€”Sophie Kinsella

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumor growing in her brain.

As Eve learns to walk, talk, and write again—and as she wrestles with her diagnosis, and how and when to explain it to her beloved children—she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights, and always buying that dress when she sees it.

Recounted in brief anecdotes, each one is an attempt to answer the type of impossible questions recognizable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of grief. This short, extraordinary novel is a celebration of life, shot through with warmth and humor—it will both break your heart and put it back together again.

“Why did I write such a personal book? I have always processed my life through writing. Hiding behind my fictional characters, I have always turned my own life into a narrative. It is my version of therapy, maybe. Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me.â€â€”Sophie Kinsella]]> 144 Sophie Kinsella 0593977564 Joyce 5
Be prepared for so many emotions in this truly raw book that is just so inspirational as well. Bravery during times of what could've been hopelessness, family support, and finally hope.]]> 4.25 2024 What Does It Feel Like?
author: Sophie Kinsella
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/12
date added: 2024/10/14
shelves:
review:
Being a fan of Kinsella's shopaholic series and standalones that are normally funny, romantic, and at times self-deprecating, I did not realize this was an almost autobiographical novella of her latest journey in life.

Be prepared for so many emotions in this truly raw book that is just so inspirational as well. Bravery during times of what could've been hopelessness, family support, and finally hope.
]]> <![CDATA[A Theft of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 13)]]> 220172879
But when a shocking discovery at the local veterinary clinic turns her world upside down, Rue finds herself entangled in a web of deceit that threatens to unravel the very fabric of her coastal community. As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the untimely death of a beloved member of the community, Rue uncovers a startling some of the town’s most trusted residents are harboring dark secrets.

With time running out and the culprit potentially circling closer, Rue must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose the truth. Can she unmask the killer before they strike again? Or will she find herself in over her head?

This fun-filled and clean bookshop cozy mystery will have you guessing until the very end.]]> 154 Penny Brooke Joyce 5
Being a fan of animals more than people these days, I definitely did not mind. Following Rue's recent visit to the vet, one of her favorite employees is found murder, so of course she couldn't let it rest. However, she is deeply disturbed when people she thought she could trust, now seem suspicious that maybe she doesn't want to know the truth.

This would definitely be a great way to spinoff a series when Gatsby helps uncover the truth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.



]]> 4.49 A Theft of Murder (A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery Book 13)
author: Penny Brooke
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/09
date added: 2024/10/09
shelves:
review:
This edition can definitely be read as a standalone as it has very little reference to her bookshop and having Gatsby and his four-legged friends be the focus, I almost forgot it was part of the series or more like a spinoff from the original. Ìý

Being a fan of animals more than people these days, I definitely did not mind. Following Rue's recent visit to the vet, one of her favorite employees is found murder, so of course she couldn't let it rest. However, she is deeply disturbed when people she thought she could trust, now seem suspicious that maybe she doesn't want to know the truth.

This would definitely be a great way to spinoff a series when Gatsby helps uncover the truth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.




]]> <![CDATA[Pinwheel Cookie Peril: Cookies & Schemes Mysteries Book 3]]> 212095385 142 Angela Mayble Joyce 5
When Claire hosts a class to gain more exposure for her cookie business, not everything goes as planned. Her aunt who she hadn't seen for years comes to visit conveniently after her lottery win and then money goes missing. She starts to wonder who she can trust.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.75 Pinwheel Cookie Peril: Cookies & Schemes Mysteries Book 3
author: Angela Mayble
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.75
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/10/07
shelves:
review:
Even though this is only the third book in the series, it is like revisiting an old friend.

When Claire hosts a class to gain more exposure for her cookie business, not everything goes as planned. Her aunt who she hadn't seen for years comes to visit conveniently after her lottery win and then money goes missing. She starts to wonder who she can trust.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of Murphy's Law (Artifacts and Apparitions)]]> 219382832 With the help of her tech-savvy niece, Piper, they chase clues left behind by her father and try to find answers, as well as the elusive Murphy.
But as the mystery deepens, Tessa realizes this isn’t just about uncovering long-buried secrets—it’s about finding her own path and deciding where she truly belongs.
Welcome to Artifacts and Apparitions, where mysteries are tucked away like forgotten heirlooms, and sometimes, the past has a way of finding you no matter how far you run.]]> 60 Tammy Beck Joyce 4
When she returns home after her puzzle loving dad's passing, she finds a clue that seems to point to one of her dad's old case. As she and niece Piper follows the clues, she finds one last message from her dad. Now what the future holds is up to Tess as she embarks on her next adventure in her journey. Readers will be more than happy to go along for the ride after this teaser.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.43 The Mystery of Murphy's Law (Artifacts and Apparitions)
author: Tammy Beck
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/04
date added: 2024/10/04
shelves:
review:
My life at times seems like one big Murphy's Law but just like what Tess discovers at the end, things are not necessarily what it seems.

When she returns home after her puzzle loving dad's passing, she finds a clue that seems to point to one of her dad's old case. As she and niece Piper follows the clues, she finds one last message from her dad. Now what the future holds is up to Tess as she embarks on her next adventure in her journey. Readers will be more than happy to go along for the ride after this teaser.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Peking Duck and Cover (Noodle Shop Mystery, #10)]]> 195790646 Lana Lee and friends return for a fiery Chinese New Year celebration that rattles their quaint community. After all, an Asia Village party wouldn't be complete without an explosive finale.

Chinese New Year is supposed to be a time of fresh beginnings and celebrations of good fortune to come. Naturally, the shop owners of Asia Village jump at the chance to support property manager Ian Sung when he suggests creating a memorable holiday event that will bring positive light to the plaza, and prosperity for all those involved.

With Lana Lee as his right-hand woman and head event planner, Ian orchestrates an extravagant evening filled with music, live entertainment, and generous giveaways. But at the end of the night, during an elaborate firework show in the parking lot, a member of the lion dance performance team is found dead backstage with a single bullet hole through the heart and a red envelope in their pocket containing four one-dollar bills--an omen of death.

Ian Sung takes it upon himself, again enlisting Lana's help, to find out who could have killed the talented dancer right under their nose.]]> 304 Vivien Chien 1250338778 Joyce 4 3.93 2024 Peking Duck and Cover (Noodle Shop Mystery, #10)
author: Vivien Chien
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/03
date added: 2024/10/03
shelves:
review:

]]> Just Murdered 63064479
'A splendid read, with an authentic 60s flavour. I recommend it unreservedly.' - Kerry Greenwood


Peregrine Fisher is unexpectedly summoned to a meeting of the Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes, where she learns some incredible news.

When Adventuress Florence Astor is accused of murder, Peregrine jumps at the chance to help on the case. Detective James Steed, initially dismissive, quickly finds Peregrine's flair for investigating and headstrong nature leave him little choice.

A second shocking death occurs and Detective Steed's boss, Inspector Sparrow, demands the case be brought to a close with suspicious speed.

With Sparrow issuing threats, time is running out for Peregrine. It seems she's set herself an impossible task, but then, as Detective Steed says, 'never underestimate a woman named Fisher'.

Based on the screenplay by Deb Cox.]]> 285 Katherine Kovacic 1728260159 Joyce 5 4.08 2021 Just Murdered
author: Katherine Kovacic
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/31
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders]]> 59562112
From a brilliant bunch of amazing authors, including multiple prizewinners and USA Today best sellers, comes this wonderful collection of 21 summer-themed cozy mysteries.

Featuring peril at the pool, blood on the beach, and felony at the festival, these fabulous stories�21 brand new and exclusive tales—will keep you entertained until long after the sun has set.

With stories from Hillary Avis, Benedict Brown, Catherine Coles, Paula Darnell, Connie B. Dowell, Ellen Jacobson, Joann Keder, Patti Larsen, Cate Lawley, Gayle Leeson, Daisy Linh, Rimmy London, R.B. Marshall, Megan Mayfair, Wendy Meadows, Phillipa Nefri Clark, Michele Pariza Wacek, Erin Scoggins, Cathy Tully, Victoria LK Williams and Carly Winter, you'll surely find some of your favourite authors and discover some great new writers within the ~1500 pages of this set.

This collection will only be available for a limited time so don't miss out - grab yourself a bargain today!]]> 1873 R.B. Marshall 1914429079 Joyce 5
With her pet pig Sherman by her side, Vera is acclimating to life on the farm after leaving behind her city life. Just as she is getting to know her new neighbors, Sam and Becca, Sam is found dead, not the welcome to the neighborhood she was hoping for.

Not one to shy away from a mystery, she starts investigating herself, while simultaneously finding herself entangled in maybe more than just a friendship with the local sheriff.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.57 2022 Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders
author: R.B. Marshall
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/21
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves:
review:
Being a fan of Wendy Meadows' cozy mystery series, I knew I wanted to take a bite of this anthology with her bite sized cozy Famers, Flip Flops, and Felony.

With her pet pig Sherman by her side, Vera is acclimating to life on the farm after leaving behind her city life. Just as she is getting to know her new neighbors, Sam and Becca, Sam is found dead, not the welcome to the neighborhood she was hoping for.

Not one to shy away from a mystery, she starts investigating herself, while simultaneously finding herself entangled in maybe more than just a friendship with the local sheriff.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Wedding Cake Conundrum (An Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery #15)]]> 210166713 Book 15 in the riveting Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery series!Discover how Lucy Hale solves the latest murder mystery in her small town where anybody's business is everybodies business.

Book 15 in the Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery series! If you want to enjoy a quick light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, mouth-watering culinary desserts and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Lucy Hale and all the quirky characters in Ivy Creek.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***
Treat yourself or a loved one to a copy of The Wedding Cake Conundrum to discover how events unfold in this cozy murder mystery.]]> 193 Ruth Baker Joyce 5 Ìý
When Lucy's wedding planning took a turn for the worse with Taylor's sister Kayla wanting to cater it, her wedding venue burns down, and her fiance's run for Sheriff no longer a slam dunk. Are all change good or is the trusted and familiar the better option?

Lucy and Taylor both navigate more than their fair share of trials and tribulations in this edition that threatens their happily ever after. Will they make it down the aisle or will their lives be changed forever?

Hoping this is not the end of the series as I am hungry for more.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.59 The Wedding Cake Conundrum (An Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery #15)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/12
date added: 2024/09/12
shelves:
review:
Having been part of their journey for most of this series, I have been rooting for both Baker as well as her main characters all along.
Ìý
When Lucy's wedding planning took a turn for the worse with Taylor's sister Kayla wanting to cater it, her wedding venue burns down, and her fiance's run for Sheriff no longer a slam dunk. Are all change good or is the trusted and familiar the better option?

Lucy and Taylor both navigate more than their fair share of trials and tribulations in this edition that threatens their happily ever after. Will they make it down the aisle or will their lives be changed forever?

Hoping this is not the end of the series as I am hungry for more.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries]]> 215364453 Murder at sea!

Olivia Ocean's dream job aboard the Moonlit Majesty turns into a nightmare when she witnesses an attempt to dispose of a helpless kitten at sea. Rescuing the kitty entails a chase, which leads her to discovering a dead body!

Armed with her camera and newfound feline friend, Olivia must navigate the ship’s dark corners, pounce on the clues, assist the swoon-worthy security manager, and capture the killer before the ship reaches its final destination.]]> 255 Denise Jaden Joyce 5
She soon finds that her experience is nothing like her grandmother's cruise ship. Except for her roommate, people seemed to be only for themselves with a stowaway kitten almost the first casualty. Shortly after, she stumbles upon a dead body of a fellow photographer making her wonder who she can trust.

A wonderful introduction to the series as Olivia and readers navigate rough waters while trying to find the killer. Love the development of the main character and her relationships with security officer Miles and her feline sidekick.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.68 Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries
author: Denise Jaden
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/10
date added: 2024/09/11
shelves:
review:
When Olivia Ocean signed on to be the junior photographer for a cruise line, she was nostalgic for the camaraderie that her grandmother had during her tenure.

She soon finds that her experience is nothing like her grandmother's cruise ship. Except for her roommate, people seemed to be only for themselves with a stowaway kitten almost the first casualty. Shortly after, she stumbles upon a dead body of a fellow photographer making her wonder who she can trust.

A wonderful introduction to the series as Olivia and readers navigate rough waters while trying to find the killer. Love the development of the main character and her relationships with security officer Miles and her feline sidekick.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Mistletoe Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #1)]]> 204294885
Taking time out from her hectic holiday life to find out what really happened, her investigation leads to a backlog of secrets as long as Santa's Christmas Eve route. Lucy is convinced that someone murdered Sam Miller. But who and why? With each harrowing twist she uncovers in this bizarre case, another shocking revelation is exposed. Now, as Christmas draws near and Lucy gets dangerously closer to the truth, she's about to receive a present from Santa she didn't ask for--a killer who won't be satisfied until everyone on his shopping list is dead, including Lucy herself. . . "Lucy Stone is an endearing sleuth."

--Dorothy Cannell]]> 224 Leslie Meier 1496750489 Joyce 0 to-read 3.38 1993 Mistletoe Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #1)
author: Leslie Meier
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.38
book published: 1993
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cramped Quarters, Lethal Secrets (Willow Oaks Inn Mystery Book 6)]]> 215524299 A dead body, a nosy filmmaker, and a killer on the loose—welcome to Willow Oaks Inn.

Norman Haskins thought the biggest challenge he’d face this summer would be overseeing the renovations of his beloved Willow Oaks Inn. But when a routine repair turns into a nightmare after a dead body is discovered on the construction site, things take a sinister twist. The victim? The bitter rival of the firm Norman hired to do the work.

As if dealing with a murder investigation wasn’t enough, one of Norman’s eccentric guests—a notorious documentary filmmaker—seizes the opportunity for attention, turning the quiet inn into a media circus. With rumors swirling and secrets piling up, Norman is thrust into the heart of a mystery that threatens to destroy both his business and peace of mind.

With the help of his ever-loyal Border Collie, Milo, Norman must sift through a tangled web of lies, rivalries, and buried secrets to uncover the truth. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. Can Norman solve the case before he becomes the next victim, or is a ruthless killer already one step ahead?

In Cramped Quarters, Lethal Secrets, danger lurks behind every wall—and in this cozy mystery, no one is quite what they seem.


If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur male sleuth and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you'll love Norman Haskins and all the friendly and not-so-friendly characters in Honeywell.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Cramped Quarters, Lethal Secrets and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery. ]]> 174 Amerie Brand Joyce 5
The victim, an ex of his new employee and business rival of the daughter of his long-time friend in charge of the project, there is no shortage of suspects. Throw in emotions, greed, money, and a TV crew attempting to make a documentary at all costs, into the mix, and Norman's got his hands full.

Great continuation to the series which is slightly darker than most cozies but still without the gore.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.74 Cramped Quarters, Lethal Secrets (Willow Oaks Inn Mystery Book 6)
author: Amerie Brand
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.74
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/31
date added: 2024/09/06
shelves:
review:
Norman's motel/inn has been getting a reputation as a Murder Hotel. So, when another body shows up at his construction site, he knew he had to find the killer before it damages his business even further.

The victim, an ex of his new employee and business rival of the daughter of his long-time friend in charge of the project, there is no shortage of suspects. Throw in emotions, greed, money, and a TV crew attempting to make a documentary at all costs, into the mix, and Norman's got his hands full.

Great continuation to the series which is slightly darker than most cozies but still without the gore.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Tea Cups, Tea Roses and Death (A Knick-Knack Boutique Mystery Book 3)]]> 216476422
As Lyndy delves into the case, she uncovers threatening letters warning the victim not to pursue a new tea blend, suggesting personal sabotage. Her snooping soon implicates several suspects, including a jealous rival, an estranged relative, and a well known critic.

Lyndy's investigation leads her to track down exotic poisonous plants and analyze the financial disputes underlying the victim's ambitions to expand his tea shop empire. A tangled web of motives and secrets emerges, revealing the complexities of small-town relationships and rivalries. As Lyndy pieces together the puzzle, she finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Lyndy navigates the treacherous waters of ambition, rivalry, and family secrets, all while balancing her burgeoning romance with Cody. While Cody enjoys solving crimes with Lyndy, will she push him too far in this case?

Find out in the next installment, Tea Cups, Tea Roses & Death]]> 178 Constance Barker Joyce 4
With a rivalry with his brother Dominic and competition with another in the tea industry, there is no shortage of suspects. When the revelation of who the intended target is, it widens vs. narrows the pool of suspects. Love this twist although it did take me a little time to get up to speed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> 4.51 Tea Cups, Tea Roses and Death (A Knick-Knack Boutique Mystery Book 3)
author: Constance Barker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.51
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/05
date added: 2024/09/05
shelves:
review:
I was excited to see a cozy series of Barker's that was not paranormal. When a local tea shop owner Hugh is poisoned during the unveiling of what was supposed to be a new blend, Lyndy jumps right in to investigate.

With a rivalry with his brother Dominic and competition with another in the tea industry, there is no shortage of suspects. When the revelation of who the intended target is, it widens vs. narrows the pool of suspects. Love this twist although it did take me a little time to get up to speed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

]]> <![CDATA[Murder, Mischief, and Meringues: A Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery]]> 217907574 When Ava Sinclair discovers Hazelwood's beloved baker was killed, she ignores the skeptical sheriff and inserts herself into the case.

Ava Sinclair's life is a mess.

Her boyfriend cheated. Her career is stalled. All she has left is her PI license and a taste for misadventures.

So when she inherits a cottage in Hazelwood, Wisconsin, Ava jumps at the chance for a fresh start.

But Hazelwood's charm turns deadly when Ava finds the body of the beloved baker Agnes Pocket.

Ava ignores the grumbling sheriff and the young cop's eye rolls. She inserts herself into the case.

With the help of a sleuthy innkeeper and a chatty parrot, Ava follows clues on a series of hilarious misadventures.

Ava's quest, from chasing her dog Scout to hidden rooms, is a hilarious romp through small town quirks.

But as danger and twists rise, Ava must use her wits to unmask the killer.]]> 120 Samantha Noble Joyce 4
As a previous PI, she can't help but be drawn in to investigate on her own.

A great beginning to the series, although I did have to refresh my memory once the killer was revealed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 3.76 Murder, Mischief, and Meringues: A Hazelwood High Jinx Cozy Mystery
author: Samantha Noble
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.76
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/29
date added: 2024/08/29
shelves:
review:
When Ava Sinclair arrives in Hazelwood after inheriting her aunt's property, she is shortly welcomed with a murder mystery of the local baker.

As a previous PI, she can't help but be drawn in to investigate on her own.

A great beginning to the series, although I did have to refresh my memory once the killer was revealed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Deadly Dynasty (A Maya Rodgers Mystery Book 1)]]> 123154936 152 Lyssa Lund 1960257048 Joyce 5 4.10 Deadly Dynasty (A Maya Rodgers Mystery Book 1)
author: Lyssa Lund
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/25
date added: 2024/08/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Halloween Parade Peril (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery, #10)]]> 201006092 A spooky spectacle turns deadly when a singer’s voice is silenced forever. Does an amateur sleuth have the ghost of a chance to unmask the killer before the jack-o'-lantern’s candle is snuffed out?

Emerging antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, is excited about traveling to Ireland for a prestigious auction. Alongside her friend, Sergeant Keya Varma, Dotty revels in Dublin’s iconic sights and finds herself spellbound by haunting melodies at the Bram Stoker Festival. But a Halloween parade turns tragic when a musician’s last melody leads to his final breath. With the police operating a skeleton crew, Keya expresses grave concerns while Dotty carves up excitement at the auction, bidding for a pumpkin full of Irish treasures. But when one of their friends ends up behind bars and another confesses to the crime, this duo of detectives realises the witching hour is near. Can Dotty piece the eerie puzzle together and unveil the villain before the plot thickens like a witch’s potion?

Join Dotty and her friends in Dublin for the latest instalment of the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If a cauldron of quirky characters, bewitching puzzles, and enchanting Irish folklore is what you crave, then Victoria Tait’s spellbinding narrative will keep you captivated until the final page.]]> 204 Victoria Tait 1915413664 Joyce 4
But when her friend Sujin's bandmate is murdered, Keya jumps in to help the local police with the investigation.

Add in Irish folklore and that murder at the Parade and readers will be ready for Halloween in no time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.51 2024 Halloween Parade Peril (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery, #10)
author: Victoria Tait
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/23
date added: 2024/08/23
shelves:
review:
Even though it would be a partial work trip for Dotty to find antiques at a local auction when Keya invites her on a trip to Ireland, Keya didn't think she would have to work as well.

But when her friend Sujin's bandmate is murdered, Keya jumps in to help the local police with the investigation.

Add in Irish folklore and that murder at the Parade and readers will be ready for Halloween in no time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Buttermilk Bun Blunders (Mysteries à la Mode)]]> 216613797
With the help of her loyal assistant Dottie and her supportive partner Isaac, Francis dives into an investigation filled with quirky suspects, comedic red herrings, and unexpected twists. Can Francis uncover the truth before the festival ends, or will the mystery of the missing necklace remain unsolved?

Welcome back to Harmony Bay, where every wave brings a new twist, every bake holds a clue, and community spirit triumphs over all.]]> 92 Tammy Beck Joyce 4
I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.65 Buttermilk Bun Blunders (Mysteries à la Mode)
author: Tammy Beck
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/12
date added: 2024/08/21
shelves:
review:
Time flies as we are closer to the end of summer than the beginning. But there's still time to sit down with this short summer read as the town is getting ready for the Summer Festival and auction to raise money for a cause that is close to the Mayor's heart. When the necklace that is the centerpiece of that auction goes missing, Francis Desmarais who was in charge of it is frantic. Who would want to steal the necklace whose proceeds would benefit the entire town?

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> Rescued by the Firefighter 217591969 A new town. A new job. A new�. roommate?

My best friend told me her brother is out of town for work; I can use his place while he’s gone.

Turns out�. he’s not gone!

And I just broke into his house, with my kid in tow.

This new ‘roommate� of mine is a fireman. And a good looking one!

Maybe a little grumpy, but did I say he’s cute?

It’s too bad we both have been burned before and not looking to go down that road again.

But when things go awry, this small town really shows up, and emotions get real.

Maybe starting over is exactly what I needed; maybe what the firefighter needed too!

Are we able to find a way to extinguish the past and explore this new flame?]]> 108 Kristen Mills Joyce 5
When Emily decided to leave her chaotic life thanks to her ex-husband behind and raise her son Lucas as a single mom, she finds herself a tribe that she never knew could be possible. Between Daniel, sexy firefighter brother of her friend, Lisa herself, her new boss Lanie, and more, she knows she and her son are in good hands.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. ]]> 4.08 Rescued by the Firefighter
author: Kristen Mills
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/20
date added: 2024/08/20
shelves:
review:
A sweet bite sized romance about fresh starts and the unexpected help you never knew you needed.

When Emily decided to leave her chaotic life thanks to her ex-husband behind and raise her son Lucas as a single mom, she finds herself a tribe that she never knew could be possible. Between Daniel, sexy firefighter brother of her friend, Lisa herself, her new boss Lanie, and more, she knows she and her son are in good hands.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Tide Together (PARADISE BAY SERIES Book 7)]]> 216560932 What happens when a stressed-out bridesmaid and a laidback pilot are stranded alone together on a sun-kissed Caribbean island?

Paige Chadwick is having the worst day of her life. Her tyrant boss has made her three days late for her sister’s destination wedding trip, and now she’s stuck on the wrong Caribbean island with the wedding just hours away.

Enter Mac Gamble, a brooding yet irresistibly attractive pilot, who reluctantly agrees to get her to the church on time.

When a fast-moving storm leaves them stranded on a deserted island, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive. As they navigate their new surroundings, tempers flare and an undeniable attraction grows.

Amidst the stunning sunsets and white sand beaches, Paige starts to see that underneath Mac’s gruff exterior is a heart of gold.

Can these two opposites find a love as deep as the ocean, or will their differences stir up a hurricane of heartbreak?

Tide Together is a STAND-ALONE hilarious and heartwarming, banter-filled tale of two complete opposites stranded together in a tropical paradise.

WHAT TO
Opposites attract
Stranded together on a tropical island
Forced proximity/only one bed
Fish out of water
Deliciously witty banter
A whole lot of tension, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice]]> 320 Melanie Summers 1988891906 Joyce 5
She has readers rooting for her main characters and although it is a happily ever after romance, there is always an underlying lesson as Paige realizes her worth and value through her time with Mac. During their time together with no outside distractions, she lets go of being at the beck and call of her boss (Guy Time) and the image expected that is placed on her by her rich family.

It makes me yearn for the simple things like swinging on a hammock, enjoying dinner al fresco together and playing board games.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.49 Tide Together (PARADISE BAY SERIES Book 7)
author: Melanie Summers
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/19
date added: 2024/08/20
shelves:
review:
Summers is appropriately named as she is my Queen of Clean Beach Reads that is more Hallmark movie vs. Hilderbrand's soap opera.

She has readers rooting for her main characters and although it is a happily ever after romance, there is always an underlying lesson as Paige realizes her worth and value through her time with Mac. During their time together with no outside distractions, she lets go of being at the beck and call of her boss (Guy Time) and the image expected that is placed on her by her rich family.

It makes me yearn for the simple things like swinging on a hammock, enjoying dinner al fresco together and playing board games.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Slice Of Murder (Riverton Cozy Mystery, #1)]]> 213606959 The pizza shop became a blur . . . Mrs. Jenkins? Murdered?!
Secrets, sauce, and suspicion . . .
Only problem? Everyone is a suspect!

Everyone knows everyone’s business.
Who’s concealing truths untold?
I must find out who killed sweet Mrs. Jenkins.

Was her antique shop a key?
Someone from the Book Club?
Something else lurking way beneath the surface?

What am I missing?
The more I discover, the deeper I get.
Ellie, my truest friend, and Sherlock, with his soulful eyes and happy wags, together will help me wade through these webs of deceit.

But just when I’m close to cracking the case, a lead has me questioning everything I thought I knew.
]]> 46 Tabitha Barrows Joyce 1 2.91 A Slice Of Murder (Riverton Cozy Mystery, #1)
author: Tabitha Barrows
name: Joyce
average rating: 2.91
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2024/08/13
date added: 2024/08/13
shelves:
review:
This story feels so disjointed as it opens with a dead body already but no background leading up to it or while a pizza owner would be involved with the investigation. By the time you get to the ending, I still don't really know what the motive is and what was the big secret that led to her finding the killer. Why was the killer such a big surprise and why did he do it? Very unsatisfied.
]]> <![CDATA[Raspberry Tart Murder: Beneath The Layer Of Deception]]> 216367335 Someone is found dead after sampling her famous raspberry tarts.

Now her Bakery Is a crime scene, she is the prime suspect and now she must navigate through a series of red herrings and sift through a menu of suspects, including her rival baker, a scorned former employee, and a jealous food blogger with a taste for vengeance.

With flirtatious advances from the lead Detective and friendships being tested, Emma must use her culinary skills to bake up the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Secrets unfold and tensions rise, Emma races against time to unmask the real killer and clear her name, all while running her bakery and dodging the meddling police .]]> 40 R.S. Brown Joyce 4 3.60 Raspberry Tart Murder: Beneath The Layer Of Deception
author: R.S. Brown
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/12
date added: 2024/08/12
shelves:
review:
Bite sized cozy that you can finish in one sitting as readers guess along with Emma as she tries to clear her name when harsh food critic Greg Stanton dies after eating one of her tarts. He definitely does not have a shortage of enemies due to his professional life, but it is something darker in his personal one that did him in?
]]> <![CDATA[How to Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend]]> 214860482 Will a mountainside rescue with this off-limits man turn to romance?

Being bossed around by my brother’s best friend was never part of the plan.
Risking my life on a mountain?
Also, not part of the plan.

For months now, we had no idea where my best friend’s husband ran off.
But his daughter’s health was on the line.
I needed to find him and drag him home!

What I didn’t expect to find was feelings for someone.
Are the feelings enough to uproot both of our lives?]]> 42 Kristen Mills Joyce 5
Everyone has issues that only they themselves can understand and when soldiers come home different than when they left, it adds a whole new layer of complexity. But with the love and support of those who love you, the future you thought it out of your reach all of a sudden looks promising.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.]]> 4.21 How to Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend
author: Kristen Mills
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/09
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
A bite sized uplifting romance of family, perseverance, and healing.

Everyone has issues that only they themselves can understand and when soldiers come home different than when they left, it adds a whole new layer of complexity. But with the love and support of those who love you, the future you thought it out of your reach all of a sudden looks promising.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Say Cheese and Die Laughing (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #2)]]> 214555821 A dead comedian, a town full of secrets, and one woman determined to uncover the truth—at any cost.

In the quaint coastal town of Whispering Haven, widow Carol Riddick has settled into a quiet routine, finding solace in her photography and the support of close friends. But when her best friend convinces her to attend a comedy show at the local theater, Carol is thrust into a night far from the lighthearted fun she expected. The laughter abruptly ends when one of the comedians is found dead in an alley, leaving the entire audience in shock.

Amid the chaos, Carol's instincts kick in, and she snaps a few quick photos of the scene. Little does she know that these pictures may hold the key to unraveling a twisted mystery. As whispers of jealousy, secrets, and grudges swirl around town, Carol can't resist digging deeper into the case, especially when the local authorities seem stumped.

But the closer she gets to uncovering the truth, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. Someone in Whispering Haven doesn’t want the truth to come out—and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep Carol from exposing their deadly secret. Will Carol’s sharp eye for detail help her catch the killer, or will her amateur sleuthing make her the next victim in this chilling tale?

Discover the twists and turns in this gripping cozy mystery, where every snapshot could be Carol’s last.

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, a curious cat with 9 lives and a gripping murder mystery, then you’ll love Carol Riddick and all the quirky characters in Whispering Haven.

***No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!***

Get your copy of Say Cheese and Die Laughing and see how events unfold in this cozy mystery.]]> 148 Ruth Baker Joyce 5
A clean bite sized cozy that you can easily finish in one or two sittings.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.]]> 4.72 Say Cheese and Die Laughing (Whispering Haven Cozy Mystery #2)
author: Ruth Baker
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.72
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/08
date added: 2024/08/08
shelves:
review:
It is no laughing matter when Carol is convinced to attend a comedy show with her friend Sarah Jean at the Laughing House. Between the unfunny last act to the stabbing of a talent scout upon leaving, you would think she would get out of there. However, her curiosity and experience with a previous case has her taking pictures instead which she hopes will come in handy upon review.

A clean bite sized cozy that you can easily finish in one or two sittings.

I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Dicing with Death - Readers Club]]> 61117935
8:10 a.m. on 15th August 1970. They’ve been in Paris only 12 hours. Lianna is locked up in jail, charged with murder. Màiri is being hunted by murderous criminals. She never dreamt that travelling outside Scotland would be so dangerous. Will Màiri ever again see her comfy home in Merrylea, her loving sisters Morag and Katriona, her schoolboy nephew Niall?

Major Ellis Peverel seldom leaves Màiri's side. Respected by the Paris police, shrouded in secrets, who is this man? Is he a true friend to Màiri, or does he have an agenda of his own?

Who really killed the corrupt taxman for whose death Lianna has been framed? Màiri has only 6 days to find the murderer. Can she free Lianna in time? Or must she choose between her friend's freedom and her own livelihood� if she’s still alive.]]> Kate Darroch Joyce 3 3.88 2022 Dicing with Death - Readers Club
author: Kate Darroch
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/02/06
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:
Mairi and Lianne's adventure begins when Ms. Maguire decides to take a job in Instanbul to prove that she can be adventurous while at the same time avoid a dicey personal situation at home. During a chosen weeklong layover stop in Paris, Lianne is accused of murder and arrested when her passport goes missing. Be aware that this is only the first part so you will be left hanging if you only have this edition.
]]> <![CDATA[Hiss Me Deadly (Cat in the Stacks, #15)]]> 58551445
Charlie Harris remembers Wilfred “Wil� Threadgill as one of the outsiders during high school in Athena. Although Wil was a couple of years ahead of him and his friend Melba Gilley, Melba had a big crush on Wil, who dropped out after his junior year. An aspiring musician, Wil hit the road for California and never looked back. Wil eventually became a star, fronting a band and writing award-winning songs.

Coming back to Athena to work for two weeks with students in the college music department, Wil is now the big man on campus. Not everyone is happy to have him back, however. His entourage have been the target of several acts of petty harassment. At first they are easy for Wil to shrug off, but the incidents escalate and become more troubling. When one of the band members is killed Charlie worries that Melba, now deeply involved with the man at the center of the attacks, could be in deadly danger. It is up to Charlie and Diesel to find out who hates Wil Threadgill enough to silence his song � forever!]]> 304 Miranda James 0593199502 Joyce 4
Unlike most cozies where the lead is a woman, having a male one is a refreshing change. When Wil a former fellow student from Charlie's high school returns to town and his best friend Melba is smitten with him, he becomes protective of her especially when someone close to him ends up dead. ]]> 4.24 2023 Hiss Me Deadly (Cat in the Stacks, #15)
author: Miranda James
name: Joyce
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/07
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:
Although this is my first book that I'm reading in the series, it can definitely be a standalone book as I did not feel like I was missing anything.

Unlike most cozies where the lead is a woman, having a male one is a refreshing change. When Wil a former fellow student from Charlie's high school returns to town and his best friend Melba is smitten with him, he becomes protective of her especially when someone close to him ends up dead.
]]> <![CDATA[Death Unfiltered (A Ground Rules Mystery #4)]]> 181037563
Ground Rules isn’t the only newcomer set to open in Portland’s grand new Button Building. Fortunately, most of the fellow micro-restaurant owners and patrons are great—w¾±³Ù³ó two exceptions. There’s Rose, a true-crime podcaster and active TikToker who’s pestering Sage for an interview about her estranged con-artist mother; and Bianca, the familiar and perpetually unpleasant owner of Breakfast Bandits. Bianca is abrasive to everyone, so Sage doesn’t feel singled out. . . . Until Bianca falls dead at the building’s grand opening—a to-go cup of Ground Rules coffee in her hand. Laced with Ketamine, also known as Special K.

It doesn’t help that just before she collapsed, Bianca was publicly rude to Sage. Or that Bianca’s boyfriend points the police toward Sage. Or that Rose, still hung up on investigating Sage’s mom, has declared she’ll solve the murder. Now it will be up to Sage to sift through a complex blend of motives, blackmail, and old and new rivalries to get to the truth of a very bitter brew . . .]]> 256 Emmeline Duncan 1496744896 Joyce 3 3.85 Death Unfiltered (A Ground Rules Mystery #4)
author: Emmeline Duncan
name: Joyce
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/07/29
date added: 2024/07/29
shelves:
review:

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