A Spirited Blend

A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Book 3

Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    1496735226

Kensington Cozies

288 Pages

(Price TBA) $12.99 Amazon

March 25, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With Halloween around the corner, Shay Myers is brewing witchy seasonal sips at Crystals & CuriosiTEAS -- while simultaneously steaming over pub owner Liam Madigan's decision to take anybody but her to the town/s Monster Mash dance.  Her romantic premonitions have missed the mark since she settled into coastal Bray Harbor, opening the door to questions about whether she's really the gifted seer her late mother imagined.  It's why she second guesses the dark vision in her tea leaves about a local citizen and their obsession with genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic.

But when bad omens come true, Shay doesn't have time for self-doubt.  A woman's body has been discovered, frozen in a strange pose with an eerie black butterfly on her forehead, leading to suspicions that the victim took a conjuring ritual too far due to limited experience -- or was murdered by someone with too much.  As an investigation stirs up a sinister connection to a boardwalk mystic shop, Shay, guided by her knowing dog, Spirit, finds herself tracking down a shady figure from her past, navigating the sudden reappearance of her ex-husband, and chasing down a wickedly perceptive criminal who might finally be her match!

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When Shay Myers began her day, she didn't expect pub owner (and secret crush) Liam Madigan to come running to her for advice on his love life (again).  In fact, she's so tired of it she sends him away, but he thinks she's just having a bad day and will get over it.  But it's not the day that has her bothered.  It's the visions she's been having.  And when a local citizen steps in for a tea reading, Shay can't believe what she sees -- or hears.  The woman thinks they might be related, even though Shay tells her it's not really possible.  But the woman persists, and shows Shay an object she found among her mother's possessions.  Not able to completely convince her, Shay sends her off, and then worries about what she's seen in the tea leaves. Asking the help of Liam's wise Irish Gram, she fears the worst.  

But then her ex-husband and his new wife appear in town, telling her they've bought a local winery that was for sale.  As if things couldn't get worse, she finds they do.  A friend-turned-enemy has opened a rival shop, and someone else shows up, who's willing to do her harm.  Now, with visions that only spell possible doom, how can she find the truth?  Then someone is murdered nearby, and she's not sure if even Gram can help her with this one...

This is the third entry in this series, and I do believe it is the best one yet.  While I have loved this author's other series as well, I am tending to love this one even more.  I am so over tales of witches, vampires, and werewolves; but a series about a seer is indeed unique, and the story line behind all this makes it believable as well.

Shay didn't always know she was one; she discovered it after her return to Bray Harbor when her marriage and life fell apart.  In this book she is beginning to understand more, not only about herself, but also having ideas, with the help of Liam, of what happened to her before (I cannot say more as it will give away too much of the book).  Suffice it to say, it gives an opening for future books, and also gives us a glimpse of Shay's past, not counting her Irish heritage.

Finding a killer isn't going to be easy, especially once she learns her nemesis has arrived in town, and the fact that her now-enemy might be involved.  It's good she has Spirit to protect her, she needs him more than ever.  There is plenty going on here, not only with Halloween, but with Shay trying to keep her business open, trying to figure out what is going on with her ex, and, of course, trying to find a killer. 

The ending is surprising, which is how it should be; the climax is stirring, but nevertheless a tad sad.  Yet there is more to come, and I eagerly await the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DB3N3CLQ?ref_=dbs

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6931622610

More on Lauren Elliott's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/e/lauren-elliott/

Murder In an Irish Garden

An Irish Village Mystery Book 11

Author:    Carlene O'Connor

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744456

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$27.00; $13.77 Amazon

February 25, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Everything's coming up roses for garda Siobhan and the rest of the O'Sullivan family in quaint Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland -- until a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.

While Siobhan studies for her Detective Sergeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O'Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane's Top Garden Contest to boost business.  But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs.  His new partner's unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents -- and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.

A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display.  But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.

Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners.  And with another golden statue found in Eoin's garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify.  As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it's up to quick-witted Siobhan and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty party's identity...before the competition buries another victim.

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First off, I have to say that the blurb isn't completely accurate as to the action in the book.  Eoin is never suspected of anything, even though Cassidy's garden is to be behind his new restaurant.  He's too busy focusing on that than to notice much of anything else.

But back to the book -- There's a new gardener in town to enter the yearly local gardening contest, and the other gardeners are not happy about it.  Cassidy left town many years ago, and is now a winning garden designer.  Why she should want to enter is anyone's guess.  But soon, an intrepid local reporter named Molly susses it out, and the other gardeners aren't happy/  When someone is killed during the competition, and vandalism occurs, garda O'Sullivan and her husband, Detective Macdara, are on the case trying to figure it out.  A killer is loose, and the last thing they want is for someone else to be murdered...

This is the eleventh book in the series, and I have been watching Siobhan and her siblings as they grow and create new lives for themselves.  They began years ago as orphans, and Siobhan refused to allow them to separate and took on the responsibility of raising them.  Now, the six each have their own lives, and she has a hard time letting go.  But she discovers that time doesn't stop, not even for a killer.  When the person turns up dead, Siobhan doesn't know who is involved.  It could be anyone -- a rival gardener, a crew member, local merchants, or even the reporter.  But where does she start to decipher clues -- if she has any at all?

This book is wonderful.  I did figure out a few things before our protagonist, but that doesn't matter as while reading it, it comes more convoluted and the clues are harder to find.  What we have is a medley of suspects who all might have had reason to kill -- but learning the truth is going to be harder than she ever expected.

She's also dealing with personal problems, but refuses to allow it to get in the way of her case.  Studying to be a detective might be hard, but this takes priority right now.  Even Eoin's wonderful food can't turn her away from what is going on around her.

When Siobhan stumbles across the truth, she is stunned, and even Macdara thinks the answer is fiendish.  But they press on and in the climax they confront who is responsible, and it's even sadder than one might think; mainly because it's a tad insane.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Irish-Garden-Village-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D45ZYTDF/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6921167140

More on Carlene O'Connor's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/o/carlene-oconnor/

Virginia Bruce

Under My Skin

Author:    Scott O'Brien

Genre:     Biography/Entertainment

Hardcover; Digital Book (Paperback Available)

ISBN #:    9781629330273

BearManor Media

504 Pages

$43.14; $9.95 Amazon

October 8, 2008

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Born to Dance (1936), Virginia Bruce tempted James Stewart while introducing Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin."  Thyat same year she dazzled as the archtypical showgirl in the Oscar-winning "The Great Ziegfeld."  Fans and critics saw her poied for major stardom at MGM.

Delve into her turbulent life and career.  In James Robert Parish's Foreword, he notes Virginia's quiet charisma, the haunted, distracted lookj of her eyes, her vibrant voice, and her "off screen life...far more exciting and exotic than any role she experienced on camera." 

Love was very important to Virginia.  She fell hard for screen idol John Gilbert during their filming of Downstairs (1932).  When the virile, yet deeply troubled Gilbert proposed marriage, Hollywood held its collective breath.  The merger ended in divorce, but provided the basis for the Selznick's A Star Is Born (1937).  Virginia's career took off, but the question was, "Did Louis B. Mayer have it in for her?"  Mayer had hated Gilbert.  After a brief, idyllic, yet tragic second marriage to director-producer J. Walter Ruben, Virginia's career focused more on radio, and an occasional "B" film.  Her marriage to a young Turk, Ali Ipar in 1946 provided another unusual twist to Virginia's life, and ultimately a bittersweet ending.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

I love classic films and own thousands of them.  I also read as many of the Golden Age of Hollywood biographies that I can find, and own hundreds.  When I saw this one of Virginia Bruce, I knew I had to read it.  I also think that Scott O'Brien is a wonderful biographer.  He does his research, and he never diminishes his subject, nor shows disdain for them.  His biographies are honest, warts and all.  Which made me rather sad to read this, but nevertheless happy that I did.

I love Virginia Bruce.  Her voice, her stature.  I think she was one of the great natural beauties of Hollywood.  But above all -- those sleepy eyes.  Her eyes were most expressive, and as much a part of her beauty as anything else.  It is what drew me first when I saw her in a film with Ricardo Cortez (another actor I am fond of).

Virginia never put her career first in her life.  She wanted love, and she fell hard for silent actor John Gilbert.  He had a wonderful smile, and charisma on screen.  Off screen, he'd been married three times, and Virginia was his fourth wife.  She'd loved him when she first met him when they were working on a film together, and married him without hesitation.  Unfortunately, John had his own demons he could not fight, including the fact that his wife's star was rising while his was fading.  Even after the birth of their daughter, Susan Ann, John couldn't think of anything but his career.  This was his own downfall.  

When they divorced, Virginia was crushed.  But his death soon after left her with more than just memories.  Their daughter became her whole life, and she would dedicate it to Susan Ann, even at the cost of her career.  Virginia could have been a greater star if she had pushed a bit, but she didn't like contention and took the roles offered to her.  While they may seem insignificant by today's standards, watch the films.  She is mesmerizing in her performances.  

Virginia found love again with J. Walter Ruben; they fell in love while on the set of another of her films which he was directing, and she married him as soon as it was completed.  Her life, it seemed, had taken another turn, and she was finally happy, welcoming a son, Christopher Ruben.  Although her happiness wasn't to last.

When she fell in love with Turk Ali Ipar, it was a mistake; but Virginia would not hear anyone telling her so.  In my opinion, this man was a scoundrel.  He destroyed her life and she was never the same again.  In the quest for love, Virginia found the ultimate heartbreak, although she would never describe it the way I have, nor the way Mr. O'Brien has categorized it.  He did not offer any judgement; but I have no such qualms.  Ipar was exactly as I described him, and Virginia would have been a much more well-known star without him.  She could have soared, but didn't.

In the end, her life did leave a legacy with her films.  If you have not seen any of them, I urge you to do so.  She deserves at least this.  Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Virginia-Bruce-Under-My-Skin-ebook/dp/B07354WNXQ/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6866073065

More on Scott O'Brien's Books:    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-OBrien/author/B002BLLB6I?ref=

The Wedding Cake Conundrum

An Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery Book 15

Author:    Ruth Baker

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798340155962; 9798340154934

Clean Tales Publishing

193 Pages

$18.99; $9.99; $2.99 Amazon

September 27, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

As wedding bells chime in Ivy Creek, amateur sleuth and baker extraordinaire, Lucy Hale, should be reveling in marital bliss.  She's looking forward to changes in her life and the political landscape in her small town.

However, when a charismatic politician turns up dead, the town's tranquility crumbles faster than a poorly baked souffle.

With her fiance, the deputy sheriff, under the spotlight as a prime suspect, Lucy takes it upon herself to sift through the floury mess of clues.  But as she follows the trail of breadcrumbs, she discovers a rival far closer to home -- her soon-to-be sister-in-law, vying for the title of wedding cake baker, despite a dearth of baking prowess.

Caught between solving a murder and thwarting her sister-in-law's meddling, Lucy must tread carefully.

Will she untangle the twisted threads of deception in time to salvage her happily ever after, or will she become the killer's next target, her dreams of wedded bliss crumbling like a poorly constructed cake.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Lucy Hale owns her late parents' bakery in the small town of Ivy Creek.  After some years away, she's finally found what she's been looking for, and is finally happy.  Especially since she's marrying her high school boyfriend, Taylor, who's a police deputy running for sheriff.  Only two things stand in her way of true happiness:  Taylor's sister Kayla, who took some cooking classes and thinks the perfect gift would be to cater their wedding.  Although Lucy is horror stricken, she can't let on and hopes that maybe her Aunt Tricia and herself can steer the woman away.

The second is that Taylor has a rival, an out-of-towner who is also running for sheriff, and isn't above pulling dirty tricks to get the job.  While Taylor doesn't seem too concerned, an incident occurs that angers him and is, unfortunately, causing a problem.

When Lucy stumbles across a dead body, it suddenly amplifies their problems, and Taylor must step away from it, confined to desk duty.  But Lucy, being who she is, decides to try and figure out who the killer is, because she's determined that her wedding will occur on time.  If she can stay alive long enough to be part of it...

This is the fifteenth book in the series, and I have read them all.  The reason I gave four stars instead of five is because of a scene where the news shows a story that has obviously been edited.  No news outlet would do this unless they wanted to get sued.  Details are important.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this tale, finally seeing that Lucy is going to tie the knot with Taylor.  There is enough going on in the backstory to keep you interested.  But just like Lucy, I don't really care for Kayla.  I love cats, and cats know!...

The mystery is woven well into the story, and the plot was very well done.  I enjoyed this one more than the others, and that's saying a lot, since I enjoyed the others as well.  I would definitely recommend this tale to anyone.

https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Cake-Conundrum-Creek-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CXF5TWRJ/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6885606634

More on Ruth Baker's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/ruth-baker/

Black Cat Comes Back

The Accidental Ghost Detective Prequel

Author:    Emmie Lyn

Genre:     Mystery/Paranormal

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0CW1H2BJN

Tule Publishing

83 Pages

$.99 Amazon

September 23, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'm Audrey Fernsby, just a ghost of my former self floating around Moonlight Mansion in Frog Hollow, Georgia.  My death was ruled accidental...but nothing is farther from the truth.

When my precious black cat, Mocha, returns on the same night that two friends, Tilly and Sunny, arrive from Maine, I plan to out my ghostly self and enlist their clever sleuthing capabilities.

Mocha knows the truth but can she help catch the killer before someone else ends up dead in my rose bushes?

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Audrey Fernsby is -- was -- the owner of Moonlight Mansion B&B in Frog Hollow, Georgia.  That's before someone unceremoniously did away with her one night about a month ago.  But her friend Tilly, and Tilly's friend, Sunny, don't know that.  Tilly has been summoned by a letter from Audrey -- whom she hadn't heard from in years -- asking for help.  Unfortunately, they've arrived too late.  But still early enough to help Audrey, who's a ghost.

Yes, a ghost, who has been waiting for them, so she can ask their help in discovering who killed her.  The people who were there that fateful night will be once again with them for the reading of the will.  And it's not going to be pretty...

I usually don't read prequels (for my own reasons), but this one had me interested, and since I love the series, I thought I'd give it a shot.  I wasn't really surprised at the writing, since Ms. Lyn is a talented writer; but the contents are what I found intriguing.  

Moonlight Mansion is described in detail, as is part of Audrey's life we don't get to see in the future books, as she's, well, a ghost.  But it gives insight as well on her friend Birdie, and now Tilly.  I'd love to hear more about that ocean voyage so long ago, but that's for another time.

Audrey's cat Mocha has been missing since Audrey died, but shows up when the two women arrive.  And of all things, loves to spend time with Sunny, which is strange because no one but Audrey could touch her.  And Mocha knows who the killer is.  So now the three women must try and ferret out a killer, using only their wits, which, luckily, are aplenty...

This was a delightful read, and I enjoyed it very much.  The ending was unexpected, and I will say no more than that since this is a short book, but worth it all.  If you haven't read the Accidental Ghost Detective series, you should do so, and this book will send you on your way.  Highly recommended.

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I was given a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout, but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Comes-Accidental-Ghost-Detective-ebook/dp/B0CW1H2BJN/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6874968121

More on Emmie Lyn's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/emmie-lyn/

Murder at a Scottish Christmas

A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 6

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744395

Kensington Cozies

320 Pages

$17.95; $9.99 Amazon

September 24, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All Paislee wants for Christmas is for her new home to be finished, but it looks like she'll have to wait for New Year's Day.  Whether the paint on the walls has dried or not, she'll host a feast for her twelve-year-old son Brody, Grandpa, their black Scottish terrier Wallace, and friends -- including police station receptionist Amelia Henry and her brother McCormac, whose black locks can fulfill the Scottish first-footer tradition that a tall, dark-haired man should be the first person to enter your home on New Year's to bring good luck.

But McCormac's luck is about to run out.  During Hogmanay -- when the Scots welcome the New Year with dancing, bonfires, and midnight fireworks -- he collapses as the sky brightens in a blaze of color.  A shooter has used the noise of the fireworks to hide a gun's blast.  Amelia is inconsolable, and Paislee vows to do whatever she can to help DI Zeffer solve the murder -- even if it puts her in the killer's sights next.

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Paislee Shaw owns Cashmere Crush, a yarn shop in Scotland.  She lives with her young son Brody, her Grandpa, and their Scottish terrier Wallace.  Since a pipe burst in her home leaving her with an unusable house, she's been staying in her best friend Lydia's condo.  But it's the holidays, and she wants to be back in her own home for Christmas.  But it can't be done until the repairs are finished -- so she'll just have to make do.  

So she decides to have Christmas dinner at a local hotel, and invites her friend, police receptionist, Amelia Henry, to join her.  Amelia shows up with her brother McCormac, who's come from Ireland to see her.  It's obvious he's more than a little drunk, it's no hardship when he leaves early.

Fortunately, Lydia was able to offer incentive to the workers and Paislee is thrilled with her new kitchen.  So much so, she'll be able to offer the traditional buffet feast to friends and family.  But Hogmanay night -- New Year's Eve -- McCormac collapses, and everyone thinks he's just drunk.  Except he's not.  And now Amelia wants Paislee to find out who did this to McCormac, because she's been placed on leave from the station due to McCormac being her brother.  Can Paislee find the killer?  Or will it be something else that leads her to the truth?...

This is the sixth book in the series and I've enjoyed them all.  The first one was a tad confusing, with the Scottish dialect, but I've picked up on what the words mean in English, so it's a breeze to get through (Scotland, here I come!).  There are two plots in this tale -- one, the death of McCormac, and two, the pups that he gave to his sister and family as Christmas presents.  I will say no more on the subject, as giving too much away (what I've said in the beginning is done early on), and I will not spoil the book for others.

Paislee tries to keep out of the investigation, but Amelia is desperate on two counts, and unfortunately, Paislee is drawn in once again to a murder investigation.  There is also the problem of Hamish, who wants to keep seeing Paislee, and DI Zeffer, who is causing problems for her in more ways than one.

The clues are there along the way, but not easy to find; I appreciate this as I love nothing more than working my brain to put the puzzle together to find answers.  The murderer is indeed a surprise; again, another thing I truly enjoyed.  The ending comes together beautifully, and I will say that I hope things go in the direction that I think they are leading to.  A terrific cozy for Christmas, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review,

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Christmas-Shire-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CR712ZJT/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6865259755

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

The Pomegranate Gate

The Mirror Realm Cycle Book 1

Author:    Ariel Kaplan

Genre:     Fantasy

Hardcover; Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781645660576; 9781645660941

Erewhon Books

576 Pages

$15.46; $22.57; $14.54 Amazon

September 26, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Toba Peres can speak, but not shout; sleep, but not dream.  She can write with both hands at once, in different languages, but she keeps her talents hidden at her grandparents' behest.

Naftaly Cresques sees things that aren't real, and dreams things that are.  Always the family disappointment, Naftaly would still risk his life to honor his father's last wishes.

After the Queen demands every Jew convert or face banishment, Toba and Naftaly are among thousands of Jews who flee their homes.  Defying royal orders to abandon all possessions, Toba keeps an amulet she must never take off.  Naftaly smuggles a centuries-old book he's forbidden to read.  But the Inquisition is hunting these particular treasures -- and they're not hunting alone.

Toba stumbles through a pomegranate grove into the mirror realm of the Mazik: mythical, terrible immortals with an Inquisition of their own, equally cruel and even more powerful.  With the Mazik kingdoms in political turmoil, this Inquisition readies its bid to control both realms.

In each world, Toba and Naftaly must evade both Inquisitions long enough to unravel the connection between their family heirlooms and the realm of the Mazik.  Their fates are tied to this strange place, and it's up to them to save it.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

I must say that I am not a huge fan of fantasies, but I decided to read this anyway.  It is a story of two remarkable individuals who are brought together by fate; two worlds that are connected by a pomegranate gate.  Two people who are Jewish and refuse to give up their religion, and two people who have powers that they have not been able to use.  It is these connections which create the story and tell the tale.

Toba and Naftaly are only in the beginning of their journey to find out where they belong.  They are facing two separate Inquisitions from two different worlds, and yet, even though each faces their own trials, somehow they manage to make a difference in these worlds.

This is a complicated book with many characters, and the POV is from both Toba's and Naftaly's.  I liked a lot of this book, but of course, I hate cliffhangers, and since this is Book One, I knew first off that it would have one.  It is a large book (576 pages) so going in I knew it would take a while.  That said, there were pros and cons, but I managed to get through it regardless.

For a fantasy, the book is written well.  The fact that both characters are Jewish is something different, but it is written in just that manner.  It is a dark book, but the words flow off the page; it is a book about magic and other things, and it crosses the realms easily.

For the most part, I enjoyed reading this.  The characters were exactly as they were supposed to be; and the ending gives you enough to know what the second book will be.

I won this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review. 

https://www.amazon.com/Pomegranate-Gate-Mirror-Realm-Cycle-ebook/dp/B0BVP71HMD/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5654367611

More on Ariel Kaplan's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/k/ariel-kaplan/