A Case of Garden Bones (Willow Cove Mysteries, Book 1)

Author:    Lily Rose Lane

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0BSTBT91N

Whiskered Mysteries

176 Pages

$2.99 Amazon

January 30, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aubrey Rose here.  After three short years of marriage, I'm single and back in Willow Cove...living with my mother as co-owner of a bed and breakfast.

I knew there would be surprises in store but the handyman's dog unearthing human bones in the rose garden wasn't on my list.  The town police chief isn't concerned about the remains and the locals aren't talking.

The handyman, Gavin, is my only help in solving this mystery.

As we dig up new clues, more town secrets are revealed,  Maybe these bones, and the enigma surrounding them, should have remained buried.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Aubrey Rose, after three short years of marriage to a cheating husband, returns home to Willow Cove, Georgia, to help her widowed mother run the town's B&B.  When their handyman Gavin's dog Curly digs up some bones in the rose garden, they discover they're human.  But when the sheriff doesn't seem to care about the case, the two decide to form a partnership to find out who was killed and why.  After all, if it wasn't murder, why would they be buried there?

But no one in town seems to know who they are, and if they do, they aren't telling Aubrey.  So they take what little clues they have, and try to find out the truth.  Aubrey also discovers that the handyman she thought she hated isn't so bad, and they have more in common than she could ever have imagined...

This is the first book in a new series, and I must say that I enjoyed it quite a bit.  Ms. Lane is a talented writer, and she's given her first turn in the cozy mystery genre an interesting twist.  Yes, the protagonist has returned home penniless and in need, but the mystery is gleaning clues throughout the book, and using each one to fill out the truth.

It's a fun read, and I'm glad I had the chance to read it.  The beginning of this series gives the murder a twist that no one might have seen coming (I only did because I read a lot of these); and is worth sitting down and taking a chance on this book.  I look forward to the next in the series.  Recommended.

I was given an advance copy through the author and Booksprout, but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Garden-Bones-Willow-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0BSTBT91N/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5311674218

More on Lily Rose Lane's Books:    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lily-Rose-Lane/author/B09TJXBNVN?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref

Irish Knit Murder (A Knit and Nibble Mystery Book 9)

Author:    Peggy Ehrhart

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496738851

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$8.99; $6.99 Amazon

February 21, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A member of a prominent New Jersey family has been found dead on St. Patrick's Day -- and Pamela Paterson and her knitting club have a parade of suspects...

The Listers have been part of Arborville society for generations -- though seventy-something Isobel Lister doesn't fit the role of upper-crust heiress.  She's always been a colorful character, and her fun-loving spirit is on display at the senior center celebration as she performs some beloved Irish songs.  But just minutes later, her body is found backstage.

It's hard to imagine who'd target such a harmless eccentric, but Pamela finds herself suspecting everyone.  There's the Wiccan who thought St. Patrick wasn't so saintly, the woman upset about cultural appropriation who feels the commercialization of shamrocks is a sham; the two men Isobel was seeing who could have been green with jealousy -- and old friends and family who may have feared Isobel would spill their secrets.  But Pamela's on the case, and that means for the killer, the jig will soon be up...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

When Pamela attends a senior luncheon with her best friend Bettina, who is a journalist, she expects a pleasant afternoon eating and watching entertainment.  But then a lively senior, Isobel Lister, enters the room and starts singing, and things change.  Pamela notices that not everyone is enjoying the entertainment, and one woman even walks out.  

When the hostess goes to find ISobel, she comes back almost immediately with the news that Isobel is dead.  Who could have killed her?  And why?  When Bettina convinces Pamela that they must at least investigate, they discover that the Lister family might be hiding secret, and those secrets got Isobel killed.  But with so many suspects, how is Pamela going to figure out who killed the woman?  Will she be able to find a killer, or will they celebrate the holiday by getting away with murder?...

This is the ninth book in the series and I have read them all.  I've enjoyed most of them, too; quite a bit.  But there are things that have finally begun to irritate me.  There is too much repetition.  We already know Pamela insists on using her wedding china.  It doesn't have to be repeated every time she has a cup of coffee.  Same with Bettina's "sage green pottery," "whole wheat bread." and what is a 'serviceable compact?'  This could be what women keep in their purses to check their lipstick.  Why not just call it a car?   I do realize she is trying to acquaint new readers of these things, but they are not needed to be said every time she does something.  Unless she uses other plates, we don't need to hear of making whole wheat toast and putting it on wedding china.  I have ceramic hand-made dishes, but I don't tout it to everyone who will listen.  It's just gotten very annoying.

Sorry about the rant, but most of the book seemed to involve Pamela's day-to-day routine, with not as much attention to the mystery.  When she did, though, it kept me reading, and when the murderer was discovered it was a surprise, which is what a mystery should do.  There were clues, but many more red herrings.  The writing was very good, and I liked the fact that Pamela is finally trying to change her outlook on certain things.  (I will not say so as not to spoil the book for others).  Other than that, I enjoyed the book and will keep reading the series.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Knit-Murder-Nibble-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B359W341/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5303237020

More on Peggy Ehrhart's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/e/peggy-ehrhart/

Claw of Attraction (The Crystal Beach Mystery Series #2)

Author:    Karen McSpade

Genre:     Mystery/Serials

Digital Book

ASIN #    B0BPJLBHZP

Newcastle Media

84 Pages

$.99 Amazon

January 24, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sidney Grace is trying to adjust to her new life in Crystal Beach, Florida which comes with a whole new set of challenges.  Mainly, what is she going to do to support herself now and how long can she stay illegally parked at the beach?  The handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches.  But these aren't even her biggest troubles.

For starters, her mom, the Tupperware Queen, is headed down for a surprise visit...to look at buying her own property in Crystal Beach.  After all, who else is going to protect Sidney from hr magic-wielding grandmother?  Cue the funeral march on Sidney's phone.  Now she must contend with a pushy realtor, her crazy new boss, a botched mini-golf tournament, and her talking cat, while secretly unlocking her own magic.

As she opens her mind to her psychic powers to help the residents at Shifting Sands, Sidney discovers a second chance for love, but her heart is pulling her in two different directions, and one direction could very well be deadly.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Sidney Grace came to Florida to help her grandmother.  Once that problem was solved, she discovered another: she can see ghosts -- specifically, at least, her own grandfather.  Once the big problem at Shifting Sands retirement community was out of the way, she's now faced with the problem of finding a job and a place to live.  After all, she can't live on the beach forever, can she?  While she sorts that out, two more problems arrive:  her controlling mother comes to visit, determined to find a place to live, and getting her grandmother out of Shifting Sands.  Then she comes across an old boyfriend, and discovers that she might have feelings for him.

But before anything can be sorted out, the mini-golf tournament gets halted with the discovery of a dead body.  And her mother suddenly changes, and Sidney's convinced she's under a spell.  Is anything ever going to go her way?  And did I mention that one of her cats can now talk to her?...

This is the second installment in the Crystal Beach Mysteries and I have to say it's fascinating.  In full disclosure, I don't read stories about witches, but I am finding this one immensely delightful.  While Sidney figures out what's going on, the subplots bring depth to the story, and the characters are becoming viable people.  It's interesting and intriguing at the same time.  Needless to say, I want to know what is going to happen in the next installment.

Without saying any more so as not to give away anything, I think anyone who starts this series will highly enjoy it.

I received an advance copy from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Claw-Attraction-Crystal-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BPJLBHZP/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5281591764

More on Karen McSpade's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/karen-mcspade/

A Brush With Murder (A Paint By Murder Mystery #1)

Author:    Bailee Abbott

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781643857749

Crooked Lane Publishing

317 Pages

$21.25; $13.99 Amazon

October 12, 2021

⭐⭐⭐

For Chloe Abbington, the transition from fine art painter in New York City to painting-event business owner in charming Whisper Cove is more than a little jarring.  But when poison-pen journalist Fiona Gimble writes a viciously negative review of the newly opened Paint With a View, Chloe learns that critics are the same everywhere.  And when she finds Fiona's body behind her shop with a painting knife in her neck, Chloe realizes that this picture-perfect town offers anything but peace and quiet.

Suddenly, bustling Artisian Alley is a crime scene, and Chloe is the prime suspect.  Her sister and business partner, Izzie, isn't much help -- she's busy running the shop, and besides, she has secrets of her own.  As shrewd detective Barrett tries to paint her into a corner, Chloe soon finds that Fiona had plenty of enemies.  The Whisper Cove Gazette columnist wielded her pen like a sword, slicing and dicing just about every shop owner in the lakeside town.

Chloe sets out to prove that she's been framed for Fiona's murder.  But she'd better learn the fine art of detection quickly, before the real killer paints the town red again.  Otherwise, she may end up trading in her paint smock for an orange jumpsuit...or a green burial plot.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chloe Abbington returned home, with her dog Max, from New York City to Whisper Cove, where her family still lives.  The lakeside town is beautiful, and usually has tourists abound.  Her sister Izzie has started a business named Paint With A View, where people come to paint scenes and enjoy company.  She's just starting out, and is looking forward to it, although she's worried about a newspaper columnist named Fiona who trashes every business in her articles.

Izzy thinks inviting Fiona to the grand opening will help.  But when Fiona receives a text, she abruptly leaves, and Chloe hopes they'll get a good review.  Turns out, they won't get a review at all when Chloe finds her body behind their store, with a painting knife sticking out of her neck.  Now, she and her sister are suspects in the murder, and unless she can find out the truth, she just might spend the rest of her days in jail...

This is the first book in a new series, and I do like to give new authors the benefit of the doubt.  But as far as doubt goes, I wonder if the author knows that painting knives are pliable, and unable to be used as murder weapons.  Hmmm...

The second thing that bothered me is Izzie.  If she's starting a business, wouldn't you suspect that she'd want to be there?  Well, she isn't.  She dumps everything on her assistant Willow and sister Chloe.  Who does that?  She spends about 15% of the time at her business, and disappearing somewhere else the rest of it.  I also don't like their parents.  Their mother is a nutcase.  So what if she wants to go natural and vegan?  Why does she push it on her children?  They're adults.  Let them eat what they want, not what you want to shove down their throats.  Seems to me she's more 'hippie' than 'artsy.'  

As for Chloe, she can learn to be less snarky to everyone.  Get rid of the chip on her shoulder.  She also doesn't tell Izzie that she needs to be at her business.  Nope.  She just does whatever Izzie wants.  We also never learn about why Izzie hates the detective.  What's up with that?  Actually, the only likeable person in the book is Ross, and he's not even a permanent character.  Bring him back.  At least he makes the book readable. 

Unfortunately, while the writing was good and the plot as well, the characters need a lot of work.  Less mom and dad.  More Izzie being at her store.  When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, I felt rather cheated, since there weren't any clues leading up to it.  But I will give this author another chance, and perhaps read the second in the series.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Brush-Murder-Paint-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08SVXS4J3/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5276167893

More on Bailee Abbott's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/a/bailee-abbott/

The Diva Delivers on a Promise (A Domestic Diva Mystery Book 16)

Author:    Krista Davis

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496732798

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$27.00; $13.77 Amazon

May 23, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sophie is busy handling the first ever convention of the Association of Ghost Kitchens -- restaurants that do delivery only -- but she's taking a little time out for a lunch meeting organized by A Healthy Meal.  The group is dedication to providing meals for children in need, and as a bonus, it'll give Sophie the perfect opportunity to ogle the lavish Old Town home of socialite Geraldine Stansfield.  Gerrie's dining room is impeccably furnished, the table laden with gleaming crystal and prized china.  If it weren't for the dead many lying on the floor, everything would be perfect...

No one knows the victim -- or at least, no one claims to.  But a little snooping by Sophie reveals links to many local notables.  In fact, not only was he a client of Geraldine's late husband, an attorney -- every member of the Stansfield clan knew the deceased.  But only one knows what he was doing in Gerrie's house.

Gerrie's elegant abode looks spotless, but there's plenty of dirty linen in those family closets.  Now Sophie will have to get the killer to come clean before he spoils another appetite -- for good...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Sophie Winston lives in Old Town, Virginia, and is an event planner.  She's doing her first ever ghost kitchen event -- where they only do delivery -- and everything seems to be running smoothly so far.  She's also looking forward to the meeting of the members of A Healthy Meal, which is going to be held at society maven Geraldine Stansfield's home.  She's longing to see the inside of the home for the first time.  With everyone gathered, Sophie hears a scream, and it's discovered that there's a man in the dining room with a knife sticking out of his chest.  After calling 911, it's found that no one seems to know who he was.  Not even Gerrie.  And no one knows how he got there.  With rumors beginning to fly that Gerrie killed him, she asks Sophie's help in proving her innocence.  What can Sophie do, but comply?

Now she's trying to figure out who wanted him dead, and why he was there.  But when things start to get sticky, Sophie is drawn into an investigation of people not being where they're supposed to be, lies on top of lies, Gerrie avoiding questions all around, and even more intrigue and secrets.  Suddenly she feels as if she's in a movie, and she can't figure out the ending...

This is the sixteenth book in the series, and it's a very good example of why Krista Davis is one of my favorite writers.  In full disclosure, I hated the first book, but I have fallen in love with this series over time.  Sophie is not only intelligent, she knows how to keep a secret, and she doesn't bail on either her friends or anyone she's trying to help.

What I really like is that she's learned to ignore Natasha and her dramatics.  Natasha would wear anyone out.  I'm just grateful I don't know anyone like her.  While she's always trying to one-up Sophie, it's Sophie who always gains the upper hand, merely by being kinder and more understanding...and patient.  

But it seems the killer is beginning to figure out what Sophie is doing, and has no intentions to let her win.  Even if it means following her.  Then there's the issue of a problem with the ghost kitchens, and between the two, it's taking up a lot of her time.

As the story progresses, we learn more about the Stansfields and their history, which surprises her.  But even so, she's determined to help Gerrie, which isn't easy.  When a near-tragedy occurs, Sophie will have to up her game and move faster to solve the murder.

In the end, when everything comes together, it was a surprise; but worth the read.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book and look forward to 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/Diva-Delivers-Promise-Domestic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BFC4R9Z8/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5264012339

More on Krista Davis's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/krista-davis/

Cat Scratch Murder (Crystal Beach Magic Mysteries Book1)

Author:    Karen McSpade

Genre:     Mystery/Paranormal

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0BPJNWTP2

Newcastle Media

75 Pages

$.99 Amazon

January 10, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Meet Sidney Grace.  Quirky journalist, hesitant witch, professional butterfingers.  Her grandmother believes Sidney's talent for communicating with the dead makes her the most powerful witch in the family, but Sidney just wants to make it through the day without getting fired.

A young writer living in Boston, Sidney is far from the small wacky town of Crystal Beach, Florida, where her spell-happy grandmother retired.  She is perfectly happy with her career, her four cats, and the fact that she hasn't been on a date in...well, years.   All is well until her estranged mother informs Sidney that her grandmother has been arrested for murdering a resident at her retirement community.

Sidney road trips to Florida to discover that her grandmother has no alibi, her grandfather isn't as dead as she thought he was, and one of her cats can speak.  To make matters worse, the handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches.  Who cooked up the deadly scone?  And why are residents at Shifting Sands suddenly disappearing? 

Now, Sidney must embrace her own magical talents to prove her grandmother's innocence and stop the killer bent on destroying anyone who gets in the way.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

This is the first episode of a new series by Karen McSpade.  It is entirely different from her last series and entirely enchanting.  While I don't normally read books about witches (too overdone), I have to say that this one has me hooked.  I love Sidney, who wants to be a good journalist but has no tact when she writes articles, and wants to ignore her heritage (if she can).  She also doesn't enjoy chasing down her grandmother who loves to cast spells (constantly), even if it means that she's leaving her boss in Boston to cool down after her last fiasco of an article.

So now Sidney and her four cats (I love cats) are living in a Dodge van that's seen better days; she's trying to find a killer to keep her grandmother out of jail, and oh, yes -- she can see her dead grandfather, who points her to clues.  Not bad for a couple of days in a retirement village, right?

Then there's the fact that she might have her eye on a killer...

This is a short read, but the next installment is coming soon (not soon enough).  If you like magic, a somewhat ditzy heroine, and a cat or four, then this is the book for you.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Booksprout, but this in no way influenced my review.

https://smile.amazon.com//dp/B0BPJNWTP2?pd_rd_i=B0BPJNWTP2&pd_rd_w=JXWvk&content-id=amzn1.sym.ac1fafc2-1bb1-4581-9a9f-b42ca4d9089a&pf_rd_p=ac1fafc2-1bb1-4581-9a9f-b4

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5251708996

More on Karen McSpade's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/karen-mcspade/

Killer Cupid (A Melanie Travis Mystery Book 29)

Author:     Laurien Berenson

Genre:      Mystery

Hardcover: Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496741035

Kensington Cozies

208 Pages

$20.53; $8.97 Amazon

December 27, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Melanie is delighted at the prospect of three uninterrupted days alone with Sam (and, of course, her prize-winning Standard Poodle, Faith.)  They're booked at the White Birch Inn, a picturesque New England resort nestled at the foot of a snow-covered mountain.  The inn has a full slate of couples activities planned for the busy Valentine's weekend -- date nights, sleigh rides, tobogganing, ice skating, and pop-up shops in the inn's ballroom -- from the bubbly to the bubble bath, the resort is a perfect match for Melanie and Sam's vacation.  But the first night of festivities feature an event that isn't on the program: murder.

The sheriff quickly launches an investigation, but at the innkeeper's urging -- and because she suddenly finds herself a person of interest in the case -- Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway.  But with the resort nearly sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie's secret sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention.  Her Valentine's trip is heating up faster than the chocolate fondue...just not in the way Melanie hoped.  But if she doesn't catch the cold-hearted killer soon, another innocent victim will get the kiss of death...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Melanie Travis and her husband, Sam Driver, are surprised by Melanie's Aunt Peg with a Valentine's Day getaway for the two of them.  No kids, no dogs -- except, of course, Melanie's beloved Standard Poodle Faith.  Along with them for the weekend is Mel's best friend Bertie and her husband Frank, who is Mel's brother.  While the first part of the first evening goes smoothly, Mel takes Faith and the inn's dog, Sammy, out for an evening run.

While out there, she sees a couple apparently in a tryst.  But when the woman is found dead the next morning, she wonders if it is murder.  When the innkeeper asks her to look around and see if she can find any suspects, Mel reluctantly agrees.  Unfortunately, the inn is almost full and anyone could be the killer.  Mel is convinced it must be an employee, or someone that the dead person knew very well.  Whatever she learns, the police chief isn't buying, so Mel is on her own.

In between enjoying what the inn offers for the weekend, and spending time alone with Sam, Mel is asking questions.  But is she questioning the wrong people?  Before long, she finds that she might be on the right trail...with the killer right behind her...

This is the 29th book in the series, and the first one that I have read that wasn't dog-centric.  Not that I mind reading about dogs, or I wouldn't read the series at all.  But there are no descriptions of dog shows or grooming practices, etc.  It shows what a talented writer Ms. Berenson is; bringing us into the mystery with her, and wanting to know who killed the person and why.  I had a hard time putting this one down for a few hours, and when I started again it was as if I never left.

The descriptions of the surrounding areas and the events that Mel and Sam were involved with were quite fun, and the dialogue was done quite well.  It was difficult at first to decide who the murderer might be, but as the book progressed, we were given clues, and it was only a matter of time, as with Melanie herself, that we figured it out and all came together.  I have to say that I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to the next.  Recommended. 

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Cupid-Melanie-Travis-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09YKNJQ3C/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5244569301

More on Laurien Berenson's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/laurien-berenson/

Murder at An Irish Castle (An Irish Castle Mystery Book 1)

Author:    Ellie Brannigan

Genre:     Mystery

Library Binding; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:     9798885788823

Crooked Lane Books (Thorndyke Large Print)

320 Pages

February 7, 2023

$31.99; $13.99 Amazon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé.  Instead, flat-broke and busted, she's on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she's inherited a run-down family castle.  Uncle Nevin's will contains a few caveats -- for example, if Rayne doesn't turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.

With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne's uncle's death wasn't actually an accident, she can't possibly go back to her old life in L.A.  As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it's not just her reputation that's on the line, it's her life.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

After a night of celebrating, famous bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath wakes up on her thirtieth birthday hoping it will be the best of her life.  She's counting on her business partner and boyfriend Landon to help her business go global -- and maybe with an engagement ring in the process.  Instead, she discovers that isn't going to happen.

Now, she's broke and angry and wondering how she could have let this happen.  Then she receives a message that her Uncle Nevin has passed away, and she's required at the reading of the will.  In Ireland.  With no other choice, she reluctantly arrives in the Emerald Isle, and is greeted by a sullen young woman named Ciara.  What she also finds out is that she now owns the castle, and Ciara and she together must manage the place for one year and make it profitable -- or the castle goes up for sale and everyone on the grounds and in the town will be bankrupt.

Struggling with her choices -- although there isn't really one -- she agrees.  But with Ciara resenting her, and others wanting her gone, Rayne has her own ideas, which aren't heartily welcomed.  One other problem: Ciara believes that Nevin was murdered, and so does Rayne.  But proving it is another matter, as no one wants to believe someone on the farm could have killed him.  But if not them, then who?

This is the first book in a new series and I found it entirely enchanting.  I love the premise of the book, and most of the characters.  I will say that Amos wouldn't have attracted me because I dislike men with long hair (my own opinion), but I did like him as a character -- intelligent, open, witty.  Ciara took a lot longer, as she bristled far too much; but in the end all the characters won me as a friend; they are loyal, friendly, sharp.  I also loved Blarney the dog.  

Rayne also struggles with the fact that she needs to keep her bridal gown business going or she will lose her customers, but how to do that in another country?  Especially when there is no reliable internet?  Her problems aren't the same as the Irish, and Ciara doesn't care as long as the farm keeps running.  But there doesn't seem to be enough money, and their problem is where to find it.

Watching Rayne -- who is obviously intelligent, sharp-witted, business-minded, and lovely to boot, try to figure things out and solve her uncle's death, is worth reading the book.  While it starts out a bit slow, and there are many descriptions of the grounds of the manor house, these are central to setting the theme and show us exactly what Rayne is up against.  It's a tough decision I'm not sure I could have made.

But when Rayne discovers the truth, there is a climax that no one could have seen coming, and even something to give us a taste of the next book.  The reason for the murder is one of the three true ones, and is done nicely.  Now I just have to be patient enough to wait for the next one.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Irish-Castle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B5YZSNBL/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5230196246

More on Ellie Brannigan's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/ellie-brannigan/