The Deadly Dealer (A Gamblin' Granny Cozy Mystery Novella)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0C6B5QMWW

Independently Published

90 Pages

$2.99 Amazon

April 30, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Granny solved a huge mystery in Toluca Lake, and then she disappeared.  The woman is gruff, tough, and no nonsense.  But it's not like her to vanish like that.

Something serious must have happened...

...like murder.

Everywhere Granny goes, she's got poker on the brain.  In line at the grocery store, she's reading people, trying to figure out who can be trusted.  She tests out her bluffing skills on family and friends just to keep everyone sharp.  Sometimes she bets on the weather, or how long until the dog barks, or how many minutes until a newscaster clears their throat on air. 

She is a woman who craves excitement, who lives on her tippy-toes, and who runs toward danger with a determined look in her eye.

She's also a woman with secrets.

This time, the secrets of Granny's past have come back to haunt her if she doesn't get past all the lies and find the truth, she could end up dead.  And so could the people she loves.

Will Granny manage to quit while she's ahead?  Or is she about to place her last bet?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Granny Petunia is heading to Florida to see her boyfriend Chip, who owns a riverboat.  Along for the ride is her new dog, who saved her from being killed back in California.  She thinks she knows why the man was trying to kill her, but not who hired him.  So heading on west, she and her new friend are trying to stay under the radar.  When she arrives she greets an old friend who also happens to be able to help her disguise herself with a new 'do and other things to make her less recognizable.  She also finds out that Chip has been arrested for murder -- right when she arrives at the riverboat.  Now she wonders if she'll be able to stay under the radar while trying to find out who the murderer is...and who wants her dead...

This is a spin-off novella of the Dog Groomer Mysteries, with Petunia getting her very own story.  I honestly have to say that while I love the former mysteries, I was skeptical that Petunia could hold her own on a new series.  Mainly because she's snarky and mean-spirited.  I know she means well in the long run, but sometimes she runs over the top.  Saying that, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this mystery.

There's plenty of action, and although we don't get to see a lot of Chip in the book, we do get Petunia in full form solving a mystery without the help of her California crew.  It's interesting, fun, and full of plenty of action.  There's enough of everything to keep people reading, and Petunia does what she does best -- being full of energy, ideas, and, of course, snark.  Recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher and Book Sprout but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Dealer-Thrilling-Adventure-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0C6B5QMWW

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6541137934

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Apple Orchard Cozy Mysteries: Ten Books Box Set (Books 11-20)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0CFN6MW7K

Independently Published

2,335 Pages

$9.99 Amazon

September 22, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Chelsea Thomas returned to her gorgeous small town after getting dumped, she expected a great many things...

...getting caught up in a dangerous murder mystery wasn't one of them.

Within a couple days of returning to the family orchard, Chelsea is accused of murder and told not to leave town.  Luckily, she's staying with Miss May -- a former big city prosecutor -- which means she's got someone to help her through this.  When Miss May recruits her bottle-blonde best friend, Teeny, the trio begin their hunt for the killer...all the while baking the best apple pies in the state.

But one murder leads to another and another.  The ladies are constantly on the run from bad guys.  They're always doing beattle with the inept police force.  And they're trying, and often failing, to keep their love lives moving forward at the same time.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

First off, let me say that I love Chelsea Thomas (both the writer and the character, not to be confused with each other).  Chelsea the character has adventures that others can only dream about.  That is, if you dream about finding dead bodies and outrunning killers and outwitting the police force.  Something to think about, I guess...

Anyway, I have read all the books in the series and I can truthfully say that I enjoyed them immensely.  We see poor Chelsea as she goes from heartbroken left-at-the-altar bride to strong, willing-to-do-whatever-it-takes Chelsea, and it's a welcome transformation.  She grows with each book, and we watch the changes, however subtle they may be, as she becomes who she finally is in the final book.  I will not give away plots as I expect you will want to read and enjoy them yourself, but they are definitely worth the time.

The author(s) are talented, and allow us to see a little bit of the area where Chelsea grew up, and it's a delightful sight.  We also find that our friends Amy and Petunia (of the Dog Groomer series) make an appearance as well.  

As I have stated before, I love this series and hope that it continues.  Even if the trio of Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny keep finding dead bodies, we, the readers, can enjoy watching them solve the murders.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Orchard-Cozy-Mysteries-Page-turners-ebook/dp/B0CFN6MW7K/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5864387929

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Dead Man Cakewalking (Apple Orchard Cozy Mysteries Book 20)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798854609173

Independently Published

228 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

August 18, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There's one week until Chelsea's wedding...

...and she's got a killer to catch.

When Chelsea arrived in Pine Grove, she was fresh off a massive heartbreak, and she struggled to get back on her feet.  Solving mysteries gave Chelsea the confidence she needed to finally move on, and now she's ready to give her heart to a new man.

But murder gets in the way, just like it always does.

And this time Chelsea's a suspect.

Chelsea sets out to solve the most scandalous murder yet...seven days before "I do."

With the help of her elderly besties, Teeny and Miss May, Chelsea uncovers more secrets than a wedding planner.  And as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes she'll have to put herself in harm's way -- and risk missing her wedding -- to catch the killer.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

It's finally happening.  Chelsea is at last marrying her love, Wayne, and nothing is going to spoil the wedding for her.  That is, until her ex-fiancé Mike shows up at her Christmas tree farm with his new fiancée Priscilla, and they start arguing.  Trying her best to ignore the situation, she comes across them once again at Teeny's diner and they've appeared to make up.  But unfortunately, Mike leaves his wallet behind at the diner and Chelsea and Miss May go to his house to return it.  Big mistake.  When they arrive, Mike is dead, and there is a letter incriminating Chelsa.

Now she's a suspect in his murder.  Mike, the man who left her at the altar in New York.  But for some reason, police chief Sunshine Flanagan doesn't seem to be interested in her all that much, which is weird; or anything else, for that matter.  Chelsea knows that if she's going to marry Wayne, she needs closure to her past.  That means finding Mike's killer.  But it isn't going to be easy, since she discovers that he made enemies everywhere he went, and people don't want to talk to her.  How can she solve a murder in less than a week, finish planning her wedding, and get ready for Christmas?

This is the 20th book in the series, and I have read them all.  This one brings Chelsea full circle from her disastrous relationship with Mile to her perfect one with Wayne (Wayne is the better deal).  When she tries to question Mike's family members, they're haughty and cold (pretty pretentious for people named after pickles -- Gherkin -- just my observation, ha!).  But she does get some information from Priscilla, and even Mike's cousin, which is surprising.

She also gets a chance to come to grips with all her old feelings about Mike, and that gives her something, at least.  But finding a killer in the allotted time isn't a sure thing.  It takes everything Chelsea has inside of her to figure it out, and when she does, it puts her in danger.  Interestingly, help comes from an unexpected corner.

When everything is said and done, the murderer is found (as we know they will be) and Chelsea can once again look forward to peace and quiet in her life.  I have loved this series for a long time, and I want it to continue.  I've come to love the characters and Pine Grove, and I will miss them until the next book.  Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from Booksprout but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Man-Cakewalking-Humorous-Page-turner-ebook/dp/B0C4411GKT/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5790356246

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Dog Groomer Mysteries: All Ten Books

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0C8CR6WSC

Independently Published

2256 Pages

$9.99 Amazon

June 16, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Amy Stewart returned to her gorgeous small town after getting dumped, she expected a great many things...

...getting caught up in a dangerous murder mystery wasn't one of them.

Within a couple days of opening her new pet salon, Amy is accused of murder and told not to leave town.  Luckily, her grumpy Granny is there to help Amy through this.  When Granny recruits her wacky BFF, Betsy, the trio begin their hunt for the killer...stopping to pet all the cute dogs in their path, of course.

But when Amy receives a threat on her life, the team realizes it's more than mere justice at stake.

They'd better solve this fast or all three of them might be next.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

First off, this set contains all ten of the Dog Groomer Mysteries:

A New Leash on Life

Ruff and Tumble

To Fetch a Killer

Tail of Two Killers

Howl to Catch a Killer

Murder Fur Hire

Petter Off Dead

Shot in the Bark

Paws of Death; and 

Groomed to Kill

I have read every book in this series and enjoyed them all.  Strangely enough, I hadn't read the first or last, so that is what I read, and then skimmed the others again so I could give a thorough review.  The first book shows us how Amy came to be back in California after living in New York and being dumped by her boyfriend (although we won't mention that to her).  She's moved in with her irascible granny, and recently opened a pet salon.  She wants to find a place where she can live, as Granny lives in a retirement community.  

We also find out how she gained her two pets -- Fluffy the cat and Lucky the dog (although he's only named Puppy in this book).  There's also the way Fluffy met his friend Mouse, and unlikely combination.  Of course, Amy reconnects with an old friend from school, police officer Mike Fine.  If you've read any of the other books, you know the story there.  If not, this is where it starts.

Each book can be read as a standalone, but reading the series altogether is both humorous and delightful, watching how Amy's new life develops, becomes chaotic, then calm, and somewhere in-between.  It's a joyful ride with Amy and her friends and family, and, of course, the last book ties everything together as to where we are right now.  I love reading this series and I hope that you will, too.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Groomer-Cozy-Mysteries-Pet-themed-ebook/dp/B0C8CR6WSC/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5677619041

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Murder on the Orient Espresso (Apple Orchard Mysteries Book 19)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798395909923

Independently Published

218 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

June 3, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Chelsea moved back to Pine Grove, she expected relaxing afternoons in the orchard, fresh-baked apple pie, and time with family and friends.  And she got all that.  But what she didn't expect...

...was murder.

This time the dead body turns up at Pine Grove's new coffee shop.  The adorable coffee shop, housed in an old train car, was eagerly anticipated by everyone in town.  But the dead guy has tons of enemies, so there are plenty of suspects.

And Chelsea is one of them.

Chelsea's aunt Miss May is ready to help solve the mystery, just like she always is.  And their bottle-blonde bestie, Tenny, never backs down from an adventure.  But the local chief of police is determined to lock Chelsea up, and the killer sems determined to strike again.

Will Chelsea and the ladies solve the mystery in time?  Or will Chelsea end up in jail...or worse?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chelsea thinks her old truck has finally died.  So, she heads to the only car dealership in town, Adams Automotive.  But when the owner, Scott Adams, is rude to her and she also observes him being rude to one of his employees, she and her aunt Miss May leave.  When they are having coffee at a new local shop, Scott Adams is there also, and after a nasty conversation with the owner, he retires to a back booth.  But not for long... he keels over from what appears to be a heart attack.  But the ladies -- along with their best friend Teeny -- think he's been murdered, and want to investigate.  

Which is exactly what the police don't want them to do.  Especially Detective Wayne Hudson, Chelsea's fiancé, who wants to plan their wedding instead.  Apparently, someone else doesn't want them to investigate either, when they receive a telephone call that is supposedly from a hospital doctor telling them the death was natural, as Scott had hereditary heart disease.  But did he?  And was the call legitimate?  Of course, the only way they will know is if they investigate, right?...

To make matters worse, Chelsea's ex-fiancé Mike has moved to town with his new girlfriend Priscilla, and the last thing Chelsea wants is to see the dirtbag who left her at the altar.  But she knows she can't avoid him forever, but she can try.  

When the ladies start looking for people who might have had it in for Scott, they find there are plenty of suspects.  But no one wants to seem to talk about him, not even his ex-wife.  With little to go on, they keep plugging away, garnering what information they can from those who knew him.  And when they get closer to the killer, they just might be too late...

I love this series and every time a new book comes out, I know that I must read it.  I love all the characters (well, almost all; Sunny is not my favorite person -- or Chelsea's, if it comes to that).  At any rate, I love the small town of Pine Grove, New York, where people live quiet lives (albeit with a side of murder now and then) and seem happy to do so.  It would be delightful to visit the orchard, and pick out your own Christmas tree.

Chelsea and Miss May are not slouches in the amateur detective department, either.  Teeny has more enthusiasm than actual logic, but she's fun to listen to.  Between Chelsea and Miss May, they always come up with the right solution, even if it does take time to get there.  But without time, what would we have to read?  The plot is excellent, as always, and Chelsea is finally coming into her own, with no stuttering and actually being able to think fast when needed.  She's a complicated woman, but aren't we all?

In the end, when the murderer is discovered, I figured it out a tad bit before Chelsea (but then again, I always say I read a lot of mysteries on top of watching true crime shows on TV), yet the climax is definitely worth it all, and I even read it twice.  This is one of the best in the series, and highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Orient-Espresso-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BW6C9YDC/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5591360630

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Pineapple Upside Drown Cake (Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery Book 18)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798376182727

Independently Published

220 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

March 31, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The smell of a fire burning in the hearth; a red-faced child laughing in line at the coffee shop, two olf friends gabbing as they chop apples for a homemade pie.

Pine Grove, NY is the kind of place city people go on vacation and decide to move to after three perfect days meeting friendly people, eating great food and relaxing in the quiet of nature.

But murder complicates matters.

And when a high-profile county employee turns up dead in the town's pristine little pond, it's up to local sleuths Teeny, Miss May and Chelsea to solve the crime.  Teeny is a chihuahua in the body of a woman.  Miss May is a retired prosecutor with a love for justice.  And Chelsea is doing her best to keep up, get her life back on track, and maintain the happy in America's happiest little town.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chelsea, Teeny, and Miss May have recently returned from a vacation -- well, really, solving another murder -- in California, and all they do is want to relax.  But Chelsea is blindsided by the fact that Miss May has booked a bachelorette party.  Or maybe Chelsea just ignored her when she told her.  Anyway, the women are there for a few days to enjoy their time, have a real home-cooked meal, and party a little bit.  But even this is marred by murder when a man's body is found in the local pond, and the police chief won't let them even look at the body.  In fact, she wants them as far away as possible.  She's also instructed Chelsea's new fiancé, Detective Wayne, to not share any information -- which he's trying very hard not to do.  

So, the three strike out on their own anyway, and Chelsea figures anything they learn she just won't tell Wayne, either.  Or will one of them break down eventually?  Time will tell.  They're also stunned when a rude man that Chelsea met in town shows up on their doorstep and wants to hire them to solve the murder.  It turns out that he's the dead man's son, and he doesn't think the police are doing enough.  With reservations, the three agree, and now they're drawn into their own investigation -- which means going to the dead man's widow and asking her about it.  Unfortunately, things don't go the way they planned, and they need to question others -- which also don't go the way they planned.

But when there's another murder, Chelsea thinks someone may be targeting these people, but she doesn't know who.  Neither do the police.  Will the three sleuths solve the murder before the police?  Or will this time be their last as amateur P. I.'s?...

This is definitely one of my very favorite series.  I love all the characters (well, almost; Sunny I could do without).  I love watching the sleuths probe into the murders, and even Teeny has her own kind of logic (strange though it may be).   They've had more problems this time out, with very few people wanting to give them any information at all.  They can only hope that the police don't have any more luck than they do.  But how do they solve the man's murder when they don't have any clues?  It's not going to be easy.

They've also got the bridal party to contend with, and Chelsea is noticing one of them isn't a happy camper.  In fact, she seems miserable.  So, what is Chelsea to do to improve her mood?  It's when she hears the backstory that she truly feels sorry for the young woman.  Yet she can't concentrate on this with everything else going on.  Plus, she and Wayne haven't even had time to discuss the marriage plans, much less set the date.

I enjoyed this book as much as the others, and it's always fun to watch how everything plays out.  This one is definitely a winner.  When the killer is revealed, it's as much a surprise to us as it is to Chelsea.  Watching how everything comes down is the best part.  At least until the end...when the author(s) give us a teaser of the next book.  Now I find myself wanting to read it immediately!!  As the saying goes, waiting is the hardest part.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Pineapple-Upside-Drown-Orchard-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BRGHQ17Z/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5446880460

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Paws of Death (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 9)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798386484408

Independently Published

224 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

March 9, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amy Stewart grew up in sunny Toluca Lake, CA.  S0 after she got her heart broken in Pine Grove, NY, she naturally returned home to open up a dog grooming business all her own.  Adorable puppies are always a good thing, right?

But murder is very bad for business.

The local police chief is inept.  So, it's up to Amy and her poker playin' granny, Petunia, to solve this murder.  But if they don't solve it quickly, they could end up in jail...or worse.

Life back in California is a fantasy come true for Amy, in so many ways.  She's dating the hot local cop. Family and friends surround her.  Everywhere she turns she's filled with warm, nostalgic memories.

That's why she works so hard to solve murders.  But will this be the one that ruins her life for good?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Amy Stewart moved back to California from New York after a heartbreak, and opened a dog grooming business with her granny, Petunia. and lone employee, Betsy, who's a bit off-the-wall.  But she's happy, especially since she's taken her relationship with copy Mike Fine to a new level.  At least she thought she was, until a woman named Abigail shows up at her home one night, frantic.

It seems Abigail's boss has been receiving death threats, and has disappeared completely because of them.  Amy's no stranger to Abigail or her boss, Minx, having had to deal with them in a previous murder case.  But she also can't say no when there's a mystery about it, so she and Mike go to Minx's office to see if they can garner any clues to her whereabouts.  They don't have to go far to find a dead body -- and it's not Minx.  It's the man who stole Abigail's job out from under her.  Now Amy, Petunia, and Betsy are on the case, and they intend to find out the truth, even if it kills them...

This is the ninth book in the series and I have read them all.  I would like to say that this is a standalone mystery, but I can't.  In order to understand the dynamics, you need to really read the previous story to get the background on Abigail and Minx.  This one merely touches on it.  Saying that, I will say that the story line is an interesting one, but I don't really see all the issues that some of the characters seem to think are there.  I won't explain, as this is a new book and I don't want to ruin the story for anyone.

What I do love is the fact that poor Fluffy is telling another problem in his newly embraced love life, and as I love cats, I find it rather interesting to read about his interjections in what is otherwise a troubled mystery.  Let us not forget Betsy, who has love troubles of her own, and Petunia, who might just have a double trouble issue going on.  It's all a lot of fun, and the subplots are just as intriguing as the main one.  

When Amy begins to put it all together, she's not sure if she's right or not, but she knows that she needs to follow through, and in doing so, once again she's figured out who the killer is (as we knew that she would).  The ending is satisfactory, and I enjoyed the book as much as the others.  Recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Paws-Death-Pet-themed-Animals-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0BV883N49/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5424151742

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Shot In The Bark (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 8)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798377298809

Independently Published

220 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

February 23, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Growing old can be murder...

...especially in Hollywood.

Amy Stewart came home to California expecting to groom cute dogs, hang out with old friends, and maybe find a romance or two.

What she didn't expect was murder.

This time around the victim is connected to one of Amy's favorite actors from way back in the day.  The investigation takes Amy into the depths of Hollywood scandal.  She's lucky she's got her grumpy granny, Petunia, to watch her back.  Loyal friends are essential in life.

But will granny's loyalty be enough to protect Amy from the killer?  And what about the cops?

Everyone has it in for the plucky young dog groomer, so if Amy's not careful she'll end up in jail or worse.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Amy Stewart, along with her grandmother Petunia, own a dog grooming business and do a little amateur sleuthing on the side.  One morning she's approached by child star-turned-businesswoman Tess May who wants Amy to groom her chickens -- very expensive chickens.  With reservations, Amy agrees.  But when they, along with employee Betsy, go to pick up the chickens, they find a dead body instead.  And now Tessa is hiding from the law -- while asking Amy to find the killer.

It's a tough gig when the only witnesses are chickens, and they aren't talking.  With a new rookie cop who plays by the book, Amy decides her only recourse is to use her boyfriend Mike, a police detective, who's already leery of giving her information.  But between searching for clues with and without his help, Amy and her crew are determined to clear the young woman of murder.  But if Tessa didn't kill, then who did?

This is the eighth book in the series and I have read them all.  Just like the others, I found this completely enjoyable.  Of course, we're still getting delightful commentary from her cat, Fluffy, which I always look forward to, that pops in between the mystery now and then; and he has problems of his own to deal with...

Amy doesn't believe that Tessa is guilty. but there could be others in her life that are:  her mother's much younger husband, ex-husband, and agent, to name a few.  But who had the greatest motive to kill the woman?  Each one points out they don't know who did it, but someone obviously did.  So Amy's 'crew' are running around Los Angeles, sometimes in seedy areas even, to find out the truth.

Add in Amy's newfound insecurities, a cat with heartache, and a boyfriend who's mostly oblivious, along with a poker-playing grandmother and an employee with screenwriting ambitions, and you have a mix up of happenings that take them in all directions.

When they find the killer it comes together much as one would expect of Amy (read the book to find out) and the ending gives us a teaser toward the next book.  Recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Shot-Bark-Groomer-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B0B64DKPVY/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5370864552

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Muffin But Trouble (Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery Book 17)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0B6PQ7YB2

Independently Published

$5.99 Amazon

January 14, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chelsea, Teeny, and Miss May are trying to have a fun trip to Los Angeles.

But they've barely checked into their hotel when they get a call from their old friends Amy and Petunia...

There's been a murder!

Worse yet, all the evidence seems to point to everyone's favorite dog groomer...Amy Stewart.  This is not good for Amy.  And it's not good for our vacationing Pine Grove ladies, either.

Chelsea wants to enjoy the sunshine and celebrities of SoCal.  Miss May wants to sample the pies.  Teeny wants to eat every meal at Sprinkles Cupcakes.

But first they've got to catch a killer.  Because death never takes a day off.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

It's time for vacation for the sleuths of Pine Grove.  Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny -- along with Chelsea's cop boyfriend, Wayne Hudson, are heading to LA.  Unfortunately, when they arrive, they're waylaid by their friends Amy and Petunia, who moved to LA some time back to open a dog grooming business.  It seems Amy's friend and employee Betsy is suspected of murder in the death of movie producer Rayna Kim -- all because Betsy TP'd her house right before the death.  Now they're back on duty, hoping to free Betsy and find a killer before their vacation time is up...and the killer figures out what they're doing...

The really unfortunate part is the fact that Rayna didn't have any friends, but she sure had a lot of enemies.  The problem is they don't know where to look or who to start with, and this time they might find themselves in a real Hollywood murder mystery ending...

I have read this series for awhile now, and I have loved every one of these.  This book is a crossover between Ms. Thomas's two series, The Apple Orchard Mysteries and The Dog Groomer Mysteries.  While Amy and Petunia are way too busy trying to get dogs ready for the annual Halloween pup parade, they've called on their sleuth counterparts from New York to help them.  Unfortunately, the three Pine Grove women have no idea how to navigate Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.  They're helped somewhat by Amy's friends, and Wayne has found a true friend in Amy's cop boyfriend Mike.  The two have bonded and Wayne is hanging out with Mike to see what they can find out on the murder.

But when Chelsea, Teeny, and Miss May start investigating, there is no stopping them.  Not even gaining entrance to movie studios -- and other exclusive areas.  These three are on a mission not only to free Betsy, but to sample every type of food they can while they're at it.

Following them along their trail makes you hungry.  It also makes you want to figure out who the killer might be.  Did this woman make any friends, or just enemies along the way?  Not wanting to say more because I don't want to give the plot away, you'll just need to read this yourself.  You'll have a fun ride through the streets of LA (and its restaurants).  

When the killer is discovered, the answers come surprisingly with a strange clue that shocks Chelsea.  But there is more in store, and you'll love the ending.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Muffin-Trouble-Apple-Orchard-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B6PQ7YB2/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5177569971

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Dead Velvet Cake (Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery Book 16)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B08N55PX9J

Independently Published

$5.99 Amazon

July 31. 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Chelsea moved back home to her family apple orchard, she expected to spend her days enjoying small town life, shopping on main street, baking apple pie, and chatting the night away with her aunt, Miss May.  Then the murders began, and they didn't stop, and life changed for everyone.

There was still apple pie, and plenty of small town charm, of course.  But Chelsea also found herself in one dangerous situation after another, tracking down cold-blooded killers with Miss May.

This victim deserved it.

That's right...word around town is that the most recent murder victim in Pine Grove got his comeuppance.  But Chelsea and Miss May don't believe anyone deserves to be killed, not now, not ever, no way, no how.

So they team up with their team of loyal sidekicks - including a bottle blonde diner owner who never backs down from a fight -- and they set off to catch the killer.

This time, they need to solve the murder before they leave for vacation in 48 hours.  Will the girls solve this one in time?  Or will the killer be the one who gets away?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chelsea, Miss May, and Teeny are having a party celebrating their latest killer capture, when Rita, once Chelsea's nemesis now somewhat-friend, comes screaming that there's a dead body in another room of the diner.  Sure enough, they find a dead man slumped over a table and a partially eaten piece of Red Velvet cake in front of him.  Now there's a murder investigation going on, and the three women are sure they can solve it.

If they have the time.  It seems they've been planning a road trip to Southern California to see old friends and have a vacation including beach time, but this murder puts a damper on the plans.  If they're going to leave, they have just 48 hours to solve this murder, or a killer will be on the loose.  They can leave it to the police this one time, right?  Wrong.  When the three women get together, their curiosity and sheer determination push them forward.  And they aren't leaving town without capturing a murderer.  And they're going on their vacation.  The big problem is they have no real suspects.  But someone killed him, and they're going to figure out who it is...

This is the sixteenth book in the series, and I have enjoyed it quite as much as all the others.  When these three get together to solve a murder, it's rather hilarious.  Teeny wants to fight anyone and everyone, and Miss May has to talk her down.  But the conversations between them are quite witty, and funny to boot.

When the victim's wife comes to them to be questioned so she can be eliminated, they're on their game.  They may be suspicious of the woman, but she had no reason to want him dead.  Or did she?  Not to mention rumors of an affair, and some people outright hated him for one reason or another.  But which one killed him?

Short of breaking and entering, (not that it wasn't considered) they're low on clues and high on suspects.  And the clock is ticking.  And Chelsea's wondering what's wrong with Wayne, and if they're on the right track.  But when push comes to shove, the three women are always going to pull ahead in the race, and they're going to get the killer...or at least hope so...if the killer doesn't get one of them first...

I can't tell you how much I loved this book.  Plenty of action, plenty of suspects, and plenty of red herrings.  Lots of goings-on that shouldn't be going on, and when the three put everything together (as we know they will) it adds up to a fun journey that gives us not only the capture of a killer (as we know will occur) but an ending that gives us something to look forward to in the next book.  And it can't be soon enough for me.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Velvet-Apple-Orchard-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09N55PX9J/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4872215264

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Petter Off Dead (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 7)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B09MDQ1J5K

Independently Published

203 Pages

$5.99 Amazon

July 21, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Welcome to Santa Barbara, a quaint coastal village just a short drive north of Los Angeles.  There are wineries, cute little shops, beautiful missions, and all the charm and scenery a girl could ask for.  It's the kind of place where life feels easy and simple...

...until the dead bodies turn up.

When Amy and her grumpy Granny head up the California coast for a pet care convention, they think it'll be the perfect getaway.  But nothing kills vacation vibes like a corpse, especially when the killer could strike again.

There were no signs of a struggle and the poor, unsuspecting victim left a note, so the death seems like a suicide.  But something doesn't add up.  For one thing, the note makes no sense, and for another, the victim's widow swears he would never do something like this.

Will our sleuths crack the case in time?  Or will this pet care convention be murder?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In this seventh outing of the series, Amy, Granny, and Betsy are headed to Santa Barbara for a pet care convention.  Along for the trip is Amy's boyfriend (maybe?) Mike Fine, who is taking a vacation from his police detective job to spend it with Amy.  Upon arriving, Amy is upset to learn the room she requested has been given to someone else, but Mike seems fine with it, so Amy, disappointed, goes along with it.

But Granny and Betsy can't stop arguing about anything and everything.  So much for a vacation.  While Amy is off to get them something for their booth, she runs into a man -- literally -- and he's rude and almost threatens her.  To her dismay, the man's booth is right next door to them, and it appears he's trying to stop people from going to their booth.  However, both Amy and Betsy are sidetracked by finding a dead body, and Amy, with her penchant for wanting to know the killer, spends her time looking for him or her; and if that's not bad enough, Mike is spending his time without her.  So what else can she do except try to solve the case?

This is a very fun cozy, with a lot going on.  You have a killer on the loose, Granny being Granny and scaring away people, Betsy trying to write a screenplay (again), and Amy at loose ends looking for clues.  What can go wrong?  Apparently, everything.  Without giving too much away, as I don't want to spoil it for others, let me tell you that this book is one that keeps you reading in one sitting, because you don't want to miss anything.  It's not only fun, it's full of clues that make it difficult to discover until almost Amy does at the same time.

Granny is still Granny; loud and grumpy; Betsy is still a hoot; and I love the fact that there might be a new addition to the cast (hopefully).  Amy has her hands full trying to keep the peace between her two coworkers, and doing some things that might not be legal, but oh, well; it's all in the name of justice, right?

What we wind up with is a whirlwind of action, with Amy finding it hard to keep her mind on business (even though she knows she should) and using all her wits to find the murderer before the convention ends.  She might not have a horse in the race, but she's determined to get to the finish line first.

I loved this mystery and all that it entailed; it is witty, fun, and I feel Amy's frustration right along with her.  When the murderer is revealed, it's satisfying and gives us something to look forward to in the next in the series.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Petter-Dead-Groomer-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B09MDQ1J5K/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4849428001

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Whisking Everything (Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery Book 15)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B098FFCVLR

Independently Published

229 Pages

$5.99 Amazon

December 26, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There's a train headed for Pine Grove...

...and no one likes it.

It's autumn in upstate New York.  Every neighbor is out on the porch enjoying the weather, and there's a pie cooling on every window sill, waiting to be eaten with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.

For local sleuths Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May, life is perfect.  There hasn't been a murder in a while.  And all is right in their little town.

The dead body changes everything.

Chelsea has worked hard to become a stronger, more rational person these past couple years.  Solving murders has helped that.  But this one threatens to break her all over again.

Chelsea's cop boyfriend wants to take the next step in their romance.

Chelsea isn't sure she's over her previous heartbreak.  And it's hard for her to deal with big emotions in the middle of a murder investigation.

Sixty-something Miss May leads the investigation, but she relies on Chelsea for help.  Will Chelsea be able to put her heartbreak aside and solve the murder?  Or will this be the one that sends her reeling?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chelsea, Miss May and Teeny attend a town meeting regarding light rail -- Alex Turnbull wants to run it through the town -- and right through Miss May's apple orchard, so naturally she's against it, along with most of the other people in the room.  Surprisingly, the mayor is for it, and they want to know why.  Later that evening Turnbull is in Teeny's restaurant and insults her food and her coffee, which leads to a public fight with the man.  But before they can make a plan to save the town, the next night Chelsea and Miss May and Chelsea come across an abandoned car and enter the woods, only to find the body of Turnbull stabbed with a railroad spike.

Now they have suspects on their hands, and are once again thrust into a murder investigation.  When they start looking for clues, they come across unexpected ones, surprising ones, and intriguing ones.  None of which lead them to a killer; but it does lead them to another viable suspect.  Unfortunately, there's another murder before they can find the killer, and now it's a matter of timing in order to save someone else from being a victim...

I have to say that I absolutely love this series.  It is well written, the mysteries are well thought out, and there is no dearth of suspects.  Then there's the banter between the three women, which is also quite hilarious at times.  Poor Chelsea has a mouth that says unexpected things when she gets nervous (but she's working on it); Teeny's mouth is never under control (she's not working on it); and Miss May is the sane voice of reason (although it doesn't matter because Chelsea and Teeny aren't changing any time soon).  Together they make great sleuths and a humorous trio.  I especially love Teeny's obsession with television series as she applies them to the latest investigation.  (Never right, but still oddly strange).

When they begin investigating, they are surprised to find an unexpected victim in their home town that puts more than one person on the list.  Meanwhile, Chelsea's cop boyfriend Wayne is trying to move their relationship ahead, wanting her to meet his parents, and she starts panicking inside, not sure if she's ready, but also not willing to say no.  It's interesting to watch her thought process; while I understand her hesitancy, I also hope she'll be able to move forward in her life soon.  Ah, well...

When the investigation begins heating up, they begin narrowing down their list of suspects, and at last they know they have the right person.  I have to say that I knew who it was long before our detecting trio, but then again I read a lot of mysteries, so there's that.  To most everyone, it will come as a surprise, and I have to say that while I knew the killer, I did not know the reason, and that's half the solution.

When it all comes together, the reasons for the murder are understood (even if there's no excuse for killing another human being); and watching the climax is always a lot of fun.  While this book can easily be read as a standalone, I suggest you start with the beginning, if for nothing but having fun while you read.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Whisking-Everything-Apple-Orchard-Mystery-ebook/dp/B098FFCVLR/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4452813674

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Murder Fur Hire (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 6)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798770789980

Independently Published

266 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

November 20, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Toluca Lake Film Festival is in town, and every movie star has a lap dog that needs grooming.  That should be good for Amy's dog grooming business.  But then a pair of dead bodies show up and threaten to ruin Toluca Lake's reputation.

The cops are going to cancel the festival if the killer isn't found before opening night, so the girls need to set things right fast.  But this is a dangerous case, and they might get murdered just for snooping around.  

Hollywood loves drama.

But this case might be too dramatic for Amy and Petunia, and it's got more twists and turns than the most captivating big screen thrillers.

All that and Fluffy the cat is off on his biggest adventure yet.  Yes.  Fluffy narrates his own chapters.  No, he doesn't care if you like him.  He's got a romantic interest in his life these days, so he's got all the companionship he needs, thank you very much.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

When Amy and her granny Petunia attend a film festival in Toluca Lake, they don't expect any drama except for that in the films.  But when one film wins and the director goes up to take his prize, he is heckled by someone in the audience.  To top it off, they decide to find their way backstage after hearing two gunshots.  Finding the director and a woman shot dead -- wearing masks -- they are on their way to solving a double murder in their small town.

But it won't be easy once they find out about Javier's past and his treatment of people.  It seems there are too many people who didn't like the man, from women to his best friend.  Not getting any help from the police is going to hinder the investigation, but when Amy's best friend Betsy decides to use her writing and acting abilities (which aren't that wonderful as of yet) things start to move forward.  Who would guess that Betsy would be key in this investigation?

To top it off, Amy has to choose between Jacob the surgeon or Mike the cop.  She's put her love life on hold for too long, and wants to be able to make a decision.  But with her relationship problems in the past, she's not that sure she'll be able to do it...

Then there's her cat Fluffy, who is sure he sees a doppelgänger of himself outside and haunting his dreams.  Determining to find the truth, with the help of his neighboring cat Elizabeth, he's also trying to figure out what's going on.  Will it lead him to discovering he's imagining it?  Or something more sinister?

This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all, delighting in Amy and Petunia's adventures.  In this one, we are taken to the dark side of filmmaking, and how it affects those who are struggling in the industry to make a name for themselves.  It's not pretty, but then again, trying to make it in most high-end businesses isn't.

Her dog grooming business takes second place to the murder and what is happening in her personal life.  With all the suspects, Amy has to decide which ones have alibis, and which one has the most motive to kill Javier.  Was the woman also a target, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?  Betsy puts herself in full screenwriter mode, which is a hoot watching her as she gets into character, to help solve the murder.  

What ensues is sometimes hilarious, and most often filled with action as the three women embark on finding another killer to keep the people of Toluca Lake safe.  When the murderer is discovered, it's a different reason altogether, and quite unexpected, but manages to bring the story together nicely.

Although I personally am not keen on Amy's choice (as I think she might have made it) I understand completely; and didn't really expect anything else.  It never detracted from the mystery at all, and the book was definitely a must-read for me, as all Ms. Thomas's books are.  She's a talented writer that also has the ability to put humor in her books, which isn't all that easy to do.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy via Booksprout but this did not influence my review in any way.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Hire-Groomer-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B09CW8RQWW/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4377889236

More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/

Howl to Get Away with Murder (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 5)

Author:    Chelsea Thomas

Genre:     Mystery

Trade Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798763335866

Independently Published

258 Pages

$12.99; $5.99 Amazon

November 9, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amy Stewart moved back home to her small town of Toluca Lake, CA for the palm trees, the cute pets, and the relaxation.  She opened the world's cutest pet salon and quickly settled into life in a town where people are friendly, the weather is perfect, and everyone knows everyone else's dog by name.

She didn't anticipate solving so many murders.

But Amy and her grumpy granny have an incredible eye for detail, and they've got determination, they've got the persistence needed to solve any crime.  So when something goes wrong in town all eyes turn to them.

This time the body shows up at a local bar.

A dear family friend is targeted as the primary suspect, so Amy and Granny need to work fast in order to keep their friend out of jail.  But this case is dangerous and if they're not care our heroes could be the killer's next victims.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Amy Stewart moved home to Toluca Lake, CA after a disastrous relationship, and opened a pet salon along with her granny.  Her sole other employee is her best friend from school, Betsy.  In between making dogs look their best, the trio are off solving murder mysteries -- even when they don't want to.

When a friend at the local bank asked Amy to look into a missing Canadian man who was supposed to show up for a meeting at the bank but never arrived, she's not sure she's willing to do it, since they don't want to get involved in other crimes.  But Amy agrees, and while heading out one night to Little Canada,  Amy finds the man.  In a bathroom.  Killed with a hatchet.  Now there's another murderer on the loose, and Amy and her granny Petunia are out to find a killer once again.

The problem is that they don't know anything about him, so they have to start from scratch.  While the clues are all pointing to one person, Amy isn't sure that person is the guilty party.  But who else could be a suspect, when everything is steering her in that direction?

To top it off, both surgeon Jacob and detective Mike are pursuing Amy, and she's feeling both guilty and torn.  She hasn't given romance a thought, doesn't want to lead them on, and doesn't know who she likes better.  So what's a girl to do?

Meanwhile, her cat Fluffy is in a conundrum himself.  His love interest, Queen Elizabeth, has asked him a very special favor, and he wants to do everything he can to help her.  But even Fluffy has his limits, and he might have to ask someone else to help him.  It seems there are two in the household who are having romance problems, and neither one knows quite what to do...

However, finding a murderer this time out is different, with Amy having doubts and no help from the police, since she isn't able to either ask Mike or find him when she needs him.  So Amy and Granny are on their own, and Little Canada isn't the only place they wind up where they don't belong...

This is the fifth book in the series and just as delightful as all the others.  I do love the chapters with Fluffy, as he contemplates life and love in the feline masses.  It's always fun and interesting to read what he has to say.

Meanwhile, we have Betsy and her ever-changing screenplay -- all because she spent a night in jail and is now deciding she needs to sell her story to an agent so it can be made into a movie.  It's a hoot with the lines she comes up with, but at the same time, I'm grateful I don't have a Betsy in my own life.  I'd probably stop answering the phone after awhile...

Then there's Petunia, who's still playing poker and teaching her 'life skills classes' to unsuspecting males, all of whom are in need of dire confidence in themselves.  Those poor men.  It comes at a cost, but at least they're learning something worthwhile, right?

At the last, there's Amy, who is such a muddle inside that she can't think straight outside when it comes to men.  And murder keeps getting in the way.  Her professional life is just fine, because she's doing what she wants -- grooming the creatures that mean most to her -- but it's the humans she has troubles with, and never more so than when they commit murder...

In the end, the story was intriguing so much that I read it in one sitting.  It was almost exhausting with everything that was going on, and it was definitely hard to put down, which is just what a book is supposed to achieve.  What it also achieved was finding a murderer that came as a complete surprise.  We find out at the same time as Amy, so it was just like being there when it occurred (which, of course, we are).  It was unexpected and worth reading, and it all made sense when it came together.  All in all, the book was put together well with taut prose and a very good plot...and I have to say that I'm team Jacob -- which I usually don't take sides, but in this case I'll make an exception.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Howl-Away-Murder-Chelsea-Thomas/dp/B09LGNQYZ2/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4339216325

 More on Chelsea Thomas's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/chelsea-thomas/