Pie Hard

 The Soap Maker's Mysteries Book 2

Author:    Liz Clay

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0FQSHGYJB

Independently Published

94 Pages

$0.00 Amazon

September 11, 2025

⭐⭐

The deadliest recipes are family secrets.  

Kate Hartwell just wanted to make candles and maybe not find any more dead bodies.  Apparently, that was too much to ask.

When the Pumpkin Pie Festival turns into a poisoning party, Kate's nose for trouble leads her straight into another murder mystery.  Because nothing says "small-town charm" like botanical assassins and fifty-year-old grudges served with a side of revenge.

Armed with her grandmother's herbal recipes and a growing suspicion that everyone in Moonrise Key has secrets worth killing for, Kate must catch a killer before they catch her.  Again.

Some pies are to die for.  Others are just plain deadly.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Kate Hartwell is watching the pumpkin pie contest when she smells something off in the first pie.  But it's too late to stop Ellie, a retired schoolteacher, from tasting the first pie...and being poisoned.  At least Ellie isn't dead, but Kate knows that this echoes a previous murder, and now she wonders if there's another killer on the island.

When Ellie calls her to her hospital bedside, she discovers that it may tie in to a fifty-year-old suspected murder of a young woman who was visiting her relatives for the summer.  Someone is seeking revenge, and Kate is determined to find out who...

I love reading, and I love reading mysteries most of all.  I won't state my background, but I'm a big believer in details.  I look for them everywhere, and I'll never get away from it.  Oh, well.  At any rate, I was charmed in the first part of the book, as I found it a decent cozy to pass the time.  Then I kept reading.  And the inconsistencies and details got me, unfortunately.

I won't list them openly, but put them in a spoiler below:

Victoria was Mr. Pemberton's niece, not Ruth's; and once Ruth divorced her first husband (which was before Michael was conceived since he was Mr. Walsh's son) she nor her children would have any relation to Mr. Pemberton's family. I found it odd that Michael would be upset over a woman he wasn't even related to; there would be no reason for revenge of any sort. I certainly wouldn't be upset if I had heard this story; sad, yes, but not willing to avenge my non-aunt. I didn't like the idea that he was willing to sacrifice his own flesh and blood for someone he wasn't related to. His mother! He chose a non-aunt over his own mother! What does that tell you? There is also a conversation that he has with the protagonist where she calls her grandmother his grandmother. Not once, but twice. That confused me as to who was talking at the time, and I had to read this passage twice. Also, I spend a lot of time baking (I have over 500 cookbooks and use them) and I've never gotten flour (or any ingredients) in my hair or on my body. On my hands, yes, but I've never made a mess in the kitchen like she describes. Why was the sheriff calling on a fire inspector to help with a murder investigation? As far as I've ever known, they aren't involved unless fire is, too. Plus, why should I go back and read the first in this series if you've already told me who the murderer was in that one. Authors should never divulge that information from previous books. It's the Spoiler of All Spoilers. I have the book, but now it's a non-read for me since I know who the murderer was.

 

The things that I've listed in the spoiler are the reasons why I've only given this book two stars.  I really wish I could rate it higher, but I have to go with what I feel is honest.  Sorry.

https://www.amazon.com/Pie-Hard-Halloween-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0FQSHGYJB/ref

Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8025932686 

The Spirit Moves

 A Haunted Haven Mystery Book 4

Author:    Carol J. Perry

Genre:     Mystery/Paranormal

Trade Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496743626

Kensington Cozies

240 Pages

$17.95; $9.99 Amazon

May 27, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When the body of "how-to" book writer Terry Holiday is found by Aster Paterson in her flower garden, the townspeople of Haven are shocked.  But they're even more surprised when the beloved bookshop owner insists that the spirit of her late husband Peter led her to the grim discovery.  Only Aster seems unsurprised -- she's been baking his favorite shortbread cookies every day, hoping to lure his ghost back home...

Even Maureen is a little skeptical -- until Peter's ghost appears in the bookshop window for all to see.  Haven's hard-headed realist cop Frank Hubbard is determined to unveil whatever trickery led to the apparition, as he suspects the answer to who killed Terry Holiday may be connected to the illusion.

If Maureen's learned anything since she moved from New England and inherited her haunted inn, it's that 1) ghosts are real (at least some of them), and 2) so are murderers.  She doesn't need a how-to manual to solve a murder; she's done it before.  But with suspects ranging from a mystery writers group to a ghostwriter who just checked in at the inn, she will need a little help from her spirited sleuths...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Maureen inherited her Florida (haunted) inn from a woman named Penelope, someone she'd never met.  Now settled in with the crew who came with the inn, she's more than involved with Ted, the head chef.  The two are moving forward with their romance, which is pleasing her other employees.

She's also looking for ways to make the inn more profitable, as she's barely making ends meet right now.  While visiting her friend Aster, who owns the local bookshop, she sees that a group of mystery writers are meeting and she finds their remarks about an author who writers 'how-to' books are not flattering.  Curious, she purchases his latest book and sees that it is certainly useful, and learns that this particular book was more than likely written by a ghostwriter.  But when the author, Terry Holiday, is supposed to arrive for a signing at the bookshop, he never shows up.

Later, Aster finds his body in the flower garden behind her shop, and tells everyone that the ghost of her husband Peter told her it was there.  Detective Frank Hubbard thinks Peter's appearance is a trick, and now Aster is a suspect, along with everyone who knew Terry.  With the bookshop a crime scene, Aster moves to the hotel with her cat, Earl Gardner...and the spirit of Peter, supposedly.  The writers' group is now meeting at the inn, and a couple of other guests show up, along with a man who claims to be a ghostwriter, but is charming everyone around him.

With a murderer on the loose, people are cancelling reservations.  No one knows who to trust, and even Frank is asking Maureen for help on this case.  What is going on?  Can she solve a crime while still trying to find time to spend with Ted?  It seems as if she'll need the help of her ghostly roommate Lorna, and Lorna's beau, a late Scotland Yard detective named Reggie.  But how will she explain it all to Frank, who doesn't believe in ghosts?...

This is the fourth book in the series and I have read them all.  I have also loved them all.  To tell the truth, I do love books with 'friendly' spirits, and especially learning about their backgrounds as well.  I love the relationship between them and Maureen, and it adds to the attraction of the book.  Along with her dog, Finn, who has a lively time with the ghosts  as well.

Maureen's efforts are not unrewarded, but she has a lot of people to sift through -- the guests at the hotel, and the writers' group -- she refuses to believe that gentle Aster could be a murderer, even if Frank isn't quite convinced.  The clues that she finds are intriguing, and it isn't easy deciphering them, but I love a challenge.

I will not give anything else away, and hope that I didn't give too much (basically, I expanded on what the blurb states, so there's that), but I will say that the ending left me as stunned as it did Maureen.  I was hoping for a different outcome, but murderers have their own ideas, and it's never reasonable nor logical.  It was a tad humorous, though.  I look forward to the next in the series and highly recommend this book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Moves-Haunted-Haven-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DFS48CKN/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7062557852

More on Carol J. Perry's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/p/carol-j-perry/

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/

Battered and Buried (An All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery Book 7)

Author:    Lena Gregory

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781960511584

Beyond the Page Publishing

188 Pages

$14.99; $5.99 Amazon

March 19, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Never one to let a day off work go to waste, cafe owner Gia Morelli and a friend head out for a blissful kayaking trip through the local national forest.  But the peacefulness of the day is soon shattered when they come across Cole, her head cook, standing over a dead body.  Worse still, the victim was a lifelong enemy of Cole's, and clues found on the body point to the cook as the culprit.  When the police take Cole in and subject him to an intense grilling, Gia vows to do everything she can to prove his innocence.

As even more incriminating evidence surfaces -- including when the murder weapon itself is found hidden at the cafe -- Gia knows she's up against someone brutal enough to kill and devious enough to frame Cole for the deed.  With the police ready to make an official arrest and wrap up what they consider an open-and-shut case, Gia turns for help to an old friend who's not above breaking the law himself.  Because ifs he can't find the killer, Cole may go from serving up hot dishes to serving a life sentence...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Gia Morelli is working the day at her cafe when her friend and waitress Savannah tells her that a man wants to see her.  When she goes to the front, he complains about how bad the meal was.  No matter what she offers, he continues his rant, and when her cook Cole comes to the front, he makes derogatory remarks to him about his cooking, and leaves.  Gia later finds that the man, Rusty, is an old enemy of Cole's and Rusty's never happier than when ruining businesses so he can open the same ones in the same area.

When Gia discovers that Rusty wants to open a cafe down the street, she's dismayed.  But later, while kayaking with her friend Trevor, they see Cole and his friend Cybill on the shore and Cybill looks distressed.  When they reach her, they find that Cole found Rusty's body -- and now Cole is the main suspect in his murder.  Determined to prove Cole innocent, she and Savannah set out to find clues they can give to Gia's fiancé, a homicide detective and Savannah's cousin.  But doing this might be harder than they think, since the widow isn't talking, and neither is anyone else -- for now.

Sifting through clues as they can, Gia enlists help from a computer hacker, and what she discovers only makes things more tangled.  Will she be able to untwist the lies long enough to find a killer?  Or will she finally meet her end?

This is the seventh book in the series and just as good as all the others.  Ms. Gregory is a talented writer who is able to pull you into the story and experience life with the characters.  While never having been to Florida (not sure if I want to, either, after all the critters show up), I still get an idea of the area and how Gia's life is progressing; she's happy in her new life -- until murder slows her down.

When she finally starts putting things together, she's sure she has the end result locating a killer, until an unexpected situation arises that puts her back at square one.  While I knew the killer before Gia did, this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story at all.  I loved how it played out, and in the end, we get an epilogue that gives us something to look forward to in the next book.  Recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Battered-Buried-Lena-Gregory-ebook/dp/B0CW18PPSQ/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6407515651

More on Lena Gregory's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/g/lena-gregory/

Mischief Night Murder (A Mangrove Bay Cozy Mystery Book 3)

Author:    Joy Patrick

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback. Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798863059235

Independently Published

107 Pages

$13.99; $5.99 Amazon

October 11. 2023

⭐⭐⭐

It's her first Halloween since being back in Mangrove Bay, FL., and former urbanite-turned-amateur-sleuth Vivian Blake is feeling the town's excitement as they prepare for the October festivities.  Skeletons, ghosts, witches, spiders.  And one corpse.  A real one.

Mischief Night -- or Pirate Night as it's called here -- wouldn't be complete without a reenactment of the eerie tale of pirate Captain Treader and his ship, The Bloody Cutlass, that was said to have capsized off the coast of Mangrove Bay.

The quirky locals love their spooky traditions.  Well, all except one.

Up in arms about Pirate's Night corrupting local youth, spoilsport Marion Leggett's bent on undermining the celebrations, whatever it takes.  Amid the chaos, a town resident ends up dead, accusations fly, and law enforcement rushes to find the killer.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Vivian Blake has been away for many years, and returned home to Mangrove Bay, Florida to live in her late uncle Don's home.  She and her tenant, Ben, are preparing for Mischief Night -- otherwise known as Pirate's Night -- as everyone in town awaits the festivities along with a reenactment of the night the townspeople vanquished deadly pirate Captain Treader and his crew.  Nearly everyone is excited, except for sour Marion Leggett and her son, Patrick.  For years she's been bemoaning the bad influence it has on the town.

But this year there's a surprise -- one of the townspeople is found dead, and Marion is very much a suspect.  While the sheriff thinks he's got the right woman, Vivian isn't so sure, and sets out to find the true killer...

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am not sure if I want to read any more of them.  Not because the book was bad, by any means.  It was decent for a novella.  But because the author proceeded to tell us -- especially those of us who have not read others by her -- who died in the last book and who the murderer was.  Now, I could have not been bothered by the victim, but telling us the murderer?  Why would I go back and read the prior book if I already know the ending?  The author herself gave us The Spoiler.  Something you don't want a reader to do, by the way, much less the person who wrote the book.  The worst part?  It wasn't even necessary to the story.  It could have been left out altogether.

So now I am left wondering if this is going to occur in every other book.  Why, then, should I read any of them?  I love figuring out the killer.  I don't love someone telling me ahead of time who it is.

The story itself was rather interesting, but because of the length, it was difficult to get a read on the characters.  What does Viv look like?  We know her age, but that's about it.  Same with most of the other characters (aside from a minor one or two).  I got confused with the many people, most of whom had very little to do with the mystery.

But in the end, the killer was a bit of a surprise, and that's the main thing.  It should be.  Which is why I gave this book three stars (losing one for The Spoiler).  Just be aware that in the next book she might tell you who it was in this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Mischief-Night-Murder-Whodunnit-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CK7HV6G4/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6118642816

More on Joy Patrick's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/p/joy-patrick/

Paws In Space (Crystal Beach Magic Mystery Book 5)

Author:    Karen McSpade

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0BPJW45TZ

Newcastle Media

78 Pages

$2.99 Amazon

February 28, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Things take a mysterious and dangerous turn when Officer Reece and his deputy set a trap to catch the killer, and Sidney volunteers to be the bait.  You can bet if Ada-Mae catches wind of this, it will be off with this new witch's hat!  Good thing her grandmother is busy with the mini-golf competition and figuring out who to break the mischievous spell on her daughter.

When Sidney discovers something mysterious brewing at the Mystic Dunes, things take an unexpected turn for the worse.  A nexus of magic more powerful than anything Ada-Mae has seen before holds the secret...if they dare to enter it.  Can Ben and Gramp's ghosts help them travel through the portal?  Who will be waiting for them on the other side?  Can Sidney stir up her own magic spell to save her family before it's too late?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In this fifth and final episode of the Crystal Beach Magic Mysteries, Sidney finds herself in hot water.  A lot of it.  And none of it is her own making.  First, Officer Reece is hoping that the person who wants the USB drive will try and purchase it during the mini-golf invitational.  But when things seem to go awry more and more, Sidney looks for another way to save her mother, and, perhaps. all those she cares for that are around her.

When she teams up with her grandmother Ada-Mae, Ernie, and Judd, it might take more than a witch's spell to discover the truth.  Even if she has help from the ghosts of her granddad and late boyfriend Ben.  Even if she has help from her cat, Mojo.  (Whom I absolutely love in this episode).  Nothing anyone could even think of occurs, and it may take quick thinking and the help of an unexpected source to save them all...

I hesitate to say more as I do not want to give anything important away.  Let me just say that this was so interesting that I read it through quickly, in order to find out what happens in the climax.  You will not be disappointed.  It has more action than before, and things happen quickly.  Questions we've had in previous books are answered, and that's the big thing.  All I can say (in all humor) is that I love cats and wish Mojo were mine!  If you've enjoyed the previous episodes, you will love this book.  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/Paws-Space-Crystal-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BPJW45TZ/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5375277685

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

A Meowing Suspicion (A Crystal Beach Magic Mystery #4)

Author:    Karen McSpade

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0BPJPKLZB

Newcastle Media

77 Pages

$2.99 Amazon

February 21, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With her biggest clue now in hand, Sidney must use it to find the person who murdered her ex-boyfriend.  But this requires skillful sleuthing and Ada-Mae's special potion to cover their tracks.  What surprise will her grandmother pull from her magical shawl this time?  And will it protect them or bring more trouble for these quirky witches?

And that's not all of Sidney's problems.  When her mother falls head-over-heels for a shady realtor, Sidney smells a snake in the sand dunes.  Well, make it two if you count the magic hold Officer Reece's deputy has over him.  Sidney will have to deal with them both if she wants to break the magic love hexes before it's too late.

As dark stormy clouds descend over this small town, a sinister plan is hatched by the murderer and Sidney looks for the ghost of her grandfather to guide her.  But where is he when she needs him?  And what about Mojo -- what's caught this cat's tongue?  Can Sidney stir up her own magical spell in time to save her family and put the murderer behind bars?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In the fourth episode of Crystal Beach Magic Mysteries we have Sidney discovering an important clue on the golf course and trying to figure out where it lies in the big picture.  She's also worried about her mother and her new relationship with a shady realtor.  She can't go to Detective Reece with her information yet, and so she sets off to talk with Ada-Mae about what she's found.  It leads them to try and find even more information, and Sidney also discovers something that rattles her.  None of it is making sense, although she is becoming more comfortable with her new powers.  Not so much, though, with her cat Mojo speaking to her.  It seems he does so on his own terms (as all cats do). . . 

I enjoyed this episode more than the last, and that's a good thing, as I enjoyed the last one immensely.  Sidney and her grandmother Ada-Mae are digging deeper into Ben's death and the reason why, and they're finally coming up with answers.  But as I stated above, neither of them are happy about Sidney's mother's current arrangements, but can't figure out what to do, as Ada-Mae is reluctant to use her own magic in fear of the repercussions.  

Yet they, along with Ada-Mae's friend Ernie, plow forward in their quest for the truth, and it could bring them closer to danger.  Alas, the story ends before we can put everything together (although it does give us a couple of clues), and we can only wait for the conclusion in the next one.  I will add that I rarely read stories about witches, but this one had me riveted from beginning to end.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Meowing-Suspicion-Crystal-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BPJPKLZB/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5366010629

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

Feline Like a Suspect (A Crystal Beach Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 3)

Author:    Karen McSpade

Genre:     Mystery/Paranormal

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B0BPJVBMB5

Newcastle Media

76 Pages

$2.99 Amazon

February 7, 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The competition is heating up at the mini-golf invitational in Crystal Beach despite the deadly discovery on the 18th hole.  With a golf course full of possible suspects, Sidney Grace is on high alert, trying to locate clues that might lead her to the murderer...or at least reveal a motive.

But when Officer Reece's smoking hot deputy, who keeps his evenings tied with "investigation stuff," points the finger at Sidney as the leadin suspect, she's had it up to her witch's hat.  I mean the nerve!  I would make a better deputy than Ms. 'I look amazing in a uniform!

And there's more trouble headed this witch's way.  The fierce golf competition as everyone in a tizzy, including Sidney's grandmother, Ada-Mae, who is sure that the leading contestant is playing under the influence of magic.  To make matters worse, things keep getting stranger with Sidney's mother, who could be under a spell of her own.

Can this young witch unlock her magical powers in time to save her mom?  Who killed Sidney's friend?  And what secret is her cat, Mojo, trying to reveal about her new ghostly visitor?

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In this third episode of the story, Sidney has (almost) accepted that she's a burgeoning witch.  And she's (almost) accepted the fact that she can talk to her cat, Mojo, and see ghosts.  But she's not sure what it means when her mom, usually an outspoken anti-magic human, changes suddenly and enters the new mini-golf tournament, and appears to be very good.  For a woman who's never done this before, Sidney is getting awfully suspicious.

But what's worse is that she's trying to figure out who killed her friend, and why.  Discovering this isn't going to be easy, since she can't pinpoint a suspect.  Although she'd love it if it were Deputy Jessie, who's occupying a lot of Officer John Reece's time.  Time she'd like to occupy herself...

While her grandmother Ada-Mae is trying to convince Sidney that she's going to be very powerful, all she knows is that it all feels strange to her, and she doesn't have the slightest idea how to cast a spell.  Or if she wants to.  

When she's driven to head to the golf course once more, she discovers something that could be very telling.  But it's what that's not said that has her confused...

In this episode, I was so enthralled by the series that I read it completely through in one sitting, and became disappointed because I have to wait for the next one.  It's an enchanting series, one I wouldn't miss for anything.  All I can say is, bravo, Ms. McSpade.  You've done yourself proud with this.  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/Feline-Like-Suspect-Crystal-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B0BPJVBMB5/ref

Goodreads:     https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5327690229

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

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/

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/

Rum and Choke (A Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery #4)

Author:    Sherry Harris

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496734389

Kensington Cozies

320 Pages

$8.99; $6.99 Amazon

December 27, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Florida Panhandle Barback Games are coming up and Chloe's been drafted to represent the Sea Glass Saloon -- competing in various obstacle-course events that conclude with rolling an empty keg up a hill.  The rivalries are so fierce that some of the participating bars even stoop to bringing in ringers.

Meanwhile, Chloe's friend Ann -- a descendant of the famed pirate Jean Lafitte -- asks her to come along for a boat ride as Ann dives into the Gulf of Mexico.  She's found some old papers that may identify the location of sunken treasure.  Instead, she finds a sunken body -- one of the ringers hired for the Barback Games.  Now that murder is in the mix, Chloe has to figure out whether one of the competitors went overboard...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chloe Jackson goes to work one morning and discovers that her boss, Vivi, and her coworker Joaquin have signed her up for the Barback Games.  It's a competitive game, so much so that some of the other bars in the area have hired ringers -- professional athletes -- for the competition.  This doesn't sit well with Vivi, and she wants Chloe to go undercover and check them out.  But instead one of them, Enrique, seems to be checking out Chloe.

Once the three she's been visiting discover who she is, they come to the Sea Glass to confront her.  But her friend Ann Williams is there also -- and she recognizes Enrique from a long time ago when he assaulted her.  Things don't look good for either of them, so Ann leaves.  But later Ann asks Chloe if she'll come with her as support when she plans a dive to find an old shipwreck of her ancestor, pirate Jean Lafitte.  Instead of finding sunken treasure, she finds a sunken body, and now both Chloe and Ann are persons of interest in death.

Trying not to make things worse for herself, she continues to help Ann on her personal quest and finds not only murder, but intrigue, suspicions, secrets, and break-ins along with adventure and excitement.  Wanting to stay above the law, but caught in the web of Ann's life, she wants to be part of this exploration also.

Then there's also the fact that she's falling for Rip, and hard.  Does she tell him or allow things to go as slow as they have been?  Not wanting to keep her involvement in the shipwreck from him, but not wanting to break a promise to Ann has her warring with herself.  Which one will win out in the end?  And will she finally be charged in the murder?...

This is the fourth book in the series, and I have read them all.  This just might be the best one of the group.  I was as drawn to the action as Chloe was herself.  Watching her try to juggle her relationship, her involvement in the Barback Games and the lure of the excitement of finding a pirate ship was enough in itself, but the murder only added to it.  She's determined to find the killer, because if she doesn't, she could be sent away for complicity in the crime.  

There's so much going on, but it's all easy enough to keep straight; nothing overlaps so much that you can't follow the action.  And there's plenty of that.  My favorite, of course, would be looking for the pirate ship (who wouldn't want to?) but we must solve the murder first.  Who would want to kill this person?  It turns out that plenty of people would.  Their past seemed to follow them, and they left unhappy people behind (I will say no more as to not spoil the book for others as to whom the dead person might be).

We learn slightly more about Ann in this book, and I have always found her an intriguing character, so of course I was interested; but not enough to give us everything, leaving her with her secrets.  This is as it should be.

When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, it's both sad and understandable; while there is no excuse for killing, sometimes we need to think things out.  And yet -- the ending gives us something very good to look forward to, and makes us want to read the next in the series now.  If you haven't read this series before, you can start with this book, but it would be better if you read the first in the series, From Beer To Eternity.  Highly recommended.

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

https://smile.amazon.com/Choke-Chloe-Jackson-Saloon-Mystery/dp/1496734386/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4943963687

More on Sherry Harris's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/sherry-harris/

High Spirits (A Haunted Haven Mystery Book 2)

Author:    Carol J. Perry

Genre:     Mystery/Paranormal

Trade Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496731371

Kensington Publishing

320 Pages

$15.99; $9.99 Amazon

October 25, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas lights on palm trees and Santa hats on plastic pink flamingoes are far from the snowy landscape Maureen and her beloved golden retriever, Finn, are used to.  But Maureen is determined to make this a holiday to remember -- which means finding a way to promote Haven House on a shoestring.  Fortunately, Haven's vintage movie theater, the Paramount, has come up with a great "Twelve Days of Christmas" idea.  They'll feature an impressive list of the best classic Christmas movies ever made -- shown by one-time movie actor-turned-projectionist Decklin Monroe.

But nobody bothered to tell Maureen that the Paramount is haunted by the ghost of a man who was murdered a few years back.  Haven's top cop Frank Hubbard doesn't believe in ghosts but, believing that Decklin Monroe was somehow involved, he wants a reluctant Maureen's help.

That plan is derailed when, on the first day of the festival, a fresh murder victim is found at the theater.  Now Maureen has to defend her staff and guests, while trying to keep her high-spirited resident ghosts out of the picture -- before they have company for the holidays...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Maureen Doherty lost her job and didn't no where to turn when she'd found that she'd inherited Haven House in Florida.  The inn is old, and needs plenty of work, but has a lack of funds due to the mismanagement of the previous manager.  But Maureen knows how to plan, and she's hoping to figure out a way to save it.

Then comes Decklin Monroe, an old actor who is now a projectionist of old two-reel movies at the Paramount, a theater also in need of repairs.  Maureen has come up with an idea: have a dinner and a movie night.  Purchase theater tickets, and include a dinner at the hotel's restaurant, giving them some proceeds -- which are better than none.  But Decklin's story of a murder in the theater, and the ghost who haunts it, bothers Maureen, even though she doesn't let it interfere with her idea.

But at the first showing, there is another murder, and now people are wondering who killed this person, and police officer Frank Hubbard is none too happy with Maureen right now, but still needs her help in finding the killer.  With a full house on board for Christmas, a ghost haunting her suite, and a murder to solve, it will be a wonder if Maureen can actually find a killer...

This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite as much as I did the first.  Ms. Perry weaves a story well, and it was full of plenty of goings-on and a few ghosts to boot.  Watching her try to keep the Haven House and keep it running is worth it, and her staff is fiercely loyal to her and the old inn as well.  What I found humorous was the fact that Finn loves to be read to -- books about dogs, of course!

But who killed the latest victim?  I had my own insights, and I read a lot of mysteries, so I had the culprit halfway through the book.  I just didn't know how.  That was all explained carefully, believably, and capably.  This series is a delightful entry to the cozy genre, and the characters are becoming more defined, which I know will continue with each book.  

The ending does have a nice epilogue, and it ties everything together in a brightly colored Christmas bow, and gives us something to look forward to in the next in the series.  There are also a few yummy recipes in the back.  Highly recommended.

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

https://www.amazon.com/High-Spirits-Haunted-Haven-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09RGBJJ1V/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4802637947

More on Carol J. Perry's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/p/carol-j-perry/

Murder in Tropical Breeze (Tropical Breeze Cozy Mystery Book 1)

Author:    Mary Bowers

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:`9781980680369

Independently Published

224 Pages

$9.99; $2.99 Amazon

January 28, 2015

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Strange winds are blowing in Tropical Breeze, Florida.  When Vesta Cadbury Huntington, one of its oldest, wealthiest and most eccentric citizens, dies in her sleep, nobody is surprised except for Vesta herself.  It wasn't her time, and she didn't appreciate being bumped off into the Land of the Dead prematurely.  The granddaughter of an archaeologist, she calls upon an Egyptian goddess for help.  Basket, the protective cat goddess, responds, and Taylor Verone, Tropical Breeze's modern-day cat rescuer, is going to help -- whether she wants to or not.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

When Taylor Verone, who owns a pet shelter, is called upon in the early morning hours to help rescue a litter of kittens, she's there in an instant.  But what she doesn't expect is to see a strange black cat with eyes as green as her own, watching her -- nor her elderly friend Vesta, who is guiding her toward the kittens.

When she learns that Vesta passed in the night, she's stunned.  But then the black cat attaches itself to her, and tells her that she is Bastet, the Egyptian goddess, and has failed in her task to protect Vesta -- who was murdered.  Now she plans to use Taylor as her means of revenge in order to find a killer.  Taylor soon learns that she has no choice but to help, but doesn't even know what Bastet -- renamed Basket -- wants her to do.  When she discovers another body, things start to come together -- but will it be in time to save another elderly friend from being jailed?...

This is the first book in the series, and there are times I prefer to read older books, since they focus mainly on the plot and nothing else, if you get my drift.  I found this book to be interesting in the fact that I have not read another author who used Egyptian goddesses as protagonists -- especially through the eyes of a human.  It was extremely interesting, and fun to read.

I found the plot very well done, and there was plenty goings-on throughout; and not all centered through the murder, either; but nothing took away from the murder mystery itself, instead drawing things more toward it, which is how it should be.  I did enjoy Taylor's character, and even some of the secondary ones, although I would have liked to have known more about the surroundings besides being in Florida.  A little more about the town itself?  

The only thing I was a bit disappointed in was the ending.  I did like how Taylor put everything together, and it was worth reading to get to that point; and I also enjoyed how the resolution came leaving us to look forward to something else; but I loved Basket most and anyone who has read the book will understand what I am saying and if you have not, you should read this book.  That is the only reason I took away one star.  (No, Basket did not die, for those who think this!).  At any rate, I will read the next in the series just to see if I am going to stay with this series or move onto another.  Recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Tropical-Breeze-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00SXH7AQO/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4689127870

More on Mary Bowers's Books:    https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Bowers/e/B00T1ZOHR2/ref

Three Shots to the Wind (A Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery #3)

Author:    Sherry Harris

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496734365

Kensington Publishing

304 Pages

$8.99; $6.99 Amazon

March 29, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Saloon owner Chloe Jackson appears to have a secret admirer.  She's pouring drinks at the Sea Glass Saloon in Emerald Cove when an airplane flies by above the beach with a banner reading I LOVE YOU CHLOE JACKSON.  She immediately rules out Rip Barnett.  They are in the early stages of dating and no one has said the L word.  Then a bouquet of lilacs -- her favorite flower -- is delivered to the bar, followed by an expensive bottle of her favorite sparkling wine.  It couldn't be...

Sure enough, her ex-fiancé from Chicago has flown down to Florida for an accountants' convention.  But is he trying to mix business with pleasure and win her back?  Unfortunately he's not in a hotel conference room, he's floating facedown in the lake next to her house, clutching a photo of Chloe.  Who murders an accountant on a business trip -- it just doesn't add up.  When Rip becomes the prime suspect, Chloe is determined to find the secret murderer.  But if she isn't careful, it may be closing time and lights out for her...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chloe Jackson has given up her life as a librarian back in Chicago and moved to Emerald Cove, Florida.  It's because of the will her late best friend Boone left, giving her all his worldly goods and part ownership in the bar he owned with his grandmother, Vivi.  Her new romance with firefighter Rip Barnett is also starting to heat up, and she's happy at last.

But one morning while at the bar, there's a commotion and her friend Joaquin tells her to come outside.  Above them is a plane with a banner reading 'I LOVE YOU CHLOE JACKSON'; and soon after she receives a huge bouquet of her favorite flowers and a magnum of her favorite sparkling wine.  At first stumped that anyone would know about the flowers and the wine, she soon realizes that it might just be her ex-fiancé, Perry.

But then things go from bad to worse -- floating in the lake near her house is Perry's body -- and he's clutching a photo of her.  Stunned and horrified, Chloe has no idea who would want to kill nice, boring Perry.  But since there's a video of Perry and Rip having an altercation, Biffle has to list Rip and his number one suspect.  Chloe isn't having it, and decides to do some investigating on her own.

Then there are the surprises that come Chloe's way -- and I won't list them here because you need to read the book -- but it puts a wrench in Chloe's plans and brings frustration because of Vivi's -- yet Chloe carries on, determined to prove Rip innocent.

What follows is an intriguing tale of Chloe trying her best to find and eliminate suspects -- some who have good reason to want Perry dead -- surprises that aren't expected, and a few humorous situations that lighten the book quite a bit.  What Chloe also has is plenty of motives that could spur people to kill, including lies, secrets, and jealousy -- but what Chloe also discovers is that sometimes those closest to us can be someone we don't know at all..

In the end, I found the climax interesting and unusual, not to mention a bit unexpected; and it gives the book the final punch it needs to carry through.  Ms. Harris gives us a tale that keeps us reading throughout, and we learn more about Chloe and her past, which is a good thing, as it makes her more real than before.  I enjoyed this book immensely and await the next in the series (hopefully soon).  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/Three-Shots-Jackson-Saloon-Mystery/dp/149673436X/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4573268803

More on Sherry Harris's Books:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4573268803

A Time to Swill (A Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery #2)

Author:    Sherry Harris

Genre:     Mystery

Mass Market Paperback; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)

ISBN #:    9781496723048

Kensington Publishing

207 Pages

$7.69; $6.99 Amazon

July 27, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chloe loves her new life pouring beers and mixing cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon in the Florida Panhandle town of Emerald Cove.  But on the job, the only exercise she gets is walking from one end of the bar to the other, so in the mornings she loves to run on the beach.  On this morning's foggy run, she spots a sailboat washed up on a sandbar.  Hearing a cry, she climbs aboard the beached vessel to investigate and finds not only a mewling kitten -- but a human skeleton in the cabin.

The skeleton is tied back to Chloe's friend Ralph, whose wife disappeared on a sailboat with three other people twelve years ago.  Believing his wife was lost as sea, Ralph remarried.  Now he finds himself a murder suspect.  Chloe is determined to find out who's been up to some skullduggery, but her sleuthing will lead her into some rough waters and some bone-chilling revelations...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Chloe Jackson moved from Chicago to Emerald Cove, Florida after her best friend Boone died in Afghanistan and left her everything -- which includes his home, boat, and 25% in the bar his grandmother Vivi owns.  After coming to a sort of truce with Vivi, Chloe is settling into her new life.  But while jogging on a foggy morning she hears what she thinks is a baby crying on a boat that seems to be stuck on a sandbar.  Swimming out to the boat, she finds it's not a child, but a cat, and while exploring she also finds a skeleton aboard.  When the boat catches fire, she dives off with the cat, hoping to make it to shore.  But a man with a boat rescues her, returns her to shore and disappears.

To make matters worse, Boone's father returns -- and claims he has a new will of Boone's that leaves him everything, including being half-owner of the bar.  But everyone knows Boone would never do that, but the problem lies in trying to find out proof, which Chloe intends to do.

Chloe finds herself in another murder this time -- but discovers that it might be one from long ago.  When she gives the police a ring she also discovered before bailing, she finds that it belonged to her friend Ralph's late wife -- and he might be a suspect.  Now she's looking for the good Samaritan that saved her, and the person who might have killed Ralph's wife.  Could they be one and the same?  Or is something else afoot?  And is someone trying to make sure she doesn't find anything else out?

This is the second book in the series and it is quite as good as the first.  Chloe is coming to love her new life, and Vivi is changing in her feelings toward Chloe.  There's also a hint of change in the air for Chloe with a new relationship, but it doesn't get in way of the mystery.  We also have the enigmatic Ann Williams around again, and Joaquin, of course; all of these people make for a very interesting book.

I loved the mystery -- which was more a mystery within one; and there's a subplot that is quite intriguing as well.  Watching Chloe try to navigate her new life and the things going on around her are worth the read; and the reappearance of Boone's father Steven brings angst to the group at the Sea Glass.  Vivi can't figure out a way to get rid of him, but Chloe is determined to do so.

But it's the backstory that is the most interesting -- of what went on twelve years ago and how it ties into things that are occurring today.  It's suspenseful and fun, and when the ending comes it's all worth the wait.  I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next in the series.  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/Swill-Chloe-Jackson-Saloon-Myster-ebook/dp/B08MBFK131/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4569384294

More on Sherry Harris's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/sherry-harris/