Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! On this rainy All Hallow's Eve I thought I'd share some favorite spooky reads.

 

I don't read horror, but I do enjoy a spooky read once in a while. If you want something spine tingling good you need to read the Pluto Snitch Mystery series by Carolyn Haines. THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED is the first book in the series. While Carolyn does write cozy mysteries, this isn't one of them! I'd classify it as Southern Gothic. Speaking of Gothic, I just finished reading THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright.You can check out my review Sunday!

If you're looking for a book set at Halloween you could try SHUDDER PULP by Vanessa Westermann, FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT by Ellen Byron, GHOST AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE by Carmen Radtke, ONE OF YOU by Lorie Lewis Ham, FATAL FUDGE SWIRL by Meri Allen or MINESTRONE MISCHIEF by Rosie Genova. You could also try TROUBLE BREWING by Heather Day Gilbert, DEATH RANG THE BELL by Carol Pouliot, MRS. MORRIS AND THE VAMPIRE by Traci Wilton, or MIDNIGHT SPELLS MURDER by Mary Angela.

If you enjoy reading about the Headless Horseman you're sure to appreciate THE LEGEND OF ACORN HOLLOW by Maureen Klovers.  

If you want to mix Halloween and Christmas try MRS. CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE by Liz Ireland.

Of course any paranormal mystery would fit the bill, but especially one set at Halloween like the sixth Ghostly Fashionista Mystery, CORSETS AND CASUALTIES by Gayle Leeson. 

What about a whole series set in a town that is devoted to this holiday? CHAOS AT THE LAZY BONES BOOKSHOP by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in the Halloween Bookshop Mystery series.

There are so many wonderful books out there, books with ghosts, witches, and vampires, books set at Halloween, spooky books, funny books! No matter what kind of books you enjoy I hope you're able to curl up with a great one this Halloween!

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright. This standalone novel was published last week.

Traeger Hall is a mansion haunted by the past, perhaps even cursed by its cruel and vindictive owner. In 1890 Leopold Traeger had a stranglehold on Newton Creek, Wisconsin. He owned the sawmill, the bank, as well as several other endeavors. Then he and his wife were brutally murdered inside the home. His will decreed his ward, Waverly Pembrooke leave the house with only the clothing with which she arrived and Traeger Hall be sealed for one hundred years. Over a hundred years have passed and Newton Creek is no longer a vibrant community and the Hall remains sealed. Jennie Phillips has arrived in town, inheriting Traeger Hall, one of her father's acquisitions. But a skeleton on the property and a unique codicil thwart Jennie's plans. Has the evil of two men passed down into the house? Will opening Traeger Hall mean the discovery of treasure or will it open the world to the evil trapped inside?

Death on Dickens Island - A Guest Post. Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Delia Dickens to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Delia on the pages of the Books on the Beach Mystery series by Allison Brook. DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND is the first book in the series and was released last week.

Hi, Everyone. My name is Delia Dickens. Yes, I'm one of the Dickens family that founded Dickens Island in the Long Island Sound between Long Island and Connecticut. I'm thirty-eight, divorced, and I've just moved back to the island to live with my fifteen-year-old son Connor in the beautiful Victorian house that Helena, my grandmother, left me. Connor has discovered a small secret room lined with bookshelves. Here, unknown to anyone but Riley, our Bearded Collie, Helena appears to me in ghostly form and reveals secrets that help me solve two murders fifty years apart.

My parents live nearby. My father sees himself as the family's patriarch and responsible for the island's residents' peace of mind and well being. However, Dad dislikes confrontation, and so he usually relies on my mother to resolve conflicts. Dad runs the Dickens General Store. Mom has moved into my Manhattan apartment to take a break from Dad's depending on her to resolve problems and his refusal to accept her suggestions to modernize the store, and has taken up writing a novel. Sales have improved since Dad's agreed to let me order new merchandise. I'm doing my best to work around his stuck-in-the-mud attitude about making changes that the general store sorely needs if its going to survive.

My brother, Wayne, a well-known author, lives with his partner on the island part-time. He owns and edits the island's weekly newspaper, for which I've been writing articles.

Right now my aunt and uncle, who love each other dearly are having one of their public squabbles. Aunt Reenie, my mother's younger sister and Dickens Island's manager (mayor), is all for more housing and a ferry line to Connecticut while Uncle Brad, Dad's younger brother and the town council's president, wants to keep the island the same way it's been for years. Also suspecting him of having an affair with Missy Faraday, Aunt Reenie has thrown Uncle Brad out and he's staying with my dad. With Mom away, Dad expects me to convince my aunt and uncle to make nice and stop squabbling. An impossible job.

Riley came into our lives when he followed Connor home one afternoon and seemed to adopt us. While I was happy to have him live with us, I knew that, despite his badly matted coat, a wonderful dog like Riley had to belong to someone. And so I contacted our local vet, Jack Morrison. Reluctantly. Jack and I were an item years ago when I was sixteen and he was nineteen. Then he broke my heart. Believe me, I had no intention of rekindling our relationship, but one thing led to another . . .

And so you see, my life is rather full at the moment. Even more so, when Uncle Brad brought Missy Faraday to dinner at Dad's and the next morning she was found dead in her house. Of course Uncle Brad became Suspect Number One and I felt obliged to prove his innocence. So much goes on in a supposedly sleepy island, and I, being a Dickens, am right in the middle of everything.

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Review

DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND by Allison Brook
The First Books on the Beach Mystery 

After years living in Manhattan Delia Dickens has returned to Dickens Island living with her 15 year old son, Connor, in the house her grandmother left her. All is not peaceful on the island however. Her mother, claiming she needs a break from Delia's dad, is living in Delia's Manhattan apartment. Delia's aunt and uncle are leading members of the town with diametrically opposed views on what's best for the island. Their contentious behavior has divided the town and Aunt Reenie has thrown her husband out! Then, of course, there's the drama of living with a teenaged boy. But things come to a head when Missy Faraday is found shot to death in her own home. Missy was manipulative, at least in regards to men on the island, but why would anyone want to kill her? As Delia tries to deal with her family, she can't help but be interested in solving the murder, especially as both her aunt and uncle make good suspects. Unexpected help comes in the form of her grandmother's ghost who help her uncover secrets from the past that just may be impacting the present.

I enjoyed meeting Delia Dickens in the first Books on the Beach Mystery. I appreciate how she has taken past trauma, and while it still affects her, she learns and evolves from it. Delia has a solid supporting cast too, my favorite being Helena, her ghostly grandmother. I also love Riley, who shows how dogs can bring people together and help mend hurts.  

The mystery was satisfying. I particularly enjoyed how the past played a big part in the present with a pirate log, Helena's youth, and family drama adding to the mystery. As for the present, who would want to kill Missy? And why? I admit I figured it out the motive well before Delia, but it was fun seeing her catch up. 

With likeable characters and a well thought out mystery DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND is a charming start to a new series.

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 Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery by Allison Brook

About Death on Dickens Island

Death on Dickens Island: A Books on the Beach Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - On Dickens Island, a fictional island in the Long Island Sound between Long Island & CT.
Publisher: ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: ‎ October 21, 2025
Hardcover Print Length: ‎ 320 pages

A divorced sleuth in her thirties must bring peace back to her small town after a murder tears neighbors and family members apart in this series debut from Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook, perfect for fans of Cynthia Riggs and Eva Gates.

Delia Dickens has come home to Dickens Island, a small island in the Long Island Sound, after a twelve-year stint in Manhattan. She’s looking forward to helping her father revitalize the general store that the family owns as well as curating a small book nook. Most importantly, she wants to reunite with her fifteen-year-old son. But Dickens Island isn’t the peaceful town Delia remembers–and she might be in more danger here than she ever was in the big city.

Delia’s Aunt Reenie and Uncle Brad, both prominent community leaders, are at odds over the sale of a farm and its future use. This has created friction, not only in their marriage, but amongst the citizens of the town. When a young woman, new to the town council and friendly with Brad, is found murdered, everything escalates and reaches a new boiling point.

With Reenie and Brad both suspects in the case and at each other’s throats, the townspeople start to take sides. When the ghost of her grandmother visits her, Delia learns how past events have impacted the present, and it is up to her to expose the farm’s sordid secrets in order to catch a murderer and restore peace to her beloved island.

About Allison Brook

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, novels of suspense, and books for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series, the Twin Lakes series, and Giving Up the Ghost. Her suspense, Come Home to Death, was released in April 2024, and her suspense, Dangerous Relations, will be republished in 2025. Death on Dickens Island is the first book in her Books on the Beach series.

Marilyn's juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children's Book Council Children's Choice and has recently come out in a new edition. Rufus and the Witch's Drudge, the second book in the series, has been released, and the third, Rufus and the Dark Side of Magic, will be out later this year. And Don't Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards. Her YA horror, The Devil's Pawn, came out in a new edition in January 2024.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids, and playing with her kittens, Romeo and Juliet.

Author Links: 

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Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Bookshop.org PenguinRandomHouse

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE by Ellen Butler
The Second Ariadne Winter Mystery 

 

After a week reporting on fashion in 1950s Paris Ariadne Winter is pleased to stop over in Ireland. Invited by her cousin, she's attending the house party at Julia's boyfriend's ancestral home. The annual party is about to become something more when Cormac O'Connell announces his engagement to Julia. While Julia's parents are happy, Lady Aisling, Cormac's mother, has a more stoic reaction. That first evening at Ballyford Manor proves interesting as Ariadne witnesses more than one argument and plenty of furtive behavior. The next morning a visit to the cliffs turns into a tragic discovery when Julia, Ariadne, and Shane, Corman's dissolute brother, find the body of Brian Byrne, the estate manager, crumpled dead below the castle. A tragic accident? Ariadne isn't so sure. Nor is the inspector. Ariadne will look, listen, and hunt for clues in order to uncover O'Connell secrets and find a murderer! 

 

Although set in 1958 DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE reads as almost a modern tale, just with a lot more smoking and no cell phones. I really enjoyed the story and the mystery. Ariadne is a wonderful protagonist, clever and just nosy enough to discover truths others would rather left hidden. I love that Gavin made an appearance, inadvertently bringing answers that ultimately led to the solution. The O'Connell family is a hot mess. From the drunken second son and moody teenaged daughter to the demanding mother, all have secrets. I even got unpleasant vibes from Cormac,

 

I appreciate how Ariadne didn't take anything at face value. How she investigated herself and with Julia or Gavin, but always kept the inspector involved, at least once she's had a good look at whatever clue she found or theory she had. While I generally dislike stories told from multiple points of view, it works here. Each chapter is labeled with the character combined with the fact that everything is told in third person, it works. We get detailed information we wouldn't know if solely told from Ariadne's point of view. 

 

DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE is a delightful mystery that uncovers long held secrets in 1958 Ireland.

 

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 Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler

About Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Ireland, near the Cliffs of Moher
Publisher: ‎ Power to the Pen
Publication Date: ‎ October 1, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 312 pages

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin's engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better.

Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

About Ellen Butler

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Publishers Weekly called the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism.” Butler also writes the Ariadne Winter historical mysteries as well as historical spy fiction. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: a Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, and a Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction.

Author Links:

Website ~ www.EllenButler.net  

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks  

Instagram~ https://www.instagram.com/ebutlerbooks/  

Bookbub~ https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-butler  

Goodreads ~ www.goodreads.com/EllenButlerBooks  

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Apple

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Giveaway

Follow this link for a chance to win  $25 Amazon Gift Card & Signed Book 

At Death's Dough - A Review

 Review

AT DEATH'S DOUGH by Mindy Quigley
The Fifth Deep Dish Mystery 

The winter cold and snow makes the offseason difficult for businesses in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Restaurant owner, Delilah O'Leary is evening struggling to get reservations for the Valentine's Day holiday. That's one reason she jumps on board the town council's idea of a Gangsters of Geneva Bay tour, although she knows her boyfriend Capone, yes, related to that Capone, will not be happy. She has staff to pay, however, and if that means highlighting the fact that her restaurant was a mob front for Rocco Guanciale and featuring Rocco's Guanciale on the menu, so be it. But slow business isn't the only thing worrying Delilah. Several women are aglow with new mysterious romances, even Great-Aunt Biz. And then, of course, there's the dead body she, Sonya, and Biz found while ice fishing. Not to mention Capone's ne'er do well cousin whose visit Capone's mom wants to keep quiet. Will Delilah be able to make it through the offseason without losing her business or her boyfriend? 

Pride, hope, and love make the gears grind and shift in the fifth Deep Dish Mystery. I love how the Delilah and Son family is just that, a family. They may bicker, but ultimately will do anything for each other. I love how they work together like a well oiled machine, whether it's dinner service or solving a mystery. I loved the historical aspect, a favorite subject of mine, if not Delilah and especially loved how everything came together. 

AT DEATH'S DOUGH runs the gamut from romantic, family, and business problems, community involvement, and social class treating each with varying degrees of humor and gravitas. When one of the family is taken hostage I was horrified; it's a personal nightmare for me. Thank goodness for the resourcefulness, bravery, and determination of everyone!

There's also food. I loved the descriptions, even Harold's feast of reconciliation and am pleased that there are recipes included, though not for Harold's feast. Even if you have no intention of making any of the recipes found at the end of the book, you still need to read them! Written from the point of view of different characters each recipe is a story in itself...and a very funny one at that! 

A wintry mystery filled with gangsters, good food, and great friends AT DEATH'S DOUGH is a laugh out loud mystery with heart and a special cat named Butterball. 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigley. This book is the fifth book in the Deep Dish Mystery series and will be released next week.

The winter cold and snow makes the offseason difficult for businesses in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Restaurant owner, Delilah O'Leary is evening struggling to get reservations for the Valentine's Day holiday. That's one reason she jumps on board the town council's idea of a Gangsters of Geneva Bay Tour, although she knows her boyfriend Capone, yes, related to that Capone, will not be happy. She has staff to pay, however, and if that means highlighting the fact that her restaurant was a mob front for Rocco Guanciale and featuring Rocco's Guanciale on the menu, so be it. But slow business isn't the only thing worrying Delilah. Several women are aglow with new mysterious romances, even Great-Aunt Biz. And then, of course, there's the dead body she, Sonya, and Biz found while ice fishing. Not to mention Capone's ne'er do well cousin whose visit Capone's mom wants to keep quiet. Will Delilah be able to make it through the offseason without losing her business or her boyfriend?

Murder by the Millions - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

MURDER BY THE MILLIONS by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Second Literary Dining Mystery 

After the success of their Jane Austen Event Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef, and her best friend bookstore manager Tegan decide to move forward in time and host a soiree based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s THE GREAT GATSBY. Guests will dress up in jazz era inspired fashion and Allie will dream up delightful food dishes inspired by the period. When developer Jason Gardner shows up at Feast for the Eyes bookstore Tegan and Chloe are swooning, but Allie isn't so sure. The man intends to turn houses in the historic district into a mall! But his charming manner has started to thaw Allie, which makes it even more devastating when she finds his murdered body. What's even worse, her friend, Detective Zach Armstrong, considers her a suspect! Surely their disastrous kiss isn't behind this suspicion? Allie knows she'd better find him more suitable suspects, perhaps the Asheville developer known to use shady tactics or the local contractor who seemed to have a beef with the victim.

I really like the idea of literary themed events and I really love that almost the whole town of Ashevelle gets behind them too, even dressing up in period clothes. I appreciated the quotes from THE GREAT GATSBY that head each chapter and it was fun seeing Allie and Vanna come up with appropriate food. Vanna playing nice was almost as shocking as the murder!

The mystery was enjoyable, realizing Jason's ties to the town, his lost love, and the possible motives for his murder. I love how Allie and Tegan investigated while also working and preparing for their big event. Allie teasing out alibis and uncovering clues, with a little help from some friends.

MURDER BY THE MILLIONS combines classic literature and scrumptious food molding them into a delightful cozy mystery. I look forward to seeing what book the next themed party will be based on.   

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 Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder by the Millions

Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - North Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ October 28, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 320 pages

In a beautiful mountain community near Asheville, North Carolina, caterer and personal chef Allie Catt serves up mouthwatering, literary-themed dinner parties inspired by her clients’ favorite books. Her next event is sure to be a roaring success—if a murderer isn’t a killjoy . . .

If it were true that the best thing a girl can be in this world is a fool, then Allie Catt would be out of luck. Fortunately, Allie’s business is a smashing success. And following her Pride and Prejudice event, grander plans await . . .

Feast for the Eyes bookstore manager and Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is hosting a book club soiree and wants it to be a glittering affair based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic Jazz Age-set novel, The Great Gatsby. Soon, Art Deco table settings and visions of flappers are dancing the Charleston in their heads. Even Tegan’s prickly sister, Vanna, is on board. And surely, Allie’s tuxedo cat, Darcy, thinks it’s the cat’s meow. Amid the planning, charismatic developer Jason Gardner arrives in town to buy some historic buildings on Main Street. He, too, has plans: to create a modern mall. Allie is more than concerned. She even wants to protest. But when Jason invites her to cater a lavish party, she finds him surprisingly likable. Then she’s summoned to his estate for a meeting—and finds him dead.

Once again Allie’s landed in the middle of a crime scene. Worse, one of her earrings is later discovered near the body. And when police learn she was upset about the mall, she’s suspect #1. Allie’s blossoming sleuthing skills once cleared Tegan’s name, but can she save herself—before a killer writes her a not-so-great Gatsbyesque ending . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California, where she likes to cook, garden, and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky.

Author Links: 

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com  

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