Currently Reading...

I just finished reading The Shrew Detective: The Case of the Pilfered Pearls by Margi Preus, illustrated by Junyi Wu. This book is the first in The Shrew Detective Mystery series and will be released May 19.

Minerva, the Shrew Detective, loves her cozy home in the forest. Admiring her walls decorated with wonderful words from a dictionary she found, she ponders the big mysteries of life and the universe while enjoying lots of snacks. One day her cousin, Tenacity, rushes in desperately needing a detective or surely murder and mayhem will follow. Minerva goes with her, but balks when Tenacity starts to leave the forest. Even worse - she is going into the house...with humans! A pearl necklace belonging to the human woman has gone missing and the woman's already called in an exterminator to place traps around the house. If the necklace isn't found in twenty-four hours she will have the house fumigated! Thus the possible murder of all of the animals who also call the house home. From the chipmunk in the drainpipe and the mice in the walls to the flying squirrels in the attic and Tenacity herself, all are in danger! Will Minerva be able to find the necklace in time?

A Staged Death - A Review & Giveaway

Review

A STAGED DEATH by Samantha Larsen
The Fourth Lady Librarian Mystery 

 

Having catalogued the entire library at Astwell Palace Tiffany Lathrop is at loose ends. But before she can create a new task her good friend Thomas arrives with surprising news, he's engaged. His mother, the Marchioness of Harwood, is not pleased, especially as his fiancée is an actress. While Catherine wants Tiffany and her husband Samir to come to Bath to persuade Thomas to break his engagement, Thomas wants them to come to change his mother's mind. But when they stop at the theatre upon their arrival in the city they find the dead body of a young woman. Was Rosalyn Arden, Thomas' fiancée the intended victim and her understudy killed by mistake? The entire acting troupe is behaving suspiciously, as is Rosalyn's family. Plus the more Tiffany learns about Julia, the possibility that she was the actual target increases. Will she be able to discover the truth, find a killer, and save a wedding? In a big city with people she doesn't know Tiffany faces her biggest challenge yet. 

 

I really enjoy this series, especially for its historical detail. I was excited to travel to Bath and try the waters...without having to taste it! I found the details about the various event halls fascinating, especially how card playing was an almost daily event-and not just for men. I also appreciate the humor, both subtle and otherwise. I'm still giggling at that wedding scene.

 

The mystery here was quite complex and the killer nearly got away. I love how that in trying to shield Beau, he provided the way to solve the murder. I only hope as he gets older he doesn't become an arrogant Duke without redeeming qualities. Fortunately, I have a feeling his father will be able to keep him in check.

 

Dramatics abound in A STAGED DEATH where complex family relations make for an ingeniously plotted mystery.

 

NB: This review is for the print book, not the audible version. 

 

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 A Staged Death: Lady Librarian Mysteries by Samantha Larsen

About A Staged Death

A Staged Death: Lady Librarian Mysteries
Historical Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - 1787, Bath.
Publisher: Dreamscape
First Audible.com Release Date: March 31, 2026
Listening Length: 8 hours and 30 minutes Author: Samantha Larsen Narrator: Marni Penning

A cozy historical mystery set in the 18th century—perfect for Bridgerton fans!

1787, Bath. Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop has catalogued the entire library at Astwell Palace and is feeling rather dull when Mr. Thomas Montague invites her and her husband Samir to visit Bath. Thomas begs Tiffany to help reconcile his mother Catharine, the Marchioness of Harwood, on his engagement to the famous actress Miss Rosalyn Arden—a beautiful young woman with bright red curls and eyes of mismatched color.

Eager to see his beloved, Thomas stops at the Theatre Royal with Tiffany and they discover a dead body wearing a red wig in Rosalyn’s dressing room. The body is that of Miss Julia Shakespeare, Rosalyn’s understudy and the person who has been blackmailing members of the acting company. Not only are the actors behaving suspiciously, but so are Rosalyn’s newly reconciled relatives that cast her off nine years before when she jilted Sir Frederick Bingham, who then married her younger sister.

If all the world is a stage, then someone acting innocent must be the murderer. Can Tiffany solve the mystery before the final curtain?

©2018 Samantha Larsen (P)2026 Dreamscape First

About Samantha Larsen

 

Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, having tea parties, and chauffeuring her four kids. She teaches World Literature at Brigham Young University. Her young adult fiction books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections, and her historical romances are published around the world. She also writes murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen that Publisher’s Weekly called “wildly enjoyable.”  

Author Links: 

Website www.SamanthaHastings.com  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor  

X https://x.com/HastingSamantha  

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-hastings  

Purchase Links: Dreamscape - Amazon - B&N

Truffle Trouble - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower. This book is the tenth Amish Candy Shop Mystery that will be released this week.

Blurb:

Horror d'oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?
 

Vengeance in Venice - A Review

 Review

VENGEANCE IN VENICE by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Seventh Jane Wunderly Mystery

After an impromptu wedding in Scotland, nearly getting killed on a business trip in India, and becoming bored back in London, Jane Wunderly and Redvers decide to go on an actual honeymoon. Traveling to Italy their romantic trip takes an unexpected turn when Aunt Millie and her husband check into the very same hotel! They have been invited to Venice and a costume party by Millie's new friend, socialite Clara Morton, and insist that Jane and Redvers accompany them to the event. Surprised by the dilapidated looking palazzo they're stunned by what waits for them inside. It's a carnival with acrobats and even a Tarot reader, who just happens to be a young woman Jane met years ago in India. Even more shocking than the half dressed hostess with a boa constrictor draped around her is the dead body of her ex-husband in the garden. With Clara accusing Deanna, the Tarot reader, of murder Jane and Redvers find themselves spending their honeymoon on the hunt for a killer. 

I absolutely love this series and one of my favorite things about it is the various places I get to visit vicariously. Visiting Venice was a real treat with descriptions of the canals ancient streets, and architectural details, not to mention the food, even though I dislike seafood. It was fascinating as it didn't dawn on me that people could rent boats and travel via the canals alongside the gondoliers.

VENGEANCE IN VENICE is filled with unforgettable characters. Aunt Millie is back, making me laugh at her outlandish ways, but its the scandalous Clara Morton who is truly one of a kind. Revealing clothing that leaves her practically nude, exotic pets ( I love Carmine!) and avante garde behavior make her truly memorable, if not very likeable. What's even more amazing is that this character is based on a real person! The cast of unconventional and generally unpleasant characters became a hodgepodge of suspects and motives and made Jane and Redvers all the more appealing in their steadfast approach to their investigation and each other. 

A honeymoon turned murder investigation VENGEANCE IN VENICE brings 1920s Venice to life. I look forward to seeing what exploits our intrepid couple encounter next!

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Vengeance in Venice by Erica Ruth Neubauer. This book is the seventh in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series and will be released next week.

After an impromptu wedding in Scotland, nearly getting killed on a business trip in India, and becoming bored back in London, Jane Wunderly and Redvers decide to go on an actual honeymoon. Traveling to Italy their romantic trip takes an unexpected turn when Aunt Millie and her husband check into the very same hotel! They have been invited to Venice and a costume party by Millie's new friend, socialite Clara Morton, and insist that Jane and Redvers accompany them to the event. Surprised by the dilapidated looking palazzo they're stunned by what waits for them inside. It's a carnival with acrobats and even a Tarot reader, who just happens to be a young woman Jane met years ago in India. Even more shocking than the half dressed hostess with a boa constrictor draped around her is the dead body of her ex-husband in the garden. With Clara accusing Deanna, the Tarot reader, of murder Jane and Redvers find themselves spending their honeymoon on the hunt for a killer.

The Well-Hidden Clue - A Review

 Review

THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Third Wishville Mystery 

Autumn has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and the Fall WishFest is underway. Things are running smoothly, almost too smoothly so Lyra Wells, Festival Chair, and, more importantly Guardian of the Well isn't too surprised when she received a frantic call that leads her to the library. Librarian Clara Winslow has discovered a box hidden behind a wall. A box left by her mother who disappeared forty years ago during a previous library renovation. In 1984 Maggie Winslow discovered a draft that didn't belong and blueprints that didn't match. Town officials called her crazy and after her disappearance police shut down any investigation. Did Maggie discover the underground world of Elarion? Determined to give Clara answers, yet safeguard that secret world Lyra will work with Police Chief Thorn, Elarion Enforcer Calderis, and friend and reporter Lulu. Are humans to blame? Could Rebels be involved? More importantly are there still people who would go to any length to keep their secrets?  

The themes of the third Wishville Mystery are control, a mother's love, and deception. These themes are entwined, ensnaring many a victim. Things are not always what they seem. And neither are people. THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE is a great addition to this unique series. While Lyra, Thorn, and Calderis are the triumvirate, is actually a quartet now, with Lulu becoming a solid addition to the group. Although I would be remiss without adding Vex and Fenrith so what we really have is more of a sextet!  I appreciate the way in which they investigate, especially Fenrith and I love how Lyra was able to take Clara's concerns yet still keep her true role quiet. The third Wishville Mystery is decidedly more ominous that the previous two books, especially as we near the end. And the ending itself...a stunner!   

Missing mothers, treachery, and a stunning revelation make THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE a dynamic nail biting entry into a fantastic series.

Death at a Firefly Tea - A Spotlight & Giveaway

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on the latest Tea Shop Mystery. Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs is the thirtieth book in the series and was released earlier this month.

 Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Death at a Firefly Tea 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 30th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ March 10, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 336 pages

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets.

As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

About Laura Childs

 

 Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are: The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston. The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here! The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.  

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook  

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenquinRandomHouse