Grounds for Murder Audio - A Book Blast!

 Audio Book Grounds for Murder: Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries by Lena Gregory Read by Eleanor McCormick

Grounds for Murder: Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Watchogue, Long Island, New York
Audiobook (May 21, 2024) Publisher – Tantor Audio
Listening Length – 6 hours and 55 minutes

From author Lena Gregory comes a tasty new mystery with a killer twist...

Danika Delaney is thrilled to have taken over her uncle Jimmie's old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island and is working hard to make it her own. In an effort to increase business, Danika invites a mystery writer to the Coffee & Cream Café for a discussion and book signing. Things seem to be going well, until a guest shows up and confronts the author, accusing him of plagiarizing his work. Embarrassed by the incident, Danika goes to the inn where the writer is staying the following morning, hoping to apologize and offer him another chance to return. What she finds instead is his dead body—beside a cup of poisoned coffee! Now it's up to Danika to find out who wanted to silence the author... before the killer decides to write Danika a not-so-happy ending!

About Lena Gregory

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

• Newsletter: http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1.
• Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.gregory.986
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14956514.Lena_Gregory?from_search=true
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagregoryauth/

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon - B&N - Kobo

Audiobook Coming Soon!

Release Date June 25, 2024

The Diva Goes Overboard - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

THE DIVA GOES OVERBOARD by Krista Davis
The Seventeenth Domestic Diva Mystery

 

Natasha’s mother, Wanda, and Orson Chatsworth are getting married. An older couple, they have no intention of waiting around so Sophie Winston is called in to quickly help Natasha arrange an engagement party. Everyone is enjoying the charcuterie boards until Orson suddenly collapses. The party quickly ends once he’s taken away by ambulance. Word soon gets out that Orson has died, and more than one person thinks it’s murder. His fiancée is devastated, his family is angry, and Sophie is stunned. There are any number of suspects, including members of the man’s family, and even Sophie isn’t above suspicion. With help from her good friends, Sophie will once again put her sleuthing skills to use to uncover a killer.  

 

I really enjoyed Sophie Winston's seventeenth adventure. There are lots of interesting characters and personally, I think Sophie is too good a person. I'd be done with Stella, the way she and her mother treated her. But, Sophie is a better person than I and looks out for her...and Natasha for that matter. Puzzles were layered in THE DIVA GOES OVERBOARD. Not only do we have the mystery of who killed Orson, but then there's the mystery of the pictures in the secret room. The more Sophie uncovers, the more questions get raised. I love the puzzling aspect-so many possibilities.

What consistently amazes me is how Sophie can whip up these delicious goodies in the kitchen so easily and that friends come over, they hang out and discuss murder. How does everyone have the time? And energy? I was continually salivating as I read-I want that salted caramel banana pudding! Recipes are included, but who knows if I'll have the energy to make anything. At least charcuterie boards are easy. I appreciate all the tips included, although I tend to do charcuterie without bothering with a board!

THE DIVA GOES OVERBOARD is a delicious mystery chock full of secrets. By the end of this great story you'll not only be entertained, but ready to entertain!

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 The Diva Goes Overboard (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis

About The Diva Goes Overboard

The Diva Goes Overboard (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 17th in Series
Setting - Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies (May 21, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 336 pages

For once, event planner Sophie Winston finds herself a guest at a lavish engagement party, but things go horrifyingly awry when the groom-to-be is fatally poisoned . . .

In Old Town Alexandria’s unlikeliest match, Natasha Smith’s free-spirited mother, Wanda, is engaged to notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth—leaving Natasha to plan the entire wedding, beginning with an elaborate engagement party. For the extravagant affair, Natasha splurges on trendy food boards created by rising social media star, Stella St. James. The sumptuous boards go way beyond basic cheese and crackers, as Stella dazzles guests with picture-worthy butter boards, dessert boards, and even doughnut boards. Just as Natasha planned, the food is to die for—until someone actually does.

When the groom collapses, it seems as if a heart attack is to blame. Then guests discover Orson was poisoned, and suddenly Stella’s bespoke boards look a lot less appealing. But with an event this big, the spread of suspects is sure to be impressive. Could Orson’s killer be a jilted ex-lover? A money hungry relative? A bitter former business partner? When even Sophie is not above suspicion, she knows it’s time to get on board and scrape together an investigation of her own . . . before murder becomes the town’s next trend.

Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks!

• Book Excerpt

Dear Sophie, My seventy-five-year-old father is getting married! The bride and groom have been married before to other people and have adult children and grandchildren. They’re planning a huge wedding and the bride will wear white. I think this is in poor taste and they should quietly tie the knot at the courthouse in a civil ceremony by themselves. What do you think? Tied in Knots in Loveland, Ohio Dear Tied in Knots, A wedding is one of life’s biggest and most lovely events. If the bride and groom want a big wedding with all the traditions that accompany nuptials, I think they should do it and celebrate in any way that makes them happy. There are no age limits on joy. Sophie On Sunday evening, when other people were settling in and getting ready to start a new workweek, I walked my mixed breed hound, Daisy, to relax after finishing up a busy week. An unpleasant waft of smoke reached me. Most likely from a fire pit in someone’s backyard, I supposed. As an event planner, I often worked when others didn’t. I had just finished a major convention for the Federation of Pharmacists. They had been lovely to work with and their exhibits had been fascinating. It had been a major convention and I was ready for some downtime. The sun had set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, but the temperature was perfect for sleeveless attire. The balmy air made me feel summery and carefree. Porch lights and front door lights gleamed on Federal style homes, many of which had been built in the 1800s. Now and then I caught a glimpse of lights strung over a backyard and the sound of laughter. We had no destination in mind. Mostly, I needed to stretch and relax, and Daisy needed to get outside and sniff the world. We ambled along until I saw a blaze. In the seconds that it took me to realize that it arose inside a car, it quadrupled in size. I reached for my phone and called 911. “A car is on fire!” I gave the operator the name of the street and the closest cross street. “Hurry! The flames have moved from the front seat to the back.” I felt completely helpless. There wasn’t a thing I could do about it. Although we were a good distance away, Daisy leaned against my legs as if it scared her, too. Sirens sounded louder than normal in the quiet night. They passed us and clanged to a stop. In minutes, firefighters had the fire under control. One of the firemen recognized me and strode over. “I hear you called in the fire?” “Yes. It was small and then whoosh, it grew so fast!” He nodded. “Yeah, car fires will do that. Did you see anyone get out of the car?” “No!” His question worried me. “I hope there wasn’t anyone inside.” “We don’t think so. We’ll open the trunk and have a look as soon as it cools off.” I shuddered to even imagine that possibility. I thanked him for responding so quickly and said good night.  

About Krista Davis

New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries, and The Pen & Ink Mysteries. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two dogs, two cats, and a hidden stash of chocolate. When she’s not writing, she loves to entertain her family and friends who complain when she tests her recipes on them. But she notices that they keep coming back for more.

Author Links: 

Website www.KristaDavis.com 

Instagram www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor  

Facebook www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAuthor 

 GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1555579.Krista_Davis  

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/KristaDavisAuthor/  

Twitter/X twitter.com/kristadavis  

Purchase Links - Amazon Books A Million Barnes & Noble Bookshop.org Hudson Booksellers Tantor Audio Walmart  

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The Light Beside the Sea - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

THE LIGHT BESIDE THE SEA by Connie di Marco
The Fifth Zodiac Mystery

Astrologer Julia Bonatti finds herself immersed in Maya culture and the circumstances surrounding the architectural dig her fiancé was on before his untimely death. When another member of the team is killed, Julia wonders once more if the hit and run that killed Michael was really an accident. And what's with the strange man that only she can see? Is the professor in charge of that ill fated dig responsible for the deaths? The more Julia uncovers, the more questions she raises...and the closer danger comes.

I love the Zodiac Mystery series and absolutely devoured this fifth entry. I was captivated, not only by the astrological information shared, but the cultural information about the Maya as well. It's fascinating to discover modern day practitioners of the Maya religion, though, like Julia, I didn't care for their ritual authenticity. I really enjoyed the appearance of the Hunhau even as it brought about Julia's concern for her own mental health, since only she can see him. The possibilities were intriguing.  

I absolutely love Julia and am happy that she's slowly but surely moving on with her life. The subplot with Gloria and her neighbor is timely and moving...funny too. New characters make their mark and I hope we get to see more of Rafael and Manuela. 

THE LIGHT BESIDE THE SEA is emotional, funny, thrilling, exciting, and intriguing. There's more than one mystery, romance, humor, and drama all captured in a compelling story. Everything, including events that happened before the series began, is tied together seamlessly, creating a wonderful new story as other issues are brought to an end.

Taut storytelling with just the right hint of the paranormal make THE LIGHT BESIDE THE SEA is a gripping mystery that held me spellbound.

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 The Light Beside the Sea by Connie di Marco

About The Light Beside the Sea

The Light Beside the Sea (A Zodiac Mystery)
Traditional Mystery 5th in Series
Setting - San Francisco, California
Publisher – CMA Literary (May 6, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 341 pages

San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti has been haunted for years by the hit and run death of her fiancé, Michael Sefton. The driver of the vehicle was never apprehended. The lone witness to the accident spoke to no one and now is dead. Even the cold case detective assigned to the case died before any resolution was found. Every time Julia thought she might be getting close to an answer, each clue led only to a dead end.

Michael, a graduate student, had just returned from an archeological dig in Guatemala when he was killed. But why did he mail his journal to Julia for safekeeping before his return home? What was he afraid of? Why did another graduate student fall to his death on that trip? And now, another man connected with that journey has been murdered closer to home. And the murderer hasn’t finished.

When Julia finally finds the courage to delve into the journal Michael sent to her years before, she learns of the undercurrents, jealousies and anger between members of the group. She begins to understand the pressure and fear her fiancé was coping with and his suspicions of their University mentor who was most likely engaged in unethical and illegal behavior. But events soon take a darker turn when Julia finds a likeness of the Maya god Hunhau, god of death and the underworld, on her doorstep. A strange man covered with markings and tattoos keeps appearing to her but no one else seems to see him. With guidance from another professor she’s introduced to a world she never knew existed.

Is the man she sees human? And is he under the sway of the Maya god of death?

Will he unleash evil or is he here to right a wrong done to his people?

Julia must move quickly or her death will be the next.

About Connie di Marco

Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti, a woman who never thought murder would be part of her practice. The fifth book in this series, The Light Beside the Sea, has just been released.

Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers Association, International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Author Links: 

Blog: http://conniedimarco.com/blog  

FB: https://www.facebook.com/connie.di.marco.author  

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/askzodia  

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14751339.Connie_di_Marco  

Purchase Links - Amazon -

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis. This book is the seventeenth in the Domestic Diva Mystery series and will be released next week.

Natasha’s mother, Wanda, and Orson Chatsworth are getting married. An older couple, they have no intention of waiting around so Sophie Winston is called in to quickly help Natasha arrange an engagement party. Everyone is enjoying the charcuterie boards until Orson suddenly collapses. The party quickly ends once he’s taken away by ambulance. Word soon gets out that Orson has died, and more than one person thinks it’s murder. His fiancée is devastated, his family is angry, and Sophie is stunned. There are any number of suspects, including members of the man’s family, and even Sophie isn’t above suspicion. With help from her good friends, Sophie will once again put her sleuthing skills to use to uncover a killer.

Pride and Principal - A Guest Post Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to let Marc Jedel take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Marc writes the Silicon Valley Mystery series. Pride and Principal is the sixth book in the series. Marty Golden is the protagonist of the series.

Marc (author): What’s with destroying all of Laney’s cars in this series?

Marty [quickly]: That’s not my fault.


Marc (author): Some might say it’s an homage to Janet Evanovich. Her character, Stephanie Plum, always seems to have her cars destroyed in many of Evanovich’s novels.

Marty: If you say so. I don’t have much time to read. Not to mention that I’m not some fictional character. Go ahead, pinch me. You’ll see I’m real.


Marc (author): No thanks. What about some of the crazy predicaments you always seem to wind up in?

Marty: Again, not my fault. I’ll admit to occasionally being a bit impulsive—


Marc (author): Occasionally?

Marty: Hey, I’m getting better at it. Some of the, uh, uncommon situations that happened last week were more Meghan’s doing than mine.


Marc (author): You know this will get published. Are you sure you want to throw her under the bus?

Marty: Uh, no. Definitely not. And now that I think about it, I have to say that none of these issues used to happen before my sister and her girls moved to town. Maybe all this craziness is really Laney’s fault. I wouldn’t put it past her.


Marc (author): Are you and your sister close?

Marty: I suppose we’re closer than we used to be. I mean, she lives only a few miles away from me now and that’s a lot closer than Spokane. [chuckles]. Sorry, I know that’s not what you meant but I’m not really one for introspection.


Marc (author): That’s kind of your motto, isn’t it? Avoiding introspection and leaping into action before you look?

Marty: Up until recently, I would have said my personal motto came from my dad: “If the appetizers are good, eat them. You never know what’s coming for dinner.”


Marc (author): Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Marty: You mean like wingsuit flying, jousting, or bullfighting?


Marc (author): Those are pretty extreme. Are those really your hobbies?

Marty: No, of course not. I’m not an idiot. My hobbies also don’t include tree shaping, extreme ironing, or competitive duck herding even though these are actual things that I’ve stumbled across while browsing the internet.


Marc (author): Seems like you spend a lot of time doing unusual searches?

Marty: Well, there’s only so much attention any one human can devote to staff meetings. I’ve got to do something to keep from going crazy or saying something I’d regret. But, in terms of actual hobbies, I enjoy hiking, surfing, and watching sports. Oh, and of course, hanging out with Meghan. Oh, could you please edit this interview to make that my first answer?


Marc (author): Of course, consider it done. Now, if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Marty: Good try. I know a trick question when I hear one. Next you’ll be asking me for my password and mother’s maiden name, right?


Marc (author): Okay, okay. Switching gears, how do you feel about your life being made into books?

Marty: I don’t understand. What books?


Marc (author): The Silicon Valley Mystery series. They’re humorous murder mysteries. Surely, you’ve heard of them? Nearly 200,000 copies are in readers’ hands?

Marty: Wow, that’s a lot of people. Congrats! But sorry, I’ve never heard of them. Lately, I’ve been too busy to read. I have had this feeling that someone seems to be watching me all the time and writing down whatever I’m saying. I don’t think I’m being unreasonable here. It’s as if the guy is inside my head and knows what I’m thinking. He follows me around everywhere. Is it paranoid if it’s the truth?


Marc (author): Okaaay. Thanks, Marty, for your time. That’ll be all for today.

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My novel, Pride and Principal, is on sale during this tour. It’s available at: https://mybook.to/PrideandPrincipal. You can find all my cozy mysteries at: https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Jedel/e/B07H7MVKJL. They’re available in ebook, audiobook, and paperback editions, plus my novels are all free for Kindle Unlimited members.

I love hearing from readers. Follow or contact me at:

Website: www.marcjedel.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/MarcJedel.Author

BookBub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/marc-jedel

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Jedel/e/B07H7MVKJL Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18403497.Marc_Jedel

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 Pride and Principal: A Silicon Valley Mystery by Marc Jedel

About Pride and Principal

Pride and Principal: A Silicon Valley Mystery
Cozy Mystery 6th in Series
Setting - California
BGM Press (April 23, 2024)
Number of Pages: 230

The school secretary has a sharp tongue but is she a killer? Can Marty do the math or will he get schooled by a criminal mastermind?

Marty Golden is frazzled. Struggling to juggle nieces, a rambunctious dog, a demanding job, and a serious relationship, the software engineer is never quite sure whether he’s coming or going. But when his nemesis begs for help after she’s accused of offing the school principal, the amateur sleuth agrees to hunt down the real culprit.

Confounded to discover the cantankerous woman stood to take the dead man’s position, he strives to find anyone who could benefit from discrediting the grump. And when his brilliant deductions and personal life implode, not even Marty’s groan-worthy dad-jokes can save him from an explosive threat.

Does this bumbling amateur sleuth have what it takes to capture the real killer?

Pride and Principal is the rollicking sixth book in the Silicon Valley cozy mystery series. If you like heroes in over their head, family hijinks, and plenty of wit and charm, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s wild ride.

Try Pride and Principal to put two and two together today!

 About Marc Jedel

Marc Jedel writes humorous murder mysteries. He credits his years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley for honing his writing skills and sense of humor. While his high-tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, these were just called emails, ads, and marketing collateral.

For most of Marc’s life, he’s been inventing stories. It’s a skill that’s served him well as both an author and marketer. The publication of Marc’s first novel, Uncle and Ants, gave him permission to claim “author” as his job. This leads to much more interesting conversations with people than answering, “marketing.”

Like his character, Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, Marc now lives in Silicon Valley, works in high-tech, and enjoys bad puns. Like his characters Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, he grew up in the South and spent plenty of time in and around Arkansas. Like his character, Andy, from the Redwoods Country Mystery series, Marc continues to grow older and would prefer not to run a bed-and-breakfast inn when he retires. Like all his protagonists, Marc too has a dog, although his is neurotic, sweet, and small, with little appreciation for Marc’s humor.

Visit his website, marcjedel.com, for free chapters of novels, special offers, and more.

Author Links

• Website and mailing list: www.marcjedel.com
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Jedel/e/B07H7MVKJL
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarcJedel.Author
• BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/marc-jedel?follow=true
• Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/18403497.Marc_Jedel
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mjedel/

Purchase Links - Amazon

An Escape Goat - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

 

AN ESCAPE GOAT by Janna Rollins
The First Zen Goat Mystery

Callie Haybeck has started a new adventure. Moving in with her long lost aunt and uncle she’s giving yoga retreats on their farm. The main draw to her sessions are the adorable baby goats featured in her goat yoga classes. After all, who can be unhappy with cute baby goats cavorting around and even on top of them. Her excitement at leading her first group fizzles however, when she discovers two of the women are nothing more than rich mean girls. Looking down on Callie and the farm with snide cutting remarks the retreat is not off to an auspicious start. Callie’s hopes for a better second day are dashed when she finds the body of one of the women in the barn. With a murder victim on her first retreat Callie’s going to need more than baby goats to find inner peace. 

Mean girls get their comeuppance in the first Zen Goat Mystery, but murder may put Callie Haybeck out of business before she truly begins! Callie is an interesting protagonist. Klutzy, earnest, and kind, she's also flighty and immature, but I sense this series will have her growing before our eyes. Her wonderful great aunt and uncle are slowly starting to ground her. As you can tell I love Aunt Ellen and Uncle Will. These salt of the earth octogenarians are feisty and fun. I like how her relationship with her new found cousin is growing and I am seriously disliking both of their fathers! 

I enjoyed the mystery, even though I knew who the murderer was early on. I still enjoyed learning about the other characters and their very solid motives. I really enjoyed the ultimate confrontation between Callie and the killer, assisted by two of my favorite characters. I also enjoyed the secondary plot, that of Callie finding her lost relatives and what happened to cause the family to split.

AN ESCAPE GOAT is a fun start to a new series that had me wishing I could sample Aunt Ellen's delicious cooking then practice yoga with adorable goats in a charming country setting.

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An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery by Janna Rollins

About An Escape Goat 

An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - New Hampshire
Publisher: ‎ Level Best Books (March 12, 2024)
Print length: ‎ 265 pages

After finding long-lost family through a DNA test, Callie heads to Bobwhite Hollow, New Hampshire, to meet a great-uncle she never knew existed. Charmed by the village and more than half in love with her new family, she decides to stay and open a goat yoga studio and retreat space.

When retreat guest Angilene Claudson turns up dead with a wine glass shattered at her side and Callie’s favorite goat lapping up the spill, the death is written off as an accidental overdose. But when the goat gets sick, Callie’s gut tells her it wasn’t an accident at all. With her new business on the line and a possible murderer staying in the guesthouse, Callie sets to work to uncover the truth and keep her family safe.

About Janna Rollins

When Janna Rollins isn't writing, she likes to thumb through New England-based magazines and drool over the pictures. She has a love for red barns, goats, and genealogy. Janna can be found showing her socially awkward side on Facebook or sharing pictures of her tiny one-acre farm on Instagram. She is a member of Sister In Crime, and also writes the Hometown Hardware Mystery series as Paula Charles. Janna lives in Southwestern Washington with her husband and a whole menagerie of furry and feathered critters.

Author Links: 

Website: https://www.paulacharles.com  

FB: Rainy Day Mysteries - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556817479811  

IG: rainy_day_mysteries - https://www.instagram.com/rainy_day_mysteries  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209244230-an-escape-goat  

Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Powell's Books -

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Resort to Murder - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

RESORT TO MURDER by Annie McEwen
The First Northwoods Mystery

After a disastrous work experience Emmy Cooper decides to head home to her parents' lake cottage resort in Wisconsin to regroup. Unfortunately, there are problems at Cooper's Cove Resort as well. An aggressive developer is determined to buy out all of the lakeside hotels and cabins in order to build a luxury hotel. Emmy's parents are equally determined not to sell and the whole town is in an uproar. When the head of Lionheart Development is found dead on their property and her father becomes a suspect Emmy decides to solve the murder herself.

I really enjoyed my first trip to Lake Covington. Emmy Cooper is a likeable protagonist who is fortunate to have a wonderful family and set of friends. I appreciate the relationship between Callie and her parents as much as I envy her friendship with Whitney and Marcus. The mystery itself was compelling. Laced with lots of humor I was laughing as Callie and her friends investigated, and as she dealt with her childhood crush. 

The strength of family and friendships is at the fore of RESORT TO MURDER, a delightful first entry to a new mystery series. 

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 Resort to Murder (Northwoods Mysteries) by Annie McEwen

About Resort to Murder

Resort to Murder (Northwoods Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Wisconsin
Publisher: ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing (March 26, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 225 pages

When Emmy Cooper’s life in Chicago is turned upside down, the young interior designer retreats to her family’s lake cottage resort in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods for a much-needed break. Hoping to clear her mind and gain a fresh perspective, she looks forward to enjoying the slower pace and the crisp, clean pine air at her beloved Cooper’s Cove Resort with her family, dogs, and her best friend, Whitney. Unfortunately, her homecoming isn't as calm as she'd hoped when Emmy finds out a ruthless development company is relentlessly pressuring Lake Covington property owners, including Emmy's family, to sell their land so they can build an extravagant, modern resort that would ruin the quaint esthetic of the area. And things only get worse when Emmy finds the dead body of one of the developers floating in the lake—murdered! Suddenly the police are involved, and since Emmy's father was leading the fight to stop the shady development from getting approval, he's quickly painted as the prime suspect. Now it's up to Emmy to prove her father’s innocence, save the reputation of Cooper’s Cove, and find out who would resort to murder.

About Annie McEwen

Annie McEwen is the author of the Northwoods Mysteries Series, set amongst the tall pines and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent vacations as a kid. Annie and her husband are empty nesters living in their rural Indiana home, but their married children and two toddler grandsons fortunately live close by. Being grandparents is definitely the best gig ever! They also have four fur babies, one of whom is a very important character in her books. When Annie isn’t writing, playing with her grandsons, or tackling trash-to-treasure projects, she works as a radiological technologist. As a former farm kid, she still loves to dig in the dirt and garden. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime and loves attending mystery conventions.

Author's Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688271296  

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

Goodreads: Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen | Goodreads  

Website: Annie McEwen | small town cozy mysteries (anniemcewenauthor.com)  

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Apple Kobo 

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading An Escape Goat by Jenna Rollins. This book is the first in the Zen Goat Mystery series.

Callie Haybeck has started a new adventure. Moving in with her long lost aunt and uncle she’s giving yoga retreats on their farm. The main draw to her sessions are the adorable baby goats featured in her goat yoga classes. After all, who can be unhappy with cute baby goats cavorting around and even on top of them. Her excitement at leading her first group fizzles however, when she discovers two of the women are nothing more than rich mean girls. Looking down on Callie and the farm with snide cutting remarks the retreat is not off to an auspicious start. Callie’s hopes for a better second day are dashed when she finds the body of one of the women in the barn. With a murder victim on her first retreat Callie’s going to need more than baby goats to find inner peace. 

Secrets of a Scottish Isle - A Review

 Review

 

SECRETS OF A SCOTTISH ISLE by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Fifth Jane Wunderly Mystery

Robert Nightingale wants to become an agent of the Crown and it's up to Jane Wunderly to see if he's a viable candidate. Since Redvers is known to the man, Jane is the one going undercover for this assignment. She's infiltrated Nightingale's branch of the society known as the Order of the Golden Dawn. Staying on a remote Scottish isle, Jane hopes to quickly prove that Nightingale is unsuitable and leave the stark windswept place. Believing the paranormal is a lot of hooey, some inexplicable experiences leave her with more questions than answers. Especially once she finds the dead body of a woman from the Order. Jane will have to resolve matters before something even more dastardly occurs.

The Jane Wunderly Mystery series is one of my most favorite and I was absolutely ecstatic when I discovered the latest book featured the Golden Dawn! I've had a fascination with the group for decades. I loved that historical people were actually featured in the book and especially loved the role a certain well known poet played. 

The mystery was well conceived with shifty characters and an aura of foreboding. One of my favorite characters was Mrs.McCrary. This stalwart matron with secrets in her pantry is both sensible and otherworldly. She knows enough not to take things for granted, including the paranormal. Of course, I'm also a fan of that poet, another logical person open to the wisdom of the universe, and practical enough never to play the fool. It goes without saying that I love Jane and Redvers too. I appreciated that Jane had to walk across the island to speak with people and give her fiancé updates, but the continual walking and descriptions of such walks slowed the pace and was a bit much. 

A hint of mysticism with the mystery makes SECRETS OF A SCOTTISH ISLE an intriguing atmospheric novel full of historic detail.

Gone with the Witch - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book on my TBR pile. Gone with the Witch by Angela M. Sanders is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mystery series. I am way behind in this series and need to catch up!

Blurb:

When human bones are discovered beneath an old outhouse covered in blackberry vines, no one knows who they once belonged to. But elderly Helen Garlington wants Sam the sheriff to test the remains, suspecting they may solve the mystery of her long-vanished husband. It’s not a match, and Helen takes it hard, drowning her disappointment in sherry at the tavern—where she sees a contestant on a game show who she swears is her missing spouse, Martin. To ease the woman’s mind, Josie contacts the show to track down the look-alike guest, who kindly agrees to travel to Wilfred—and is then found dead the next morning.
 
Horrified by this fatal turn of events, Josie asks the spellbound books for help, seeking the aid of Sherlock Holmes. But strange things continue to happen—frightening images flash on the screen of a long-abandoned movie theater and flocks of crows seem to appear wherever she goes. Is Josie about to meet her own Moriarty? It will take all her courage to untangle the twisted vines of this mystery before this chapter in the colorful story of Wilfred claims another life . . .

A Fatal Reception - A Review

 Review

A FATAL RECEPTION by Kathleen Marple Kalb
The Fourth Ella Shane Mystery 

 

While the Duke is abroad opera diva Ella Shane agrees to perform in a special gala recital, hopefully getting her mind off the minutia of her upcoming wedding. While the performance goes well, the reception afterward turns horribly wrong when Mr. Larimer is killed. Mrs. Aline Corbyn claims she killed the magnate in self defense, but the society matron isn't known for truthfulness and things don't appear quite right. As Ella continues her own wedding preparations she plans to keep her eyes and ears open so that justice will be served.

 

I loved absolutely everything about this book. A FATAL RECEPTION is the kind of book that keeps you so captivated that you don't want to stop reading. I was mad that I couldn't read it all in one sitting, instead having to leave that special world in order to do mundane household chores, like laundry, and go to work. Numerous threads are skillfully intertwined, the murder, the wedding, the other wedding, the Polish prince, the printers. There's drama, angst, comedy, and a thrilling action packed finale.

 

A FATAL RECEPTION is a perfect combination of multifaceted characters brought to life in a compelling story. I laughed, held my breath, and cheered. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading A Fatal Reception by Kathleen Marple Kalb. This book is the fourth in the Ella Shane Mystery series and was released yesterday!

While the Duke is abroad opera diva Ella Shane agrees to perform in a special gala recital, hopefully getting her mind off the minutia of her upcoming wedding. While the performance goes well, the reception afterward turns horribly wrong when Mr. Larimer is killed. Mrs. Aline Corbyn claims she killed the magnate in self defense, but the society matron isn't known for truthfulness and things don't appear quite right. As Ella continues her own wedding preparations she plans to keep her eyes and ears open so that justice will be served.