Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Asylum Murders by Michael G. Colburn. This is the second book in the Lady Black Mystery series and was released last month.

Lady Edith Black made the mistake of intimating that she was bored. She soon gets wrapped up in an investigation that's exciting, dangerous, and deadly. The theft of the Parliamentary Mace, body parts being found around the city, and a woman beaten nearly to death and unlikely to regain consciousness has Detective McElroy feeling the pressure, especially as  most of the force wishes he'd stayed in London. Calling on his friend, Edie Black, to help him with the interviews he at least has a friendly face he can trust. Though she doesn't know it, people from Edie's London past are also residing in Melbourne. The dangerous and duplicitous Henderson, the tricky Rohwedder, now with a new persona and trade, and her good friend Britina. Britina, forced to enter the novitiate in London, has been transferred to Australia where she's been assigned to work at the Kew Asylum. Britina soon discovers that horrible things are happening at the asylum. Will she be able to help, or will she be the one needing help?

Victoria Hamilton Interviews Cozy Up With Kathy

I've you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I often interview authors. The tables are turned today as author Victoria Hamilton interviews me, the Kathy behind Cozy Up With Kathy! The idea came about during my welcome to winter party. Today I share my interview with Victoria and next Tuesday you can check out another perspective when I'm interviewed by a reader! But now, take it away Victoria!

Hi Kathy! Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by an author. You’re very brave! (Just kidding, I’ll be gentle.) So let’s get started!

Victoria: A little about you and your interest in books: why did you start reviewing cozy mysteries in particular? Follow-up; when and why did you start posting your reviews online? 

Kathy: There was never a moment in time when I wasn't reading or being read to. I was reading Kazantzakis in grammar school. Steinbeck, Mishima, and Shakespeare were constants though high school and college. As a young adult romances were my genre of choice. I think I slowly made the switch to mysteries when I went to a book faire in Austin Texas and was introduced to Sisters in Crime. I was a police officer at the time and joined the group, excited to meet many published authors who were all so nice. Wanting to become a better writer myself, I followed the fictional Qwilleran's advice and started a blog where I would write on various subjects, just to write. Eventually I decided to create a mystery blog only intending 3 posts a week. I started the Cozy Up With Kathy blog in 2012 and posting reviews then.

Victoria: You read for entertainment, I assume, but as a professional reviewer, does it ever become work? 

Kathy: It does become work as I can't always read what I want when I want. If I don't make specific space on my reading schedule a book I want to read may languish for months...or even years.

Victoria: To expand on that ‘reading for entertainment’ notion, does it ever become a bit of a chore? You make commitments, and have to read so many books in so much time; does it ever get a little too much? 

Kathy: Definitely. While reading is never a chore, writing reviews certainly can be. Especially when I'm pressed for time. I work full time and then have to come home and work on or finish a review...and when the words don't come easily...well, it can be difficult. I also tend to over commit. There are just too many interesting books coming out and I want to read them all. No wonder my housework never gets done.

Victoria: Have you ever wished you hadn’t agreed to review a certain book? (No need to give titles, just in a general way.) 

Kathy: Not often, but every once in a while. This generally happens when I don't like the book. Or when I overbook myself and run out of time.

Victoria: Does your friendship with authors ever get in the way of your reviewing? So many of us value our relationship; you’re a great advocate for authors. But let’s be honest; not every book we write is golden and quality varies. How do you review a book by an author you like when it isn’t their best work? 

Kathy: I keep praying my friends write good books!  I try to focus on the good things in the book. I will mention obvious poor things, but will counteract with mentioning the good. And I always try to end on a high note. This goes for all books I review, not just those written by friends. When an author I know and like starts writing poorly, in my opinion, I do my best not to read or review any more of their books. 

Victoria: How does real life interfere in reviewing? Things like workload, illness, family commitments can get in the way. I know that’s true because it certainly is for writers! How do you balance it all when that happens?

Kathy: Scream into the void and wish I was getting paid! lol I do my best to limit reviews, difficult when there are so many good books out there. Worst case scenario I back out of doing things. This happened recently. The main tour company I work with takes a break around Christmas and New Years. This gives me time to read other books I want to read. I put them on my calendar, but just wasn't able to do it...so I pushed the reviews back. 

 

Victoria: To follow up on that, you have a stressful (at times) job. Do you find reading and reviewing are escapes from that, or is it more difficult to do when your work is at its most stressful? 

Kathy: Reading is definitely an escape-from not only my job, but the world itself. As for reviewing, oftentimes I read my drafts to patients in my Creative Writing Group at work. I can get feedback, which I may or may not listen to, but I can also gauge reactions. So that's helpful. It's only more difficult when I'm running out of time.

Victoria: I’m gonna be honest here; as an author I don’t generally read reviews of my books. It can be hard to keep writing past a bad or even an unenthusiastic review. I’ve had reviewers tag me in online reviews and have gone to read it and wondered afterward, what made them think I’d want to read that? So other people (my wonderful editor) pull review quotes for me. It’s a sensitive area among writers and reviewers. I do want reviewers to be honest, and I’ll admit, reviewers can teach writers who are willing to learn, but it’s not always easy. Ultimately, book reviews are for readers!

So, all that being said… do you write a review wanting the writer to read it, or are your reviews strictly for readers? (I’ll understand either way!) 

Kathy: I write my reviews for everyone. If it's an especially well written one I love when the author reads it. If it's not my best work, I don't mind if they don't! One thing I always do is try to get at least one sentence or phrase that publishers can pull as a quote or blurb.

Victoria:  Do you ever read books that you don’t review? Do you read books outside of your main interest area? 

Kathy: I do my best to review them all. If I don't finish, I won't review. I have several nonfiction books I've been wanting to read...or have started, but just haven't have time to finish. One I have currently is RAJNEESHPURAM: INSIDE THE CULT OF BHAGWAN AND ITS FAILED AMERICAN UTOPIA by Russell King. I've checked it out from the library twice, but haven't gotten far due to my mystery deadlines!

Victoria: What would you say to people just starting to review online? What are the best and worst things about it? 

Kathy: Don't overextend yourself. Try to come up with a formula to writing your reviews. That's helped me a lot. The best things about reviewing online: when people say you've inspired them to read the book. The worst thing: wondering if anyone is even reading them!
 

Victoria: Do you talk about your reviewing/blogging work with co-workers? 

Kathy: Every once in a while, but most are not interested.

Victoria: Do you ever recommend books to friends/family/co-workers? Follow-up: do they ever get back to you about a book you recommend? 

Kathy: I do recommend books, but don't get much feedback. The exception is my mom. I lend her all the "real" books (not e-books) I get and she lets me know how she liked them.

Victoria: I have to say, I admire the consistency and dedication book bloggers in general devote to their craft. It’s an important part of their lives for writers, in particular. You generously give us a place to talk about our books. What keeps you going when it gets hard? (Because everything gets difficult once in a while.)

Kathy: I'm stubborn? I almost canceled my last online book party and the future is a little dim on that. I put a lot of work in and a ton of time and I'm uncertain what I really get out of it. That's why I quit the leadership of a local mystery group a while back. But I love reading and will always continue that. Things that keep me motivated are kind words and praise from authors and publicists, readers thanking me for introducing them to a new author they love, and seeing my name in print with quotes from my reviews. 

Victoria: As a writer, I’m deeply curious about everyone, but as someone who is a little reticent myself, I’m reluctant to push or prod too much into people’s lives. Have you ever been asked a question online that you didn’t want to answer? Alternately, what’s the weirdest question you’ve ever received from a writer or reader? 

Kathy: I generally don't get asked questions online, so no. I've had an odd run in with an author or two, but it wasn't a question. One telling me I had the wrong person when she posted on my page and the other was a bizarre guest post when that author pretended she was me asking her questions. The tour leader and I both shook our heads at that one and I rewrote the post.

Thanks Kathy, for your insight! It is much appreciated.

Best,

Victoria Hamilton

The Jig is Up - A Review

Review

THE JIG IS UP by Lisa Q Mathews
The First Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery

After an urgent, but distinctly vague text from her sister, Kate Buckley packs up her two daughters and cat and leaves New York City for her parents' bed and breakfast in Shamrock, Massachusetts. Upon her arrival something seems off, but Colleen refuses to tell her why she needed her, shrugging the whole thing off. But when the two find Colleen's best friend Deirdre dead backstage in Our Lady of Angels parish hall, the trouble really begins. While her father is the former chief of police, and acts as if he still holds that title, and her brother is currently on the force when Colleen becomes a person of interest Kate starts investigating herself.

Family is at the heart of the first Irish Bed & Breakfast mystery, with all the foibles, drama, and love. I like Kate, but some of her behavior is off putting. She may be somewhat of a germaphobe, but her attitude comes off as snobbish. Colleen really tested my patience. I just wanted to smack her most of the time. She may be quite talented, but immature and irresponsible are better adjectives. The other characters are well drawn and multifaceted making for an interesting and engaging read. I particularly liked Garrett McGavin and look forward to seeing more of him in the future.

I really enjoyed the whole ambiance of Shamrock. Celtic flair brings an added dimension to the story and including details about Irish dance brought verisimilitude. Plus, I just found it interesting!

A solid mystery with family drama wrapped in an Irish flag make THE JIG IS UP an enjoyable and solid start to a new series.

Murder at Cottonwood Creek - A Review

 Review

MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK by Clara McKenna
The Seventh Stella and Lyndy Mystery 

It's a family affair when Lyndy's father, Lord Atherly, travels to Montana to search for fossils. The dig happens to be on Ninebark, the ranch owned by Stella's mother, Katherine, and her husband. While Lord Atherton is in his element and Stella is thrilled to spend time with her mother, there's trouble brewing on the ranch. Short tempers, stolen property, and the death of a hired hand are just the start of the problems. While the coroner makes certain the death is deemed an accident neither Stella nor the sheriff are so sure. With wily characters around every corner Stella and Lyndy will have to keep their eyes and ears open if they want a happy ending! 

Stella and Lyndy take on the Wild West in MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK. Rival paleontologists, political rivals, and family drama spark this historical mystery with a sheriff unwilling to rock the boat leaving Stella to solve the mystery, with a little help from her husband, Lyndy.

It was a nice change of pace seeing Stella and Lyndy in the States. While it's been somewhat of a fish out of water story for Stella in the past six books, now it's Lyndy's turn. I enjoyed how Lyndy's father, Lord Atherly, fits in so well, while Lyndy is taken aback by the rules and mores of early 1900s Montana! To be honest, I found him to be snobbish and rather unlikable, especially in the scene where he goes into a store and is put out that he has to wait his turn!

With several suspects and red herrings galore MURDER AT COTTONWOOD CREEK brings American ingenuity to the fore in this engaging mystery. 

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading The Hindenburg Spy by L. A Chandlar. This book is the fourth in the Lane Sanders Mystery series and was released last week.

Lane Sanders boss, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, is on the warpath when he hears two young boys are being held in jail after witnessing a murder. While the boys finger a well known mob boss as the trigger man, Lane and her compatriots aren't so sure. A hit in broad daylight is not his style and he would never do the dirty work himself. Lane can think of one person who would love to take the man down and take over his turf, her nemesis Daphne Franco. While visiting various jazz clubs to get the word on the street Lane finds that other gangs are antsy and everyone feels something big is brewing. Then she hears words that fill her with dread, Hindenburg hit. While she has an extraordinary team in New York City, everyone realizes that this a mission for Lane and only Lane. Heading to Europe to board the Hindenburg Lane knows it's up to her to stop the death and destruction that Daphne is surely planning.

Sticks and Bones - A Spotlight

With the new year just a few days away, I thought I'd shine a spotlight on a book set during this holiday. Sticks and Stones by Carolyn Haines is the seventeenth book in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series. If you're unfamiliar with this great series Them Bones is the first, published in 1999. Doggone Bones is the most recent book in the series, the twenty-ninth, and was published back in May. Ode to the Bones will be the next book in the series and will be published in May 2026! 

Blurb:

Private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends are celebrating New Year’s Eve at the party of the year, a smashing Winter Garden party at the Prince Albert Hotel. It’s a dazzling success…until Frangelica “Sister” McFee walks through the door. Sarah Booth knew Sister in college, before Sister became a bestselling author and moved to New York, and fame and fortune don’t seem to have tempered her arrogance and cruelty.

Sister’s latest book is a memoir about the death of her mother and brother many years ago. Now, a film about the book is in the works, and a film crew has descended upon Zinnia, Mississippi, to tell the complete tale. The film crew soon realizes there may be more to the story than meets the eye—or is told in Sister’s memoir—and they hire Sarah Booth to discover the absolute truth about those deaths so many years ago. But Sarah Booth quickly realizes that someone is desperate to keep the truth hidden and will go to any lengths necessary to protect a long-held secret.

Two Truths and a Murder - A Review

 Review

TWO TRUTHS AND A MURDER by Colleen Cambridge
The Fifth Phyllida Bright Mystery

Phyllida Bright is an exceptional housekeeper competently running Mallowan Hall, the home of Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan. She's also become quite adept at detecting, recently solving several murders. It's her investigatory prowess that lands her at The Rollingbroke's dinner table, not as a servant, but as a guest. Vera Rollingbroke believes that her husband is having an affair and is certain that Miss Genevra Blastwick is the other woman and she wants Phyllida to prove she's correct. After dinner the brash Generva coyly suggests that she has witnessed a murder, only she didn't realize it was a murder at first. The other guests, Phyllida included, believes she is just trying to be the center of attention and no one takes her seriously. But the next morning Generva's sister, Ethel, is dead, run over while walking home from the party. And it wasn't an accident. Someone must have mistaken her for her sister, meaning that there actually was a murder and someone from the dinner party must be the killer. Between running her household staff and dealing with her feelings for a certain chauffeur Phyllida Bright will have to solve two murders - that of Ethel Blastwick and the original murder that led to Ethel's demise. 

I absolutely love the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and this latest addition is a standout. With word getting out that Phyllida is a better investigator than the local constabulary, it's no wonder people look to her for help. But as she investigates possible infidelity, then murder, she discovers truths about Bradford, Myrtle, and her own feelings. She also discovers horrible truths she can barely comprehend.

I especially enjoy how Phyllida continues her duties as a housekeeper and how the staff know more than she thinks they do! They all work together, even helping Mr. Dobble. Intelligent writing, wonderful characters, and more than once surprise kept me reading long into the night.

TWO TRUTHS AND A MURDER is a twisty mystery filled with psychological angst. Yet there's also a lot of humor and love. In all a fantastic addition to a wonderful series.