Shade Grown - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

SHADE GROWN by Heather Day Gilbert
The Eighth Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery

Macy Hatfield and her brother, Bo are enjoying a leisurely morning in their hometown of Lewisburg, West Virginia by going on a home and garden tour. When a visitor's dog starts barking incessantly and heads towards the memorial garden on the property Macy moves to intercept him, only to discover the reason behind barking. There's a dead body in the hostas, none other than the movie star who just moved to town. Although he's been shot, a local drug dealer has resurfaced, leading to more questions. There's an elusive woman who sends Macy lethal glares, an unpleasant contractor, and a shifty agent. As she becomes friends with the victim's sister Macy's also on the wrong end of some threatening encounters. Could she be making a killer nervous?  

A close knit protective family, great friends, and lovable dogs, along with yummy food and coffee, are great ingredients for a story and in SHADE GROWN they combine for a superb mystery. And I don't even like coffee! Despite the danger, reading a Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery makes you feel as if your enveloped in a hug. There's such a sense of community and good will...even with drug dealers, a drug overlord making trouble, and various murderers hanging around!

I really enjoyed the mystery, lots of red herrings are skillfully woven through the story leading readers in varied directions never really knowing the motives and people involved. I was a bit disappointed in Macy though. Once the ultimate clue was given she purposefully ignored it! She's so smart, but was really stupid in this instance. She was however, cagey enough about getting herself out of a very dangerous situation...with a little help.

SHADE GROWN is a compelling mystery with a slow burn. So grab a hot beverage and settle in for a delightful visit to the Barks & Beans Cafe!

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 Shade Grown (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

About Shade Grown

Shade Grown (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 8th in Series
Setting - West Virginia
WoodHaven Press (December 11, 2023)
Paperback: ‎ 190 pages

BOOK EIGHT in the Award-winning BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

During Lewisburg's popular summer home and garden tour, Macy and her brother Bo discover new aspects of their hometown's history. One of the last homes they visit features a lush commemorative shade garden marking where a Civil War soldier's bones were buried. As Macy pauses to admire a bed of blue hostas, she glimpses a shadowy shape lying beneath the dinner-plate leaves. It turns out to be the body of famed movie star Cody Franklin, who'd purchased the garden house as a quiet country retreat. Back at the cafe, Macy speaks with Cody's distraught sister, who lets slip that she's afraid her brother's killer will target her next. Macy's heart goes out to the bereaved sibling, and she agrees to speak with Cody's local acquaintances in hopes she'll uncover some helpful backstory. But someone powerful is lurking behind the scenes, and Macy has to zoom in on the killer before everything fades to black. Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride!

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes. The Barks & Beans Cafe series in order: Book 1: No Filter Book 2: Iced Over Book 3: Fair Trade Book 4: Spilled Milk Book 5: Trouble Brewing Book 6: Cold Drip Book 7: Roast Date Book 8: Shade Grown Standalone Novella: House Blend

About Heather Day Gilbert

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with unpredictable twists, much like the Agatha Christie books she read growing up. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren't afraid to protect those they love. Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Author Links: 

Author Website: http://www.heatherdaygilbert.com  

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert  

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/heatherdaygilbert/  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert 

 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-day-gilbert  

Purchase Link - Amazon  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Shade Grown by Heather Day Gilbert. This is the eighth book in the Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery series and was released last month.

Macy Hatfield and her brother, Bo are enjoying a leisurely morning in their hometown of Lewisburg, West Virginia by going on a home and garden tour. When a visitor's dog starts barking incessantly and heads towards the memorial garden on the property Macy moves to intercept him, only to discover the reason behind barking. There's a dead body in the hostas, none other than the movie star who just moved to town. Although he's been shot, a local drug dealer has resurfaced, leading to more questions. There's an elusive woman who sends Macy lethal glares, an unpleasant contractor, and a shifty agent. As she becomes friends with the victim's sister Macy's also on the wrong end of some threatening encounters. Could she be making a killer nervous?

A Cryptic Clue - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a recent release that I didn't know about. It sounds like a great new series and I like the author's Blue Ridge Library Mystery series so A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert is going on my TBR pile.

 Blurb:

Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.

Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.

Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?

Roast Date - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

ROAST DATE by Heather Day Gilbert
The Seventh Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery

Macy Hatfield has finally given in to her neighbor Vera's request to come to a book club meeting. Since it's close to Christmas it will be a holiday party and Macy will be able to talk about the Barks and Beans Cafe as well as sell some of her brother's special coffee blends. The meeting takes a harsh turn when some of the members start making nasty comments about the mayor, who is leading the book discussion. An escaping pup creates havoc and more hurtful innuendos are thrown before everyone takes their leave. Helping tidy up Macy heads upstairs only to find the mayor's dead body in Vera's bathroom. Was it an accident, a natural death, or something more sinister?

Illegal drugs, affairs, and other scandals rock the small town of Lewisburg, West Virginia in the seventh Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery. But how much is truth and how much is just hurtful gossip and political mudslinging?  I absolutely love this series. It's smart, crisply written, and full of interesting characters. I also love that while the mystery is solved in each book there is a story arc that is slowly playing out over the series. And that arc just got a whole lot more dangerous while simultaneously hitting much closer to home in this entry to the series.

A smidgen of romance, an ingeniously plotted mystery, and adorable dogs (plus one mischievous cat) combine to make ROAST DATE a fantastic addition to this delightfully caffeinated series.

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 Roast Date (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

About Roast Date

Roast Date (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 7th in Series
Setting - West Virginia
WoodHaven Press (December 20, 2022)
Number of Pages ~250

BOOK SEVEN in the bestselling BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

After much cajoling, Macy gives in to her neighbor, Vera, and agrees to come to her book club's Christmas party so she can share about the cafe. While public speaking isn't Macy's thing, she wants to brighten Vera's lonely holiday season...and she can sell a little house blend on the side.

When a lively book discussion spirals into a public roast of the mayor—who happens to be sitting in their midst—things get uncomfortable. Soon afterward, the mayor shows up dead in Vera's bathroom, and no amount of gingerbread cookies or eggnog can restore Vera to the club's good graces. 'Tis the season for Macy to find the murderer, or else Vera might be taking a long winter's nap in a jail cell.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order: Book 1: No Filter Book 2: Iced Over Book 3: Fair Trade Book 4: Spilled Milk Book 5: Trouble Brewing Book 6: Cold Drip Book 7: Roast Date

About Heather Day Gilbert

Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Author Links: 

Webpage: https://heatherdaygilbert.com/  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-day-gilbert  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert  

Purchase Link - Amazon  

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Cold Drip - A Review

 Review

COLD DRIP by Heather Day Gilbert
The Sixth Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery 

It's Thanksgiving week and Macy Hatfield is excited as her boyfriend, Titan, is coming into town for the whole week. Touring the area, the couple go on a self guided tour of the nearby caverns. When the lights suddenly go out a scream pierces the darkness. Apparently one of the socialites fell down a chasm while taking a selfie. When the woman's body isn't found, despite search and rescue efforts, Macy starts looking into the rich woman's social circle. Will Macy be able to enjoy the holiday and time with her family and friends? Or will her search for the truth put her life in jeopardy? 

Snobbishness, cliques, and the rich generally aren't in Macy Hatfield's wheelhouse, but in the sixth Barks and Beans mystery she gets pulled into that set. I enjoyed seeing Macy navigate this world, while also spending time with Titan as well as the wonderful shelter dogs who visit the cafe. There were plenty of suspects to dislike and I enjoyed the surprising twists and turns the investigation took.

COLD DRIP is a well plotted mystery filled with wonderful characters in a charming setting with the added bonus of promoting the adoption of shelter dogs.

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Cold Drip by Heather Day Gilbert. This book is the sixth in the Barks and Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series.

It's Thanksgiving week and Macy Hatfield is excited as her boyfriend, Titan, is coming into town for the whole week. Touring the area, the couple go on a self guided tour of the nearby caverns. When the lights suddenly go out a scream pierces the darkness. Apparently one of the socialites fell down a chasm while taking a selfie. When the woman's body isn't found, despite search and rescue efforts, Macy starts looking into the rich woman's social circle. Will Macy be able to enjoy the holiday and time with her family and friends? Or will her search for the truth put her life in jeopardy?

Trouble Brewing - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

TROUBLE BREWING by Heather Day Gilbert
The Fifth Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery 

With her brother, Bo, back in town, Macy Hatfield is free to have a girls' weekend with her friend, Della. It's not merely a Halloween themed getaway, however. Della is concerned that the woman she was caring for didn't die from natural causes. The woman's money grubbing relatives are all in town, staying at the daughter's inn. The same inn Macy and Della checked in to. The pair are keeping their eyes and ears open while they also enjoy spooky activities such as a ghost tour and hay ride. The screams of the Spooks and Screams weekend become all too real when one of the guests is found murdered. Was the murder a copycat of a historical event? Or could it have something to do with Della's suspicions about her client? Macy and Della will have to keep their wits about them or the next murder could be theirs.

The Spooks and Screams weekend is right up my alley. I love true hauntings as well as ghostly lore and legends so I was immediately drawn in to the story of the Greenbrier ghost, as well as the treasure hunt. I also appreciate how Macy tackles a murder, by keeping in touch with the authorities and taking precautions when hunting down spooks...and bad guys.

The mystery was multilayered with lots of great suspects behaving badly. I love Macy, adore Coal, and wish the Barks and Beans Cafe was in my town! I also really like the series wide story arc about Leo Moreau...and I'm fairly sure we haven't seen the last of him or his wife.

Smart and loving characters make you care and a tightly woven, keenly plotted story keep you engrossed in this fifth Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery. TROUBLE BREWING is a spooky Halloween treat with a chilling legend, a diabolical killer, and no calories!

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 Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

About Trouble Brewing 

Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 5th in Series
Publisher: ‎ WoodHaven Press (October 18, 2021)

Convinced that the elderly lady in her care didn't die of natural causes, Macy's friend Della determines to look into the broken relationships surrounding the woman. She books a Halloween-themed getaway at a local inn and talks Macy into coming along with her to spy on her prime suspect.

As they join a ghost tour of the candlelit town, Macy and Della feel their guide is a little too fanatical as he shares his spooky tales. He tells the story of the Greenbrier ghost, a newlywed who supposedly came back from the grave to tell her family that her husband murdered her.

When a disturbing apparition makes its presence known, guests at the inn become apprehensive...and for good reason, because soon after, a young bride turns up dead. Although everything points to a copycat killer replicating the historical Greenbrier murder, Macy has her doubts. She's discovered that the inn harbors secrets of its own, and when she pokes into one darkened corner too many, she might not stand a ghost of a chance.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order: Book 1: No Filter Book 2: Iced Over Book 3: Fair Trade Book 4: Spilled Milk Book 5: Trouble Brewing

About Heather Day Gilbert

Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginia gal can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Author Links: 

Webpage: http://www.heatherdaygilbert.com  

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-day-gilbert?list=author_books  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert  

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57544484-trouble-brewing  

 

Purchase Link: Amazon  

 

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A Deadly Edition Review & Giveaway

 Review

A DEADLY EDITION by Victoria Gilbert
The Fifth Blue Ridge Library Mystery

 

Preparations for her wedding are keeping librarian Amy Webber happily busy. Several people have some to town to celebrate in the weeks before the wedding, including her younger brother and a colleague of her aunt's beau. Other newcomers have appeared in town as well including a shifty looking man, an inquisitive tourist, and a business rival of the enigmatic Kurt Kendrick. Taking a breath of air at a party in their honor, Amy and Kurt stumble across the body of Kurt's rival. With several party goers acting suspiciously, Amy can't stop from doing a little research. Was the man's death the result of a competition for the purchase of a rare book? Or is something more going on? Planning her wedding won't stop Amy from doing some digging on her own, but will she be digging her own grave?

A DEADLY EDITION combines all of the items from the Old English rhyme about weddings into the plot of its mystery. There's something old (the past of many of the characters), something new (new characters are introduced), something borrowed (pain, guilt, revenge, to name just a few), and something blue (emotions from some characters). These concepts are seamlessly blended into this engaging story. 

I love the characters, their diversity, their uniqueness, and their ability to see beyond it all to come together, protect each other, and ultimately, love each other. While I caught onto one aspect of the mystery fairly early on, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, and still left me some surprises at its conclusion.

 

A DEADLY EDITION is a heartwarming and ultimately uplifting mystery that proves that while the past may shape you, love will triumph.

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 A Deadly Edition: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery by Victoria Gilbert

About A Deadly Edition

A Deadly Edition: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery
Cozy Mystery 5th in Series
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (December 8, 2020)
Hardcover: 368 pages

'Til death do us part" could be closer than the bride realizes in Victoria Gilbert's tantalizing fifth Blue Ridge Library mystery."

The pursuit to acquire a rare illustrated book turns deadly, and on the eve of her upcoming wedding, library director Amy Webber is drawn into a web of treachery and betrayal that could derail her happy day--and maybe just claim her life.

Planning a wedding can be murder--sometimes literally. At a party celebrating their upcoming nuptials, Taylorsford, Virginia library director Amy Webber and her fiancé Richard Muir discover the body of art dealer Oscar Selvaggio--a bitter rival of their host, Kurt Kendrick.

Both had been in a heated battle to purchase a rare illustrated volume created by William Morris's Kelmscott Press, so suspicion immediately falls upon Kurt. Amy knows that Kurt has a closet-full of skeletons from his past--but she can't believe he's guilty of murder.

Amidst an avalanche of wedding preparations, Amy begins an investigation with the help of her aunt Lydia Talbot and the new mayor of Taylorsford, Sunshine "Sunny" Fields. Much to Lydia's dismay, her boyfriend, art expert Hugh Chen, becomes convinced of Kurt's guilt and launches an investigation of his own. As the case hits painfully close to home, the stakes become impossibly high--and the danger all too real.

 

About Victoria Gilbert

Raised in a historic small town near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian.

Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, the Booklover’s B&B series, and the upcoming Hunter and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. She has also published fantasy with Snowy Wings Publishing.

A member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Victoria is represented by Frances Black at Literary Counsel. She lives near Winston-Salem, NC with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.

Author Links: 

Website (includes blog): http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/  

FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor  

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Gilbert/e/B071ZQZN1P  

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16912697.Victoria_Gilbert  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - IndieBound  

Blue Ridge Library Mystery series:  

A MURDER FOR THE BOOKS: http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/a-murder-for-the-books/ SHELVED UNDER MURDER: http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/shelved-under-murder/ PAST DUE FOR MURDER: http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/past-due-for-murder/  

BOUND FOR MURDER: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612101/bound-for-murder-by-victoria-gilbert/  

A DEADLY EDITION: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647523/a-deadly-edition-by-victoria-gilbert/9781643854762/  

Booklover’s B&B series:  

BOOKED FOR DEATH: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622813/booked-for-death-by-victoria-gilbert/  

RESERVED FOR MURDER (preorder): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/659504/reserved-for-murder-by-victoria-gilbert/  

 

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Fair Trade - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

FAIR TRADE by Heather Day Gilbert
The Third Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery 

The state fair brings to mind special fried foods, live music, and lots and lots of people. Another draw to this year's fair is Carolina Crush, a hot new country band, whose star grew up in Lewisburg. Reconnecting with her childhood friend, Carolina invites Macy to a private buffet with the band. What's served up is primarily tension and Macy leaves with a bad taste in her mouth. When Carolina becomes sick afterward, yet no one else suffers any ill effects, Macy suspects someone tried to poison her old friend. Who would want the rising star dead? The back up singer? The husband? Or maybe her stalker. 

When I think of state fairs I think of fair food, midway rides, and prize winning animals. There's also a somewhat seedy side to fairs, whether it's the transient nature of it, the hucksters, or the glittery nature of everything that seems to quickly fade away. That aura of something unsettling, something not quite right permeates FAIR TRADE. Carolina Crush may be successful, but the undercurrents show that all is not golden.

I enjoy the characters and seeing their developing relationships grow in this third Barks and Beans Cafe mystery. I especially like the addition of Macy's new neighbor, Vera. I was also thrilled to see Waffles make an appearance and am confident someday she will find someone who will appreciate her. I love the fact that the third Barks and Beans Mystery continues to build on a longer story arc with nefarious characters popping up when least expected participating in an ongoing mystery that's slowly being revealed.

FAIR TRADE is a mystery of subtleties. It's quiet, more strategic mystery that looks at trust, memories, and friendships. 

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 Fair Trade (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

About Fair Trade

Fair Trade (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Publisher: WoodHaven Press (October 27, 2020)
Number of Pages: ~215

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

With the one-year anniversary of the now-successful Barks & Beans Cafe approaching, siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield set up an iced coffee booth at the state fair. Taking a break from brewing, Macy bumps into Carolina, a long-lost childhood friend who's now sitting pretty as a country superstar. Macy tries not to fangirl too hard when her old friend extends an invitation to meet the rest of the Carolina Crush band before their opening show.

But when Carolina falls victim to not one, but two near-death experiences, Macy takes it upon herself to find out who has it in for her old friend. Fortified with plenty of roasted corn, cinnamon rolls, and her brother's signature iced maple latte, Macy takes to the Ferris wheel to get the lay of the land from the air. She discovers too late that this year's fair isn't all fun and games...but she's already locked in for the ride.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order: Book 1: No Filter Book 2: Iced Over Book 3: Fair Trade

About Heather Day Gilbert

 

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries set in her home state of West Virginia. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren't afraid to protect what they love. You can find all her books at heatherdaygilbert.com.  

Author Links:   

Webpage: http://www.heatherdaygilbert.com  

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-day-gilbert  

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherdgilbert 

Purchase Link - Amazon  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Iced Over - A Review

 Review

ICED OVER by Heather Day Gilbert
The Second Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery 

Thanksgiving brings with it a wintry chill along with some ice and snow to West Virginia. Macy Hatfield is enjoying the season with her brother, Bo, and Great Dane, Coal, pleased with the success of their Barks and Beans Cafe. She's also happy with the employees, especially the bubbly young Bristol. When Bristol's uncle winds up in a coma and his partner dead in the crash of their armored security truck, Macy does all she can to help the young woman and her family. When it turns out that $500,000 is missing from the truck and suspicious strangers are asking about the truck and Bristol's family, Macy and Bo go on high alert. Was the crash really an accident or is something more sinister going on?

ICED OVER brings the warmth of Thanksgiving with a winter chill. The coziness of friendship and family, as well as the willingness to help others is poised over the darkness of treachery and cold blooded murder. The mystery starts slowly, reeling in readers in with positive vibes. The accident seems just that, an accident, for the most part. But as we get more involved we find more mysteries and suspicions rise against friends old and new...not to mention the major players who we later discover are also involved.

Aside from lots of lovable dogs, the thing I like best about the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery series is its protagonist. Macy Hatfield is smart and loyal. She keeps the police informed and knows when to ask for help. She has a wonderful relationship with her brother as well as her dog Coal, who is a favorite character as well. I am so happy that the series promotes animal adoptions and shows the variety of animals that can be found in local shelters. I loved meeting Waffles and hope to see more of her in future books, hopefully in a home that can appreciate her.

ICED OVER is a smart engaging mystery that lures you in with dogs and coffee and leaves you satisfied with family, friends, and murder.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Iced Over by Heather Day Gilbert. This book is the second in the Barks and Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series.

Thanksgiving brings with it a wintry chill along with some ice and snow to West Virginia. Macy Hatfield is enjoying the season with her brother, Bo, and Great Dane, Coal, pleased with the success of their Barks and Beans Cafe. She's also happy with the employees, especially the bubbly young Bristol. When Bristol's uncle winds up in a coma and his partner dead in the crash of their armored security truck, Macy does all she can to help the young woman and her family. When it turns out that $500,000 is missing from the truck and suspicious strangers are asking about the truck and Bristol's family, Macy and Bo go on high alert. Was the crash really an accident or is something more sinister going on?

Booked for Death - A Review & Giveaway

Review

BOOKED FOR DEATH by Victoria Gilbert

The First Book Lover's B&B Mystery

Upon her aunt's death, Charlotte Reed inherited her literary themed B&B. Preparations are under way to celebrate famed mystery author Josephine Tey, including a themed dinner party. But being the hostess isn't always easy, especially with a talented, but surly teenager and her volatile parents, one of whom is a presumptuous book dealer who questions how Charlotte's aunt came to own such a valuable book collection under her roof. When he's found dead in the carriage house, Charlotte begins to suspect everybody, including her employees and good friend. As she begins to look into her aunt's past, she may find more than she bargained for. Will she find a murderer as well?

There is so much to like about this new series. Charlotte is a fine protagonist who is not blind to the foibles of anyone, including her friends. She doesn't automatically exclude anyone from her suspect list merely because she likes them. I am so happy to find a capable, smart detective who is receptive to various theories. I especially appreciate that she's a strong female character and not a romantic lead for our protagonist. In fact, BOOKED FOR MURDER is filled with strong, competent women, making it fitting that a contemptible man is the victim.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the first Book Lover's Mystery is how it weaves mysteries from the past into the present. I loved the manner in which the author tied the golden age mysteries of Josephine Tey to the current murder. I enjoyed how Charlotte begins to uncover the truth about her mysterious aunt. Secrets abound and I love how their slow revelation adds more and more depth to the story. I also appreciate the portrayal of older women. Septuagenarians can be savvy too. Plus, they have lots of experience to draw upon.

BOOKED FOR DEATH is a smart no nonsense mystery filled with capable characters with interesting back stories. Victoria Gilbert delivers a well plotted mystery whose ending provides the perfect segue to future books in the series.

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Booked for Death: A Book Lover's B&B Mystery by Victoria Gilbert

About Booked for Death

 

Booked for Death: A Book Lover's B&B Mystery   

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series  

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 11, 2020) 

Hardcover: 320 pages 

From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books, Victoria Gilbert embarks with a new series for perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.

 

A book lover's B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder--and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.

 

Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader's paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It's the perfect literary retreat--until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.

 

The victim's daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.

 

Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt's name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer's death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer--or end up writing her own final chapter.

About Virginia Gilbert

Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. Victoria has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and lives in North Carolina. This is her fourth Blue Ridge Library mystery.

Author Links:  

Website/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/  
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor/  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4J0jvZ-D0NVF9Qv7H2ua8Q

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Currently Reading...

I just started reading Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert. This book is the first in the Booklover's B&B Mystery series and will be released August 11.

When her aunt died, Charlotte Reed inherited her literary themed B&B. Preparations are under way to celebrate Josephine Tey, including a themed dinner party. But being the hostess isn't always easy, especially with a talented, but surly teenager, her volatile parents, and a presumptuous book dealer who questions how Charlotte's aunt came to own such a valuable book collection under her roof.

No Filter - An Interview, Review, & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Heather Day Gilbert back to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Heather writes the Barks & Beans Mystery series. NO FILTER is the first book in the series and was released last week.

Kathy: In NO FILTER we are introduced to the Barks and Beans Cafe where customers can mingle with shelter dogs as they drink their coffee. I've heard of cat cafes, but never a dog one. Is this your idea or do dog centric cafes exist too?

HDG: Yes! They do exist, although rarer than cat cafes in the USA. Here's a link to one (although currently closed for coronavirus): https://www.thedogcafela.com/.


Kathy: I love dogs, all sorts, but mainly big shepherd types. Macy winds up adopting a Great Dane. Do have any favorite breeds?

HDG: I do (in fact, it's a big shepherd type!). I've had dogs for years (medium to large sized), and not to play favorites, but my Shiloh shepherd (link here to see more about the breed: https://www.firesideshilohs.com/), Liesel, recently died in late 2019 at only ten years old from bone cancer. She was such an intelligent dog and weighed in at 115 pounds, so I am familiar with larger dogs. So yes, my fave breed thus far is a Shiloh shepherd.

After she died, we bought a Borderdoodle (border collie/poodle mix), and I named her Agatha after—you guessed it—one of my fave authors ever, Agatha Christie. In No Filter, I had a blast writing all the scenes featuring the black Great Dane in this series, Coal—I've talked to some Dane owners about their idiosyncrasies.


Kathy: I admit, I am a tea person who doesn't like the taste of coffee. Are you a coffee fan?

HDG: I'm definitely a coffee fanatic, but I have to limit how much I drink. Tea is also a lovely choice. Some of my fave teas are Earl Gray (the London Fog drink in particular, which is mentioned in this series), Orange Pekoe, and Oolong.


Kathy: The Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery series is set in West Virginia with a protagonist named Macy Hatfield. Coincidence? Or is there any relation to those infamous Hatfields who also lived in West Virginia?

HDG: Actually, I do know someone in West Virginia who is a descendant of THOSE Hatfields, so yes, I wanted to include that authentic element in this series, just to add a heritage that'll play into the series in various ways.


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

HDG: I love the idea of featuring a sibling relationship, and Lewisburg is a quaint nearby town that my husband and I like to visit. It seemed the perfect place to set a cozy series like this. The dog cafe idea was something I'd read about and thought it was a fantastic venue to merge two of my loves—dogs and coffee.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Macy Hatfield?

HDG: I definitely have many books planned for the Barks & Beans Cafe mystery series, as Macy regains her footing after an unexpected divorce. Not to mention her brother, Bo, who has some love issues...and other secrets...of his own as well.


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

HDG: Sure! Book 2 in the Barks & Beans Cafe series, ICED OVER, is already up for preorder here: https://www.amazon.com/Iced-Over-Barks-Beans-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08651VYB3

Here's the blurb:

BOOK TWO in the ALL-NEW BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck's cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy's mama bear instincts kick in. She can't ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren't all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she's been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

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Review

NO FILTER by Heather Day Gilbert

The First Barks & Beans Mystery

After a massive betrayal, newly divorced Macy Hatfield is ready for a change. So when her brother, Bo, suggests she comes home to West Virginia and help in his new business venture, she's more than willing to agree. The siblings open Barks & Beans, a coffee cafe where people can also mingle with shelter dogs, with Bo in charge of the coffee aspect and Macy concentrating on the dogs. Macy soon meets and makes a connection with a very special dog. Coal is a purebred Great Dane whose owner, a golf instructor at a nearby spiritual center, has been murdered. When Macy comes home to find Coal missing she's sure he's been abducted. Now she'll move heaven and earth to find her beloved companion, and if that involves looking into his late owner's murder, so be it!

NO FILTER is a great start to a new series. I love the sibling relationship between Bo and Macy, both of whom have severe trust issues. I appreciate the slow character development we see, learning about their past that so influences their current behavior. One of the things I like best is that Macy, generally, doesn't run off half cocked, like so many cozy mystery heroines. While she's able to take care of herself, she also keeps the police and her brother apprised of her actions. She's not hot on the heels of a killer, although she gets involved inadvertently. Macy is smart and behaves rationally and I look forward to getting to know her better.

The first Barks and Beans Mystery provides a mature mystery. While there is no doubt it's a cozy, the characters act responsibly and there are serious themes at work. There are less zany antics and more in depth character study. There's a compelling mystery and though fun, and funny at times, it has a more serious mien.

NO FILTER combines coffee and dogs to create a wonderful treat for mystery lovers. Intelligent characters, an interesting setting, a wonderful Great Dane, and what looks to be a very interesting and dangerous story arc make me eager to read the next book.

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No Filter (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

About No Filter

 

No Filter (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)  

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series  

Publisher: WoodHaven Press (May 26, 2020)  

Number of Pages: ~280 Pages

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

 

Fed up with her go-nowhere job, newly single Macy Hatfield moves back to her small hometown in West Virginia. She joins forces with her brother Bo in his crazy new venture—the Barks & Beans Cafe, which caters to dog lovers and coffee drinkers alike.

 

When a golf instructor is murdered at the nearby spiritual center, Macy winds up adopting his Great Dane. Just after Macy finds a mysterious message sewn under the dog's collar, her Dane is dognapped. She launches into a relentless search for her newfound canine friend, but along the way, she digs up a cruel and confident killer.

 
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order: Book 1: No Filter Book 2: Iced Over

About Heather Day Gilbert

 
HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren't afraid to protect those they love. Like her amateur sleuth heroines, she enjoys reading Agatha Christie, playing video games, dogs, and coffee.  

Author Links:  
Website: http://heatherdaygilbert.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert  
Twitter: @heatherdgilbert  
Instagram: @heatherdaygilbert  
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-day-gilbert  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert  

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