Malice in Puzzle Land - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a recent release. Malice in Puzzle Land by Roz Noonan is the third book in the Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery series. 

 

Blurb:

Alice is excited that the library is going to host its first-ever speed-puzzling competition—until time runs out on a prominent local woman. Glamorous realtor to the rich, Babe Kinkaid, is found floating in her own infinity pool. What police first suspect is an accident or medical crisis turns out to be a homicide when the autopsy reveals that Babe has been shot.

Babe’s complicated love life leaves no shortage of suspects—including two ex-husbands and a fiancé. Then there’s her family, complete with a spoiled daughter, a ne’er-do-well son, and an always overlooked sister. All of them have the same motive: Babe’s massive inheritance.

Alice faces a ticking clock in this investigation. There are a lot of moving pieces, and before she can shake loose a killer, an explosion and disappearance throw the town into even more of a tumult. It’s up to Alice to click all the clues into place before those nearest and dearest to her become the next victims . . .  

Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble - A Spotlight

I love autumn and spooky season, so I thought I'd shine a spotlight on this new release. Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble by Vicki Delany is the seventh book in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series.

Blurb:

When Lily stumbles across five middle-aged women gathered in a dark corner of the tearoom for a “book club,” she firmly reminds them that the inn’s no-smoking policy also applies to their oddly ritualistic candles. As they head outside, Lily overhears them chalking their bad luck up to the absence of their leader, Katya. Whatever they’re doing, it certainly isn’t reading—and their cover is starting to sound like weak tea . . .

While they enjoy Lily’s homemade banana bread the next morning, they make their intentions clear—grilling Lily about any past paranormal activity in the cliffside mansion. Their attempts to contact spirits have been falling flat, it seems, and the mysterious Katya is catching the heat. Levelheaded Lily thinks the real reason is that there’s no such thing as ghosts.

But Lily’s pal Bernie has found another explanation: the half-baked spirit-seekers have the wrong house. The haunted reputation belongs to the place next door—where Lily’s gardener boyfriend is currently staying. But before they can inform the luckless ladies, the missing medium shows up—dead on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. Now, Lily has two jobs: serving afternoon tea, and solving a murder before someone else gets sent to the great beyond . . .  

All Aboard for Murder - A Review & Giveaway

Review

ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER by Ellen Byron
The Third Golden Motel Mystery 

 

The towns of Foundgold and Goldsgone are celebrating the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man who made the area a historic site. Festivities begin with the opening of a time capsule with the big event being the Sprockles Railroad Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society featuring former child star Dougie Keefer. After a wonderful event the last of the organizers are ready to take the train ride back only to find Moses Sprockles dead on the track. With murky jurisdiction, multiple law enforcement agencies soon descend upon the scene. Dee Stern, former screenwriter and new motelier is more than happy to leave this murder to the professionals. That is until her dad asks her to investigate the death of his friend. Did the murder have something to do with the silver spike from the time capsule? Or perhaps something related to Moses' work as a notary? With the Golden Motel once again associated with murder Dee and her partner, Jeff, will don their sleuthing hats and try to solve another murder. 

 

It's fun being back in Foundgold, California, especially during Halloween time. I love how Dee, her father, and Jeff really get into the spirit of things, helping families make memories, and bringing back old time fun. Like Dee, I can't stand the concept of influencers. And we have a few annoying ones here. In fact, there are plenty of shifty characters, along with favorite regulars. I'm especially fond of Ma'am and Mr. Ma'am and loved how Serena showed a decided edge. No trophy wife, she has smarts, a strong backbone, and is not someone with whom to trifle! I also love Bud, the bear.

 

In addition to murder, the third Golden Motel Mystery gives readers some relationship drama. Despite unpleasant changes there are hints of something special on the horizon, and plenty of laughs as well. The mystery was interesting with several suspects, the aforementioned shifty characters, red herrings. and very real threats, all which kept me interested and engaged.

 

Railroad aficionados, fans of the Old West, and anyone who enjoys a well written novel with unique characters will enjoy ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER, a fun Halloween themed mystery. 

 

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 All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) by Ellen Byron

About All Aboard for Murder

All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series
Setting - California
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ July 28, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 288 pages

Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running her Golden Motel in the quaint California village she moved to, leaving behind her LA life as a sitcom writer. But a killer sees the town’s Halloween celebration as a golden opportunity to write a script for murder . . .

It’s October in Gold Rush country and all manner of tricks and treats are happening in the lead-up to Halloween. October also happens to be the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man responsible for the town being designated a historic landmark, and the residents are celebrating his memory as well. His only living descendant, Moses Sprockles, runs the narrow-gauge railroad—once used to ferry lumber from the mountains to the sawmill, now a tourist attraction. The Sprockles Railroad is hosting a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society.

But when a body is found on the tracks, it’s not a Halloween prank. It’s Moses himself, seemingly felled by a fallen tree branch. Dee’s dad Sam is convinced his friend is the victim of foul play and urges his daughter to apply her sleuthing skills. Dee’s train of thought leads her to suspects ranging from a former child star and one-hit wonder, the owner of a nail salon with her claws in everything, and even the mayor. When a self-proclaimed ghost hunter throws his hat in the ring and claims to know who did it, the investigation really goes off the rails. No matter how crazy things get, Dee is determined to blow the whistle on a runaway killer with a one-track mind.

About Ellen Byron

Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.

A native New Yorker, Ellen is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.

Author Links: 

Newsletter: https://www.ellenbyron.com/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenbyronauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/CateringHallMysteries/  

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-byron https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maria-dirico

Goodreads: Ellen Byron (Author of Plantation Shudders) | Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19130966.Maria_DiRico  

Purchase Links – Amazon – Kensington – Bookshop.org – B&N – Hudson Books – Target – Walmart

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron. This book is the third in the Golden Motel Mystery series and will be released next week.

The towns of Foundgold and Goldsgone are celebrating the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man made the area a historic site. From the opening of a time capsule to the Sprockles Railroad Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society featuring former child star Dougie Keefer. After a wonderful event the last of the organizers are ready to take the train ride back only to find Moses Sprockles dead on the track. With murky jurisdiction, multiple law enforcement agencies soon descend upon the scene. Dee Stern, former screenwriter and new motelier is more than happy to leave this murder to the professionals. That is until her dad asks her to investigate the death of his friend. Did the murder have something to do with the silver spike from the time capsule? Or perhaps something related to Moses' work as a notary? With the Golden Motel once again associated with murder Dee and her partner, Jeff, will don their sleuthing hats and try to solve another murder.

A Cyclist's Guide to Poppies & Predicaments - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on an upcoming release. A Cyclist's Guide to Poppies & Predicaments by Ann Claire. This book is the third in the Cyclist's Guide Mystery series and will be released Tuesday.

Blurb: 

Sadie Greene has broken her streak—her crime streak, that is. For months, her bicycle tours through France have been blissfully uneventful, marred only by the occasional punctured tire or crushed croissant. Thus, when Sadie takes on a last-minute booking for a bridal party, she expects love, laughter, and champagne toasts. But more than pre-wedding jitters come along for the ride.

A bossy bride, rowdy party games, and a tagalong stranger threaten to turn Sadie’s carefully planned itinerary into a tour de farce. She can shift gears to keep the bride happy, but she can’t please everyone. A road-rager targets the group. So does a killer. To add to Sadie’s horror, the murder victim is found wearing the bride’s tiara.

The Diva Hosts a Murderer - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Cyril Chevalier to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Cyril on the pages of THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER by Krista Davis. This book is the nineteenth in the Domestic Diva Mystery series and was released last week.

Cyril Chevalier: 

You might know Sophie Winston. She was kind enough to include me when she invited her family to stay with her over the Fourth of July. I’m honored to be thought of as a member of the family.

I went to high school with her dad, Paul, his sister Melly, and Sophie’s mom, Inga. We had a grand time growing up together! We went our separate ways in our college years. I became a professor of engineering, a job to which I was married. I took it very seriously and was always there for my students. I was all in when it came to special events on campus. I was the dependable go-to guy whenever anyone needed help.

But now that I’m retired, I’m really sorry that I didn’t think about a social life outside of my job. So many of my friends, like Paul and Inga, have each other now. Someone to share fun times with, to travel with, even just to sit on the porch and rock with on a warm summer evening.

I told Sophie that I feel like the song On Top Of Old Smoky was written about me because I courted too slow. Or, in my case, not at all. Now, I don’t want you thinking I never met the right woman. I did! But she married someone else.

I wonder sometimes if it’s wrong to tell an engaged woman that you’re in love with her. I backed away and watched as she married and went on with her life. But what if I hadn’t? What if I had told her the truth about how I felt? It would have been her choice then. Him or me? Maybe she would have chosen him, but at least I would have tried. I would have known that she didn’t feel the same way about me.

So, I went about my life for decades, seeking someone else. But she held my heart the whole time. It wasn’t easy watching her with her husband. But that was my lot. And it was all my fault because I never let her know how I felt.

Her husband passed away about a year or so ago. I was in a quandary because I knew she needed time to heal. Time to come to grips with the loss of her husband. I certainly didn’t want to make a move too fast. That would have been most distasteful! So, once again, I carried on, waiting, waiting, waiting for the right time to ask her out on a date.

But wouldn’t you just know that she went on a vacation to Las Vegas with a man who was new to town, and they came back married! Once again, I missed the timing. And now I’m back to watching her with another man.

I have a bad feeling that he’s a worm. But I can’t just walk up to her and say that! Can I? 

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Review

THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER by Krista Davis
The Nineteenth Domestic Diva Mystery 

Sophie Winston is planning a big Fourth of July celebration and has opened her home to a variety of family and friends. Although she's happy to spend time with her parents and Aunt Melly, she not quite sure about Melly's new husband, Gus. In the days before the holiday Sophie has arranged plenty of tours for the group. For the most part everyone seems to be having a good time, but it all changes when the tour guide is found dead and Sophie's dad becomes the prime suspect. In addition to being a superlative hostess, Sophie will have to revisit her role as a cunning detective in order to keep her family safe and find a killer!

With the nineteenth Domestic Diva Mystery I find myself once again envying Sophie's casual style and ease of entertaining, effortlessly whipping up scrumptious dishes while putting everyone at ease. That being said, she can keep her houseload of guests! One of the things I enjoy most about the Domestic Diva Mystery series is how the author seamlessly weaves together great food, household tips and crime solving with ordinary daily life. All while having an active social life and working! In addition this book also provides a warning for women, especially older women.

I enjoyed the variety of characters in THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER. The majority have secrets, but just which secrets are dangerous? I really liked Dollie and hope we see more of her in future books. Natasha is her usual obnoxious self and I'm glad she was primarily just brief comic relief in this outing. I love how Sophie and her core crew work together and I really appreciated the two final surprises...ok, three final surprises.

This Independence Day fireworks are exploding all over Old Town Alexandria in THE DIVA HOSTS A MURDERER with volatile relationships, suspicious behavior, and murder!

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 The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis

About The Diva Hosts a Murderer

The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 19th in Series
Setting - Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ May 26, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 336 pages

Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks.

But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . .

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

About Krista Davis

New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back.

Author Links: 

Website www.KristaDavis.com 

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Murder in a Lavender Daze - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

MURDER IN A LAVENDER DAZE by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Second Aroma Wellness Mystery 

 

Emma Brennan's Aroma Wellness Spa is doing well, even with Mah's struggles with the telephone at reception. Always looking to branch out Emma is hosting a Happily Divorced party for spa regular Addison Lacey. Becoming friends with the woman Emma is invited to dinner with Addison and her family only to witness contentious bickering with Gianna, Addison's mother, lambasting her daughter. When Emma goes to their house the following morning to pick up payment for the party, she and Addison find Gianna dead. With Addison under suspicion Emma decides to try to solve the murder.

 

While the Happily Divorced party is for Addison and her soon to be ex-husband Wyatt, the second Aroma Wellness Mystery has more than its share of unhappy marriages-Addison's parents, her aunt and uncle, and even Emma's already divorced parents. There's even a fiancée with cold feet. No wonder Emma isn't in a rush to get involved in a romantic relationship, although we do see a possible contender. There may be romance for her cousin Sierra too.

 

I love the whole vibe of the Aroma Wellness Spa, with the café and gift shop. While I may not desire a facial or mani pedi, I would love a sound bath or other meditative session. I can also see myself splurging in the gift shop and enjoying some snacks created by Sienna. The peaceful ambiance makes a striking contrast to the murders Emma encounters as well as the dangers she faces while shaky alibis and various motives contributed to this interesting puzzle. 

 

A delicious mystery wrapped in unhappy relationships and soothing vibrations makes MURDER IN A LAVENDER DAZE a delightful read. I was happy to return to the Aroma Wellness Spa and look forward to my next visit!

 

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 Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder in a Lavender Daze

Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication Date: ‎ April 28, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 304 pages

Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .

With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.

After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.

Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received Accidental Murder, The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also, she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links: 

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com  

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber  

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber  

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1  

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber  

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber  

BLUE SKY: @darylwoodgerber.bsky.social  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Website

A Whiff of Murder - A Review

 Review

 A WHIFF OF MURDER by Angela M. Sanders

The First Sixth Sense Mystery

 

Lise Bloom has the unique ability of smelling emotion and even history. So after a scandal in Seattle, it's no wonder that it's a scent that leads Lise to settle in Astoria, Oregon. In an attempt to learn more about her gift Lise works in a New Age shop, but she's not finding the answers she needs. With encouragement from her housemates at Corrie House Lise e-mails in her resignation. Feeling some trepidation going to work the next morning she's surprised to see her boss's car in the alley with its tires slashed. She's even more surprised to see her boss's dead body. Did the toxic relationship with her ex-husband finally lead to murder? Did the changes she made to her will cause her untimely demise? The shocks keep coming when the detective in charge turns out to be a frenemy, emphasis on enemy, from Seattle. In order to save herself from a murder charge Lise will have to investigate herself and find a killer.

 

A WHIFF OF MURDER is a story about opposites - love and hate, young and old, living and dead. Yet even though some things are smack in your face, others are more nuanced. Important details are slowly revealed and I'm interested to see what will be uncovered in future books; Lise's gift, her origins, and even more compelling, the story of Corrie House itself and that library in particular.

 

The characters were unique. Lise was a bit underwhelming as a protagonist, but primarily because of the more interesting secondary characters. I love Teddy, the older owner of Corrie House who has a vibrant past and even more I adore the residents of Blavatsky Manor. I'm not a fan of Fran, even though I love some of her idiosyncrasies, but I am curious to see if she grows and changes. My favorite character, however, is Corrie House itself, and it is a character.

 

The mystery itself was well plotted with the various subplots enhancing the story. There are many subplots, all of which are captivating and none of which take away from the mystery.  

 

Humor alleviates the somewhat oppressive atmosphere and with a hint of the paranormal and a lot of foreshadowing A WHIFF OF MURDER makes a creative and intriguing start to a new series.

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.

Murder at Donwell Abbey - A Spotlight

In honor of the holiday season I'm going to shine a spotlight on another recent release on my TBR pile. Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly is the second book in the Emma Knightly Mystery series.

 

Blurb:

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .  

A Murder in the Making - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a recent release that's on my TBR pile. A Murder in the Making by Victoria Laurie is the second book in the Magical Trinket Mystery series.

Blurb:

Dovey didn’t expect to fall in love after the age of 200, yet she can’t stop thinking about Grant “Gib” Barlow, the gorgeous FBI agent who helped her crack her last case. A romance with an unbound is obviously a terrible idea, but for Gib, it could be fatal—because Dovey’s employer, Elric Ostergaard, arguably the most powerful mystic in the world, also happens to be her longtime lover.

Alas, Dovey’s efforts to steer clear of Gib become impossible when her best friend, fellow mystic, and unapologetic romantic, Ursula Göransdotter, tricks them into a lunch date—during which Gib is alerted that a fellow agent has been murdered in his own home. The state of the crime scene, and of the body, seem to defy logic—but Dovey immediately recognizes the Crushing Curse, which could only be cast by a supremely powerful mystic—like her boss. When another agent is killed in the same manner, Dovey races to find Elric for answers.

Meanwhile, the FBI body count rises, and it becomes clear that a rogue mystic is targeting the unbound agents, but why? What ensues is another missing magical trinket, a tense confrontation with Elric, a shocking discovery about Gib, and grave danger to all involved—forcing Dovey to navigate realm-crossing love triangles, supernatural power struggles—and ultimately, her own surprisingly vulnerable heart . . . 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Two Truths and a Murder by Colleen Cambridge. This is the fifth book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and was released October 28, 2025.

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.

Witch and Tell - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a light on a recent release that's on my TBR pile. Witch and Tell by Angela M. Sanders is the fifth book in the Witch Way Librarian Mystery series. 

Blurb: 

Local librarian Josie Way’s life is in shambles. Her magical abilities are on the fritz, and her relationship with sexy sheriff Sam has cooled way off since she told him she’s a witch. On top of that, Josie senses a bad energy she can’t explain, which seems to be interrupting her connection with the spellbound library books, usually her sure-fire way to get to the bottom of any mystery.

When she wakes to a fierce pounding in the library’s atrium, she hurries there—only to find a corpse. But after she goes for the phone to call Sam, she returns to the atrium to find the body gone—and all the doors and window are still locked. And that’s just the beginning of a mystery that features Josie as the prime suspect, several shady characters, and possible long-lost relatives. It’s just like the beginning of an old movie, but Josie will need a lot more direction than her grandmother’s magic lessons will provide . . . 

Murder by the Millions - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Murder by the Millions

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

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

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

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

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

About Daryl Wood Gerber

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

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