In accordance with the new FTC Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials for bloggers, I am submitting this statement for all visitors of my blog. The reviews are my personal opinions of any and/or all books read. I do not accept any monetary compensation for books that I review at the request of an author or publisher, or anyone associated with the author or publisher. These books were either provided to me for free or were purchased/borrowed by me. If you have any questions regarding this statement, please feel free to contact me
My Journey Began With Trixie Beldon
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Vetted for Murder by D.W. Earnhardt My Review and Blog Parties Links
About the book
Nothing stays secret in a small town...especially murder.
As the obituary columnist for a small NC mountain newspaper, Tori Mulligan is no stranger to death. But when a real-life murder mystery lands at her feet, she discovers that everyone has secrets—some more deadly than others. The sticky situation is further complicated by a handsome widower, an adorable dog, and a slew of sketchy characters. Can the sassy southern sleuth find “whodunit” without adding herself to the body count?
And I thought
I am always happy to meet a new Author.
Especially when a brand new series is included.
It is always fun to get in at book 1. That doesn't happen often but I am glad it did this time.
Author D.W. Earnhardt gave this reader a fun few hours of page turning enjoyment.
It's even better when your turning the pages at page 1 unable to put the book down.
The main characters are easy to get to know. And the townsfolk and close friends are fun and like able.
The sketchy characters are just that. Sketchy.
The storyline and plot were believable and I really liked it that the new Vet/Partner in town didn't become a suspect. Which would have been predictable. Because it has been done several times.
And Tori the main Character for once wasn't a suspect.
But the author gives several clues and provides several suspects and motives that might keep the reader asking questions and guessing.
I enjoyed the ending. I was happy with what happens to the dog on the cover.
The cover was what drew my attention.
I enjoyed that the recipe for White Russian Tea was included at the end.
And now I wait for book 2!
I can't wait for the next mystery and see what yummy recipes from Jo's Diner are included.
It is super easy to award 5 stars!
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.
Buy the book
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Linking at the regular parties
Here's a sneak peek at the 1st line . . .
Killing Craig was turning out to be harder than I imagined.
Click Here
What did you recently finish reading?
Vetted for Murder
by D.W. Earnhardt
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the other prompts for this party.
Click Here
"Take a right here. And yes ...it is what you think it is. We have several of those pieces around town. It started as a joke , but now the town counsel uses them to draw in tourists and get them to express the area."
Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr. I Read Book Tours Review/Giveaway
March 31 – My Reading Journeys – book review of SHADOW OF MURDER / giveaway
Book Title: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 14)
Category: Adult fiction, 496 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery / Police Procedural / Crime Fiction
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Mar 30, 2022
Format available for review: ebook (mobi, epub, PDF), audiobook (audible download code after May 1)
Tour dates: March 28 to June 24, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13. Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!
About the book
You can't move to the next chapter of your life, without tying up loose ends in the previous.
True crime blogger, Erica Hart starts a new chapter in her life with a bang when a dark shadow darts into the mountain road to send her SUV off a cliff and to the bottom of Deep Creek Lake. Spencer’s newest addition to the police force, Dusty O’Meara assumes it was a bear. Erica is not so sure.
Soon afterwards, contractors discover Konnor Langston’s body at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool at the new summer home of Mac Faraday’s son.
With Police Chief David O’Callaghan away on paternity leave, Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara must lead the investigation in his first murder case since moving to Spencer. Not only does Dusty have to work under the shadow of the legendary Mac Faraday, but he also has to match wits with Erica, who is determined to find justice for Konnor, her childhood friend.
Mac isn’t so difficult. Even Gnarly, the town’s canine mayor, is manageable if his authority is well-respected and he is kept entertained.
Erica Hart, Dusty finds, is more of a challenge. It wouldn’t be so difficult if she wasn’t so irresistible.
And I thought
This on was much anticipated. I love the Mac Faraday Series and when I heard a new one was coming I couldn't wait!
As always Author Lauren Carr does not disappoint!
Tge combination of humor and mystery is always fun and makes for a freat page turner.
This series has alot of characters and several new characters were added.
The author provides the reader with a list of the cast.
For the fan that has read several the cast in this series and all of Carr's series become friends.
I enjoy as the townsfolk of Spencer continue to grow.
Even sub characters weave in and out if the scenes.
Having read several books in the series I am familiar with the style of writing and plot.
The shenanigans of the Mayor at times make you laugh till you cry.
That's because he is a dog. That is a kleptomanic and and military trained to find bodies and digs them up.
Much to the chagrin of his owner Mac Faraday. Gnarly said Dog/Mayor doesn't have a real sense of the appropriate time or place to deliver the found bones.
Shadow of Murder has several stories and plots that are woven together.
A Cold Case, a few murders, several suspects. But a few get knocked off or leaving the reader scratching his head along with a few of the characters that just knew who the villain is.
The title also includes a little hint about the outcome.
I have lots of theories and questions wondering if Carr will surprise us with a new spin off series.
I enjoyed the characters.
And I enjoyed some of the regulars being apart of the story.
I missed a couple though. And I have my fingers crossed and hoping for a new Thorny Rose soon.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.
Buy the book
Amazon
Coming Soon to Audible and other Marketplaces
Visit the tour
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
No Farm No Fowl by Julie Ann Lindsey My Review
About the book
It’s out of the frying pan and into the fire for Thelma and Louisa in this new farm to fun cozy mystery series!
Polish chicken breeder Louisa Eggers and her beloved hen, Thelma, are enjoying life sunny side up in their earthy cottagecore community of Meadowbrook. Friends and neighbors can’t get enough of Louisa’s special breakfast recipes, and she has high hopes of feathering her nest with income from the budding egg enterprise.
But when a local naysayer, seemingly determined to bring bad press to Louisa’s community, lifestyle, and café is found dead with a belly full of her quiche, and the coroner crows murder, all eyes turn to Louisa for an explanation.
To save their business and reputation, Thelma and Louisa lay a plan to find the killer. Can they crack this case before it’s too late? Or will they find themselves in a heaping helping of trouble?
And I thought
I was excited that Julie Ann Lindsey chose to offer a spin off series following the Bonny Balfour series set in the fictional town of Bliss, Georgia.
I loved Bonny. Her cat Clyde. The sheriff and the town of Bliss.
The new series is set in the adjacent town.
I hoped that Louisa who was introduced in the Bonny series could 'pull it off'. In her secondary role as an almost murder suspect she is timid shy and real quirky.
But give Louisa her own series and she steps up and shines. Along with her prize winning pet chicken Thelma.
Louisa marches to the beat of her own drum and searches out the answers.
Who wouldn't when the victim dies at your brand new cafe and your almost the suspect.
Louisa's 'frienemy' Mary from the Bonny series steps up and decides to like and help Louisa. Louisa has a crush on her neighbor Eli. The feeling is mutual.
Joining the cast is Louisa's mother along with the story that explains why Louisa is the way she is.
Mom is a grand southern lady and she knows it. And she will tell you so if your naive enough not to get it.
I 'got it' and I loved her. She works behind the scenes using her position in town to get a few answers and help Louisa.
After all the mystery is solved everything ends happily with a wedding (no spoilers). I loved how the author includes subtle references to a couple of her other series.
The only bad part about Louisa and Thelma's debut . . .
It ended!
Oh I hope book 2 is
In the works
I enjoyed the beginning of this brand new series.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon.
Buy the book
I received an Advanced Reader Copy. Available on Amazon Click Here
Sunday, March 27, 2022
New Releases That Caught My Eye
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Sharing this week's new Releases. A few caught my eye and made it to my Wish List.
A couple I was just Ehh.
Which ones are you putting on your lists?
Pleading The Fish
by Bree Baker
Café owner and amateur sleuth Everly Swan, like every Swan woman before her, is cursed in love. The only problem? Her fiancé Detective Grady Hayes has something to say about it—he doesn’t believe in magic and is determined to prove the curse wrong so they can spend their lives together. Everly wishes it could be so simple! It feels like a sign when a historian looking into Swan history is found dead in an antique wishing well, and Everly fears the curse is spreading.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
A Matter of Hive and Death
by Nancy Coco (Cozy)
For the picturesque town of Oceanview on the Oregon Coast, May brings blossoming fruit trees and the annual UFO festival. As Aunt Eloise tries out alien costumes on their Havana brown cat Everett, Wren is off to meet with a bee wrangler, her go-to guy for local fruit tree honey. But when she arrives, Elias Brentwood is lying on the ground amidst destroyed hives and a swarm of angry bees.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Relative Murder
by Jude Deveraux
Bestselling novelist Sara Medlar is skilled at sharing stories about other people, but she hoped the truth about her own family would never surface. Her home in Lachlan, Florida, is her refuge and she loves having her niece Kate and dear friend Jack Wyatt together under her roof. The Medlar Three, as they are known around town, have sworn off getting involved in any more murder investigations.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake
by Sarah Graves
Jake and Ellie are taking a break from perfecting their chocolate pizza recipe to cater a housewarming party hosted by movie icon Ingrid Merryfield. Miss Merryfield is famous for her old-Hollywood glamour. Her new home, Cliff House, has a reputation too—for being haunted. But she isn’t concerned, and some of her guests even try to summon a spirit during the party, using a Ouija board.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Three Shots to the Wind
by Sherry Harris
Saloon owner Chloe Jackson appears to have a secret admirer. She’s pouring drinks at the Sea Glass Saloon in Emerald Cove when an airplane flies by above the beach with a banner reading I LOVE YOU CHLOE JACKSON. She immediately rules out Rip Barnett. They are in the early stages of dating and no one has said the L word. Then a bouquet of lilacs—her favorite flower—is delivered to the bar, followed by an expensive bottle of her favorite sparkling wine.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Ambushed in the Alps
by Zara Keane
Angel and her friend and sidekick, Sidney, are thrilled to get their first official assignment for the Omega Group, a super-secret international P.I. agency co-run by Angel’s mother, former adult movie actress Desirée Chablis. The agency’s mission: to recover a cache of stolen Egyptian artifacts for a prestigious auction house before an international gang of art thieves can sell them at a black-market auction.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Tangerine Troubles
by Joann Keder
Plucky retiree, Gemini Reed offers to help her neighbor, Howard, with a family disagreement. He and his son had a falling out a decade earlier. What seems like a simple set of emails turns into a disturbing disappearance and a mystery that puts her in grave danger.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Death on the Set
by Rose Kerr
Brenna Flynn, returns home to Bayview City after the sudden death of her husband. Unable to find work in her field, she signs up with a temp agency to find employment. Sent on an interview for a cooking reality show, she aces it and gets the job of a production assistant. On her second day at work, Brenna discovers a body in the studio.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
The King Fall
by R.J. Lee
King Kohl, scion of the Kohl and Son real estate firm, has a reputation for loving three things: the ladies, closing on properties, and playing bridge. Still, when he invites Wendy, the president of the Rosalie, Mississippi, Country Club Bridge Bunch, to a small, exclusive bridge party, her investigative instincts as a reporter for the Rosalie Citizen are on the alert. In fact, King means to use the occasion to make a surprising announcement to his selected guests.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
The Echoes
by Jess Montgomery
As July 4, 1928 approaches, Sheriff Lily Ross and her family look forward to the opening of an amusement park in a nearby town, created by Chalmer Fitzpatrick—a veteran and lumber mill owner. When Lily is alerted to the possible drowning of a girl, she goes to investigate, and discovers schisms going back several generations, in an ongoing dispute over the land on which Fitzpatrick has built the park.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Cheddar Off Dead
by Korina Moss
Cheesemonger Willa Bauer is proving that sweet dreams are made of cheese. She’s opened her very own French-inspired cheese shop, Curds & Whey, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. The small town of Yarrow Glen is Willa’s fresh start, and she’s determined to make it a success – starting with a visit from the local food critic. What Willa didn’t know is that this guy never gives a good review, and when he shows up nothing goes according to plan.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Gambling With Murder
by Lida Sideris
A late-night call is all it takes for rookie lawyer Corrie Locke to kiss her day job at the movie studio goodbye, and do what she does best: flex her sweet P.I. skills and go undercover to find a senior who’s missing from a posh retirement community. One small stumbling block: skirting past security to gain inside access to the exclusive Villa Sunset. Time to call in the heavy artillery. Besides former security guard turned legal assistant—now wannabe P.I.—Veera, Corrie relies on a secret weapon: her mother, a surprisingly eager addition to Corrie’s team.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Four Aunties and a Wedding
by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Rom-Com Murder Mystery)
Meddy Chan has been to countless weddings, but she never imagined how her own would turn out. Now the day has arrived, and she can’t wait to marry her college sweetheart, Nathan. Instead of having Ma and the aunts cater to her wedding, Meddy wants them to enjoy the day as guests. As a compromise, they find the perfect wedding vendors: a Chinese-Indonesian family-run company just like theirs.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Death by Vanilla
by R.A. Wallace
When Megan learns that a beloved recipe is involved in a murder, she feels compelled to help. While the police follow more traditional motives, Megan focuses on the ingredients to serve up a killer. Along the way, clues to another mystery may bubble up keeping the town on edge regarding losses too painful to bear for one until a new best friend turns up in an unlikely place.
Available on Amazon
Click Here
Friday, March 25, 2022
Christmas Books Linky Party
Welcome to my Christmas Book Linky party held monthly on the 25th.
To celebrate Rudolph. Yep. It's a thing! Lots of bloggers post Christmas theme posts.
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Authors feel free to leave purchase links in the comments.
These are the books I am adding to my Wish List . . .
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Death Valley Hideout by Dana Mentin Review
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About the book
Running from a murderer
with only the desert as refuge…
Placed in WITSEC while his brother testifies against a terrifying criminal, Tony Ortega must guard his young niece and nephew from the hit man hunting for them. Death Valley local Willow Duke’s hideout might just be the difference between the little family’s life or death. When bullets start flying, can they thwart a killer long enough to survive and become a family for real?
And I thought
I have wanted to start this series since Book 1 became available.
And now with book 4 I finally got the chance.
When I began the book I didn't realize the series was about the Duke family and each of their Love stories woven into a suspenseful read.
I just wanted to read the books because I love Romantic Suspense and I have wanted to read one by author Dana Mentink.
Even though I jumped in at book 4 it was super easy to get acquainted with the characters and the Duke clan.
Death Valley Hideout was a page turner from page one I was swept in.
And I then only a few pages later I was hooked when Tony flies his helicopter into a Death Valley Canyon and sets it down!
All because the bad was trying to kidnap his nephew.
Willow shows her bravery not in only by chasing the kidnapper and then crawls into the car to save the little boy as it teeters on the edge of a cliff.
And all this is only in the first few pages!
Tony and Willow end up on a wild ride as they play the Mouse in the bad guys Cat and Mouse game.
The bad guys don't give up! Seemingly pulling in help from law enforcement and bribing private citizens. And maybe even Tony's uncle a retired Police Officer.
There are times Tony and Willow aren't sure who they can trust.
Death Valley Hideout has to be my favorite Suspense read of the year.
So far
Because as soon as I get the chance I will be reading the 3 previous books in the series!
I received a Complimentary Copy from the publisher through Net Galley.
My review will appear on Net Galley, Good Reads brand retail sites.
The series
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From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Desert Justice
Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
About the Author
Dana Mentink is a Publisher's Weekly and national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty five novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com
Buy the book
Available
Amazon Click Here
Linking at the regular parties
Here's a sneak peek at the 1st line . . .
Willow Duke felt a shiver of uncertainty at her own daring, but she pushed it away as she took the last turn.
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Click Here
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Click Here
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Prompts for the party . . .
What did you recently finish reading?
Death Valley Hideout by Dana Mentink.
Scroll to bottom of the post for the other prompts for this link party.
Click Here to visit the party.
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. . . Beckett, the eldest of the Dukes at the gathering clearing his throat. Running a hand over his dark beard he fixed Tiny with a a look.
Click Here
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Click Here
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What are you currently reading?
Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Monday, March 21, 2022
Ink, Red, Dead by
March 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
About the book
And I thought
Sometimes it's good to get a book that has you turning the pages at break neck speed!
Kiki had me going. I read this one in one evening. I couldn't put it down.
I loved it. In this series the author gives the reader some fun characters.
The cover did hold a couple clues.
I loved the setting. The author did a great job of providing me with a few memories of the time I've in the area. The places and restaurants mentioned are real aces.
Kiki is delightful and a hoot at times! She is a loyal fiend.. and a great mom. She even gets along with her M.I.L.
The scrapbook store has a new Manager the owners daughter Rebecca that really doesn’t want be manager causing Kiki and the other employees all kinds of heck . . .
Like sending Kiki to a house crop party at the home of a hoarder and cat lady. Over 100 cats are found in the house along with an almost dead owner and a body in the freezer.
Although Ink Red Dead is a cozy I felt the 100 Cats, the body on fridge and KiKi's odd relationship with the married detective really isn't what most Cozys are about.
Iiked it enough to want to pick up a couple more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.
Buy the book
Visit the tour
Thursday, March 17, 2022
My Book Review Journey
Today I am joining LeAnna Shields at The Cozy Sleuth
Thanks Lee Anna for featuring me today. I am usually the one doing the features and questions!
I am excited to to share with your readers how I began reviewing books. And some new Promo's I am offering!
I began a Journey a few years ago.
I began writing a blog. I love writing my blog and visiting other blogs and making new friends.
I love books. I love to read.
I love to share my love of books.
I began joining Book Promotion tours and started receiving ARCs.
My Journey of writing reviews and posting on my blog and retail sites began as a requirement to participate in promo tours.
Promo tours introduced me to some great books I probably never would have found.
And I began to become acquainted with authors that offered an interview as part of their tours.
I have a new Journey now.
A Journey to introduce my blogging friends and the blogging community to some of the great Authors and Cozy Mysterys I have read. (And occasionally a Romance or two because everyone needs a little too Romance)
I write book reviews and Author interviews on my blogs.
I also have Author Guest Posts on my blogs.
Visit me for my weekly New Release post
In April I will be offering Mailbox Monday
Each week features a different Authors Newsletter Sign Up.
There is always something new going on here at the blog.
I hope you'll come by and visit!
And meet a new author or two!